Kennedy Custom

[BBoomer]

Any Aussies out there had any experience or advise about John kennedy's custom built bikes. I am a born again cyclist in my 50's and looking to upgrade from my current TCR C2. Have narrowed it down to the Specialized Roubaix pro or the Trek Madone 5.2, but I am now also considering having Kennedy put together an alloy framed custom. All would come in about the same price. $5.5 to $6k. There is plenty of comparisons and reviews to read on the 2 "brand" bikes, but other than sitting outside Johns Beach Road cafe and talk to the converted Kennedy fans it's a bit hard to get constructive info on his bikes.
Any tips would be greatly appreciatted.

[531Aussie]

I guess the question is: "do you need a custom frame?"


Ask this guy: :) http://www.thylacinecycles.com/ I think he's in Kensington or Flemmington, ot something.

And if he doesn't reply, ask him here: :p http://www.cyclingforums.com/showthread.php?p=3684119#post3684119

[cs124]

6 grand will also get you a custom steel Baum, which if nothing else, will have nicer welds and a prettier painjob than the Kennedy.

[Thylacine]

Ow. My ears are burning.

Well, I think what Kennedy is doing has some validity, but I don't think it represents all that good value and when I got fitted up I have to confess I wasn't super happy about paying that sort of money only to have him fit me in between chatting to mates that walked in the door. Not sure if that's indicative or anything because I haven't exactly done a random poll, but that was my experience.

Generally what we do with our road clients, is get their contact points sorted by John Beazley of Beazley Cycles, then use that information to inform the design of the frame in conjunction with our handling and geometry 'philosophy'.

If a customer prefers, they can go get fitted by Kennedy and we can build from that information, too.

The fit quotent of a custom frame is just three points in space based upon your physiology, so you really want someone who is qualified in some way or at least has fitted up a ****eload of people. I can't say that about myself, that's why we use external fitters to generate that information.

Oops. I'm in danger of crapping on. Think I'll stop now. :)

[BBoomer]

Thanks so far. I guess the question is - is a stock "brand" bike going to perform and fit as well as an equally speced custom bike. I have had JK do bike fits for myself and my wife. Its expensive but I am happy in knowing that a guy who lives and breaths cycles has set up my bike, and knows stuff I will never know,and the outcome has in both cases been a long way off the way the bike supermarkets set up our bikes.
Plenty of experienced road warriors are very happy with their off the rack carbon dream machines. Is there really a need to go custom?

[Gusboh]

Is there really a need to go custom?
No.

But then again, there is no 'need' for anything more than an old steel frame with 7 speed.

Most manufacturers make good bikes at a reasonable price. They would be able to be made to fit you easily enough.

Having said that...

If you can afford it. A sweet custom bike is going to be 'better' if only because it's going to make you feel better every time you ride it, because it's *exactly* the way you want it. No 'oh, i don't like that colour', or 'i wish the top tube was shorter so i could run a longer stem'

Get what you want - pay once - enjoy it for a long, long time.

If i had the money, i'd get a Thylacine. If only to be on a bike that is relatively rare (plus i reckon the owner might shout me a few beers if i got one :D ).

[531Aussie]

. Is there really a need to go custom?in my opinion, no, unless you have particular needs or preferences. Just think, there are millions of satisfied, comfortable and very fast riders out there riding off-the-shelf bikes,

[BBoomer]

Thanks Guys. I think I have it narrowed down to the Trek Madone 5.2

[Gusboh]

Thanks Guys. I think I have it narrowed down to the Trek Madone 5.2
If you like that, that's cool and my reply can be taken with as much salt as necessary - but i'm going to have to change my opinion a little.

If you're going to spend that much, Thylacine (he replied a few up, and he makes bike - notice he didn't do the hard sell) will make you a much nicer bike.

You're paying a pretty serious premium for a Trek, when it's a fairly generic bike.

I'll say it again. For that money (or at least very close), you could be on a custom frame, with Dura-Ace or Record instead of Ultegra. If it were my money - and i fully realise it's not, and that i'm in no position to tell you what to do, (but i'm going to anyhow :D) if you're going to be sending $6000 on a bike, don't get a Trek, hell, don't get a non-custom.

Give Thylacine (Warwick) a ring, he'll help you out.

[Thylacine]

Yeah, there's hardly any point getting fitted up just so you can figure out which off the shelf bike you don't have to run a 150mm stem on!

Custom bikes are not about fit. They're about being an individual. Fit is a part of it, but so handling, functionality, looks, and all those nasty philosophical issues, like not purchasing the McDonalds equivalent of a bike! ;)

If you just want the most bang for buck, then just get a Giant and don't bother assisting paying for Lances modest salary. However, if you want to take that 250 bucks you just spent on getting fitted and actually have something completely unique that you have some time and emotion invested in, then why not consider custom?

You're already half way there.

[BBoomer]

Thanks again for the contributions guys. I actually put down a deposit this weekend on a Roubaix Pro. A bit too much bling for my taste, but a great bike and low $5's with Dura Ace and from all I have read I'm sure its going to be fun.

[bikevic]

how much is John kennedy's custom bike?
price range

[531Aussie]

how much is John kennedy's custom bike?
price rangeI'm not 100% sure, but I think Columbus Zonal aluminium frames start around $1200 to $1400 (could be a tiny bit more), then go up and up from there if you want more exotic stuff, such as carbon stays, lighter aluminium, more expensive forks, titanium, etc, etc

He's got quite a few Zonal aluminium frames hanging on the wall which might fit you. He tends to go for slightly taller head-tubes, and slightly longer stays for (he says), better comfort and a better chain line