They are so pricey.

Do their bikes really offer that much bike for the money, or just because of their small production scale?

Custom fit is really nice.

It depends on how custom is custom. If it's really custom-made, it will take into account some factors that a production frame can't. For example, if a person is either taller or shorter than average, it can make a big difference, because you start getting into more extreme differences in the proportions of leg length versus torso lenght, length of arms, proportion of femur versus tibia. There's no way a production bike can take these things into account. The tubing choices will also be more in keeping with your weight and intended use for the bike than what you get in a production frame (which has to account for everybody rather than just you).

But pricey!? Have you looked at the prices for some of the higher-end carbon bikes lately? Geez, you can get two and maybe three custom made fine steel frames for the price of one of those. I'm reminded of the guys who go out and buy an $8000 carbon bike to commute to work on so they can save a few bucks on gas.

In addition to everything else, a quality custom frame from a good builder may have handling characteristics that no production frame can match, qualities that would appeal more to an experienced road riding enthusiast. For example, production bikes have to neuter their handling a bit so that buyers of all skill levels can ride safely, whereas someone who buys a custom-made frame might might want the kind of bike that offers high-speed stability more than low-speed stability.

But in the end, it's just very nice to know that the bike you ride is truly an extension of your body. The only problem is that a custom may require a long wait. I remember waiting the better part of a year for mine. That can feel like a long time.

and unless you have odd proportions, completely unnecessary.

Which is why you should buy a mass-produced bike from your LBS and then have it professionally fit. You['ll get exactly the same results and spend a lot less money than you would for a custom frame!

Having built my first custom frame last year, I'll let you in on a little secret: it's no better than an LBS bike fitted with the same components! And it cost 2-3X as much, because I was buying stuff in such small quantities. I custom built my frame because I knew how to TIG weld and thought it would be a fun project. If I wanted the best-fitting bike at the best price, I'd buy from my LBS and schedule a professional fit...

People always assume that a custom-made frame is obscenely expensive. It can be, but it's often not that much more than a similar production one. I can't think of anything else that can offer a road bike enthusiast greater pleasure and more bang for the buck. In fact, what else can you still get custom-made in life?

As someone who has back issues and can't bend over the bike like most people, I'm going to have to disagree with you.......at least in my situation.

Because of my bulging disc, I cannot bend at the waist, I have to bend at the hips in order to ride a road bike. My back has to stay somewhat arched when I ride. I needed a geometry that sits me up higher. When I went to get fitted, they measured me completely, watched how I pedaled on the fit bike for half and hour (to see if I pedal symmetrically), spoke with me regarding my spine position and talked to me about how I would be using the bike. They took into consideration my weight, muscle mass and bone structure.

I ended up having the frame completely custom for my needs. I didn't want to spend so much (NOBODY wants to spend a whole lot on a bike) but compared to riding a Specialized Dolce Elite that was "customized" (I lasted 10 minutes on that bike before pain showed up) and compared to the Giant OCR C3 (15 minutes), the geometry I ended up with on this custom bike has not given me any pain whatsoever.

I can now actually ride a road bike!

Houses, furniture, motorcycles, cars (to some extent), airplanes (to some extent), landscaping, decks, swimming pools, suits/clothing/shoes, ....

From experience, I'd MUCH rather go out and get a true custom frameset from a reputable builder than pay the same $ for an off-the-shelf production bike. The potential benefits are huge. These days you can easily spend $2000-$5000+ for a production frame although its one hellova fine frame. Custom frames allow the rider almost endless possibilities in geometry, fit and a "blend" of handling characteristics, etc.. that many desire. Then there's "pride of ownership" in having a "one-off". Some custom builders get a premium, some are more value priced. In the end, does the average rider need custom?..no, today's production frame quality is very good.

k

While I applaud (with my envy!) your ability to build your own custom frame, My overwhelming experience with customs is the exact opposite and I am a textbook perfect fit for a 56cm C to C (top/seat tubes) production frame. I am not saying the average (sized) rider needs custom but the potential benefits are huge. The hard part is only the buyer can attach value to these benefits, not everyone has the same priorities.

Years ago a true custom was ALOT more $$ than a really good production frameset. Not so today...really good production (mainly CF) frames run high (roughly $2000 to $5000 I see). I've recently been looking into a custom and prices go from approx $1000 to $4000 with a few extremes over that. I'm looking at a Yamaguchi custom steel frame and its about $1500-$2000. Although the Yamaguchi is steel and I know I can get a real nice production CF frameset for that $$, my priorities are for steel and certain riding characteristics this builder will provide me. Its also true (as far as I can see) there are VERY few custom CF builders out there so its even harder to compare production CF frames.

Overall, I am not defending either position but as the poster aboves states "what else can you still get custom-made in life?

cheers

k

You have to compare apples and apples.

Top of the line Trek Madone has an MSRP of $8249. I buy it locally, add 7% sales tax, I'm going out the door for $8826.

A fully custom Calfee Dragonfly will set you back $3500 for the frame and fork. Add $3800 to get it built ($1500 for DA10, $1500 for wheels, $800 for the other pieces). Now you're riding a bike that was built precisely for your needs (yes, even if you would fit perfectly on a stock whatever) and one with a paint job that is your own personal choice. A one off, the only bike in the world like it and you just saved $1500 in getting it.

Don't like Calfee? How about a Crumpton, generally recognized as the top custom carbon fiber builder in the country. At least among his peers. $4800 for the frame, plus $3800 for the goods and you've still saved a couple of hundred dollars.

And if you fall into the camp of "materials don't really matter", you can build yourself an outrageously well appointed steel bike for less than $5000.

At the lower end, sure, you can get a darn nice bike at the LBS for $2000 and you'll be hard pressed to beat that price with custom. You can come close though, even at that price break. A fully custom steel Gunnar will run you $1275 with a CF fork. Built with Ultegra or Centaur, $2300 to $2500.

It all depends on what compromises you're willing to make - looks, exposed seat post, components - if these things don't matter to you, and if you're not willing to invest the time to shop and work with a builder, then straight retail is the way to go.

Crumpton?..thanks,never heard of this outfit...adds another bookmark to my list

cheers

k