Quote:
Originally Posted by binxnyrwarrsoul
The man makes ridiculous frames, IMHO. Yeah, the frame I want was $1500, now it's $2750. And if I had the scratch, I'd pay for the mark up. But, that's me. What it's worth has more to do with what you're willing to pay. The man is an artist. But, W-the-F do I know, I still ride lugged steel, with alloy 10S Campy and "regular," handbuilt 32X wheels.  |
Yep. Price is set by the builder but value is determined by the customer. If the price is set, and orders are coming in with frames going out the door, then the formula works.
In my own opinion, I think many framebuilders charge too little. If all they did was churn out a widget like some Taiwanese factory, then maybe not, but that is not what they do. The handholding, the scope development, honing down what the customer actually wants, not just caring if the frame is built but caring that is rides like the wind, the project management involved with ordering parts, paint, possibly assembling the bike for customers, the detailed items like a stem or a rack, the unique ideas and perspective which might make the rider experience better...this is what you pay for, this is what is rolled up in the frame, in the rider experience.
Kelly Bedford charges $2595 Tig Comp Road Frame and Fork, I am glad to see his prices are higher than they were when I bought my 3 frames from him, I thought I was getting one hell of a bargin at the time, I think $2600 is still a great deal and I will explain why. I bought my last bike frame 1 year and 8 months ago, my Bedford sport tourer, and have not lusted after another bike since. I also have a Bedford Club Racer type of bike, love it. My wife loves hers as well. Spend a little more for the right guy to build the right frame and it will likely save you money in the long run. You will stop the business if shuttling **** in and **** out the door. Buying my Bedford eliminated my bike lust to the point where I don't even look in the Classifieds anymore, no need to as I am set. I bet that alone saves me $400 each year.
I suspect a gentlemen like Steelman would treat you like Kelly treated me and my wife, creating happy customers. That is worth quite a lot to me, more that the extra $400 extra I might spend on a frame, but like I said you are not purcahsing the frame in a vaccum, you purchase a frame built with service and years of experience in mind. The question I would as is not why is Steelmen charging so much (he isn't) but why are some guys charging so little? Steelman seems to be charging a fair amount, but for what you are getting, you are likely still getting a bargin.
Just my opinion, and like Jack's, you can take it or leave it.
Cheers