# Use Case: Documenting Custom Builds

For custom frame builders, bike project enthusiasts, and anyone who takes pride in their unique builds, WatchMy.bike provides the perfect platform to document and showcase your work.

## The Challenge

Custom builds deserve proper documentation:
- **Spec sheets**: Professional presentation of component choices
- **Build progress**: Documenting the journey from frame to finished bike
- **Sharing**: No good platform exists for detailed bike spec pages
- **Updates**: Tracking changes and upgrades over time
- **Portfolio**: Builders need a way to showcase their work

Social media posts disappear. Forum posts get buried. Spreadsheets don't impress anyone.

## The Solution

WatchMy.bike gives every build a permanent home with a custom URL.

### Detailed Specifications
Document every component with:
- Brand and model
- Weight
- Price (optional, can be hidden)
- Installation date
- Notes and details

### Professional Presentation
Each bike gets a dedicated public page:
- `watchmy.bike/p/builder/project-name`
- Multiple photos in a gallery
- Complete component breakdown
- Shareable anywhere

### Living Document
Update as builds evolve:
- Track component changes
- Document upgrades
- Maintain full history

## Setting Up Your Build Documentation

### Step 1: Create the Bike Profile
- Name your build (project name or final name)
- Add make/model (your frame, or "Custom")
- Set year (build year)
- Type (road, gravel, MTB, etc.)

### Step 2: Add Hero Photos
Your build deserves great photography:
- Drive-side beauty shot (most important)
- Non-drive side
- Detail shots (cockpit, groupset, unique features)
- Multiple angles

### Step 3: Document Components
Create a complete spec sheet:

**Frame & Fork**
- Frame: Brand, model, material, size
- Fork: Brand, model, material, rake
- Headset: Brand, model

**Groupset**
- Shifters/Brake levers
- Derailleurs (front and rear)
- Crankset (length, chainring sizes)
- Cassette (range)
- Chain
- Bottom bracket

**Wheels**
- Hubs (brand, model, spoke count)
- Rims (brand, model, depth)
- Spokes (brand, type)
- Tires (brand, model, size)

**Cockpit**
- Handlebars (brand, model, width, drop, reach)
- Stem (brand, model, length, angle)
- Bar tape or grips
- Computer mount

**Saddle Area**
- Seatpost (brand, model, setback)
- Saddle (brand, model)
- Seatpost clamp

**Brakes**
- Calipers/Disc brakes
- Rotors (if disc)
- Brake pads

### Step 4: Add Build Notes
Tell the story:
- Why you built it
- Design choices
- Challenges overcome
- Intended use
- Performance impressions

### Step 5: Make It Public
Enable public visibility and share your URL.

## Use Case Examples

### The Gravel Build

**Builder**: Alex
**Project**: "All-Road Explorer"

**Documentation:**
- Frame: Open WI.DE
- Full component list with weights
- Three photo gallery showing build progression
- Notes on tire clearance testing
- Total weight: 8.2 kg

**URL**: `watchmy.bike/p/alex/all-road-explorer`

**Shared on**: Reddit r/gravelcycling, personal Instagram, cycling forums

### The Retro Restoration

**Builder**: Sofia
**Project**: "1992 Colnago Master"

**Documentation:**
- Original frame with restoration details
- Period-correct Campagnolo Record groupset
- Notes on sourcing parts
- Before/after photos
- Provenance history

**URL**: `watchmy.bike/p/sofia/colnago-master-1992`

**Shared with**: Vintage cycling community, potential buyers

### The Race Machine

**Builder**: TeamSpeedWorks (Bike Shop)
**Project**: "Client TT Build"

**Documentation:**
- Cervélo P5 frameset
- Full aero component spec
- Power meter and computer integration
- Fit measurements
- Total build cost breakdown

**URL**: `watchmy.bike/p/speedworks/p5-tt-build`

**Used for**: Client handover documentation, portfolio piece

## For Professional Builders

If you build bikes professionally, WatchMy.bike serves as:

### Portfolio
- Showcase completed builds
- Link from your website
- Share in consultations

### Client Documentation
- Hand over complete specs
- Provide maintenance guidance
- Record warranty information

### Marketing Material
- Professional-looking spec sheets
- Easy social media sharing
- SEO-friendly public pages

## Weight Tracking

Document build weight:
- Add weight to each component
- System calculates total
- Compare to target weight
- Track weight savings from upgrades

Example:
- Target: 7.5 kg
- Actual: 7.62 kg
- Heaviest area: Wheels at 1,450 g
- Potential savings: Lighter tires (-100g)

## Cost Tracking (Alloy/Carbon Plans)

Full financial documentation:
- Component costs
- Labor/build time value
- Total investment
- Cost breakdown by category

Useful for:
- Client quotes
- Insurance valuation
- Resale pricing
- Budget planning for future builds

## Catalog Matching

WatchMy.bike's catalog includes 40,000+ bike models:
- Link your custom build to a catalog frame
- Import standard specs automatically
- Add your custom components on top
- Useful for factory frames with custom builds

## Tips for Great Build Documentation

### Photography
1. Clean the bike thoroughly
2. Good lighting (natural light works best)
3. Simple background (don't distract from the bike)
4. Drive side is the hero shot
5. Show unique details

### Component Details
1. Be specific (not just "Shimano" but "Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2")
2. Include sizes where relevant
3. Add weights if you have them
4. Note any modifications

### Storytelling
1. Why this frame?
2. Why these component choices?
3. What's the intended use?
4. What makes it special?

### Updates
1. Log component changes
2. Update photos after changes
3. Note performance improvements
4. Track problems and solutions

## Sharing Your Build

### Direct Link
Copy your bike's public URL and share anywhere.

### Social Media
Public pages include:
- Open Graph preview images
- Twitter Card support
- Clean, shareable appearance

### Forums
Link to your spec sheet instead of typing everything out.

### QR Code
Print a QR code for:
- Bike shows
- Business cards
- Hanging from the top tube

## Getting Started

1. **Create account** at [watchmy.bike/signup](https://watchmy.bike/signup)
2. **Set up your profile** with username (becomes your URL)
3. **Add your build** with detailed specs
4. **Upload photos** (the more the better)
5. **Write your build notes**
6. **Enable public visibility**
7. **Share your URL**

Your custom build deserves a proper home on the internet.