rob137

I been riding some nice bikes for the past few years aluminum and carbon, racing a little here and there, but as my 40th birthday approaches I am contemplating a return to steel just for pleasure riding. I have narrowed my list to Peter Weigle, Tom Kellogg (Spectrum cycles), Vanilla cycles, Eisentraut and Kirk. I still want to go fast from time to time but I am also interested in comfort and flawless design. Can anyone
help narrow the playing field a bit. Yes I know Richard Sachs is a master but he has a 3 year waiting list. Thats a bit much even for perfection.

Thanks

jukt

No, but how about some more confusion. If I ever get a custom cut bike, I will go in person. A local guy.

https://www.classicrendezvous.com/USA/USA.htm

All American Bicycle Makers.

Markedoc

As the saying goes, you have a problem, but it's a good problem to have!

I like the idea of being able to actually go to the manufacturer's location and meeting the builder, having him do the fit, etc. For this reason, I am considering Sachs since he is only a few hours down the road. Then again, I think Weigle is in VT (?) now that I think about it ...

3 year (I thought I heard 32 months but close eoungh) wait wouldn't bother me since I have a Ti Litspeed and just picked up a steel Merckx ... gonna take me a few years before the Sachs fits into my budget again!

531Aussie

Mr. Cervelo should build your last bike!

I've been boring everybody with this, but I just bought a Cervelo Superprdodigy (frame-set only), and I can't fault it. It comes with a Columbus Muscle fork (full carbon), a Cane Creek head-set, and a Cervelo carbon seat post.

I've put mostly Dura-Ace on it, so that's obviously contributing to my satisfaction.

If you're a "Weigh Weenie", I've put heavyish wheels and heavy pedals on the bike, and it weighs almost exactly 19.9lbs without bottle cages and speedos (I'm such a geek, I weighed each component individually).

https://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?...GW/bike_ch1825

It obviously sounds like you wanna get a custom frame, but this way will save you some money.

SDS

Of your list, I lean toward Tom Kellogg, but I wonder why Serotta is not on the list.....

55/Rad

I will eventually own a Vanilla and would recommend it to anybody with your goals.

55/Rad

Davet

Call Dave Kirk. 800.605.5475 He'll answer your question! Seriously, my experience with Dave was nothing short of first rate. He built the exact frameset that I wanted/needed. He can do wonderful things with steel, from traditional lugged like mine to compact filet brazed.

The wait time on his frames is growing longer now that he has been 'discovered', but it's still very reasonable.

Have you seen the Kirk owners picture gallery at the BikeFan Club? https://www.bikefanclub.com/gallery/s....com&password=

Jakey

Antonio Mondonico

rob137

Wow! thanks for the input but I am now more confused than ever. I will look into the new names mentioned. I fully intend to go in person to whomever I choose regardless of their location. Thanks for the input, I will let you know who I pick.

Zin

I'll add another to the mix here. STRONG!

https://www.strongframes.com

Steelrider

I saw someone else post this length of wait time on another thread, but if you haven't emailed or called yourself, I would be hesitant to discount Sachs on anecdotal info. You should call, because he's likely the only one to pick up the phone, and ask him yourself. At least this way you know this info is 100% accurate.

I have an Eisentraut and highly recommend him - check out "sorebutt's" site,

https://www.litman.com/bikes/eisentraut.htm

as he just took delivery this year. He even scanned the article that first inspired me to look Albert up. Written by cycling writer Owen Mulholland and, if nothing else, interesting reading.

Good luck and let us know who you go with!

zensuit

If I was going to get a new bike built from scratch it would be a Steelman....absolutely a Steelman...

wintermute

how 'bout rivendell?