FAQ's      (All questions welcome!).....Contact Us

Q:  Brief description of Valdora?

A:  Valdora is owned by OI, Inc. which has been making and distributing bicycle frames and accessories for over a decade.  At the beginning, much of the distribution was for the sake of private label to companies with brands that have since grown significantly.  Though we are a corporation, our environment and attitude are far from corporate.  Valdora is run by triathletes for triathletes.  The Valdora line is tt/tri specific.  We don't try to be all and everything for the sake of an extra dollar.  

Q:  What sets Valdora apart from the competition?

A:  Where to start.  Experience, product design, construction, innovation, versatility, usability, price, originality.  OI, Inc./Valdora has over a decade of experience with carbon bicycle frames.  The PHX aero frame won accolades from many including the editor at Triathlete Magazine reviewing the bike.  The SR-1.0 aero bar did equally well with reviews including one from the tri guru himself at slowtwitch.com .  Valdora's TT/Tri frame was only the 3rd to earn a Top Performance certification in the Full Test from the independent laboratories of EFBe Pruftechnic in Germany.  This certification is basically like a car company receiving a 5 star award from Consumer Reports or the insurance institute.  The innovative designs are making other companies take note.  The semi-compact tt/tri geometry was the first of it's kind in 2000 with others not following suit until around 2004 (Specialized).  The spring loaded adjustment pins in the drop outs to the internal cable routing and vertically thin top tube to eliminate pronating knee knocking  were all developments at the forefront.  The SR-1.0 aero bar is  the latest development and the definition of versatility and innovation.   Oversized arm rests, aerodynamic, ergo gripping areas, non proprietary brake levers and being able to accept any standard aero extension.  Truly built for comfort over the long haul, all at 740 grams which is hundreds of grams less than other aero bars costing hundreds of dollars more.  Valdora's prices are generally a little lower.  We have been working with the same partners in this industry for over a decade and have built strong relationships which are advantageous.  Valdora's marketing efforts are pin point campaigns which are not as costly as huge blanket campaigns which the end consumer inevitably pays for.  Our goal is to be the best at what we do and have fun doing it.  Our annual production is significantly smaller than the larger brands.  This affords our customers some much needed originality these days.  At the 2008 SOMA 1/2 I had to shake my head when there was a huge fuss over somebody leaving transition and hitting the coarse on the wrong P2 or P3. 

Q:  Will Valdora be offering any carbon mtb's in the future?

A:  Common question.  We concentrate at what we are good at which is tt/tri specific framesets, bikes and accessories.  Unless it has a direct tie to tt/tri I don't see it happening.  There may be a huge market and a lot of money in BMX bikes but we're not making them just because there is a market and  because we could. 

Q:  What does semi-compact geometry mean to me?

A:  Valdora's semi compact geometry has a decreasing sloping top tube as the frames increase in size.  This is advantageous in several ways.  It takes stand over height out of the equation for most, leads to a stiffer and stronger frame, and a lighter frame.

Q:  What are the characteristics of Valdora's TT/Tri specific geometry?

A:  Valdora TT/Tri geometry is different in a number of ways.  It was the first semi-compact triathlon specific geometry ever.  The first frames were released under our brother brand called bpStealth but the model name was the same AC-Tri.  That was back in 2000.  The seat tube angle is 76 degrees and the head tubes are approximately 2 cm taller than many other tt/tri frames.

Q:  What are the advantages to Valdora TT/Tri geometry?  .

A:  Since Valdora frames are semi-compact, they are fairly easy to size.  Being able to stand over the frame is not an issue.  This might effect someone who needs a 54 cm top tube but doesn't have a tall enough inseam to comfortably stand over a  standard 54 cm frame with a horizontal top tube.  The semi compact design inherently makes the frame stiffer and stronger and since less material is required, it also makes it lighter.   The 76 degree seat tube angle makes it easy enough to move the saddle fore or aft along the rails to achieve effective seat tube angles from 74 - 78 degrees.  The taller head tubes on Valdora TT/Tri frames translate to requiring fewer spacers between the stem and the headset, increased stability and handling when descending, thus increased safety.  In general, forks with carbon steer tubes should not have more than 4 cm of spacers between the headset and stem for sake of safety.  That's one of the reasons there are some high end tt/tri frames that have forks with alloy crowns and steerers weighing almost 200 g more than the fork delivered with the PHX.  One more  advantage to this geometry is that Valdora TT/Tri frames can climb.  Triathlons are run on all types of courses these days.  Being able to climb effectively and efficiently and then being able to get extremely aero on the hills and flats is a huge  advantage. 

Q:  How about quality control or testing standards?

A:  Every Valdora product must meet stiffness, alignment, finish standards, etc.  They are tested prior to receiving art work and paint.  Stiffness, alignment are only a couple of the points inspected.  Quality control is redundant throughout the process.

Q:  In terms of quality, what is the difference between the Valdora PHX carbon tt/tri frame and those that I see that cost hundreds more or hundreds less?

A:  Again, carbon tt/tri frames that weigh 1300 g or less are made with higher grade (stiffer/stronger/lighter), more expensive materials.  Valdora PHX falls into this category as do the top 3 selling carbon frame sets which cost hundreds to a thousand dollars+ more than the PHX  for frame set only.  The PHX also comes with a full carbon 380 gram aero fork.  Compare to most others which come with a fork with alloy crown and steerer and weigh 500 g +. 

