I ordered two Vanilla bikes for our 15th anniversary back in June and will be delivered in April 2006.

I love how people say that this bike is cheaper, why not get this bike. First of all, when you are dealing with a custom bike builder, you not only pay for the materials but for the builders ability to build a bike that fits your body. My wife and I both need custom bikes. I currently own three Spectrum custom bikes, while my wife has two from Spectrum. Vanilla has developed a good reputation for building sound bikes.

Tom Kellog did an amazing job designing and building a bike that fits our bodies. My wife rides a 58 seat tube and 49 top tube. Yes she is long legged. Not every builder would be able to design a bike for her. The compromise for my wife is that she needs to have 650 wheels instead of 700. Many frame builders could make a bike that has 650 wheels, but how many people can actually design a good one.

I am easier to build for, as I ride a 54 seat tube and a 53 top tube.

Vanilla Bikes are true artisan bikes. We are going to get the hand cut lugs and the fancy rear drop outs. Not every bike builder would take the time to do this type of work.

From looking at the frames that Sacha White has built, I think that he could design a wonderful bike for you. His touring bikes are something to salivate over. Also as one person pointed out Vanilla is a little shop not a big shop.

Additionally the top frame builders fetch about $2,800 for a custom steel frame, whereas Vanilla is $1,500.