Custom Steel Rouke - Worth it?

I posted a while back as I was going to Rourkes for a fitting but due to personal reasons never got to go to the shop and meet the guys:( I am trying to get another appointment but the thing is I am about 4 hours away from Rourke and bearing in mind they like you to be there for 9.00 its going to be hard to do this in one day. Anyway forgetting the logistics it got me thinking about the need to go custom especially after seeing the Shand on the Your Road Bikes section this week. I want a Rourke and want something bespoke as its for my 40th in the spring so I guess I would just like some views on whether or not a custom 853 steel frame will be any different to say a Shand 853 off the peg frame and is a Rourke worth the trek up to Stoke bearing in mind I will need to stay over and the cost of the round trip will probably be in excess of £200.
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And if you are potentially grudging the cost of the trip then I wouldn't bother. It's all part of the fun of the process. I went from Leeds to near Kidderminster and back 3 times as part of the process of buying my Look. I daren't think how much the fuel alone cost but I neither care nor have thought to include it in the cost of what was a really enjoyable experience. Personally, I'd just set off at 5am.
The other thing is - why a Rourke? Why not get something just as nice made more locally?
That's what I was thinking. I know you want something special for your 40th so you shouldn't compromise but the fact an early start is putting you off sounds like having the frame built by Jason Rourke isn't the most important factor.
I'd love a custom steel frame. It's a pipe dream but if it became a reality it'd be a Rourke. I think a big part of the appeal is keeping it local (as best you can) and I'm lucky to have Rourke's just the other side of the city. When I lived in Brighton it would have been an Enigma for the same reason.
Rob
ABCC Cycling Coach
I'd have thought plenty. Within about 45 minutes from mine, I could get a bespoke frame from Woodrups, Bob Jackson, Ellis Briggs, Chris Marshall and Ricky Feather and there's probably a few I've missed. There's no need for four hour trips or necessarily the more obvious options like Enigma.
Mine is 631 audax with mudguard clearance. Its terrific in every way. A 40th birthday present 7 years ago
I know people who have gone the bike fit route twice plus custom frame and are still not 100% happy with their setup and they never will be. While I, like others, have never done any of that and I am very happy with any frame size 53-56... so if you think it will be life changing, it won't be... unless your body is strangely proportioned. it will be the same thing but made especially for you... if you can justify the extra money go for it, otherwise don't.
There are many builder and they are all quite expensive... there is a recent thread in the General section, if you want to read it
Really? http://www.bobjacksoncycles.co.uk/produ ... 9kqvv2evc3
£510 doesn't seem expensive for a hand made in the UK Reynolds 631 frame. All relative I suppose though.
I think right now they are all doing pretty well, too well in fact...given you have to wait one year for a frame...
Liking the Bob Jacksons though. These seem to be built up in 631 which I assume is not as good as 853? Will call them for a chat. Liking the Enigmas too but by the time you add in the forks and headset they are very expensive compared to a Rourke.
Well, don't get obsessed about the material, it's got little relevance and you won't notice any difference between 631 or 853 or even 953 in the way they ride... the geometry of the frame is the main thing...
Roberts in Croydon worth a chat? Not much to see there though
You need to ask yourself (a) why you want a custom frame and if yes (b) why you want a Rourke. It is a state of mind, but you also end up witha frame that fits you perfectly and will last a lifetime.
My frame is based on a CAAD 8/10 54cm geometry, the main difference being that the headtube is longer so not as much of a drop to the bars. Being 46 and not that flexible, its what I need and would struggle to get this position on a standard road frame. Having said that, I expect a standard 54 frame with a load of spacers and a flipped stem would get pretty close. I would say the main benefits/things in it for me are:
- the whole experience of getting measured up, having a frame designed to fit YOU, choosing the paint scheme and other details specific to YOUR bike. It will be one of a kind.
- liked in to the above - their legendary service. Its good. You get to meet the people, talk with them. I was there for 5 hours, Brian was there the whole time, chatting about this and that. Asking questions, learning...
- the material. I chose 953, its stainless and offers more paint options since parts can be left bare. It won't rust, it will last. If you can only afford 853, then perhaps get 953 chainstays to be left bare?
- TIG welding at Rourke rather than lugged, it offers more geometry options and I think looks sleeker/nicer. It may also be a bit stronger, not that its of relevance as both are strong enough.
- I have ended up with a one-of-a-kind bike, exactly to my specification.
Its a once-in-a-lifetime experience and something to be savoured!
Find me on Strava
If you go for Roberts, get the Master with the horizontal top tube, the one that looks like a road bike and not a mountain bike with drop bars
TBF fair I'm pretty sure Ugo has offered to pick up some old Italian steel bikes on his trips to Italy, which would perform as well as any overpriced a fool and his money easily parted custom steel build.
You can have the Bob Jackson frames built custom. I think it's about another £200 or so extra. As for Tig welding - well, it does look smooth but then it makes your bespoke steel frame look like a basic alloy frame!
IF Merckx had ridden Batavus or Claud Butler instead of De Rosa, we would be here to say how great Batavus and Claud Butler are, that's all
I currently ride a frame welded in Taiwan by somebody who probably gets 2 pounds an hour and it's just as good.
Hence, there is nothing magic about welding together some lengths of pipe, provided you know what you are doing and of course the same applies to wheels, if you know what you are doing and use decent quality parts. I still admire someone who can make a living out of a craft and if I had the money I would support him. This is a far cry from being against bespoke frames... just if you ask me if a custom frame is worth it (as per thread title)... then I have to be honest and say no, it's not... but the question lends itself to opposite answers, doesn't it?