I was more or less set on either a Raleigh Rush Hour or Specialized Langster, both of which I could get for around $400. Then I heard about TATI, a bike shop in Chicago, through chifg.com.

The owner J offers some really awesome custom bikes, plus, as far as I know, hes also the only IRO dealer in Chicago. So that gave me the option of being professionally fitted for an IRO or getting an entire custom build. Unfortunately though hes way overbooked and can't accept any more work for at least a few weeks.

I still like the Rush Hour and Langster, but I caught something of a custom bike bug and the thought of getting a stock ride feels like I'm settling on an inferior product.

What do you guys think?

never!

what do you ride now
?

no

It sounds like you're not going to be happy with anything except for the custom build. I say get what you want.

an old schwinn thats getting worse by the day.

this will be my first new bike.

id ride a production bike for a while then figure out what to do with a custom

uhhhhh IROs aren't custom.

^^

ok well in that case don't waste your money on a custom. You don't sound experienced enough to know what you want or even if it is something that can't be had with a production bike. Stock bikes are not inferior for the vast majority of riders buy one and be happy.

custom as in not completely "off the peg" - yes, TATI can do that for sure.

Do you know anything about bike geometry?

looks like pitboss might be onto something

define custom

then well answer

he does a brainstorming session with all customers where he gives you the full run down on geometry, parts, colors, etc. even the IROs he's got are only frames all the other parts are chosen between the two of you. its really really cool.

the more i think about it, i figure i should probably just suck it up, get a bike (which i know i'll enjoy none the less) and get to riding.

are you wanting to have a frame built from scratch for you or just to pick out parts to put on already built frame that you have been fitted to
?

i just wanted something a little more unique than what i would've gotten. i dont know much about bikes, but i figured i could learn a little bit more from a bike that was set up for me -- it doesnt really matter.

i think i've just been lurking fgg too much.

if youve got the money talk to the folks and have them help you build something

youll know more about your bike in the end and can have pink deep vs

lol wish i was hip enough for pink.

i should probably pick up some chicks' pants as well.

Building a bike peicemeal with components is definitely a waste of money. It will be cheaper if you buy the rushhour or whatever and replace the few parts that don't suit you, saddle, pedals and maybe bars for instance. Sure it sounds nice to sit down and talk about everthing that goes on your bike but unless you are looking closer to the four thousand dollar range then the four hundred you might as well flush your money down the toilet.

If you don't know much about bikes, then you might not really notice the difference between a stock bike and a custom bike. Another option to think about is paying for a custom fitting of a stock/production bike. What this means is that (depending on how much your LBS would charge, it's usually less if you buy a bike from them), they can set you up on either a fit kit, or put you on the bike while on a trainer, and then run a gammut of measurements to dial in your correct saddle hight and position as well as handlebar hight, angle, and stem length. This would give you a stock/production bike that fits you like a glove, and having a bike fit you like that is all the custom you need.

Are you looking for a reliable bike to ride or are you trying to impress folks on the bike forum with pretty? Buy what ever suits your needs. SS FG ain`t rocket science. Reliability and Proper fit are the only 2 things that really matter if your a rider.

Get a GEARED alu road bike. Good value for money

Heh.. If you're normally proportioned (height divided by inseam = 2.0 to 2.2), a production bike should be fine. If you have disproportionately long legs, trunk, or arms, adjusting a production bike to fit (with saddle height, setback, stem height and extension) might not be possible and a custom frame your only option.

I recently got fitted for a custom frame, and the geometry came out to be virtually identical to the production frame I've been riding.

DING, DING, DING!!! We have a winner!

1. Buy a bike that fits.
2. Ride said bike.
3. Ride said bike more (andmoreandmoreandmoreandmoreandmore).
4. Throw your computer out the window.

Enjoy the wonderful world of off-ling cycling.