Hi. No, I'm just beginning to explore this. I like to go on long rides and while I think my current frame fits pretty well, I don't think it is perfect and the thought of getting a custom frame to get exact sizing is curious to me. I've always thought/wondered that a custom frame that is sized exactly right would be much more comfortable over time and sometimes i think I could get maximum performance out of my legs.
Goofy?
hi
I have 3 aluminum road bikes:
a 2000 Klein Quantum; a Cannondale CAAD9 (2009); and a Viner Primus Custom (2011). The custom is my favorite. This is probably because it fits me better (I'm 6'4" and a good 200lbs., not so many easy options on standard frames). Also, the guys at Viner use a little more sporty Italian geometry which makes it fun and easier to go fast (I notice some difference). Also, since I told the frame-makers about myself, they built the frame a little stronger for me (based on my size, and my plan to keep this bike for 6 - 10 years).
After I had the custom frame, it was a bit of a challenge to find a mechanic to build it up to my spec. They could have done it at Viner, but I didn't want all new parts - I was keeping wheels, pedals and some of the old parts off my previous bike. This was a bit of a disadvantage to the custom frame.
One other advantage, though, was that with the custom frame, and hand selecting the parts, I was able to basically get every single part that I wanted, the first time. You might not be able to get this when buying a bike the traditional way. Like with my Cannondale, I bought it stock first, maybe with a couple changes that the shop supports, then I go figure out what parts I really don't want (wheels, seat post, saddle, stem...) then I figure out over time how to replace each of those parts, and do the switches. Kind of a hassle compared to just getting all your favorite parts on the bike from the start.
Everything considered, I'm happier with the custom. I'll probably go this route again unless I happen to find something that works better. I think some of the bike companies are offering some customizations by their web sites now - you might get more parts selection options that way, if not actual custom geometry.
Another point: there are quite a variety of custom frames - in a variety of price ranges. Carbon tends to be most expensive, but mine is aluminum and less pricey than carbon or Titanium. For your long rides, you could think about steel and maybe save more.