Road Cycling - Custom Ti/Steel frames

Hello everyone.

I'm in the market for a new road bike. Something that'll be used for all around use. mostly just long fitness rides on rolling hills and mountains in the area.

I testrode a Litespeed tuscany and really loved the feel of the ride. sort of want something similar.

But I've come into some money and i'm thinking about going the custom route... Independent Fabrication/Serotta/Seven


Went to one shop today, looked at a Seven. Didn't really like the shop, the bike I rode was too small and it was the only thing they had so I can't really base my opinion on this.

The shop that carries IF in the area was really really awesome so I'm leaning towards them. The shop owner tried to talk me into the Club Racer (cross between racing bike and a touring bike) just because it's so versitle and I'm probably leaning that way but I really want a fast bike.

What do you guys think of these brands? Specific models? I didn't really tell you what kind of riding I do. I do all sorts really, but I want to become competitive this year. So I'd like a bike that would be competitive, or allow me to be rather. I've only been riding road sine last october, so I'm very new to this. That's a concern as well, not knowing really how to dial in a custom bike since I'm so knew to road bikes and don't have a concret idea of what I want.

As far as Serotta I hear they're nice but there isn't a dealer close to me to look at them.

Thanks for any information and input!

IF's are nice but expensive for what you get. cherry is good (indiana) custom. as you all know i own a custom Steelman and still get great comments on it > 14,000 miles.
pricier customs are the merlins made in your neck of the woods (i think lightspeed bought them)

I was in a similar situation. I wanted a quality bike that would allow me to be competitive and comfortable when I start racing. I went the custom route out of necessity, 64cm ST / 59cm TT.

All of your choices are excellent manufacturers, you can't go wrong with any of them. Just pick whichever gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Buy from an LBS you really like and have high confidence in. My LBS has bent over backwards to make me happy and I can't explain how much better it makes the whole experience.

I chose a steel IF Crown Jewel for several reasons. First, my LBS loaned me a steel CJ for four days, I was sold on the first ride. Second, IF build quality, customer service and finish are all just as phenominal as the ride. I don't feel like it is expensive for what I am getting, $1599 plus tax for a custom frame and their fork(I love the feel of their fork). I should be here in the next 3 to 4 weeks, I can't wait.

Give them a call, I think you will really like them.

Chris S

how about Dean custom Ti's?

Ok, so now I keep having more options... this is not good :)

well maybe it is, I want something I'll be happy with. How do you make a decision on what company to go with on a custom bike?

Pre built bike's i found easy... find a bike that fit and rode the way i want it, with the components that i wanted, for the price i wanted

custom seems like a whole new can of worms

Something to keep in mind as far as custom bikes go. There are some frame makers who say they offer custom frames but don't really. They do semi-custom handbuilt and personalised frames which is not exactly the same thing. In those cases, they will take your measurements and design a frame for you by matching your measurements to the available angles (for lugs) and pre-cut tubing they have in stock. Oftentimes this works out just as well as a truly custom bike but it is something to be aware of.

I don't see a problem with this. If a person truly requires a custom frame (one that manipulation of a standard frame will not work) then they are the exception. In most every case I believe an existing frame can be made to work satisfactorily unless there is a bio-mechanical handicap. In that case maybe a set of these Ti wheels will work.

http://www.sportaid.com/catalog/page19a.shtml

Ritalin,

First off what I would do is go for a full on fit session,
they can be a bit pricy but are worth it. Then after the fit
session determine if you actually need a custom.
Serotta offers off the rack frames at a savings over their
full on customs. Serotta in their advertizing states that
Not all riders need custom, and states that something like
80% of all riders can/do fit an off the rack frame.
(but thats not on the web site).
I have a Serotta, and love it, rides like a dream, corners
like its on rails, and is VERY stable.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of the bikes
you've mentioned (IF, Seven etc.).

Marty