Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Custom Ti Rando Bike?

I have two friends who are avid cyclists and want get their dream bikes. They are aspiring randonnuers and we have come to the conclusion a rando bike would be ideal for all their biking needs. They have asked me to give them a short list of custom builders that could make them each a Ti bike. Although I am a bike geek I have no experience with Ti or custom bikes.

They are interested in a “classic” French rando bike in Ti, but would consider other ideas.

I was hoping someone on this forum would have some suggestions.

PS - if you are a member of the randon or BC rando list I apologize for the cross posting!...:eek:

Serotta makes a Cyclocross version of their Concours Titanium frame.

Spectrum makes wonderful Ti bikes, including randonnuering bikes. The Tom Kellog fit is one of a kind experience.

www.spectrum-cycles.com

i have me a custom ti club racer from independent fabrication. thing's the most perfect physical object on the planet. check independent fab.

Not classic French...

Independent Fabrications... custom fit (from a local shop), any options you want (added a 3rd water bottle, and eyelettes where I wanted them), employee owned, young, fun company...

Fork is steel (you can go aftermarket and get carbon), Ti tubing, sizes, geometry was chosen based on my riding style. A simple paint job is included, but I went with the shot peened finish. Worked with my local shop, a phys therapist who sepcializes in cycling to help with the initial fit, then IF direct, as I wanted a tour and got to meet one of the designers. Very smooth experience.

More pics (and detail shots) (http://picasaweb.google.com/mike.beganyi/IndependentFabricationsTiClubRacer). I chose a sloping top tube... but you can do this in classic as well. With long reach brakes I can run 28mm tires with Honjo fenders. Wider if you go with canti's (or disc?).

You can read about the process / decisions I've made on my blog (http://littlecircles.blogspot.com/2006/11/bike-part-1.html).

http://www.mikebeganyi.com/webimages/ifcr/ifticr-burlwat-side.jpg

http://www.mikebeganyi.com/webimages/ifcr/ifticr-burlwat-front.jpg

http://www.mikebeganyi.com/webimages/ifcr/ifticr-rain-middlebury.jpg

http://www.hampsten.com/Tournesol/details.html

+ well, infinity on the independent fabrication. I've got a steel club racer which rides like a dream. I've done everything from commuting to loaded touring and I'm training for my first century ride. Their bikes really are pieces of art. I put S&S couplers on mine so I can break the frame down for easier travelling.

Here it is loaded up for touring.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/pics/01/docs/00/00/01/90/large/BikeCloseUp.jpg

Here's a couple more to add to the mix:

LiteSpeed Blue Ridge (http://www.litespeed.com/bikes/blueridge.aspx)

and

Moots Mootour (http://www.moots.com/bicycle.php?ID=4)

Moots loves to do custom, and I'm sure Litespeed would also accomodate.

Van Nicholas (http://www.vannicholas.com) Yukon (based in UK)

Lynskey Performance Designs is building some really high-end stuff right now (nothing short of IF). I saw my first one last week and was very impressed with the fit and finish. They're ti specialists and only do custom.

Hope this helps,
Mike