garethzbarker

I am planning on commissioning a custom Ti or steel road bike build in late 2016 or early 2017. I'd like to thoroughly look at all the best companies since I have so much time. I'd like help building the list from you fine cyclists. My budget will be about 7-10k, and I'm interested in a roadbike design (sorry, that's all I am set on at this point). I'm mainly interested in turn key companies rather than just framebuilders, but I'm open to researching a frame builder. For reference, I am attracted to Tom Kellogg and Rob English's work.
Thanks,
GZB

dashely

One other shop you might look at is Custom Bicycles - Rodriguez Bicycles and Tandem in Seattle. Sorry they are the one I got my bike from and I am not that knowledgable about custom bike builders.

Debra

bmthom.gis

I have no idea what his prices are, but I find his work to be amazing. He hand cuts all of his lugs. His website says coming soon, but his facebook page has some great examples of what he does.

https://www.facebook.com/demonframeworks

Other options are Moots, Waterford, Gunnar, etc. If you stick with steel, you should be able to come in under budget, depending on how lavish you want the rest of the bike to be. Custom Ti gets expensive real quick.

blakcloud

Moots, Seven, Firefly, Blacksheep, Ericson, Lynskey are just a few to get you started.

veganbikes

There are a billion and half builders (almost) but here are some of my favorites Chris Bishop (MD), Hollands (california), Donhou (in jolly old britland), Waterford (the ones who built the good Schwinns). I would add Richard Sachs but he isn't really building for the general public anymore. However he does have a list of folks he likes: The Next Wave | RICHARD SACHS CYCLES

I would talk with some builders and get a sense of what you are looking for and what you would need. Tell them what you are looking for and kind of feel out who would best pump out your vision.

Here is another great place to look and talk with folks and you don't even have to leave the comfort of this fine webitysite:
Framebuilders

If it were me I would probably go with a Bishop or Waterford lugged to the nines stainless steel cross bike with laser etching on the tubes and probably paint it with some sort of green candy fade but leave some of the rear triangle exposed and polished. However that is me and my dream.

Machka 

Marinoni
Cycles Marinoni

Velosmith
Velosmith :: Quality touring bikes handcrafted by Tim Stredwick

garethzbarker

I love firefly aesthetically! Their anodizing work is the best I've ever seen. They have such a beautiful, modern look. Does anyone else even do it? Prices are a bit steep... I like the idea of detailed anodizing, mirror polishing, or painting; I'm not sure which I like best. Painting is the cheapest.

tcarl

For custom Titanium I'd recommend looking at Roark Custom Titanium Cycles in Indiana.

blakcloud

You could also check out Baum in Australia. He does have a representative in South Korea. Personally I can never see the point of painting titanium but I have seen it done. Kish Fabrication is another choice. If I was going titanium my choice would be Seven. If I was going steel, my choice would be Eric Estlund at Winter Bicycles. They both are great with details.

South Korea
Wonki Park
Gu&Ki Corp.
685-456 Nambutown. 5th floor.
Guro-gu, Guro-1dong
Seoul, Korea.
Tel +82(2)865-7976
Cel +82(10)4500-7976
Fax +82(2)858-8866
Email guandki@gmail.com
Website https://www.guandki.com/

StanSeven

This is the issue. You'll get lots of recommendations of large production builders plus people that are on their third frame. You also haven't said whether you plan on visiting the builder or just communicate via phone, email, video, etc. If you don't have lots of experience with self fits and experimentation with various geometries on what works and doesn't for you, you are left with taking body measurements and sending to the builder.

The good thing about custom is having the builder see you on your bike, talk about likes and dislikes, observe your flexibility and riding nuances, etc., and design the frame on what they see. Measurements only go so far and don't account for things like flexibility, muscle strength, riding style and preferences like standing vs seated climbing, sprint capabilities, cadence ranges, etc.

All that said, I personally would consider Moots. I've got bikes from two of the sources mentioned - Seven and Waterford and both are good. But I think many of the builders are stuck in the past and haven't considered whats going on with cycling like Moots and Firefly have. Another small builder that did some amazing work is Carl Strong.

indyfabz

Your search for the best custom ti bike builder is officially over: Engin Cycles | Handmade Titanium Bicycles Philadelphia, PA

My build from last May after I rode it home from the shop:



Custom mixed sea foam green ceramic coating.

metalheart44

If it is a custom Ti, then here are the ones that were on my short list:

Steve Potts is a master of welding skill, aesthetics, and cycling knowledge. He is a one man shop.
Mike Desalvo is another small maybe one man operation who is a master in the making with exceptional skill and attention to detail
Bill Holland is a master and the one I chose to build my TiExogrid bike. I have never had a better transaction in my life. Bill has been building bikes for a long time and he is a serious rider who knows what goes into ride quality that meets your needs.

There are a host of other excellent builders, Jim Kish, Andreson in Minneapolis, Carl Strong, Dave Kirk, but only a few folks specialize in titanium road bikes and among those are the three I listed. I forgot to add Crisp Titanium among builders who specialize in Titanium. I have never seen his work in person, but he has the reputation. Also, if you are looking for a list of builders, try this one:

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=113817

good luck

fietsbob

UBI has a Long industry list : Bike Industry Links

StanSeven

Let me add Baum to my recommendation. Probably the best custom Ti builder in the world

veganbikes

It is somewhat of an issue but it is also a great thing, more people learning the craft and keeping it alive and well! People like Richard Sachs and Bruce Gordon aren't going to be around forever (though I do hope they keep going as long as they can!)

garethzbarker

Thanks so much everyone. I'm carefully looking at every lead. I probably won't be able to visit the builder. We got my Bike Friday built long distance so hopefully that could work. Actually, I should probably just use the BF measurements; it fits perfectly. I got a lot of folks suggesting Baum. His prices are a bit high but I believe he's making good bikes. I have a lot of time, so I plan on emailing and calling a lot of these folks.

katzenfinch

A Swiss company called Hilite makes some pretty interesting titanium bikes: Pinion P1.18 Trekking Fahrrad Hilite Bikes

For classic steel road bikes, I’d look at Peter Weigle, Brian Chapman, and Mitch Pryor.

You can find several lists of bike builders at https://www.cyclingabout.com/ .

DMC707

Brent Steelman's name popped into my mind immediately

CrippledKonaBoy

Check and see if Steve Bilenky is still at it.

Road Fan

For fantastic modern steel frames, I'd suggest Wisconsin's Ellis Cycles, owned by Dave Wages.

But I see you are in Korea, with enough money to afford a real custom frame. Why not check out the custom builder scene in Japan?

Custom attention closer to home! If you had to come to the USA or Europe for consultation and fitting, that would cost you as much as a really good Campagnolo group!

KenshiBiker

I'm pretty sure Brent is "retired" from the bike business.

DMC707

Is he not of this world anymore? -- or in jail? --- I hadnt heard whatever it is

younger guy - 54-55 or so (well..... relatively young)

JonnyHK 

Baum in Australia
Legend in Italy

KenshiBiker

I believe Brent is still kicking around, but he's focusing his energies in directions other than bicycling - high-end rugs IIRC.

Christiaan

GOSFORTH | Steel Road Bike Frames