Hendley

I'm thinking about getting a custom aluminum road frame built. Looking at custom because I have some specific geometry wants that are hard to find in stock bikes.

However, aluminum builders seem to be a bit thin on the ground compared to steel builders. Did a quick search of this forum and didn't turn up much.

I know of Tsunami--anybody suggest any others?

Location doesn't matter as long as they are willing/able to ship to Japan. Budget can be anything up to, say, $2000 for the frameset.

In case it matters, I'm looking to build a standard road bike with Spec Roubaix-like geo; shorter TT, higher HT, longer chainstays.

Thanks!

Allen

https://tetcycles.com/bikes/frame-materials/
Tom Teesdale builds in Al.

zzzwillzzz

co-motion
tiemeyer

ftwelder

Aluminum frames are made in both 6061 and 7005. 6061 requires high temperature heat treating to bring it back to full hardness after welding. 7005 requires only a low-temp aging process, has slightly higher strength but suffers from fatigue corrosion.

Butted tubes are not easily acquired and only available in a few profiles from chinese mfgrs. and usually aren't available in small quantities. Simply knowing the yield strength of a piece of material isn't a decent way to engineer a frame and most frame builders are more focused on the craft of frame building and selling rather than understanding a strange material. Aluminum builders will also make their own dropouts, BB shells, seat collars, head tubes and all the tooling required to construct and process a frame as well as some metallurgy and engineering skills. Usually these technologies can only be supported with great volume.

When Easton drove aluminum to low-market in 92 it became difficult for most good builders to continue. Chris Herting at 3D racing is very good.

VEF

Cyfac?

JonnyHK 

https://colossicycling.com/

Colossi - Hong Kong/Shenzhen

Hendley

Thanks very much for the leads, and also the information about building with aluminum. I imagine that partly explains why there aren't more custom aluminum builders out there.

I'll be looking at all the builders you suggested.

Ferrite

There is also Paul Sadoff of Rock Lobster cycles in Santa Cruz, CA, USA. I believe he specializes in aluminum frames and his stuff is top quality. Highly recommended.

Ferrite

www.rocklobstercycles.com