coppercook62

I was looking at there bikes and was wondering what people think of them

DScott

Isn't Calfee a boat repairman or something, and makes bikes on the side?

weavers

i love there luged carbon frames.

uspspro

Just picked up our new Calfee Tetra Tandem framset

All carbon tandem... we can't wait for all the parts to show up, so I can build it up.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.p...29&postcount=7

Nick29

A friend used to have one of their bikes. He said he loved the bike and Craig Calfee was a really nice guy but was a bit eccentric and not the best at sticking to a delivery schedule.

bigfred 

If you're concerned what other people think, they're probably not for you.

KendallF

Should I actually bother to make a serious reply?

Calfee has been making carbon frames longer than just about anyone. His frames are made in his shop; he offers three "off the shelf" frames and a wide range of custom and repair services.

I've had two Calfees ; my current race rig is a Luna Pro (the lower end model he offers). I love the bike. It's a very comfortable ride, no buzzes or rattles unlike some of my other bikes. It comes in at about 16.5 pounds with a rather pedestrian buildup (DA 9 speed w/DA 10 cranks, Vuelta 50mm carbon tubular wheels).

If you want a bike you can keep for a long time, consider a Calfee. Both of mine were purchased used and my current one might be 10+ years old. It still rides amazingly.

paul_858

I love my Calfee Luna pro for several reasons. It fits me great and rides well. I'm not going to sell you on what I "think" I get from my bike. Some people will say that it's stiff but vertically compliant since it's carbon, or whatever.

Compared to my previous frameset, Fuji Team SL (03) the calfee definitely feels stiffer but that's just an opinion. The bike has a very distinct look, lugged carbon with an unifinished surface. Although less important, I like it because it's not a mainstream manufacturer. It isn't a trek, specialized, cervelo, etc. You don't see a lot of them on the road. For the money you may find something lighter, stiffer, more aerodynamic, but honestly unless you're a serious competitor I highly doubt most cyclists would be able to tell the difference or even if they could, have it make any difference in their riding.

built up right at ~16.8lbs

Dion Rides

My Brother rides a Luna Pro, as well.

When I did the Strawberry Fields Forever ride, I had a chance to go to Calfee and I was impressed. They are a relatively small shop with all the California hippy vibe. Very expensive, slightly blingy and I was struck by their bamboo frames.

ptle

I like his bikes. They looks really nice. I've also heard he's been dealing with carbon bikes for a long time. If I had the money I would definitely get one because they are not as common as other bikes but probably just as good.

fgsanfordlives

Just a chance encounter, but a very favorable one. I had the pleasure of sharing a beer with him at NAHBS this year. I was sitting on a couch in a building filled with art studios. An afterparty, it was, with roller racing, djs and all. He plopped down and we started a conversation about, naturally, bicycles. I didn't think a thing about it, as really pleasant conversations about bicycles with complete strangers was the norm over a super delightful weekend. Not until the word bamboo came up did I know I was speaking with Mr. Calfee himself. Very pleasant man. Easy to speak with. It was quickly obvious that he loves his work and that he loves the world. Based on this, and his reputation in the industry, I wouldn't hesitate to consider riding anything he crafted.

blacksquid

I did SFF this year and the stop at the Calfee shop inspired me! I'd love to pick up a bamboo frame some day. I did however pick up a used Luna Pro frame set on ebay for $500 and built it up with 2008 Campy Chorus w/a 2003 Eurus wheel set. Very light and responsive. I'm still tinkering with the fit but so far I'm impressed and pleased with its ride. I don't think the power transfer to the rear wheel is better than my Pegoretti Marcelo but it's close.

Stray8

They're very highly regarded for their carbon frame tandems.


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Homebrew01

A welcome change compared to all the over-the-top graphics on Pinarello etc...

botto 

you need to check out pedal force.

Garfield Cat

That picture of the Luna, the inside of the garage door. How interesting.

KevinF

I've had a Calfee Tetra for five years now. It's pretty rare that I see another one around, which I like. They look distinctive with their curving lugs. It's nice having something a little different.

I am nowhere nearly a good enough rider to deserve having one, but I'm never going to give mine up. There are no surprises in how it handles. I routinely churn out centuries on it, and I don't feel beat up at all at the end. Just an all-around perfect bike.

rydaddy

Agreed. My Tetra Pro is set up for long distance but it's also a fully capable racing machine. But you know what they say, race what you can afford to replace....

mburchard

Actually he did get his start making carbon fiber riggers for Ted Van Dusen racing shells.

BikeWNC

I had 2 Luna Pros. Unfortunately, I was late to discover that the BB shell is offset 3mm to the drive side on these bikes. I found out when I started to develop severe hip and knee problems which were made worse by a slight leg length discrepancy. I'm sure the BB offset would not be an issue with most people but it caused me big problems. IDK know why the bikes are built that way but I can't ride them.

lung

Calfees are beautiful works of art. great bikes. I'd LOVE to have one. In my top 5 for sure.

KendallF

Are you serious? I would bet $ that, first, you couldn't measure such an offset without a framebuilder's jig, and secondly, that there are several other possible misalignment factors that would add up to much more than a 3mm offset in your fit (cleats, bottom bracket axles, etc).

BikeWNC

Yes I am serious and I had it measured. I'm not grinding an axe here, I sold both bikes a while ago and I'm sure the new owners are happy with them. I know what I measured and it is obvious to the eye. The offset just didn't work with my body and I tried everything.

paul_858

I don't generally carry a camera with me on rides but I'll try to get something more interesting.

redfooj

dont like their webbed lugs. at all