Framebuilders - custom lugged frame

I am thinking of buying a custom frame.

I really love the feel of steel and the look of classic lugged frames.

I know about Spectrum and Waterford.
Any others I should think about.

thanks in advance.

Please only custom lugged builders

There's 20 or so in Portland alone:

http://oregonframebuilders.org/members/

What kind of bike are you looking for -- racing? touring? rando?


Please only custom lugged builders

Sorry, my list contains a few folks who don't do lugged.

I'm looking for more of a race type frame.

thanks for the list!

Assuming this to be a "dream" bike, I'd advise checking the "master" builders - people with decades (not just years) of experience: Richard Sachs, Peter Weigle, Mark Nobilette, Bruce Gordon, Bernie Mikkelsen, Albert Eisentraut (tho' I've heard Albert has retired), Jeff Lyon, Mark DiNucci. These guys have been building since the 70's, and by and large their frames are expensive and they have long wait lists, but IMO the end product is worth the investment. They know what works and why (and maybe more importantly, what DOESN'T work), and their work is characterized by little, often unnoticed, details that really separate their bikes from the merely excellent ones.

SP
Bend, OR

Name a few little unnoticed details, just for my benefit.

Fer instance: on my Eisentraut, which was built for full-length brake cables, the top tube (rear brake) cable guides aren't in a straight line like they are on most bikes. They follow the natural curve of the brake cable, which makes for (ever so slightly) smoother rear brake action. Also, Albert's pretty well known for almost never using stock tube sets, even on his stock bikes, like mine. From what I know, it's a mix of Columbus and Ishiwata, each tube hand-picked for its purpose. And on the subject of tubing, very few tubes are perfectly straight. Mitering the tubing so that the "bow" in each tube is in the centerline of the frame makes for better alignment. And where should the long butt in a tube go? At the bottom bracket, to make it stiffer? Or at the head tube to stiffen up the steering? These are all considerations that an expert builder will take into account when optimizing a frame for the intended rider and usage. Admittedly, these are all subtle differences, but when they're added up, it can make a noticeable difference. And I'm sure I've barely scratched the surface...

SP
Bend, OR

another list of builders and manufacturers, on links at bikeschool.com

There's a nice list here as well: http://www.handmadebicycleshow.com/

The show is in Austin in February. Not all that far from NO?