Kellogg? Zinn? Serotta?

Maybe the guys at Seven, Parlee, Calfee or Crumpton?

I'm not asking about best materials / manufacturing. I'm asking who's the best at taking a bunch of inputs, fit, riding style, etc. and designing the right frame for a particular individual.

What inspired this question was a video I saw with Parlee - he may be a great frame builder, but I wasn't left with a lot of confidence that he knows a bunch about bike handling, etc. Could be wrong, but that was my impression.

How about www.lynskeyperformance.com ..........started litespeed

My vote would be Tom Kellogg. I have read nothing but good comments about his relentless focus on providing the best fitting bike for an individual. And, his ability to construct a proper and beautiful bicycle goes without saying. Just look at those 25th and 30th anniversary frames on his website, or any of the titanium frames he builds.

No doubt, these are all excellent frame designers. Big question is: who can understand your needs and desires into stelel, ti or CF.
I'll vote for Tom Kellog as well.

I'd have to say either Richard Sachs (e-RICHIE) or Dave Kirk.

marty

I had a good experience with TK. Can't speak to the others.

Try Serotta's board where the discourse and level of experience is well above the high school stuff you get here. Dave Kirk, Richard Sachs, TK and others all post there.

you ARE a grouch!!!

I like my Waterford. They sure designed a great bike for me.

Lots of good one's out there. As to who is the "best" well that is a subjective thing. I worked in a few few custome shops and know who I would and would not send people to. However, that is only my limited experience with the people I have worked with. I doubt anyone here has had numerous custom bikes.

Personally, I think the inperson fit is extremely important. This way the builder can put you on a bike, look at your position, take a look at your current bike and how it is set up. Also he can at that point play with angles and such, see how you look, ask how it feels, and have a much more in depth discussion of how you ride. All of this is much more difficult to impossible over the phone or via email. Ask around to your local buddies and see who has the best reputation locally, and go see him in person.

the geomerty of my old kestrel was designed by TK, I must say the bike fits and handling is pretty neutral. 100mm stem, and a seatpost that is not too long. I currently have 3 road bikes and all handle really nice, but I prefer the kestrel so far. I recently got a rock lobster cross bike and it is real fun to ride. rock lobsters are built by paul sadoff, one man shop and the real deal. I just bought a rock lobster road frame...I'll report back on how it rides...might take a few weeks.

Out here John Slawta and his Landshark Bikes are very well respected. https://www.landsharkbicycles.com/

Also Vanilla Bicycles are hard to beat.

Ben Serotta.

The one that gets the most votes as best custom frame designer....................well, you asked!

All good. No need to pick the best. This isn't sport talk radio.

Lance had no problem using this bunch

+1

I want to go local for my custom, however. If/when the cash is available Troy Courtney of Courtney Custom Cycles will be getting a call...

I agree. You can't go wrong with any of the ones mentioned. A couple of comments to consider. Tom Kellogg, Richard Sachs, and some of the other builders who litterally build your frame personally have a long, long wait. So if you're serious and want something soon, decide and place your order.

I had an exceptionally good experience with Seven. But that largely depends upon the input from the fitter at the LBS. The same holds with Serotta and the other larger builders. Unless you physically are close to where they build, your fitting is done remotely and you are at the mercy of the local rep. I also had a good experience with Waterford. My 853 was built 12 years ago. The paint still looks brand new execpt for a few sratches and nicks I put on over the years. The lugs and craftsmanship are exceptional.

No comment....for now.

Lance who?

waterford
serotta

For steel or ti my vote would go to Mike Desolvo ( https://www.desalvocycles.com/ ). There was just a video interview with him on VeloNews, should still be on the website.

Scott

Did you meet with Sacha for a frame fitting, Rad?

Kellogg is probably my front runner - he's close enough that I'd go to him for the fit. I'd be willing to wait. My big issue is that I feel uncomfortable on descents with more than 5% grade. I'm trying to figure out whether it's me being a wuss (probably) or the bike (Merlin Agilis, which is itself a Kellogg design). I love the Merlin, but I wonder if it isn't more of a crit bike than a down hill bomber. Or maybe something like a fork with less rake might do the job.

And sometimes I just like to think about dream bikes for the hell of it.

What about Independent Fabrication? I was impressed with what the local shop had to say about them. Anyone had any experience?

If I went custom, it would be with Bill Stevenson. He's local, I've seen a lot of his work and it's impressive. I hear nothing but good reports from other owners. Don