Custom Frame Builders
10-21-16 | 08:42 PM
#26
Administrator
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,652
Likes: 2,698
From: Delaware shore
Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX
I had a custom bike built recently. I went with one of the larger builders of custom bikes. I got a Waterford. I worked with a bike fit specialist, who is a Waterford dealer (she's a Gunner and Seven dealer as well, which all make bike built to order). Probably a little different than working directly with a builder, but I had a great experience, and the bike fits me so well.
I picked them because.... I don't know. Heard good things about them. I know some people who have Waterford. I wanted a lugged steel frame (I really almost got a Ti Seven).
I picked them because.... I don't know. Heard good things about them. I know some people who have Waterford. I wanted a lugged steel frame (I really almost got a Ti Seven).
I also got a Ti Seven (that's my BF name). The Seven came out perfectly and I loved being able spec put the ride and the frame was built with varying tube thickness to adjust the ride. I went for a light frame but with stiffness in the rear.
If I had to pick, the Watwrford is the winner.
10-21-16 | 08:45 PM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 684
Likes: 8
From: Jersey City, NJ
Bikes: Jamis Coda Elite - custom 1x9 setup
I've heard good things about Gunnar frames. Both from my LBS and some posters on here. That is if you want a nice steel frame, which I don't know why you wouldn't 
10-22-16 | 07:26 AM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 297
Likes: 1
From: Farmington Hills, Mi
Bikes: 1996 Specialized Hardrock Sport FS, 2011 Fuji Newest 1.0, 2015 GRC-Single Gecko, 2016 Waterford RS-22
Thanks! I already am. It's so nice. If I hadn't wanted to lugs, I might have considered a Gunner (also made by Waterford), or a Seven. It was a tough choice.
Since I didn't work DIRECTLY with the builder, it was nice to work with a fit specialist, who was trained by Waterford and is one of the top Waterford dealers in the area. (I know you can do all the measurements yourself, but having an experienced person helped I think.)
Since I didn't work DIRECTLY with the builder, it was nice to work with a fit specialist, who was trained by Waterford and is one of the top Waterford dealers in the area. (I know you can do all the measurements yourself, but having an experienced person helped I think.)
03-23-17 | 06:40 AM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
Likes: 649
From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
FeCycles in St Louis.
I don't own one because I can't afford it and because I really don't need a different bike. Jeff is a friend of mine.
I don't own one because I can't afford it and because I really don't need a different bike. Jeff is a friend of mine.
__________________
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
03-23-17 | 11:02 PM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 13
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: Curtis Inglis Road, 80's Sekai touring fixie
Mine was built by Curtis Inglis out of Sonoma.
Went into the Palisades Bike Shop in Calistoga and he was there putting the finishing touches on a bike similar to mine.
We went for a ride and he followed behind, made some measurements when we got back, then sketched out the bike on butcher paper.
That was 2001, lost count of how many miles are on it, still rides beautifully, would not replace it unless something happened to it.
Went into the Palisades Bike Shop in Calistoga and he was there putting the finishing touches on a bike similar to mine.
We went for a ride and he followed behind, made some measurements when we got back, then sketched out the bike on butcher paper.
That was 2001, lost count of how many miles are on it, still rides beautifully, would not replace it unless something happened to it.
Last edited by rgconner; 03-23-17 at 11:12 PM.
03-24-17 | 08:12 AM
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 13
From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: Curtis Inglis Road, 80's Sekai touring fixie
Thron bracket and headtube for strength and rigidity, Zona on the main triangle for compliance and ride quality, back triangle is Foco for rigidity.
Curtis picked them based on the ride qualities I wanted and my weight/power generation (I am a Clydesdale)
He nailed it, it is very stiff if I get out the saddle, but I have done many centuries on it in relative comfort.
