APBurner

Just talked to the fellow I found that builds bike for folks. He has a shop in a near by town. I am going to be test riding a bike he is building for me. It is based on a Fuji Cyclocross Pro. It has an aluminum frame and carbon fork. Looking forward to trying it out. It will be my first bike since the 80's. Wanting to get back in shape and loose some of the weight I have picked up since stopping smoking 20 years ago. As a goal I would like to try commuting to work and back, 16 miles one way. And as an outside goal maybe riding to my sons house and back 44 miles one way. I know I will have to work up to that one and the only way to my sons is a 2 lane road with fairly high traffic. So not sure I want to try that one.
Steve

PatrickR400

May I ask why you want to go with a custom built bike instead of one from a LBS? I bought a bike last year, after 20+ years off the saddle, and although it is just fine, it has it's limitations. Maybe waiting a little and investing in a bike for the near-future you would be better in the long run.

I bought an aluminum hybrid, 24 speed, and I found out after a few months that if I really wanted to train, that setup was limiting me. I will keep that bike for when I take moderate rides with the GF, but I just bought a road/adventure bike with a Shimano 105 groupset for when I really want to hurt.

APBurner

He is a LBS. He just does not have a store front. He builds bikes from frame up. I kinda felt like supporting him was a good thing to do.