Need Help on Working With Framebuilder
 

Hi All,

I decided to finally take the plunge and submitted a deposit to a local framebuilder and reserve my place on the build list. I will be meeting with him in a few weeks to have my current steed and my physical proportions measured. What steps should I take to ensure success in working with him? I guess my greatest concerns have to do with bar and stem selection and whether to have him build the (lugged) fork or buy something like an Enve.

I am looking for a lugged steel "classic stage racer" to supplement my 14-year old Litespeed Classic. This will be a bike for fast club rides and long solo days in the range of 60-200 miles. No racing, no touring other than perhaps an overnight credit card ride.

It is difficult to separate fact from fiction and the only thing that I know for sure is how much I don't know! ;)

Thanks for any and all advice! :)

Bring your usual kit and bike to the fitting. (no testing new saddle on that day) unless you are doing something large like changing crank length or handlebar drop. I personally would get the frame/fork/stem if you are getting a lugged bike and try the carbon fork later.

make sure you have stated all your wishes in writing well in advance and have notes with you

Let the designer/builder do his/her thing.

Get a print of final specifications and where they are taken from. Inspect the drawings and make sure the drawing or specification is correct. Agree on terms and move forward or not.

Relax now. It's up to the builder to meet your expectations.

The fork's possibilities should be driven by the design needs, not your preferences. Andy.

I would think there are plenty of those (a lugged steel "classic stage racer") readily available for sale, but your builder of course will very likely enjoy a paid trip back though memory lane. I would keep the work with the builder focused on the frame and the fork and push the component selection items off until the frame is done; assuming that you have agreed on the crankarm length, the stem dimensions, wheel size, type of brakes, etc.