ftwelder

To many of us (and a part of me) you should be able to find the perfect bike by shopping around (which you are clearly good at) and being patient (uh, not me). BUT, It's pretty hard to beat a custom frame for performance. What Repechage says means a lot with regards to ultimate quality and perhaps not opportunity.

I have a Roberts (Charles Roberts UK) custom frame that was built by a pretty inexpensive custom frame builder. It's really amazing compared to a typical production frame. I am sure the Colnago or any bike on that level are a step above (if not several) the typical road model. I think a lot has to do with volume. My Grandis isn't custom but they build a lot on nice bikes and it is evident in the ride.

I would consider it at least. I wait a year for my wheel guy and six months for my stickers so may be I really am patient with certain things? There are a few things on which, I am willing to spend as much as it takes.

Wheel building
bibs
beer
derailleurs
materials for making meals
Something my wife wants

Pick your own and damn the torpedoes. oh, and chrome? pffffft.

busdriver1959

$1400 for a frame that, if cared for, will last for the rest of your life? Cheap. I paid $500 for my first really nice frame in 1980. Not sure but I think in todays dollars, that's more than 1400. I still ride it even though it's not my main ride. On the other hand, you posted once before that you wanted to do some brazeons yourself. Chombi hit the nail on the head. Go for it and start researching framebuilding. You won't be happy until you do. Download the free copy of the Paterek manual and start reading.

Chris Pringle

One of the top 50 things any serious cyclist should do in his lifetime: get a custom bike!

bobbycorno

How so?

SP
OC, OR

gomango

Curious as well.

Let's hear it.

Velognome 

Since you want a custom frame, get one, simple

clubman 

+1, the only answer to the OP's speculative question. Buy it and report back as to whether it was a good decision.

(imo, that fork crown is kinda fugly)

rhm

Come to think of it, I have at least three, maybe four, custom frames. They just weren't custom made for me. The two that fit me best were made before I was born.

I don't really believe $1400 is going to get you a frame custom made for you. More likely, the builder will build his standard design frame in whatever size you request. I don't think that's quite the same thing.

RobbieTunes 

You're going to have regrets either way. You may as well have a bike to ride.

4Rings6Stars

I you need/want a custom, get one. But don't get one because it's cheap and you saw a shiny one... Shop around, find a builder that really speaks to you (literally and figuratively). A couple hundred bucks more could be very well worth it, especially if it will be a lifetime frame.

Since my riding time has been slashed by 90% after starting my new job, I've been seriously considering selling two or three big dollar bikes I have and investing it in a proper grail bike. Steve Potts or Moots ti disc cross/gravel grinder or perhaps something from Dave Kirk...

jimmuller 

Fascinating discussion. The opinions offered here are from people whose opinions I trust. Yet they are still all over the map.

Everyone's finances are different. But consider, many people spend more than $1400 on something frivolous every so often. People buying a car for need will spend $1400 more than they need for basic transportation just to get certain options or more power or a sportier model. People go on expensive vacations which are over in a week or two. If it were a car upgrade instead of a bike it wouldn't seem so intimidating. But you do have to be able to afford it at the time. Only you can answer that.

Having determined you can (or can't) afford it, then your task isn't to justify it. The task is to make sure the bike is as good as it can be. A custom frame that really isn't may not be much better than something you could find. So do your homework.

My opinion on aesthetics may not matter much but the pic in the opening post didn't do much for me. And you really like a bike already available but it is purple and chrome, consider having it re-painted. Unless it's a classic, a newly painted bike that fits is just as good as a custom bike that fits the same, if you take my meaning.

3speed

I think this part of what gomango said, along with the other comments about how much $1400 is to you personally and looking into other builders, pretty much sums it up. I don't own a custom myself, but I simply Love being on a bike, and I'd be willing to spend a decent sum of money on a custom if I had a better idea of what I wanted. I'm sure I will someday after I spend time on more bikes learning about what geometry is right for me and exactly what I want from the bike. If you're at that point, and you really love being on a bike and will for the rest of your life, then it's worth it if you can afford it. If you can't afford it now, but truly love being on a bike, start saving your pennies and get the custom when you can realistically afford it. If you're still young, whatever age that may be to you, buy it before old age or too much responsibility hits you. You only live once. But don't buy it just because the opportunity is there Now. There are lots of builders and a range of prices and they will be around for a while. Do it when you know what you want, the right person is building it, and the time is right for you. A custom frame would be awesome and you'll probably keep it forever. Therefore, don't do it on a whim without a lot of research. If the frame build is overseas, who is going to help you come up with the measurements on everything to get the perfect end result that you want out of a bike? I feel like that's a big factor.

