Business Details
44 Years
experience
Custom Bicycles Since 1982
Since 1982, Zinn Cycles has dedicated itself to crafting custom bicycles that prioritize fit, performance, and individuality. Our veteran framebuilders combine decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology to create bikes tailored to each rider's unique physiology and preferences. From initial design to final assembly, every step emphasizes precision, durability, and innovation. We specialize in accommodating riders of all sizes, including big and tall individuals, petite frames, and those with specific medical needs.Our proprietary proportional crank length system and custom geometry ensure optimal efficiency and comfort. With a legacy of technical innovation, including titanium and carbon fiber advancements, we continue to push boundaries in e-bike technology while maintaining the craftsmanship that defines our brand. Our commitment extends beyond the sale, offering lifetime support, maintenance guidance, and community-building through cycling events.
Services
Custom Bikes
Bike Fitting
E-Bikes
Travel Bikes
Cycling Components
Frame Building
Cranks
Tours
Coaching
Maintenance
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- Veteran framebuilders with 100+ combined years of experience in specialized materials
- Proprietary proportional crank length system for optimal rider efficiency
- Custom geometry designed for individual body metrics and riding goals
- Pioneers in titanium e-bike technology with Bosch motor integration
- Lifetime support for bike maintenance and performance optimization
What people say
Perfect fit
Smooth pedal stroke
Stable in turns
Lightweight titanium
Confidence inspiring
Services
Custom Bicycles
Zinn Cycles creates fully customized bicycles optimized for individual rider metrics. Each frame considers body geometry, weight, riding style, and preferences. Our veteran builders use titanium, steel, and carbon fiber to craft bikes that balance strength, durability, and lightness. Available in road, mountain, gravel, and e-bike variants, these bikes feature proprietary proportional crank lengths for enhanced efficiency. This service caters to riders from 5'0" to 7'5" with specialized designs for medical requirements.
Bike Fitting
Our comprehensive fitting process ensures optimal bike-body alignment. Using 2D/3D CAD modeling and professional consultations, we analyze mobility, fitness level, and riding goals. Services include in-person sessions at Boulder's RETUL center or remote measurements with detailed instructions. The system accommodates special needs through medical partnerships, addressing knee/back issues and reduced mobility. Fitting data directly informs frame geometry and component selection for maximum comfort and performance.
E-Bikes
Zinn's custom e-bikes combine Bosch Gen-4 motor technology with titanium frames for lightweight performance. These bikes maintain traditional ride characteristics while adding 85nm torque assistance. Available as road, gravel, and mountain variants, they feature dual-battery options for extended range. The designs address medical needs, enabling riders with heart conditions or age-related limitations to maintain cycling lifestyles. Integration includes internal cable routing and airline-compliant travel configurations.
Travel Bikes
Travel-ready bicycles incorporate S&S or Z-couplers for airline-compliant disassembly. Frames maintain structural integrity while enabling compact packing without fork removal. Design features include slotted cable guides, simplified disassembly, and internally routed hydraulic lines. Available in titanium or steel, these bikes retain performance characteristics while meeting baggage size restrictions. Custom options accommodate riders over 6'2" with four-coupler systems for optimal portability.
Cycling Components
Specialty components include ZIS crank systems with lengths from 130-220mm for precise rider adaptation. The product line features titanium bottom brackets, custom handlebars, and proportional wheelsets. Clothing offerings cater to extreme sizes with performance-focused designs. All components integrate with Zinn's proportional design philosophy, enhancing efficiency across various cycling disciplines from racing to adventure touring.
People
Lennard Zinn
Founder & Head Engineer
Lennard Zinn established Zinn Cycles in 1982 after competing on the US Olympic Development Team. With 40+ years of framebuilding experience, he pioneered proportional crank length systems and titanium e-bike technology. Author of 17 cycling technical books, he continues innovating bike designs for diverse riders while managing daily operations at the Louisville facility.
Nick Wigston
Co-Owner & Operations Director
Nick Wigston has partnered with Lennard Zinn for 16 years to expand the company's capabilities. He manages production operations and developed the Clydesdale brand for big and tall riders. His expertise in titanium welding and e-bike integration has driven recent technological advancements while maintaining the company's craftsmanship traditions.
Questions
What makes Zinn Cycles' custom bikes different from standard models?
Our bikes use proprietary proportional design principles, matching frame geometry and crank lengths to individual rider metrics. This creates superior efficiency, comfort, and performance compared to scaled-up production frames that compromise structural integrity.
Can I get a custom bike if I don't live near Boulder?
Yes. We offer remote fitting through detailed measurement instructions or local fitter partnerships. The entire process from design to delivery works seamlessly for international customers with virtual consultations and shipping options.
Do Zinn e-bikes maintain traditional cycling characteristics?
Our titanium e-bikes use Bosch Gen-4 motors that add power without altering ride quality. At 34-44 lbs depending on configuration, they maintain road bike handling while providing 85nm torque assistance for endurance and accessibility.
How do travel bikes with couplers affect performance?
S&S and Z-couplers create no measurable loss in frame stiffness or strength. These break-apart systems maintain structural integrity while enabling airline-compliant packing, making them ideal for competitive cyclists needing reliable transport solutions.
What crank length should I choose for my road bike?
We recommend 20.5-21.6% of your inseam length for road cycling. This range optimizes power transfer and comfort based on decades of rider data, avoiding the inefficiencies of standard 170-175mm cranks for tall riders.
How long does a custom bike build take?
Current lead times average 6-12 months depending on component availability. The process includes CAD design approval, frame construction, and final assembly with your selected components. We provide regular updates throughout production.
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