The only custom bike I ever had built was my (our) tandem back in '88. It was probably more than twice as hard for the builder than a typical half-bike since we wanted to be able to switch positions. Since I'm 5'6 and the beast is 6'2, that posed some difficulties. When the dust settled, it was (is) the perfect bike for us. On fully loaded tours I could close my eyes and easily imagine I am on my half-bike, except that the beast is usually stoker and he might object to a blind captain.

We had the advantage of living a few blocks from the builder. In fact, the builder worked just down the block from the beast and they often rode part of their 46-mile commute together. There was no guess-work on the builder's part when it came to our riding styles, postures, toe-angles or strengths.

Now if that same builder will just finish up the fork replacement (and head-tube boring) so we can get back on that steed, then all will be right with the world.