I'm in the process of choosing a frame builder for a new track frame. I want to stay below $900, and I have not found a lot of builders who work in that range. My first instinct was to go with Bob Jackson, however they are backlogged and are not taking custom orders.

I've been considering going with Mike Terraferma (https://www.terrafermacycles.com), however I ran across a you tube video that makes me somewhat nervous. The video is supposedly a joint effort between Terraferma and Sparton frames, even though it is showcasing Terraferma's work.

This causes concern because of the negative reviews given to Sparton frames here on the forums, and the fact that the owner of the company was banned due to comments on this post: https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespeed-fixed-gear/330345-anyone-have-intel-cheapo-ebay-track-frames.html

If anyone has any experience with Terraferma frames, please let me know, and if not, recommendations for custom steel frame builers who are in the $600-800 range would be appreciated as well.

There are lots of custom dudes who will do work for under or around $900.

https://www.jacobsbicycles.com/ - used to be pretty cheap, no real prices on the site now.
www.clockworkbikes.com - some seriously nice stuff for lower prices

That's just from my (shallow) pool of memory. Surely you can find more with actually looking.

I know the ebay sparton frames are junk. I can't speak for their custom stuff.

custom <$900?
Check out Curtlo, Teesdale, Mercian, Marinoni among others.

spicercycles.com?

There is a good reason most custom jobs are 900 plus. Parts, materials, and gas (assuming it's brazed) alone run around 600 if you do it yourself. Not to mention the 40 hour build time, and the design time.

Save up another $4-500

Seconding Marinoni, they are fantastic and have been building elite frames for decades now. I've had some dealings with them over the phone and they are very accommodating and the prices were good too----they quoted me about $160 to paint a bike, which is a great price. I kinda regret selling my most recent Marinoni off; if I didn't already have a Ciocc, I would have kept it for sure.

Sparton frames are waterpipe crap. I hate to use such damning language, but they really aren't built to a very high standard.

Mike Terraferma, on the other hand is a very talented builder. A Terraferma-built frame is as good as any other custom out there and usually at a very reasonable price. He communicates very well with his clients and his workmanship is consistent and precise.

I don't know the specifics of the relationship between Terraferma and Sparton.

(I'm not trying to sound like a shill for Mike Terraferma's frames or anything, but one of the fellows on my weekly group ride has one and it's a really sweet frame. Plus, I like to support the small builders while their waiting for their hype-train to come in. Given luck and proper marketing, Terraferma could easily become the next Vanilla, Jonny Cycles or Land Shark.)

I would pick a local builder, if I were you. Being from Chicago, Troy Courtney of Courtney Custom Cycles is pretty close to where you live. His pricing is highly reasonable as well.

That is very reassuring, I feel better knowing that someone has had a chance to evaluate his work first hand.

That you tube video I linked to was a bit confusing, I'm not sure if there is a relationship or not... for all I know the guy who was in that video merely toured Terraferma's workshop and shot a video. I've been in contact with Mike Terraferma and plan on asking him about it.

Agreed. As a matter of principle (and cost aside), I would prefer to work with less established builder, who would ideally be able to provide a more personal level of service.

Thanks for the help!

What about Johnny Coast cycles in New York? I'm not sure where i heard it but i think his track frames go for $900 and are quite nice. I was also looking into getting a custom frame by sparton but the the guy selling them on ebay only seems to be an importer rather than having any actual ties to the builder.

Mercian. they start around 800.