Have a question we didn't answer below? Drop us a note at support@thesis.bike. We're always happy to talk about bikes.
The OB1
Since weights will vary depending on frame size, build and other selections, here are a few examples and their weights:
- 18.5lbs: Size L, raw black carbon frame, 1 x 11, 11-42T, standard seatpost, 700C wheelset
- 19.9lbs: Size M, painted frame, 1 x 11, 11-42T, dropper seat post, 650B wheelset
- 20.0lbs: Size L, raw black carbon frame, 1 x 11, 11-46T, dropper seat post, 650B wheelset
- 2 bottle mounts in the front triangle
- 1 bottle mount below the downtube
- 1 bento mount on the top tube
- 2 bottle mounts on the fork blades
- Front and rear fender mounts (seat stay bridge included)
- Wide central clamping area on handlebar
Note: For optimum performance, load your heaviest items in a frame bag secured in the main triangle.
Max weight of rider + gear: 115kg (254lb)
If this isn’t something you’re already super comfortable with, your best option is to take your Thesis to a local professional bicycle mechanic. It’s always good to have a local mechanic on your side; you never know when you’ll need their help.
It's pretty darn easy and takes less than 90 seconds. See our video guide below:
Ordering and Customization
- Simple up/down shifting with no cross-chaining or chain-rub.
- Simpler set-up, calibration, and servicing.
- Clutch mechanism on the rear derailleur virtually eliminates chain slap/drop (a real issue on dirt).
- Cage-lock feature on SRAM's 1x rear derailleurs makes for easy swapping between wheelsets.
- The front shifter (standard on every OB1) is freed up to actuate a dropper post, making for a far more ergonomic and intuitive cockpit.
- Gearing range can be calibrated upward or downward simply by swapping in a different chainring (note: may also require re-sizing or replacing your chain).
- Less expensive up front and over the life of your bike.
As 1x11 gearing range is comparable to a typical 2x11 drivetrain, the only potential downside of 1x11 is larger jumps between cogs. We've found that most riders adjust to this almost immediately, particularly those who mountain bike (most mountain bikers ditched the front derailleur long ago).
Please note that we offer a version of the Thesis OB1 without the drivetrain as well. The OB1 is compatible with both 1x and 2x systems. Check out our Bring Your Own Drivetrain page.
Thesis OB1 Maintenance
Short answer: it’s far lower than most people think.
We created the guide below as a starting point for determining ideal tire pressures for your particular body, terrain, and riding style. Off-road, the goal is to run low enough for optimal traction and shock-absorption, but high enough to prevent rim impacts over rough terrain. On road, the goal is to minimize rolling resistance and vibration-induced fatigue.
In both cases, because more of your mass will be distributed over the rear axle, consider running your front tire 5-8% lower for improved traction and comfort.
You’ll may notice that our recommended road pressures are substantially lower than what you may be used to with traditional 23/25/28mm tubed tires. Testing has shown that such wider rim/tire combinations offer superior rolling resistance relative to narrower combos. While running pressures that are slightly lower than our recommendations can improve traction and comfort with little-to-no impact on rolling efficiency, running higher than recommended pressures will reduce efficiency along with traction and comfort.
Yes, but you’ll need a model that doesn’t interfere with the dropper’s operation. Specifically, you’ll want something small and secure that attaches to the saddle rails and not the seatpost itself, and you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t get in the way when the post is fully dropped. Other options for on-bike storage include mounting a bottle cage to the bottom of the downtube for use with a bottle-shaped storage container, mounting a bento to the top of the top tube, or mounting a handlebar bag the bar’s wide central clamping area.
Not that for larger/heavier bikepacking-style seat bags, we recommend using your standard (non-dropper) seatpost.
It is completely normal in the beginning for tubeless tires to slowly leak air while the sealant works its magic. The same thin but robust sidewalls that provide such a smooth and efficient ride also have micro-pores that need to be filled, so it is entirely normal for a bit of sealant to weep through during the sealing process.
The best course of action is to ride. The sealant will foam up as it sloshes around, and riding continuously bathes the sidewalls in sealant in a way that a quick shake and spin during assembly cannot. Just be sure to bring a pump, tube, and 6mm hex wrench (for the thru-axles) just in case, as is good practice for all of your rides.
