custom bikes
 

Is there such a site where you could pick out (and order) the tubing you want for your frame, crankset, etc. and have a price estimate?

Sure Nova,

Nova Cycles supplies tubing and all the little necessaries for framebuilding. They don't sell the add-on parts. And they don't put 'em together. Most of the "good" add on parts are available direct from the maker. The imported stuff you'll need to establish a wholesale account with an importer or-- simply buy from discount retailers.

Of course most builders will build your bike after they make the frame with components you or they supply. And many of them will offer you numerous tubing options, but some only deal with one or two tubing makers. So if you have your heart set on Tange and the maker only uses True Temper...well.

Hey, some places do a full build-up pricing--wrench science? Just take out their non-custom frame and insert the cost of yours...

So I could build a flatland bike using Nova?

How do you know what the best tubing for your frame is?

Even if you did, the price difference between top end steel tubing and average steel tubing is only 100-150 bucks, so the major costs in making a frame are the labour and loving attention to detail in sticking the thing together.

If you want to have a play with costings, just open up a spreadsheet and go for your life.

Let me know if you actually enjoy this and I'll let you do mine for me. ;)

One can build whatever he likes using "Nova". They sell Tange, Columbus, Dedecciai, etc., by the tube and some "sets". Henry James sells True Temper. Ceeway sells it all. Kirk Pacenti sells Columbus and more. Joe Bringheli sells tubes. Richie sell tubes. Aircraft Spruce and others sell 4130 suitable for framebuilding albeit not butted.

I just recieved my order for track ends from Nova for a road bike to track bike conversion of a bridgestione 400. Highly recommended.