ROBERTS..custom builds
:roll: I shall be ordering a new tandem frame from Roberts (croydon) soon. As I have never visited the shop I would like to hear from anyone who has had a frame custom made by them recently. How detailed was your discussion? Any other comments/tips etc.
Will they advise you if you ask for something that may not be ideal? (too short. too light etc)
Chris :?
Will they advise you if you ask for something that may not be ideal? (too short. too light etc)
Chris :?
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Comments
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Chris
They measure up your body in detail and build the frame to match - and take into account factors such as weight and shoe size. I presume for a tandem they will need to measure up both of you. But in any case I cannot see how the problem you envisage can arise - unless I have misunderstood your question. Surely you are not saying that you are not going to the shop to be measured up? I cannot see the point of buying a custom frame unless you do.
Before you go it would be best to have decided which if their models you have in mind - or at least be clear between which you want to choose.
They will hit you with loads of questions that you will not have thought about, e.g. what sort of rack or dynamos are you likely to use. These are important to deternine what bosses are put on the frame. You do NOT have to answer the questions on the spot - you can sort that out later by phone or email later. The only thing they need from you in person when you are in the shop is your measurements.
My one piece of advice is not to be afraid to ask questions. I bought a complete bike from them and am very pleased to have had their technical advice on the choice of groupset etc from them but found that I had to ask questions to get an understanding of their thought processes. To them it is often simply second nature.0 -
We currently have a Bike Friday folding tandem and a Tom Board Paris tandem so I will be taking the Paris as a starting point for discussion/measurements.
Did they give you a drawing or spec list after you placed an order?
Chris0 -
I did not leave with a spec list but with a series of questions I wanted to think about before answering, e.g. over gear ratios. They sent me a spec list after I had answered them and I signed it off before they went ahead with the building of the frame - which was delivered on time.
As I hinted at in my first response, my only fault with their customer care is that they did tell me what I should do rather than explain their reasoning. Their advice was sound and I am pleased I followed it but at the time I had to seek explanations.0 -
Thanks mathew.
Any other offerings welcome please.
Chris0 -
I found that all they wanted to do was measure me and take my deposit. I had to fight to get them to listen to my ideas and questions and to get any information regarding frame dimensions.
It was the first proper frame I ever bought so I didnt know better. If treated like that now I would cancel the order.
It was a few years ago however so all might have changed. I was also very pleased with the frame and it has performed faultlessly which is the most important thing.0 -
I was in the Roberts shop on Saturday. It isn't exactly inspiring. Situated in the middle of a dreary industrial estate outside Croyden. The shop is a bit dirty and just has a number of frames on the walls, nothing else. Very nice frames but I didn't feel the need to order one there and then. The person in the shop was helpful enough but I think it was bacause the other person I was with had been before. It seems you need to be part of an inner circle before you get the full treatment.
After that I went to GB Cycles in South Croyden. What a contrast, packed with loads of shiny things that make you just want to blitz that credit card. And very helpful staff.
Seemed to me to show the difference between bike shops of the past and future.0
