Originally Posted by
Garfield Cat
But what is it that these custom frame makers are doing to make their frames better than your already great stock frame bike? It rides the way you want. But what precisely are they doing?
Tubing selection, butting, geometry tweaks, etc. And that's before you get to the utility and aesthetic matters.
Originally Posted by
Garfield Cat
Does the consumer really know what the changes are?
Yes. The consumer generally signs-off on the blueprint.
The design is finalized through discussion with the consumer and sometimes a form they fill out. Some guys (like Bob Ross above) prefer to work directly with the builder and those conversations take place with the man who holds the torch. Others, like the OP, prefer to work through middleman/LBSs. The conversation takes place at that level.
You should never sign-off on the blueprint until satisfied that it reflects the results of those conversations.
Originally Posted by
Garfield Cat
Then of course, how would a consumer evaluate these modifications?
Miles and miles of riding.