Originally Posted by
njkayaker
Yes. Buit I'd say these are really two different things. The typical (rational) reason people go to custom is to tune the size of or add accessories to an existing design. Ideally, you'd choose a builder whose existing designs match what you are looking for. If you want something "really unique", it's quite possible that you'd get something that the builder would not put his/her name on!
Excellent point.
As I said above, my experience in getting a custom frame was fantastic. I didn't know exactly what I wanted in a frame, but I knew what I wanted the bike to *do,* and that's what I got.
I'm having a second custom frame built now - I gave the builder some very specific capabilities I wanted the bike to have (e.g,. tire size, fender clearance) and some descriptions of the stock bikes that were *close* to what I wanted, and off he went. The total cost of this frame will be substantially less than the price of a Rivendell.
That being said - I'd love to own a Rivendell. I watch all the used ones in my size that come up for sale -- unfortunately (or fortunately for their owners) they hold their value really well.