Help me understand something here.

I see a lot of gorgeous builds coming out of bespoke builders like Stoemper, Stinner, Vynl, Curve, etc. The one thing that I'm curious about is what are you getting from a builder who charges $1500-2000 for a steel or aluminum frame that you aren't getting from one of the big makers (Trek, Cannondale, Specialized, etc) who seemingly have more R&D and technology at their disposal, and can likely offer more of a bike at a lower price point due to volume, margins, marketing, etc.

I love the idea of giving a lot of my money to a USA based company, but need some help understanding what I'm getting from a smaller company that I'm not from one of the larger.

I understand that they can make a bike built to your specs, which is great, and clearly a selling point. But, beyond aesthetics what are these bespoke shops doing differently, and, how does one make an informed decision when it comes to the use of metals (I see many builders using 7005 or 6061, 4130, and certain titaniums), welding, frame building techniques from these smaller shops? Especially when you're looking at a complete bike priced north of $5K.

Sorry for the dumb question.

Spesh and Trek and the rest have big marketing departments, I wouldn't be so sure about their engineering departments. But they make a really good bike anyway, it's not rocket science. Despite what their marketing people say.

Someone charging only $1500 or even $2000 for a custom frame is living off of a spouse or has a day job or is living very frugally. There are very few people that are selling enough for a decent standard of living

As far as metal bikes go, you are probably getting a better bike from a custom builder. Although there are some very good Ti builders in China that are being marketed here. But the mass-market carbon bikes are really good, and if one of them fits you, that may be your best bet. If you want something special, a custom builder will make it for you.

If you can fit properly and are comfortable with a mass market frame, then that is probably the best option. If you don't fit properly on a mass market frame(ie. short legs and long torso/ long legs and short torso), then a custom builder can build a frame that fits you. Most buyers of custom frames are people that just want to have something different than everyone else.

I build my own frames because I'm the type of person that likes to build everything myself, not because I think its better than a mass market frame. Despite the hype, most frames are very similar in design and are just a place to hang the rest of the parts. The human body is very adaptable and you will get used to whatever you choose to ride.

There are companies that are in between, like Waterford/Gunnar.

They do custom, they do off the shelf, they make frames for other companies. At the price point you are talking about, it's unlikely you will do better.

Thanks for the info. FWIW, I'm not at all critiquing the price point. I totally understand that your kids have to eat. I'm more interested in what you get from a big company who has the testing and technology behind it, opposed to a smaller builder that is essential leveraging their knowledge (good or bad) and how that plays into the decision making process. Let alone trying to compare builders to other builders. There are so many beautiful bikes out there it's hard to come to a conclusion.

Koga Signature KOGA Signature - Custom order bicycles

(not available in the US, No dealers to ship finished 'Bespoke' menu based build to, from the NL factory)

Bike Friday In Oregon Builds to order , and the bike is built, like Lunch at a Cafe , as your ticket comes Up in the Queue.

Another issue besides fit is whether or not you want to spend your money on the latest trend that the marketing departments are pushing this year. I hope this doesn't degrade into a disc vs. rim brake argument but I don't think road discs are an improvement for the type of riding I do in the region I live in. I see the time coming when every road bike in the lbs will have discs. I also have a strong opinion about chainstay length that runs counter to what is being offered by the big companies. The front end geometry on typical mountain bikes is wrong for the local trails I ride. All of that is easy to overcome with my own designs.
Material choice figures in too. The carbon bikes I've ridden were just plain harsh. I enjoy the ride that I get from steel. Most people think that all steel bikes are heavy but my latest build came in at under 15 pounds for a 56cm frame. As an added bonus, the geo is right for me. That bike has no equilivalent in any line up out there.

I think the majority of custom bike customers are after 2 things....the custom fit based on their measurements and in most cases they have a appreciation of more classic looks and materials which are not being provided by high end production bikes A third thing is a bit of unigueness/specialness....I can envision a Dave Kirk custom someday (after kid is out of college) but don't ever see myself with a Specialized S-Works Venge or a Ferrari

I'm about to pull the trigger on a custom bike, but my reason is that I don't fit a standard frame very well. I'm tired of riding a frame with the shortest stem I can find, a stem riser, set-back bars, and my seat way up, and still being a little off. (Long legs / short torso) It's the best compromise I can do with a production bike, but it's funky. And I use it for centuries and brevets. As long as I'm getting one made, I'm also going to get it made all pretty-like. I'm nervous... and excited.

Agreed that custom frames are about fit or intended use at a detail that over the counter doesn't provide. Or the rider wants a status symbol. As to cost an over the counter bike is the killer deal. There's no way that aftermarket parts and frame can come anywhere close. Andy.