Dial in your fit with reach adjust. Get more power and control from your SRAM brakes by adjusting them to fit your hands. The adjustment is located between the shift lever blade and the brake lever blade on the underside of the brake lever. Pull back the shift lever to access the 2.5mm hex adjustment screw. When viewed from the bottom, turn the wrench clockwise to move the lever away from the bar and turn the wrench counter-clockwise to move the lever closer to the bar. Once you have your adjustment made, check to make sure that when the brake lever is pulled firmly, it doesn’t bottom out on the handlebar, limiting your braking power.
Levers feel spongy? You may need a re-bleed. While SRAM hydraulic brakes come pre-bled from the factory, the process of cutting and resizing the hoses to route them internally through your bicycle’s frame and fork can introduce enough air to the system to affect brake performance. This is why we recommend re-bleeding each system after installation in our assembly guide. Still having issues after a re-bleed? You may still have air in the system. If the situation doesn’t improve after a few squeezes of the lever, ask your mechanic if another bleed is needed. If bleeding the system yourself, be sure to follow SRAM’s recommended bleed procedure and pay particular attention to how dissolved gasses are removed from the brake fluid (time 0:59).
For more information, check out SRAM’s Road Hydraulic Brake Tips and Tricks.
650B x 47mm, which sit almost 50mm wide on our 27.3ID rims. We’ve also run the 48mm Panaracer GravelKing SKs with no issues, though they sit ~51mm and thus have a smidge less than our 4mm of recommended clearance. Because 650Bx47mm tires have the same radius as 700Cx30mm, handling remains constant when swapping wheelsets (except, of course, for differences related to the tires themselves).
700C x 40mm. The 22ID rims are aero-optimized for 28-30mm slicks but offer a wide base of support for running higher volume tires at low pressures without inducing tire squirm. Some 42mm tires will also fit, but we’ve not yet tested them and riders on smaller frames may experience toe overlap issues. Note that clearing larger 700C tires would have required a longer/slacker geometry, thus compromising handling.
Shipping, Returns, and Warranty
Thesis is available to ship to the following countries:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
- United States
Please note: all purchases are in US currency, and all customers outside the US are responsible for paying their own duties, tariffs, and customs prior to delivery.
We are exploring expansion into other countries. Send a note to support@thesis.bike if you'd like to request for your country to be added to the list.
Have a question we haven’t answered yet? Send a note to support@thesis.bike and we'll take care of you.
Introducing the OB1
One bike, every road, no compromises. It's the dream bike we built for ourselves, and we're sharing it with you.
Meet the OB1
Return Policy | No Bull Crash Replacement | Warranty
We’re in this together.
We care deeply about your ride experience. Honesty, integrity, and fairness are core to our thesis, and we strive to live by the adage of “treat others the way you want to be treated”.
That being said, we’re all human, and we may not always get it right. If that happens, we promise to do our best to make it right.
Whenever you have questions or issues, feel free to reach out to us at support@thesis.bike. Let’s figure this out together.
- Randall and Alice, Co-Founders of Thesis
Ride It and Love It: 30 Day Return Policy
We want you to love your bike. That's why we offer one of the best return policies of any bike brand out there. Ride your bike, love your bike, or return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund minus the cost of shipping.
You may return like-new products purchased from us within 30 days of delivery for a full refund minus the cost of shipping. The following terms apply to each such return:
- Products must be in like-new condition. Products that were damaged after arriving at your doorstep are not eligible for refunds, though we invite you to contact us about crash replacement options.
- We ask you to cover the cost of shipping and packaging. Tip: hang on to the box your bike came in; it doubles as a good travel box anywhere you go.
- If your product was damaged in transit before you received it, you have 7 days from time of receipt to inform us of any damage.
- We do not accept returns on modified products or products ordered with custom paint.
To start the process for a return, please contact us at support@thesis.bike. Please make sure you have written confirmation from us before shipping any return packages.
No-Bull Crash Replacement
Rather than heavily marking up our products and then offering “discounted” crash replacements, we’re proud to give you the same direct pricing at all times. If you need a replacement part not already listed on our website, we’ll do our best to get one to you at a similarly outstanding value. Contact us at support@thesis.bike to get started.
