radial1999

For those that ride custom frames (either because they just wanted one, because they wanted specific geometry, because of their body type, or whatever the reason), how much did you pay? What material was used? Did the person who made the frame ship it after you sent dimensions you wanted or body measurements? Or did the person who built the frame actually meet you and suggest what size/geometry?
What made you decide to buy a custom bike? How many other bikes did you have before switching to a custom frame?

LowCel 

I believe my IF Ti Crown Jewel (no longer own) cost around $3,200 with fork and silver badge. Me and my lbs did all of the measurements, I think it took two or three months to get it after I placed the order.

datlas 

I paid 1295 for my custom Ti Habanero (without fork). I pretty much knew what geometry I needed since I have a custom steel frame from 1985 (that I think was 500 bucks back then), I exchanged a few emails back and forth with the rep about my body measurements, riding style, etc. Getting fitted in person would be ideal but can't always happen.

I needed a custom frame because I have wacky body geometry and utterly cannot be fit properly with a stock frame.

I would have LOVED to get a Lynskey or Spectrum but that would have cost more than twice as much.

Send me a PM if you want more details.

canam73

I bought a Waterford mostly because I wanted a new lugged steel frame. I got custom geometry because I could, not because I really needed it. I did not get a fitted by the builder because I new exactly what I wanted. I basically had them build a frame like one I already had with a couple tweaks that made it better suited to me. It is the 4th frame that I have had for a considerable amount of time. At the time I think I paid a little over $2k for the frame and fork which included an upcharge for a panelized paint job. I'm not going to tell you it's magical or the best bike ever, but if it got stolen or damaged I would have another one built exactly like it.

JoelS

My wife has a custom Serotta Ti frame. I think it was around $2600 back in '97....

The shop where it was ordered put her on a fit cycle and got all the measurements from that. It still fits correctly. I don't remember how long it took.

sced

I got a full Record custom Reynolds 531 bike for about $500, but that was in 1973. It was a great investment because I still have it and ride it often.

StanSeven

I brought a Waterford 18 years ago. I was close enough to stock, the fitter/LBS owner said I should get stock and save money. 11 years later I brought a custom Seven for $3600. The store spent a long time taking measurements, I filled out a lengthy questionnaire, and then had a 45 minute phone call with Seven. They designed a bike just for me and sent the measurements to my LBS who put them on a Serotta fit bike. After some minor adjustments and feedback, they built my frame. The entire proces tokk a couple of months.

After all that, the geometry is almost identical to the original Waterford and my Cervelo. So I conclude custom is a waste of money for most people.

JohnDThompson 

Let's see...
$120 for tubing (Reynolds 531)
$75 for lugs/BB shell/crown/dropouts
$30 for 56% cadmium-free silver & flux
$120 for powdercoat
a few bucks for oxygen/acetylene/files/sandpaper/etc.

Say $350 or so?

riversiderider

I know several guys who own custom frames and they unequivocally recommended having a custom frame built if I could afford it.

I started by asking 5 builders via email if they could build a steel bike at around 17-18lbs. I chose steel because I am a bit of a Ludditte and I love the feel of steel. Modern steel does not have to be heavy, True Temper S3, Columbus Spirit, Reynolds 853 are all great lightweight tubesets.

I really wanted to use someone local (in the Northwest) and since I live in the Portland metro (Oregon) area that I had quite a few to choose from.

Doug Curtiss (Curtlo Cycles) impressed me the most and he was the most reasonably priced.

I didn't meet him prior to picking up the bike but he does have a pretty comprehensive form on his website that I filled out and sent to him to begin the process. We spoke on the phone about what kind of riding I do, bikes I have, what works what doesn't etc. I had photo's taken of myself on my ride at the time (now my rain bike) on a trainer. I had been fitted for this bike about 3 months after I bought it and had been riding it for a couple of years without pain or trouble. This was the template from which we started.

All the measurements taken were taken at three different times. These are the numbers that went on the form I sent to Doug.

I decided on True Temper S3 tubeset. Built with Reynolds wheels and Campy Centaur groupset the bike came in just under $3000.

The bike is like nothing else I have ever ridden, it fits me like a tailored suit, is comfortable, fast and light.

Ride safe.

wants185s

Do any of you custom frame owners have the unfortunate combination of very long legs with average upper body dimensions? If so do you perhaps have an old (that you want to get rid of) custom frame with 62 or 63 seat tube and 56 cm top tube you are interested in selling?

Machka 

how much did you pay? -- About $2500

What material was used? -- Steel. My choice.

