Originally Posted by Steelrider
Richard Sachs makes rolling art, Albert Eisentraut is the Godfather of American frame builders, Waterfords are becoming more common, but I look past that because they are so classic looking and beautifully constructed. If you decide that you are experienced enough to tell a specific builder your needs, wants, and intended use and want to talk to the person that is gonna hold the torch with those thoughts in mind, go with someone like the first two. With some others, the enjoyment of that experience doesn't come with the price. Ultimately, you have to live with and love the result. Among the builders that others have listed, it would be hard to go wrong, so whip out that card or warm up that checkbook...
You're gonna' love it.
Have fun.
I agree about Waterfords. I ride a 70s Paramount, so I have a sentimental weakness for Waterfords, though I don't think what they charge is all that resaonable given that it is essentially made to measure rather than full custom. I am not hugely knowledgeable but I want to put myself in the hands of a builder who will be able to help figure out what kind of geometry is best for me and the riding I like *and* build a drop-dead gorgeous frame. For this pleasure I am both willing to pay a lot of money and wait up to a year, since this is a bike I hope to ride for the next 50 years or more (I am 28, so I hope I'll be riding this bicycle into my 80s). What do Sachs and Eisentraut charge for frames these days, anyway? I realize this bicycle will cost me several thousand dollars....