Valdora PHX is extremely competitively priced.  Generally speaking, many frames that cost the same or less than the PHX are made with lower grade material and weigh at least 1500 grams (250 g more than the PHX ) which allows them to meet an acceptable strength and stiffness requirement.  The fork delivered with these frames will likely be 550 g+ also (almost another 200 g more than the PHX fork).  Unlike the PHX, they are open model frames which means the companies distributing them have not invested in the design nor have they invested in opening the molds.  Investing in R&D, design and molds is EXPENSIVE.  You will not see the Valdora PHX frame or the SR-1.0 aero bar marketed under any other brand.  We won't do it.  When you choose Valdora's PHX or SR-1.0 aero bar, you are assured that you won't see it with another logo on it across the street for a lot more/less than what you paid.

Q:  What type of carbon does Valdora use for your PHX frames?

A:  This is a common question.  We use several different types and grades and to be honest, it's proprietary.  In general - to reply with the brand and spec really doesn't give you any information.  Keep in mind that there are only a hand full of carbon makers.  Carbon makers make the actual carbon 'thread'.  Some bicycle manufactures claim to make their own carbon but that's not exactly accurate.  They actually make their own prepreg which is the carbon thread or fabric impregnated with the resins.  Rule of thumb - if a carbon tt/tri frame weighs 1299 g or less, it is safe to assume that it is made with high grade, high strength carbon fiber.  A TT/Tri frame weighing less than 1300 g, made from standard modulus carbon often will not meet strength and stiffness requirements.

Q:  Where are your frames made?

A:  Asia.  Nearly every molded carbon frame distributed in North America is made in Asia.  Cervelo, Felt, Isaac, Kuota, Scott, Specialized, Valdora, etc.   Many European frames marked made in France, Italy, etc... are also made in China or Taiwan.  Many Italian branded products are made in Asia but marked "made in Italy" because their government allows a much looser interpretation of "made", upon export.  Frameset boxes shipped to dealers in the USA should be clearly marked "made in China" or "made in Taiwan" since some have duplicate molds open in both places.  Not marking properly can result in sanctions in the form of monetary penalties or ban by US Customs.  Valdora frameset cartons are clearly marked.

GENERAL or COMPANY RELATED:

Q:  How long has Valdora been in business?

A:  Olson International, Inc. (OI, Inc.) has been in the bicycle industry since 1997.  bpStealth and Valdora are both bicycle lines of Olson International, Inc.   In terms of appearance, the designs of both lines are very different.  Valdora encompasses more traditional designs and is available through bicycle dealers.  bpStealth is an exotic design which is only available direct via www.bpStealth.com .

Q:  Where are you located?

A:  Valdora is located in Tempe, AZ.  We do have a small showroom.  If you will be visiting the phoenix area and would like to visit our show room, feel free to e-mail or call beforehand to make an appointment. 

Q:  Who is eligible for sponsorship?

A:  Valdora has several levels of sponsorship.  Professional Triathletes should contact us direct.  If you are an elite age grouper or advanced age grouper, you will need to contact us through the local Valdora dealer.  If there is no Valdora dealer in your town, you can contact us direct and e-mail your race resume.    Over all results are key.  Age group results are considered secondly.  Contact Valdora for details on our Grass Roots team/club sponsorship program. 

SALES / SHIPPING

Q:  Can my local bicycle dealer order for me?

A:  Of course!  In fact Valdora only sells direct if there is not a stocking dealer with in 30 miles of your home.  We prefer that you work with a local dealer!  Your local TRI shop can offer excellent service and assist you in this exciting process.

Q:  When will my order be shipped?

A:  Orders for framesets or other components or accessories generally ship the next business day.  Complete bicycles ship with in 7 - 10 business business days.  If you order as frameset and build kit, it will normally ship the next business day.

Q:  What forms of payment do you accept?

A:  Amex, Visa, MC, Check or Money Order by mail, wire transfer.  International orders outside N. America: wire transfer, credit card payments must accompany the following - copy of credit card statement detailing address and account number, copy of identification with same name and address as credit card statement.  Valdora will only ship to the address detailed on the credit card statement.

Q:  What is your guarantee?

A:  If you are unhappy with a Valdora bicycle, frameset, component, or accessory simply return it within 30 days of the purchase date.  The product must be in new, unused condition.  If payment was made by check, money order, or wire transfer, your refund will be the cost of the product minus shipping charges.  If you paid by credit card, the refund will be the cost of the product minus shipping charges and 3% of the total (3% is the amount that the credit card companies charge Valdora for processing the charge.  It is nonrefundable).

Q:  I am ready to purchase a Valdora bicycle right now but I am hesitant to purchase a bicycle without first test riding.  There is not an authorized Valdora dealer near me.  Can you Help? 

A:  Valdora is dedicated to making this an exciting experience.  Valdora's semi-compact geometry makes determining frame size a snap.  Simply complete the sizing form by clicking here... With this information we can easily determine the correct frame size and more!  We have never had a customer request to return their bike for any reason including incorrect size so we're pretty confident about this.  Worst case scenario, we've had a couple customers request to trade for a 1 cm shorter or 1 cm longer stem but nothing more serious than this.  If you did receive the bike, test rode it and decided you were not 100% satisfied, see our guarantee above.  

Q:  I asked my local tri shop to call Valdora for information on the bike we've been e-mailing and discussing but he has not done it yet, will you call him?

A:  Sure, it'll be our pleasure just tell us the number and contact person.  Keep in mind - Sometimes it is difficult for the customer to persuade the shop to special order.  If your local shop carries several high profile brands, he has financial commitments to them in terms of existing inventory and future inventory commitments in order to be an authorized dealer.  It is always in their best interest to sell what is on the floor or already on order.  If they are unresponsive, they're not looking out for your best interests.