Custom Frame Builders

stuieleigh

I am looking into getting a custom built bike and starting with the obvious, can anyone point me in the direction of a well regarded frame builder?

I currently live in China and use my current bike (Trek 2.1 2010) for commuting, errand trips as well as simply for riding. I looking for another road bike but it does not need to be "pro-racer" but somewhat backed off from this.

Can someone also help me with the carbon vs metals. Roads in China can be bumpy in places and my average distance when cycling is around 50-60km.

FatTed

In Brisbane Australia, 1 year waiting list I think
http://www.llewellynbikes.com/

neeb

Do you definitely need custom geometry because you can't get a good fit on normal sizes? Many people choose the frame material first and then go for custom if it is steel or Ti simply because it doesn't cost much more to have custom geometry in a hand-built frame. Custom carbon on the other hand is usually very expensive and still a bit of a niche market.

Custom is nice because you can get everything perfect (saddle in the middle of the rails, no spacers etc) but most people can find a good fit in standard sizes unless they have unusual proportions.

Grill

If ever I go custom, Rob English is the guy I'm calling. http://www.englishcycles.com/

MichaelW

In the UK, there are loads.
This list may be a bit out of date.
USA list, rated to install S&S couplers so top professional quality. Note that some US framebuilders have done a 3-week course and are basically keen amateurs.
Japan has a good custom building heritage. List.
Taiwan do a lot of contract building for quality steel brands. eg Maxway.

Inbetween factory and custom builds are handbuilt, stock sized frames such as Surley, Gunnar, Soma, Rivendell, Thorn.
You need custom for specific geometry, big or small sizes, fancy paintwork and specific braze-on attachments.

LegendLust

Full Italian custom in Carbon, titanium, alu and steel

http://www.legendfactory.eu/