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

TECHNICAL:

Q:  What type of carbon does Valdora use?

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 1300 g or less and has a Top Performance certification from EFBe in Germany, it is safe to say it is made with high grade, high strength fiber which is significantly stronger and more expensive than a standard grade material.

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.

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, leads to a lighter frame.

Q:  How about quality control or testing standards?

A:  Every frame must meet stiffness, alignment, etc.. standards.  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 generally made with higher grade (stronger), more expensive materials.  Valdora PHX falls into this category as do the top 3 selling carbon frames which cost hundreds to a thousand dollars more for frame only.  Why the larger price tags on the other similar frames?  Because world wide marketing campaigns, pro and non pro sponsorships, etc...are expensive.  If you are not as worried about the name as you are about the frame <CLICK HERE> for some comparisons (coming soon). 

Frames that cost less - Valdora PHX is extremely competitively priced.  Generally speaking, frames that cost less are made with lower grade material and weigh at least 1500 grams (250 g more than the PHX) which allows them to meet a decent strength and stiffness requirement.  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 marketed under any other brand.  We won't do it.  When you choose Valdora's PHX, 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.

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 Scottsdale, 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 as long as you have an impressive race resume.    Over all results are key.  Age group results are considered secondly.  Grass roots 'Valdora Awareness" sponsorship discounts are available for clubs or teams with at least 10 members who will be purchasing Valdora framesets or bikes.   Contact Valdora for details.   

SALES / SHIPPING

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:  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 20 miles of your home.  We love to work with dealers!  Your local TRI shop can offer excellent service and assist you in this exciting process.

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.