Did the person who made the frame ship it after you sent dimensions you wanted or body measurements? Or did the person who built the frame actually meet you and suggest what size/geometry? -- the LBS who dealt with that brand of bicycle measured me and 12 other people. All 13 orders were sent in, and several months later, all 13 bicycles were delivered to the shop.

What made you decide to buy a custom bike? -- I wasn't entirely comfortable (fit) on the off-the-shelf bicycles. I had a list of things I wanted in a bicycle and the off-the-shelf bicycles didn't offer me everything I wanted. I had the money and wanted a bicycle exactly what I had in mind.

How many other bikes did you have before switching to a custom frame? -- I bought the custom bicycle in 2003. I've been cycling since 1973. There have been a lot of bicycles in that time!


But now that I've gone custom with one, and know the measurements (I measured almost everything and typed it into an Excel spreadsheet), I can pick my frames, custom or non-custom, and know I'll get one that works for me. When my custom bicycle was stolen, we used the measurements from that spreadsheet to buy me a new frame that fits.

Homebrew01

Awww , ya beat me to it ...... I have to add $100 for materials to build my jig

Rowan

And what about the labour content, based on the knowledge to braze weld lightweight steel alloys so they retain their strength after cooling. Then there is the finishing of the mitres, and the finishing of the final welds. Then what about the expertise in getting the right frame geometry, and having the table or bench to ensure there is no warping. Let alone having the right torch and tips. And what about the plugs used in the BB and the head tube and the seat tube to ensure they don't distort under heat. And what about the tools needed to make sure the fork and chainstay ends are all lined up properly. And what about the premium on the insurance so that if the purchaser crashes and sues, you have at least a fighting chance of avoiding family bankruptcy.

Your estimation comes in terribly short, old chap.

kergin

$1650 or so for an S3 frame and Alpha Q for from Hugh @ True North Cycles. Wait was around four months, IIRC.

carpediemracing 

I think the poster on cost is someone that built their own frame.

OP - As far as my last two frames, I am built weird. I've been getting by with a way too short-in-length frame for a long time. I finally decided to try a custom frame. I chose the unfortunately named Tsunami Bikes (the framebuilder guy, not the frame importer guy who you can find on eBay) in Arizona. In 2009 my first frame was $700? I paid a bit extra as a tip if you will. The second frame, 2011, was $800, with another tip thrown in.

I've requested some weird stuff. My first frame was straightforward, just 40cm seat tube, 56.5 top tube (compact geo). Second frame I requested aero tubing, much shorter chainstay (decided on 39 cm vs 40.5 cm).

8 weeks from order to delivery typically. Frames have been 1450 and 1700g? I have to check my blog.

I initially considered the frames a "rough draft", and when I got a set up I really liked, I'd replicate it in carbon (I'd like to have a light bike). Now I realize that fit is more important than weight. I'll probably dream about a 10 lbs bike and eventually get that carbon whatever, but for now it's unlikely.

TsunamiOne:
https://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...7-tsunami.html
Fit - https://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...ame-birth.html
Arrival/build - https://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...val-build.html
Shakedown - https://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...o-do-list.html

TsunamiTwo:
1 - https://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...hts-ideas.html
2 - https://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...ltrasound.html
3 - https://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.co...sunamitwo.html

radial1999

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping more people would say they purchased a custom carbon frame, but it seems like most people that go for a custom frame want ti or steel.

I may never buy a carbon bike because I love the option to carry a lot of stuff on a rear rack, but at least I know the range of prices and how long I'd have to wait.

JohnDThompson 

Ah, but since it was MY bike, I didn't have to charge myself all that...

JPH3

May you post a picture of your creation, old chap.

Henry III

Look at some early 80's Trek frames.

radial1999

+1. I'd love to see what these custom bikes look like built up.

datlas 

I have one with exactly those measurements but no way I am parting with it.
Look into a steel GIOS frame they have measurements that are close to what you describe.
If you can cough up the money consider a custom Habanero, that's what I did and I am very pleased!

datlas 

Custom carbon is terribly expensive and you don't get the advantage of a monocoque like most stock carbon frames...you have to get tube-to-tube construction which I suppose is OK but very very costly and probably not worth it IMO.

StanSeven

Plus it looks terrible.

datlas 

Yeah, that too.

I say if you want a custom frame get it made of metal (steel, aluminum, Ti, or even (gasp!) magnesium).

bostongarden

A few of my teammates have Crumpton custom bikes (and Nick is a team sponsor and teammate); they love them and I think they look awesome; the paint job is always terrific. Indeed, the frame and fork is well north of $4k.