Considering a custom frame with Circle-A Cycles
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 2
Kathrot - your frame just made me pee all over the floor. f'n perfect. I love the colors, poppies, Paul dropouts, but that it's got fender mounts is too awesome.
As for DW, I believe his frames are a lot pricier than Circle A, if money is, indeed, and object.
As for DW, I believe his frames are a lot pricier than Circle A, if money is, indeed, and object.
#27
the goal
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 457
Likes: 0
From: Brixton, London
Bikes: Bob Jackson track
Bikkhu - I don't know if you are set on Circle A, but there are quite a few good framebuilders here in the sunny UK who you might want to look at as well. Might be a bit easier to ship to even sunnier Finland from here.
#28
asleep at the wheel
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 976
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Bikes: Custom Richie Ditta Track Bike, Eddie Merckx Corsa, Marioni Custom Pista, Dolan Cyclocross
Big ol' list of British framebuilders here (lots of these guys have websites but for some reason aren't listed)
https://www.framebuilding.com/custom_...mebuilders.htm
https://www.framebuilding.com/custom_...mebuilders.htm
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 849
Likes: 1
From: Philadelphia
Bikes: 1985 Pinarello Catena Lusso / 1983 Pinarello Montello / Raleigh Marathon / Camel Cigarettes conversion / 1957 Worksman cruiser / Puch 140 / Raleigh Grand Prix
Very nice interview, my opinions have changed towards the company quite a bit...I'm headed to RI in a few weeks, maybe I'll pay them a visit.
#30
glad the interview gave you a different perspective on circle a. if you're in providence definitely get in touch with him and see if you can check out the workshop, although i heard they might be getting evicted cause someone new bought their building... not sure what the situation is.
#31
thanks you two!
also, another note on the paint: chris informs me that he's been using a new treatment to prevent the chipping that's been a problem, so...hopefully that won't be as much of an issue for me.
also, another note on the paint: chris informs me that he's been using a new treatment to prevent the chipping that's been a problem, so...hopefully that won't be as much of an issue for me.
#32
awesome. i've actually been meaning to talk to him bout it. my plan is to just ride it until it looks beat as hell and then have it repainted. i imagine that won't be for several years as long as it continues not rusting, but i'd like to be able just to have chris repaint it.
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 349
Likes: 1
From: Brooklyn, NY
Bikes: 1970s Gazelle 10 spd -- Cheap 1980s no-name conversion
Wow, between the pics of the bikes that they have made and the interview that Evan posted, I will definitely keep them in mind when it comes time to get a new frame (especially since Providence is right up I-95 from me). Obviously, being a custom frame builder, their prices will vary, but does anyone have an idea of what a realistic price range would be for one of their frames?
#35
mike - yeah, they will. from what i remember from asking around 2 years ago they charged $200 or so for one color (with panels i think). jack is gettin a couple of '80s pogs repainted so he might have more info.
rev - when mine was built the bottom model welded frame was $800 and a fully lugged was $1100. that was with columbus deda tubing i think. mine was $1200 cause i upgraded to true temper platinum ox. paul drops are an extra $40 (i originally had these but had em taken out on the rebuild). other stuff is generally b/t $20-40 extra i think. since you're so close i highly recommend going with circle a. part of getting a custom frame for me was being able to support someone relatively local and being able to meet them, check out the shop, get fitted in person. it's a nice perk.
rev - when mine was built the bottom model welded frame was $800 and a fully lugged was $1100. that was with columbus deda tubing i think. mine was $1200 cause i upgraded to true temper platinum ox. paul drops are an extra $40 (i originally had these but had em taken out on the rebuild). other stuff is generally b/t $20-40 extra i think. since you're so close i highly recommend going with circle a. part of getting a custom frame for me was being able to support someone relatively local and being able to meet them, check out the shop, get fitted in person. it's a nice perk.