Warranty
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF ASSEMBLY RESPONSIBILITY
Your Thesis bike was delivered to your shipping address 90% assembled. By purchasing a Thesis bicycle, you understand it is 90% assembled and that improper assembly can result in product damage or failure that may lead to injury or death. You agree to follow instructions to assemble the last 10% before riding, or else to take your bike to a qualified professional mechanic for assistance. You further agree not to hold Thesis liable for any damages resulting from assembly.
COVERAGE
Every bike purchased from Thesis is covered under our limited warranty program. The program grants a five (5) year limited warranty for the frame and fork, starting from the date of purchase, for the original purchaser against manufacturing and/or workmanship defects under normal and intended use.The program grants a two (2) year limited warranty for all other components, starting from the date of purchase, for the original purchaser against manufacturing and/or workmanship defects under normal and intended use.
Certain components may have limited warranties of their own that are offered by the component manufacturer, in which case we will refer you to the component manufacturer for service.
If a valid claim is received within the warranty period, Thesis will choose to either repair the product at no charge, using new or refurbished replacement parts; or replace the product or part with a new one that is at least functionally equivalent to the original product. The original of any product or component that is replaced under warranty must be returned to Thesis and becomes Thesis property.
For warranty service or questions, please contact Thesis at support@thesis.bike. Do not return your bicycle to Thesis without first speaking with our staff and obtaining a written return authorization. Please have your receipt or proof of purchase ready. You are responsible for the cost of shipping warranty returns to Thesis and return shipping to your address.
Non-covered events in the warranty include, but are not limited to:
- improper assembly;
- paint damage, fading or changes in color;
- crashes, misuse, or neglect;
- normal wear and tear;
- modifications to frame, fork, or components;
- mounting and alteration of additional components that were not expressly approved by us or replacement of our original components by components that do not have a similar quality;
- improper use;
- or excessive load.
The Thesis limited warranty does not include consumables or normal wear and tear parts, such as chain, cables, bar tape, chainrings, cassettes, pulley wheels, bearings, gears cables, tires, saddle covering, and brake pads.
SHIPPING DAMAGE CLAIMS
Please immediately inspect your product(s) for damage. We will not accept shipping damage claims later than 7 days from receipt of product. Take pictures of any damage that is found, and date the images when possible. Keep all packaging and paperwork until the inspection process is complete. Please contact support@thesis.bike to get started.
ADDITIONAL TERMS
The Thesis limited warranty as stated in this document provides the sole and exclusive remedy in lieu of all other of all other rights and remedies, including but not limited to implied warranties, contract rights, tort, negligence, strict liability, and other remedies expressed or implied at law or in equity. In no event shall Thesis be liable for special, indirect, incidental, economic or consequential damages, loss or damage to property other than the product itself, loss of use of property, loss of profits, business interruption, punitive damages, contribution, indemnification, or other losses, whatever the cause, including the fault or negligence of Thesis. If any part of this Limited Warranty is deemed to be not legal or enforceable, the remainder shall be given full force and effect.
CLAIMS TO BE RESOLVED BY ARBITRATION / WAIVER OF CLASS ACTION AND JURY TRIAL
If you have a claim against us, you agree that it will be resolved by binding arbitration brought before a single, neutral arbitrator in the State of California, County of San Francisco. Without your agreement to binding arbitration, we would be unable to provide our products and services to you on the same terms. Your agreement to binding arbitration means that you give up your right to sue us in a court of law, except that you may bring a claim in small claims court if your claim qualifies to be heard there. Any arbitration will be conducted and governed by the California Arbitration Act. You also agree not to bring a class action suit against us, and we each waive any right to a jury trial in any dispute. The above does not preclude any party from bringing an action to such equitable relief, if that is the only available appropriate relief under the circumstances.
BY ACCEPTING THESE TERMS, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT YOU ARE WAIVING YOUR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND ANY RIGHTS YOU MAY HAVE TO BRING ANY CLAIMS ON A CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION BASIS.
APPLICABLE LAW
The laws of the State of California and federal law, to the extent applicable, govern the use of the Sites and these Legal Notices without reference to choice of law provisions. Any claim which qualifies to be filed in a court of law will be heard exclusively in the state or federal courts located in the State of California, County of San Francisco.