Originally Posted by
carleton
Here is what concerns me:
1st: Do you *need* a custom frame?
There are LOTS of very nice off-the-rack frames out there.
and
2nd: I suspect that you don't know what you want out of this new frame.
Imagine a guy wanting to build a house from the ground up. The first question that the builder will ask is, "What are you looking for?" If the guy only lived in basic apartments all of his life, he may not have any perspective. Custom is usually the route that people go when they can't find what they want pre-built.
A good builder will ask you about the type of handling that you are looking for (super relaxed, relaxed, street race, track race, etc...). If you don't have any perspective, you won't know what to say.
I've had 2 custom race frames made (Tiemeyers) and I currently race an off-the-rack frame.
Custom is cool, but I think you'd be better off buying an off-the-shelf frame and start experimenting there. It will be cheaper and you'll be riding faster. Custom frames take often several months to build.
#1: Do I NEED a custom frame?
Kinda rhetorical. Do I WANT one? Yes. Do I now have the means? Yes. So why not indulge in something unique?
Add to the fact I haven't seen anything "off the rack" that peaks the interest. A bit vain? Probably.
#2: Do I know what I want out of the frame?
I'd like something that is velodrome ready in preparation to learn the sport. But truth is, it will probably get about half of it's miles on Houston streets. 15-30 miles at a time. Never locked up out of eye sight.
You're right about me not exactly knowing the differences in handling in respect to geo, I figured an experience frame builder could help walk me through that. I'm assuming my San Jose would be classified as "relaxed" to "super relaxed", my torpado "street racing". Comfort isn't a #1 priority, so track racing geo/handling is essentially what I'm looking for.
I'm well aware of the lead time on custom frames and am prepared to wait.
Let's say I went "off the rack", recommendations?