I am not sure if this is the correct forum, so forgive me if this is not an appropriate post...I generally am in road cycling but that forum is not custom frame oriented...

I decided early this year to get a new custom frame to replace my 24 year old steel frame. After some research I chose to get a titanium frame and selected Harry Havnoonian as the framebuilder, as he is only about 15 miles from where I live in suburban philly.

I met with him in late february and got fitted, and gave him my $1000 down payment. He told me the bike would be ready in late March or April, as he was getting his new frame shop set up. I told him fine, no rush, April would be reasonable.

I called him in April and he said it would be May, due to some delays in setting up his shop. OK.

I called him in May, and he said he had my tubeset ordered and was in the process of putting it together, give him a few more weeks. OK.

I called him in June, and he said it was all ready to be welded by his Titanium welder (I did not realize he outsources his titanium welding, but ok no biggie). Wait another month.

I called him in July and he said his Titanium welder was doing a lot of overtime in his daytime job and it would be a little bit longer. OK.

I called him in August, and he said that since his welder was not able to come to his shop, he would let him take the frame with him and that would allow him to finish the job sooner. OK.

Are we noticing a pattern here? My patience is wearing thin. I am still waiting for a bike that was promised in April.

I have checked in with him weekly the past month, and I get the same story. He says the welder is not answering his calls, must be very busy, he said he even went by his house and left a note on the door for him to call.

So it is September 21st and I still do not have the frame.

I don't want to be a prick about this, and I am certain he shelled out a lot of money for the titanium tubeset and a lot of time to set up the frame...so I am trying to be patient. But it is getting ridiculous.

Any thoughts? I would especially appreciate from hearing from framebuilders, as you have firsthand knowledge about the hassles of running a shop.

Any suggestions or ideas are welcomed!

Doug