Gravel Frame Sourcing Guide:MOQ,Lead Time&Custom Paint Explained

Gravel Frame Sourcing Guide: MOQ, Lead Time & Custom Paint Explained

If you're adding gravel bikes to your line-up for 2027, the frame is where your margin and your reputation live.Here's how sourcing actually works from a factory floor — the questions brands ask us, answered straight.

What MOQ should you expect?

Most carbon frame factories quote 50–100 units per model. That's a real barrier for smaller brands. Ask whether a supplier can start from an existing mold instead of a custom one — at TDC, we build from open molds with no minimum order, so you can test a model with a single frame before committing to a batch.

How long does a custom frame project take?

An open-mold frame with your paint and decals typically ships within weeks of artwork approval. A fully custom mold with your own geometry adds 60–90 days for tooling. Email us for current lead times and plan your 2027 line backwards from the answer.

What does custom paint actually include?

Three levels, each with its own cost and lead time:

• Your decals on our paint schemes
• Your colorway on our existing designs
• Full custom paint and geometry

Most brands start at level 2.

What should you verify before placing an order?

Ask for ISO 4210 test reports from the supplier's own lab (not certificates bought from a third party), a pre-production sample, and the actual carbon layup spec. A factory with an in-house test room — like ours, built to benchmark against European lab standards — will show you all three without being asked twice.

Quick FAQ

• Can I order one frame with my logo?Yes — one frame at a time, no minimum order.
• Do you offer UDH-compatible gravel frames?Yes, see the TDC-GR55.
• What is the warranty?Two years, plus crash replacement.