Sixty Fiver

I know that our prices are considered pretty reasonable and that $1400.00 is a pretty good deal if the frame is truly custom.

We are charging $1600.00 for a frame and fork right now due to the increases in material costs.

JReade

I'm leaning this way...you are getting measured and then those numbers are sent to a guy in Italy, who makes 59cm or whatever with X bosses or Y features. Custom, yes. But is it going to be YOURS and fit YOU?

canyoneagle

US$1,400 for a custom frame by a well regarded builder with polished lugs is a solid value in my book. "stock" Cinellis and Tommasinis are well into the $2k zone for stock frame sets, and any custom lugged frame is at least $1,800+ these days.

If you have the cash, I'd say go for it!

Can you source your grouppo out of the UK without getting a huge import duty?

onespeedbiker

I have one custom frame, it's a Single Speed Rocklobster mountain bike and I have never regretted it. At the time eccentric bottom brackets where just coming into vogue and the Marzocchi Atom 100 had just appeared on the market. I ended up with a custom EBB frame, suspension corrected for 4" with rear disc tabs; similar frames/bikes appeared on the market several years later. Part of the allure of a custom bike is working with the builder to create not only a bike that will fit you and looks great, but the builders expertise in creating a frame that compliments your riding style (ie when I said I wanted a fairly stiff frame, Paul recommended Tange steel; something I would not have considered, but it turned out it fit the bill exactly). Paul also asked me about the components I planned on using and tweaked the frame accordingly; such as raising the bottom bracket height slightly for 180mm cranks. If your custom bike build consists of filling out a sheet of measurements, lugs styles and colors, that are then sent off to Italy, with a completed frame shipped back to you several months later, I would say you are cheating yourself by not being involved enough with the build. It sounds like you are lusting after a custom bike and $1400 is a reasonable amount to pay these days, but don't just jump at the first opportunity to have one built. Ask around, check the net and make some phone calls first. Then if you feel comfortable with getting your custom bike made through the bike shop you work at, go for it! Then you will know you took some time to choose a builder before you pulled the pin. The key is to have some fun with the process as it may be a once in a lifetime experience; so enjoy it!

TiHabanero

Why not make your own frame? That is what I did. Just sold my beloved Nishiki Medalist to make room for a new bike, my baby brother had just died at age 33, and I figured, why not? Bought the Paterek manual, read front to back, bought oxy/acetylene set, created a full sized drawing, ordered the tubes needed (had almost complete 70's era 531 tube set from my deceased brother) and lugs from Henry James and a month later was riding a true custom bike that fit me like a glove. You could make your own frame with MAP torch for about 700 bucks usd, including nice paint.
It is not difficult to braze, never did it before that time, and learned without practicing. I just did it. You can too! 20k miles later the bike now sits in retirement and I ride a Ti frame. If I had the money for the equipment I would have made my own Ti frame!

DIMcyclist

I think it's safe to say that most of us aren't natural talents in that area, TiHabanero! Still- if you got it, you got it; awesome!

But considering that a really hot stock frame (say, a Torelli Nitro for instance) will start at about $1400 USD, and that most full-custom frames start at + $2000, $1400 is a relative bargain.

Just off the top of my head, I can't think of a Portland builder who'll make a complete lugged frameset for under $2300- and that's base price- before you get into little upgrades like fancier lugs, custom paint, & chrome work.

It's been said- you only live once. If you really can afford it, go for it.

gomango

I think about these questions all the time regarding a custom purchase.

I know forum members such as Aaron were able to get exactly what they wanted from a custom builder in Italy.

Obviously, a lot of thought, care and love went into the process as the bicycle that resulted is spectacular.

I happen to have incredibly talented builders right here in the Twin Cities.

Deciding between Chris Kvale and Dave Anderson was not easy, but I do like the fact that the money I will spend is going local and I certainly don't feel like I am compromising quality.

I have financed these purchases by downsizing my stable, so much so it looks downright thin around here for bicycles.

Just remember though, a custom build doesn't just have to be about the "fit" issue.

It's really a belief that the person building your new bicycle knows exactly what you want and they know how to build with all the passion, craft and care they can muster.

I really don't know how to put a price tag on that or all of the years of enjoyment that will be the result of their efforts.

