Carbon, titanium or both?
 

I’m semi-contemplating buying a new custom frame with, exogrid technology, from Bill Holland, who is a local frame maker here in San Diego. Bill built my current titanium frame and I love it.

I borrowed one of his exogrid loaner frames, and today got a chance to try it out by pedaling about 60 miles up the coast.

Here is what an exogrid frame looks like.
http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/8854/img4237r.jpg
By nachomanh at 2011-07-02
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http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/9448/img4240pg.jpg
By nachomanh at 2011-07-02
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The workmanship is really beautiful.
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http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/9819/img4262m.jpg
By nachomanh at 2011-07-03
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We had about 15 in our little group today.

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/149/img4267v.jpg
By nachomanh at 2011-07-03
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But I ended up in the fast group of 6.

It’s difficult for me to describe the ride, because I can only compare it to titanium, which I own. I don’t own a carbon fiber bike. It was like a smooth, subtle titanium ride. It felt like the bicycle dampened more road noise and vibration. If you’re interested in the exogrid build process, check out the Bill Holland website.
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http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/4160/img4272l.jpg
By nachomanh at 2011-07-03
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And this is my daughter’s guinea pig!

now that is a nice frame

Pretty, but I'm skeptical that it is worth the added complexity/expense over straight Ti.
What does the guinea pig ride?

The Exogrid Hollands are pure works of art. I'd be interested in comparing the ride to the 2 ti/carbon combos I've had - the Opera Palladio and the Lemond Tete de Course. While I loved them both, I found I preferred the ride of a full Ti frame to both of them.

Without prying too much, what is the price range one might expect to pay for such a frame?

how much does a frame go for

The exogrids are $4,400.00. The isogrids, which I believe are similar to the Lemond tete, are $4,100.00. The pure custom titaniums are $3,000.00.

Hey Nachoman,

I visited Bill this past week with the intention of getting fitted for a Ti frame but ordered an exogrid. I talked with Bill and Cody extensively about the differences, costs, and benefits, and I also spoke with a couple of other Holland owners who ride both Ti and exogrid frames. Based on what I heard, I would be completely happy with one of Bill's Ti frames, but the road dampening characteristics on chip seal roads -- common where I ride -- and the fewer overall road vibrations for longer rides convinced me that exogrid has benefits that are worth the cost for me and my riding. I prefer the look of the plain ti frame, the more minimalist aesthetics, but I am sure that the exogrid will work fine for me. Good luck with your decision.....

Congratulations on your purchase! All of the guys over there seem like a great bunch to work with.
Also, if you look at the photo of my five friends pedaling down the coast, and then check out the Bill Holland website under "about us", you'll recognize someone.