Brian Rourke or Chas Roberts

portuguese mike
portuguese mike Posts: 695
edited May 2008 in Workshop
My mate wants to get a custom steel frame (reynolds 953 tubing) from either chas roberts or brian rourke - who should he go for?
pm

Comments

  • NervexProf
    NervexProf Posts: 4,202
    edited May 2008
    My vote goes to Chas Roberts - biased perhaps as I own one.

    Was in the shop 3 weeks back and drooled at all the lovely machinery around me.

    Andrew, who fronts the shop is very clued up and neither he, or Chas are pushy or dogmatic on the question of design, or spec.

    They take their time - so be prepared to wait - the the wait is worth it.

    Price list here: http://www.robertscycles.com/prices.html

    Bike Radar review here: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... 0730?img=4
    Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom
  • itisaboutthebike
    itisaboutthebike Posts: 1,120
    I don't think there's much to choose between the two.

    And what about Mercian ? Their frames are the equal of anyone !
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,550
    itisaboutthebike wrote:
    And what about Mercian ? Their frames are the equal of anyone !
    Except they don't build a 953 tubed frame!
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    I took the chance to inspect a Brian Rourke 953 in his shop and was really impressed by the quality of workmanship - if it wasn't for my 6 other bikes, I'd quite fancy one! I believe that Roberts tend to specialise more in the touring /audax market - so perhaps it depends on what style of frame you're looking for?
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • itisaboutthebike
    itisaboutthebike Posts: 1,120
    Mercian have a lugged 953 in the window................I live about a mile from the shop !
  • edeverett
    edeverett Posts: 224
    "Except they don't build a 953 tubed frame!"

    They told me they do. If your going to go custom don't choose a builder by their marketing. Many seem to have very limited budget (inclination?) for this. Talk to them, email, phone, whatever. Tell them roughly what you want and they'll respond with some ideas. Go with the one that has the best feel for what you're after.

    Don't forget to ask waiting times.

    Ed

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