My next bike is going to have be custom built because nothing like it really exists. Some bikes I've seen are close, but not really what I want. I'm looking for opinions on what frame builder would best for what I want. I want a 26" MTB with lots of custom options and built to my specs.

I can't spend more than 3K(hopefully closer to 2K), and I don't want to wait 5 years for it, I can wait up to 1 year if need be.

High quality steel tubing, expecting framebuilder to recommend tubing based on what I describe how I plan on using the bike. It should be overbuilt with thicker than need be tubing. Should be highly off road capable. Bike should be able to take small jumps and drops, when loaded... When not loaded, should have really good trail manners for technical riding, again must be overbuilt, like a tank. Don't mind if the frame ends up weighing 8 or 9 lbs.

Built for 26" wheels with clearance for tires up to 2.35" and fenders, custom geometry geared toward aggressive MTBing.

Chainstay mounted disc tabs, like this Wolfhound(which is one builder I am considering)



Rack and Fender eyelets on rear dropouts, and fender/rack mounts on seatstay.

V Brake bosses, just in case I have to mount V Brakes

Ability to open chainstay/seatstay junction to slip belt through. Either using the Carbon Drive Keystone dropout, or their own way of doing this. I would actually prefer a replaceable dropout system as found on some freeride and downhill mountain bikes.



Ability to use Rohloff speeddisc hub, without support arm(OEM 2 mounts)

It would need a removable Derailer hanger as well.

3 bottle cage brazeons.

The Fork will have to be custom designed as well. I want to utilize the 20mm thru axle to get a stiff and strong fork that can take lots of abuse and can take technical riding with small jumps and drops, needs to be suspension corrected to 130mm(5") and have post mounted disc brakes if possible but I.S. is ok too. I'll switch between the custom rigid steel fork and a suspension fork.

I'd love to hear opinions on who you'd recommend to build this for me.

Thanks for reading.

Robin Mather He makes very nice bikes. Tours himself. Likes the Rohloff. Lastly and most importantly for you it seems like he likes to experiment and push the boundaries. I think he will make / get made laser cut custom dropouts for you e.t.c

The only problem is he is based nr Bath. I presume you are in the U.S so this will make things difficult and expensive but being as this is one hell of a bike it maybe worth the extra spend if you can't find someone more local who will do what you want how you want.

Not sure of the waiting list but for a bike like you discribe I think you will have trouble finding a builder capable with a short waiting list / time.

Thanks, yeah I found his site the other day and was very interested. I'll add him to the list and maybe send him an email.

Ran across something that looks pretty interesting, but I'd still prefer a hardtail.



You can easily install a belt drive on this Kona. And since it has a BB centered single pivot, there is no chain length growth. The Fox RP3 has propedal so it should pedal fine when sitting on smooth trails or roads.

A Rohloff dropout will probably bolt right up...

Have a lookee at the NAHBS photos — a ton of west coast builders — many of them doing just what you're looking for.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/2008...ults/nahmbs083

PM cuda2k here at BikeForums. He an d a group of others went to the NAHBS and along with the photos may well have picked up a swag of other information that may be useful. Also do a search of NAHBS here to turn up some of their info.

It looks like a fantastic project that you've put a lot of thought into. PLEASE, keep us informed of progress on the project and the final result. I am particularly impressed by the first picture of the disc brake mount and the fact that the frame in that instance seems to use close to standard/traditional diameter tubing.

Thanks.

I've been talking to Walt from www.Waltworks.com and I'm pretty sure he can do this for me and is within my budget. The wait is less than 6 months too.

He's done some of the things I want already, such as the 20mm thru axle rigid fork.

I'm going to go with Paragon sliding dropouts so I'll have to use the disc mount on the dropouts. The rear rack brazeons will be higher on the chainstay.

Try Bill Davidson. He's built more bikes -- of very interesting types -- than most people can imagine. He's built touring bikes, racing bikes, mountain bikes, Rohloff bikes...I even saw a prototype police cruiser bike in his shop one day. Works in both steel and titanium. A real pro, has been building bikes for 30+ years. Prices are competitive w/other custom builders and his lead times are around 10 to 12 weeks.

https://www.davidsonbicycles.com/html/home.shtml


I was in the store a couple of weeks ago looking at the bikes he was taking to the show in Portland and I casually asked if he had ever built a Rohloff bike (one of my dreams...). He proceeded to explain that he's built 4, described them all in detail....and when I asked him how to make a bike that would have Rohloff but then be convertible back to a derailleur he proceeded to explain exactly how to do it. When I saw a carbon-belt bike at the Portland show, I thought immediately that Bill would be the guy to tackle something like that. BTW, he's done lots of mountain bikes.

I see how you'd slide the belt thru the dropout above, but you do you plan on doing this with the Paragon Sliders? As for a framebuilder, how about Tom Teesdale? On his website, one of his specialties is a off-road touring frame, and he's very affordable compared to most builders. I'm guessing he'd do a good job since he's built lots of frames for some for high end companies. I'm thinking about ordering a frame from him.
https://www.tetcycles.com/Frames/Moun...t_touring.html

Carl Strong .... www.strongframes.com

He built a bike for me ... took about 4-5 months ... super guy, great quality, reasonable price.

I recommend Arvon Stacey in Tofield Alberta Canada. He built a bike for me that is uniquely strong for (expedition type) touring: he offset the rear triangle so the wheels track and so the rear wheel does not have to be dished. No one to my knowledge has one with such a strong system. The front and rear wheels are 48 spoke on 26" Sun rhyno-Lite rims. These wheels stood almost 2000 km of outback dirt and paved roads pulling an Ibex trailer and with panniers. The frame and wheels are bulletproof. The Shimano BB, chain and rear derailler caused me some grief - but not because of Arvon. They just did not stand up! Period! I also had trouble with the new-fangled cables that have parallel sheath wites - that split apart. The spiral nwound ones are more reliable. I now have a PW BB (same with the hubs), and the best Shimano RD and chain - and will carry a spare next time..

His contact is arvon1@telusplanet.net

I don't know if he has a web site. His price was better than that of builders in the USA and his turn around time was pretty good - mind you we took our time with "tweaks". If you contact him say "Hi!" from me - he will know who used his bike in Outback Australia in July/August 2006.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

tmac, do you have pics of your bike and maybe journal I can check out?

My SM cards are coming with a friend who is visiting here and once I get them I can send you some. Send me a PM as there is no need to show the world some uninteresting pics.... Perhaps by Wednesday - but PM me as I do not sift backwards in time through stuff...

waterford can make your bike within stated budget

There's some good videos of builder interviews from the NAHB show at mtbr.com

They have this photo of a belt drive using an S&S coupler to separate the stay when the belt needs changing.