Originally Posted by
tinrobot
Seems like there's a lot of demand for custom frames, but not nearly enough supply. Classic macroeconomic problem.
When one owns a frame like a Brian Baylis or Richard Sachs, they have no peer. Kinda like a early 80's California Masi. Or an original Italian Colnago. Owners say there is a certain mystic to the frame, its unique ride and you had it custom made to fit you. With a very limited supply, the price goes up.
One could say that a 70's vintage Ferarri doesn't drive as well as say a new Corvette or Viper. But the price is still high. Anyone with money can buy a new Corvette. But get in line to obtain the latest Euro wonder car (insert Badge name here: )
One of the differences however is that Sachs and Baylis freely share their wealth of information to the other frame builders (they tend to hang out on the various Framebuilder sites). They have a five year waiting list, what do they have to lose? Don't think you'll find Bentley sharing information with Ferrari.
This isn't to say that there are not other competent high quality custom frame builders. Just that its not a Sachs or Baylis.