Folks like ft welder and sixty fiver have a special talent and that is the ability to create something with their hands that provides tons of fun and enjoyment for the buyer.

That's fantastic!!!

KonAaron Snake 

While I can't discuss specific pricing, this is not necessarily correct and there are builders less expensive outside the US. A lot of that has to do with exchange rates and insurance costs.

Also - while I respect the folks saying it isn't worth it to them, isn't that a difficult opinion to have if you haven't had one? I haven't met many folks who bought a custom from a good builder who regretted it.


I bought overseas...it's very easy to get someone to help with the measurements. A doctor, a spouse, a friendly bike shop. As far as your comments about geometry - I also disagree; when you're buying from a quality builder you tell them what the end result should be...you don't give him a list of angles. It's his job to understand and to apply the geometry, not yours. I don't think you need to be a frame builder to buy a custom frame.

RobbieTunes 

Everyone I've ever met, who had a bike custom made, did not regret it.

Some felt a little foolish afterwards, knowing they were not using it fully, after what they paid.
Their bikes continue to look new, clean, and pampered.

Some took heart in what they paid, and ride the bikes like there will never be another day to ride.
Their bikes look like they are the only bike in the stable, and get ridden for everything from the TdF to X-Games.

Every one of them had fit issues with "standard" sizing, and had been through many bikes, always looking.
Every one of them had a favorite "standard" bike, and just wanted "one like that, that fits perfectly."
Every one of them will tell you that once they got their custom bike, "fit" was only about half the thrill.
The builder knowing their weight, position, style of riding, habits, fitness, etc was fully another "half" of their satisfaction.
The cliche "it rides like it was made for me" comes up a lot, and happens to be true, so it applies for them.

When I tell our local builder that "sooner or later, I'm going to sell all these and have you build me one...," he just chuckles.
"You have to get over N+1 first." When I tell him what I like, and my "size" with just a "tweak here and there," he laughs again.
I know so little, and he knows so much. He's polite enough to simply say "there's a lot involved, more than you think."

I've already come to the conclusion that it will happen, and at the expense, someday, of my herd.
I just have to decide between Ti and steel, lugged or smoothie. I know who will build it, and who will paint it.
Other than that, I'm clueless.

When I started back into this hobby, I was in bike Kindergarten.
I think now, I'm in about 3rd Grade, relatively.

I'm up to "knowing what doesn't work," and sometimes, even, why.
I still have happy accidents with wrenching, and ignorance is still bliss.

When I feel like I've gotten to where I won't be wasting a builder's time and my money, I'm doing it.

cooperryder

Well Robbie we have not met but...(by the way I too love the Centurions as you might tell from my avatar)

I have had 3 customs made for me & regret two of them.
One, the first was a Riv, I wish I had it back.

The 2nd one, and due to me not knowing enough of what I liked, asked for it to be much too small for me.

The third one, the builder did not listen well, took forever to respond, built it a bit smaller than I asked, got the color wrong, a big disappointment all around. Don't get me wrong, it was well crafted, but not what I wanted.

All three are gone but one that I have now was built by a famous English builder and thankfully it fell into my lap and fits me like it was made for me.
(I assume all of his frames were custom, I could be wrong)
My handle may give away the builder.

Total aside from this discussion which I discovered yesterday...someone associated with the cars of the same name is using that name building frames again.

Zoku620

I have 7 bikes, four of them are pretty nice, and $1500 total invested. I am cheap, but it works for me because I am also poor. That said, I sometimes dream of a matched pair (or trio road/track/tour) Spectrums, or full custom Pegoretti with Record Ti and Bora wheels...

Bianchigirll 

I have thought of this over the years and while "custom" made is a dream for most any serious cyclist/ collector I was never sure it was worth the effort. Since I would certainly copy the basic geomentry and measurement of my Bianchi Proto would it make sense to pay $1000+ for a custom? I don't have very long leggs and short trunk or versa or anything that requires a special geomentry.

Jim Bishop tempeted me a few years ago by telling me he had some corregated or crimped tubesets in stock but I held off. But I did get to thinking what about a custom Mixte? A Mixte with the crimped tubing would be interesting but a waste of one of the tubes. I thought of MAX tubes subbing extra seatstays for the TT that might be interesting. Bu tthen again would I get enough use out of Mixte to justify the expense?

Do these things keep you guys up at nught too?

puchfinnland

I think im out of the thought of a new custom frame at the moment.

I just found an ace up my sleeve for a cool bike I really want, if it goes my way we both get a great deal-no money changes hands.