Over the last 13 years I've bought 3 used bicycles. First a Schwinn Prelude, then a Trek 1100, and the latest, a Cannondale R900STI. The 'Dale is seven years old now, with 45,000 miles. I'm in the mood for a new bike.
But since I ride 6000 - 7000 miles each year I'm considering treating myself to a custom built frame. Last month an acquaintance discussed his experience getting fitted for a Spectrum frame. He rode a Spectrum bike and it appeared to have been a religious experience.
So I'm considering Spectrum but wondering if anyone here has recommendations for other frame builders.
In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...
Quoted message said:
Over the last 13 years I've bought 3 used bicycles. First a Schwinn Prelude, then a Trek 1100, and the latest, a Cannondale R900STI. The 'Dale is seven years old now, with 45,000 miles. I'm in the mood for a new bike.
But since I ride 6000 - 7000 miles each year I'm considering treating myself to a custom built frame. Last month an acquaintance discussed his experience getting fitted for a Spectrum frame. He rode a Spectrum bike and it appeared to have been a religious experience.
So I'm considering Spectrum but wondering if anyone here has recommendations for other frame builders.
I've heard many good things about Richard Sachs. If I was going to go custom, he would be one of the builders I would consider. --------------- Alex
Meatsa <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...
Quoted message said:
Over the last 13 years I've bought 3 used bicycles. First a Schwinn Prelude, then a Trek 1100, and the latest, a Cannondale R900STI. The 'Dale is seven years old now, with 45,000 miles. I'm in the mood for a new bike.
But since I ride 6000 - 7000 miles each year I'm considering treating myself to a custom built frame. Last month an acquaintance discussed his experience getting fitted for a Spectrum frame. He rode a Spectrum bike and it appeared to have been a religious experience.
So I'm considering Spectrum but wondering if anyone here has recommendations for other frame builders.
Last month an acquaintance discussed his experience getting fitted for a Spectrum frame. He rode a Spectrum bike and it appeared to have been a religious experience.
So I'm considering Spectrum but wondering if anyone here has recommendations for other frame builders.
Getting a custom frame built is like getting a tailored suit-- that is, it's very much a matter of personal taste, and your rapport with the maker is probably more important than factors like name recognition or even the method of frame construction.
I would recommend getting a frame from a builder who is local to you if possible. That will allow a personal fitting, conversation, and shop visits as appropriate. A very busy shop may only have time or attention enough to get your measurements and a summary of what style bike you want, but a small-scale craftsman can take the opportunity to interpret your particular expectations into a bike that reflects your philosophy as much as it does his own.
IMO the frame that results from a process like that is much more valuable than one with a high brand profile (and the attendant "economies of scale" that limit the buyer's role in the production), yet it is usually less expensive to buy.
"Meatsa" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Over the last 13 years I've bought 3 used bicycles. First a Schwinn Prelude, then a Trek 1100, and the latest, a Cannondale R900STI. The 'Dale is seven years old now, with 45,000 miles. I'm in the mood for a new bike.
But since I ride 6000 - 7000 miles each year I'm considering treating myself to a custom built frame. Last month an acquaintance discussed his experience getting fitted for a Spectrum frame. He rode a Spectrum bike and it appeared to have been a religious experience.
So I'm considering Spectrum but wondering if anyone here has recommendations for other frame builders.
But since I ride 6000 - 7000 miles each year I'm considering treating myself to a custom built frame. Last month an acquaintance discussed his experience getting fitted for a Spectrum frame. He rode a Spectrum bike and it appeared to have been a religious experience.
So I'm considering Spectrum but wondering if anyone here has recommendations for other frame builders.
Bilenky Cycle Works, Ltd. Artistry in Steel
5319 N. Second Street Phone (215) 329-4744 Philadelphia, PA 19120 Fax (215) 782-3751
"TBGibb" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
In article said:
But since I ride 6000 - 7000 miles each year I'm considering treating myself to a custom built frame. Last month an acquaintance discussed his experience getting fitted for a Spectrum frame. He rode a Spectrum bike and it appeared to have been a religious experience.
So I'm considering Spectrum but wondering if anyone here has recommendations for other frame builders.
Bilenky Cycle Works, Ltd. Artistry in Steel
5319 N. Second Street Phone (215) 329-4744 Philadelphia, PA 19120 Fax (215) 782-3751
Lots of good builders have been mentioned, but if haven't already found one, don't forget to look at Albert Eisentraut, he's only the *Godfather of American Framebuilding*.....for more see here: www.eisentraut.com
