Java Bike Shop
 

Java Bikes

http://i2.tinypic.com/t558w5.jpg

Does anybody have one, or heard of them?

After talking to Lee (owner and builder) I am 99% this will be my next frame purchase.

Anyway I just thought I would share that I think Lee is a cool guy that builds cool bikes, check out his site. Java Bikes

Never heard of em. The frame seems pretty cool, though. That mirror polish frame on his site is pretty sweet, as well.

Beef, you're first to reply to my post again. HA, are you stalking me?

Gah! My secret has been discovered! Don't report me to the cops.

Hahah. I've just been browsing the forums obsessively lately. :p

LOL omg. I gotta get me one of those frames.
Wait a sec is that sloping?

Would really suck if your Java machine suddenly locked up, due to some bad path problems. ;)

Yeah, they are compact geometry.

Hey guys before anyone actually buys one of these things I've got some comments.

The guy who makes these lives here in Tucson, and I hear he's a really nice guy. But honestly these frames are extremely unimpressive. Here's why:

1. The paint jobs are rather ugly
2. From what I understand, the "owner" of java purchased the frames in bulk for a very low price. Are they of high-quality, are they light? When I asked him at a swap meet how much a frame weighed he didn't know. None of this very important information like, what kind of tubing is used, who manufactured it, what the frame dimensions are, etc.. Does this website look very professional to you? He's got a couple of "testimonials" indicating ride quality. I mean come on. His slogan is "building the fastest race bikes on the planet".

He's basically taking some generic aluminum frames, applying a rather tacky paint job to them and building them up with some nice parts (at not so nice prices).

It's not all that different from what a lot of bike companies do, but to me, there is no value in his bikes. You're paying for a cheap aluminum frame repainted and built with a group you could buy on the internet for much cheaper.

The welds on that frame looks hideous... worse than most chinese made frames... bottom of the barrel bulk frames purchase.

You can definately do a lot better. If you're looking for budget, there are much better options.

Beh.. and yeah those welds are horrible.

Beh.. and yeah those welds are horrible.

Yeah that was my first reaction also. They are some pretty crummy looking welds, very chunky.

What would you (and by you I mean everybody) recomend? Just curious, because I am more than open to suggestions. I was also looking at Leader frame but have heard some of the same type of reactions.

What are welds supposed to look like? I have always heard tig on AL is supossed to look like a row of overlaping dimes, or am I thinking of something else.

Bare Java head tube:
http://i2.tinypic.com/t687wh.jpg

yellowjeep, welds visible yes, giant disgusting welds no.

http://www.antbikemike.com/images/Bu.../step11big.jpg

Call me crazy, but I dont really mind the way the big welds look. And that is coming from somebody that is crazy about lugged bikes.

yellow, you're entitled to your opinion, but 1. as someone who welds a bit 2. someone who appreciates nice bikes I've gotta say - those java welds are disgusting. You won't find welds like that on any high-quality frame (this is a challenge!). God those java welds look like dred locks!

brianallan, the more I look at it the more they kinda stick out but that maybe because you have me thinking about it. I still think I may go with a Java anyway because all the frames I have been looking at in the same price cat. have just as nasty looking welds and even worse looking stickers (leader/fetish), at least with Java I can pick what I want the graphics to be. Welds don't matter much to me anyway because I should be riding fast enough that you can't see them :D plus this will hopefully turn out to be a crit. bike so looks arn't everything.

PS: Are you building (or did you build) the frame in the pic you posted?

Oh, the price def. isn't competetive. uh, trek, giant, bianchi, orbea, even cannondale and just about every bike company can do you better than $2g's for an ultegra equipped aluminum bike. Jesus that's a rip-off for what you get. I'm sure you could get this orbea for under 2k at a shop

http://www.orbea-usa.com/fly.aspx?mI...duct&taxId=231

and those java's look rigid as hell. Sure, that might be good for a 40 minute crit, but what about a 2 hour training ride on less than perfect pavement. Carbon seatposts won't save you!

For the love of god, please let bikeforums show you what else you can get for 2k. I'll be back tomorrow with some bike recomendations!

I'd not get it for the welds issue alone. If it really is "custom", get a custom lugged steel frame. No need to settle for something that ugly.

Yea bud, compact geometry happens to be the future! Don't be a fogey anymore, live with the new.:D

the paint jobs are wayy too radical for my blood. steel is real. aluminium is not skinny, umm.

I am only planning to buy the frame (for 189 dollars), I too thought the prices for a complete bike were a bit steep.