Sparton frames are waterpipe crap. I hate to use such damning language, but they really aren't built to a very high standard.

Mike Terraferma, on the other hand is a very talented builder. A Terraferma-built frame is as good as any other custom out there and usually at a very reasonable price. He communicates very well with his clients and his workmanship is consistent and precise.

I don't know the specifics of the relationship between Terraferma and Sparton.

(I'm not trying to sound like a shill for Mike Terraferma's frames or anything, but one of the fellows on my weekly group ride has one and it's a really sweet frame. Plus, I like to support the small builders while their waiting for their hype-train to come in. Given luck and proper marketing, Terraferma could easily become the next Vanilla, Jonny Cycles or Land Shark.)

I would pick a local builder, if I were you. Being from Chicago, Troy Courtney of Courtney Custom Cycles is pretty close to where you live. His pricing is highly reasonable as well.