Recommended Custom Frame Builders?

DubaiNeil

Hi All,

Had a sizing session yesterday, to ascertain if my current bike is a correct fit or not, and if not what can be done about it...

Based upon the measurements taken (unfortunately I don't have access to the numbers right now) I appear to be part chimpanzee :shock: with what appear to be hilariously long arms. What do you mean people can't normally tie their shoe laces with straight legs

The measurements taken were inside leg, torso length and arm length.

The bike size I currently ride (Scott S10 size M 54cm effective top tube) is correct for the inside leg measurement, but miles too short (seat post to head tube) for my shape.

The fitter doesn't believe that any "off the peg" frame is going to fit me without some bizarre combination of setback seat post and really long stem, and has suggested looking at a custom frame.

He has some contacts with Enigma (http://www.enigmabikes.com/) and indeed rides one himself, and has sent my dimensions to them for a frame design to be completed.

I would also be interested in looking at some alternatives, but do admit that the Enigma frames look damn good

A few of the guys I ride with already have Enigma bikes (mostly with high end Campagnolo fitted) and seem to love them - although budget wise I would be "restricted" to Ultegra running gear and most likely the Echo frame

Any suggestions for alternatives? It would be extremely unlikely for me to be able to visit any potential frame builder for an in-house fitting session due to my location...

The builder I am using here in the sandpit doesn't do this for a living, but more of a keen enthusiast and would not financially benefit from whatever frame I order, he would just assemble the bike for me from the parts I order...

Riding style is longer distance, steady pace, sportive style rather than out and out race. No real preference on frame material (although Ti does appeal for some reason!). Budget (frame only) would be around GBP 1500 max (but don't tell the wife!)

Thanks

Neil

Wooliferkins

Longstaffs
Mercian

balthazar

Add Roberts to the list:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertscycles/

Mine here:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/546355/Roberts/Roberts01.jpg

If I was ordering a second frame, I'd be looking towards Robin Mather. I think somebody here has one of his frames.

You should try climbing with that ape index...!

Chip \'oyler

What's your budget?

Most of the Viner range is available made-to-measure, including their carbon frames

http://www.lebeauvelo.co.uk/Products%20 ... 0Home.html

leejdavies

http://www.bespokecycling.com/

I have no experience of custom frames but these guys offer a range from steel, carbon and titanium. From Parlee and Independent fabrication. All of their builds are bespoke, hence the name, and look really nice to boot.


They also do bike fits which is how I came across them.

Peejay56

Try Brian Rourke.

pure-james

try robin mather

custom made titanium frames entirely made by him in the uk

Beatmaker

balthazar wrote:

Add Roberts to the list:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertscycles/

Mine here:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/546355/Roberts/Roberts01.jpg

If I was ordering a second frame, I'd be looking towards Robin Mather. I think somebody here has one of his frames.

You should try climbing with that ape index...!

Your Roberts is lovely Balthazar.

ScaldedCat

Bob Jackson
http://www.bobjacksoncycles.co.uk/default.php

balthazar

Beatmaker wrote:

Your Roberts is lovely Balthazar.

Thank you. It's six years old now, quite a few thousand miles down, and I only ever like it more. I won't want to replace it unless it breaks, or I do and can't fit it anymore. I try to follow an approach of "buy once, right". My car's 25 years old (3 with me), but I fully expect at least another 25 from it (hopefully with me).

A supplemental bike with clearance for bigger tyres though, is another matter...!

nickwill

Paul Hewitt in Leyland built me a beautiful Columbus Life road bike. It fits like a glove and the finish is spot on.

Team Banana Spokesman

Terry Dolan FTW

fatwomble

balthazar wrote:

Beatmaker wrote:

Your Roberts is lovely Balthazar.

Thank you. It's six years old now, quite a few thousand miles down, and I only ever like it more. I won't want to replace it unless it breaks, or I do and can't fit it anymore. I try to follow an approach of "buy once, right". My car's 25 years old (3 with me), but I fully expect at least another 25 from it (hopefully with me).

A supplemental bike with clearance for bigger tyres though, is another matter...!

I must get one, one day, Chas is my mum's cousin (so my cousin, once removed?) Feel a bit of a traitor that I have reached the age of 41 and not managed to buy one.

ynyswen24

All of the above are good, what about Paul Villiers?

www.villiers-velo.co.uk

he got a top notch review in C+ a few issues ago. Having said which I've lusted after an Independent Fabrications frame for a while now. Or how about building your own on a frame building course with Dave Yates.

Whatever you get (or can afford) it'll be better than the most expensive bike that doesn't fit.

remy martin

Neil,

If you decide to go with Enigma, you won't be disappointed. I got my frame from them recently and it's been a really nice bike to ride after having had a bike that wasn't a good fit for me. I made all sorts of adjusments to my previous bike but simply put, it didn't feel as comfortable as the frame I have now.

If you've already been measured up, I'm sure anyone you decide to use will be able to build you the frame you need. Incidentally, my Enigma was ready from ordering to riding in about 8 weeks. It would have been quicker the fork I needed had arrived when expected.

Nevertheless, I don't think you could go wrong with Roberts or any of the other frame builders highligted so far. I also have an Indy Fab steel mtb and whislt they are beautiful bikes to ride, I would stick with a British frame builder in future. They do as good a job / if not better and generally work out a little cheaper since there aren't issues around import tax etc.

dbmnk

if ti is the desire, Lynskey is pretty good value. They do straight gauge frames at a very reasonable price. Their stock frames seem to have pretty long reach as I remeber, maybe a stock would suit you.

dbmnk

That said. I don't see the advantage of straight gauge ti to quality butted steel.