custom builds

ButlerG
ButlerG Posts: 36
edited January 2008 in Workshop
I'm looking to get a steel road frame custom built, paying a deposit etc in the next few weeks to get into a 12 month (or so) queue. I'm fairly clear about what I want in terms of style, materials, colour etc, but I'd still be grateful for any advice on what I should be thinking of and asking for.

Comments

  • geoff_ss
    geoff_ss Posts: 1,201
    Depends what the bike is for. If it's for (say) lightweight touring/audax rides then think about what braze-ons you want like mudguard/carrier eyes (carrier eyes on the forks if it's cycle camping) Cable stops - I like to keep outer cable to a minimum by having bare cables between stops for example. On my last frame I had a lug brazed on the offside fork leg for a dynamo mount - it worked well when I used it.

    How many bottle cage bosses? On a cycle camping frame I had 3 - seat tube, down tube and front of down tube (used to carry an aluminium bottle with meths for the stove)

    Do you want a braze-on for the front mech? Are you concerned about toeclip clearance of the front wheel? Do you want a built in allen bolt clamp for the seat pin? Internal piping for computer wiring, perhaps - or not :)

    Just a few random thoughts

    Geoff
    Old cyclists never die; they just fit smaller chainrings ... and pedal faster
  • star_rover
    star_rover Posts: 318
    edited January 2008
    What's wrong with your current bike, and how you'd like that rectified in the custom build.
  • graham_g
    graham_g Posts: 652
    12 months?! Who are you going to if you don't mind me asking?

    I'd also agree with the last poster - correct all the dislikes you've had on previous bikes over the years.
  • Pete Beer
    Pete Beer Posts: 604
    Once you have an idea of what you're after, try and visit a few shops / builders. The way you're treated may also affect your decision.
  • cannonfodder
    cannonfodder Posts: 183
    Depending upon your reasons for going custom you may want to consider how you want the steering to feel
  • ButlerG
    ButlerG Posts: 36
    I want a custom steel frame for a variety of reasons: because I don't like my current aluminium frame; I do like the 35 year old steel frame I use to commute, but its not up to 45 mike weekend club-run type rides; I went to look at every carbon frame around and felt nothing for any of them; I want a certain look (Peggoretti Marcelo) and can't afford/justify the cost. I also want semi-horizontal drop-outs (if possible) so I can run it as a singelspeed in 5-10 years time. If I'm being honest I also want something low key but unusual-Ive always had Spec and Trek, without ever liking either that much.

    I think the braze on advice is good (probably no to a braze on front mech) but I don't know about steering-I'll have to ride my current two bikes and have a think about that.

    Any more advice gratefully recieved: I would like buy from Robin Mather-the bikes look fantastic.
  • cyclingfury
    cyclingfury Posts: 676
    Here's a link to a guy who I had build me a custom frame in steel a few years ago. Not only is he a superb craftsman but he provides good old fashioned service. IE He will spend a few hours with you measuring you up for your bike and discussing exactly what specific build options you should be considering. You won't have to wait 12 months for it either!

    http://www.vernonbarkercycles.co.uk/index.htm
    ___________________________________________
    Titanium Bertoletti
  • graham_g
    graham_g Posts: 652
    I can totally understand wanting to go with Robin Mather - I'd do the same, fantastic looking and he's less than 20 miles away!
  • cpeachey
    cpeachey Posts: 1,057
    I have just collected a Roberts tandem frame. I took our current machine for comparrison and Andrew measured both of us. I sugested some tube lengths etc and the finished job was exactly as I asked for. I spent a long time thinking about it to make sure I did not change my mind about anything! Roberts chose the tubing, which includes some tubes specially made for Roberts.
    The frame is excellent! It will be a couple of months before we ride it though.
    Chris
  • kilo
    kilo Posts: 174
    I ordered a Roberts last year and one of the most useful braze ons has been the pip on the seat stay for hanging the chain on when the rear wheel is out. I have a braze on front mech and would not go back to the band ones. If I were to get another frame done I'd consider a boss for a decent pump. My bike is a fast audax / clubmans bike so no pannier braze ons or the like.
  • JWSurrey
    JWSurrey Posts: 1,173
    ButlerG wrote:
    ....I went to look at every carbon frame around and felt nothing for any of them.....
    I've only ever looked at the lower priced full carbon offerings, and would liken them to riding a modern bathtub! Cast iron for a good solid soak every time!

    My main ride is a steel Condor Fratello, however the road-razor is a carbon/aluminium hybrid, which is curiously comfortable yet stiff and communicative where it counts.
    Colnagos are nice and IMHO unusually light steel frames too (though some would disagree).
    Admittedly, neither is bespoke.

    You ruling out Titanium alloys?

    Bob Jackson/Mercian?
  • star_rover
    star_rover Posts: 318
    How much less is the Mather compared to the Pegoretti (which I know are a grand and half)?
    If you fancy a Pegoretti you should go for it - I'm sure it would be no problem to change the dropouts. And you'll get it in less than 12 months.
  • ButlerG
    ButlerG Posts: 36
    A complete Robin Mather (depending on the groupset, wheels etc obviously) would be about the same price as the Dario P frame and forks. And the Dp wouldn't be custom, either. There's no way I could justify £2.5k for a bike. I hope to order this week so I'll keep you posted.

    I do like the look of the yellow Vernon BArker race bike (follow the link above). Can't help feeling he'd sell even more road bikes if he changed his name to Vittorrio Barci or similar.

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