longinc

Hello,

I am looking to commission a custom titanium road bike. The custom bike builders I am considering are outside of WA state. Instead of attempting to take measurements of myself, I'd rather have a professional bike fitter, determine the best fit and measurements for me. Does anyone have recommendations of an excellent and highly regarded bike fitter in the Seattle area?

Thanks!

Pain

R+E Cycles

Wildwood 

I have not used any Seattle fitters, but R&E is a good bet. Bill Davidson is also a good bet.

Gotta ask who you selected for a custom Ti.

B. Carfree

+1. They've got a good system and a knowledgeable crew who actually listen to the customers.

longinc

Still deciding between the following: ericksen cycles, mosaic cycles, strong frames, and kish fabrication. Any feedback on any of these? Thanks!

Wildwood 

Ericksen & Strong & Kish have excellent reputations for design and construction - given their years in the industry they must also run a reasonable level of customer service. An acquaintance of mine has 2 Strong's that he loves. The lead time for these guys may be more than a couple of months - be sure to ask.

Since you are in the PNW have you considered Bill Davidson (Seattle) and Mike DeSalvo (Ashland, OR area)?

I have 3 custom build experiences ranging from:
1. send in the measurements and talk to the builder on the phone
2. ride a couple of the builder's standard frames and discuss changes
3. go on a 20 minute bike ride with the builder, talking about how you ride and what you want in your dream bike

In any case, I think getting all your 'desires' clearly communicated is of primary importance; but for me, meeting the builder and talking it over thoroughly made for a better experience and finished result. Two builders (Calfee and Tallerico) set me straight over a couple items I thought I wanted. Good luck and let us know what you learn and which builder you select.

longinc

Thanks Wildwood for your recommendations. I like the idea of being able to meet the builder, talk it over, and for the builder to watch me on my bike (or theirs). This approach seems to make the most sense (to me) to build a custom bike. I find it hard that by filling out a detailed measurement sheet and questionnaire that a builder can build a bike for me without watching me ride (since measurements don't take into account flexibility and strength etc.)

And, yes, I am looking at Davidson and Obrien Cycles (since they are local to the Seattle area). Thanks for the recommendation of De Salvo. Btw, I am open to steel as well, beyond the ones mentioned, are there other steel frame builders in the WA or OR state areas that you might also point me to?

Thanks again.

Wildwood 

Steel framebuilders? - too many to list.
Seattle = R&E + Davidson as already mentioned, and probably others.
Portland & Oregon - I would start with: https://oregonframebuilders.org/members/
BC = Naked Cycles

for custom tig welded steel at a bargain price there is Curtlo in Winthrop (Methow Valley) WA.

RydeBig

Wildwood, I had really good luck with Seven & had 4 fittings in Portland at River City bikes, Dealt with Ward as a fitter & Matt as the sales manager.
Had 2 long & 1 short detailed conversations with the design/floor rep.
Took a fast track of 4 weeks, love the bike. Started with SRAM, Absloutley hated it. Had shifting problems never had in over 30 yrs of cycling.

Got a chain hanger, no decals but did get head badge. WAS really on the fence about the S&S couplers, decided against them, IF I did it again I would get them.

I was still commuting on weekends to Seattle while I worked in the Gorge, so it worked pretty well for me.

Some folks question the need for a custom fit, at 6' with an inseam of 30' it takes quite a bit to set a "standard size" bike to fit with both special seat posts, handle bars & stems.

Longinc, have had really excellent results with Izzett Swan at Real Rehab in Seattle. She's very thorough, listens & is very insightful when setting up a fit

Hope this helps