View Single Post
Old 06-25-14 | 06:13 AM
  #14  
Road Fan's Avatar
Road Fan
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 17,195
Likes: 761
From: Ann Arbor, MI

Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8

I think you do need a frame builder.

Waterford is a good suggestion. I've had quotes in the past from people like Ron Boi, Mitch Pryor (MAP Cycles), Mike Terraferma. These well-known guys were in the upper end, and I got a nice low quote from Ralph Ellis, builder and owner of Ypsilanti Cycles (I went with him, the product was excellent!). Mainly, I'd pick a builder close to you who can take your frame and the old fork, work with you to figure out the best geometry (since you no longer have a good example of what the original designer intended), and get you in for a look-see when problems or questions come up.

For me, I'd also check out Franklin Frames, located in Ohio not too far from Michigan. But I really like the local product aspect of it and think it's important. I'd also (if local) speak to Dave Wages at Ellis Cycles, and Chris Kvale in Minnesota. Check out the Framebuilders' Forum here on BF, as well.

Without knowing the best geo for your bike (presuming that is what the original fork represented), it would be hard to buy an aftermarket fork that would be a very strong fit. So you need a maker who is also a good designer, in my opinion.

I wouldn't know who's local to you in BWI or Ann Arundel or wherever you are, but Richard Sachs is not too far away, and there are a few well-known builders in Boston area and NYC area.
Road Fan is offline  
Reply