Which builder for this bike?

[spaced_ghost]

Hey all,

well, I think the time has come. I've been riding every damn day (almost literally) for 15 years. I've had so many bikes I lost count. 29'ers, cx, road, touring. I've always tried to do things on the cheap and buy used, and most of the time, it works out. but sometimes it doesn't, and I end up chasing my tail trying to make things work that don't to save a dime, and often end up spending more money as a result, than if i would have just bought the thing I actually wanted. so, having said that, I'm ready to get a bike made for me.

What I'm after is this: a road bike that will take a tire around 33 (could be talked into 28's), comfortable enough for long rides and commuting, but still feels quick, as I generally ride pretty fast and like to drop the hammer from time to time, pound it hard up a hill, or sprint for no reason (although I'm not after a race bike). steel or Ti. fenders and probably a rear rack. Campy Athena 11, I think.

so what builder would you suggest? are there stock bikes that fit the bill that I'm missing?

thanks!

[WickedWheels]

Stock steel bikes that fit 33's are typically not "drop the hammer" type of bikes.

Are you looking for a road geometry or will cyclocross work for you?

[BumbleBeeDave]

. . . of COURSE! :banana:

BBD

[Louis]

If you're looking for a way to narrow the choices, I think one possible approach is to decide first on what frame material interests you. That alone will winnow the field quite a bit. (Although a few one-man builders like Carl Strong do offer multiple materials.)

[eddief]

Soma Smoothie ES with steel fork.

http://store.somafab.com/soesrospfr.html

[spaced_ghost]

Stock steel bikes that fit 33's are typically not "drop the hammer" type of bikes.

Are you looking for a road geometry or will cyclocross work for you?

yes, i know. I wouldn't have 33's on it all the time. but maybe I'm looking for two different bikes.

road geo. I have a cross bike now, and while it's great for commuting, light single track, etc., I don't love it for long rides.

[spaced_ghost]

If you're looking for a way to narrow the choices, I think one possible approach is to decide first on what frame material interests you. That alone will winnow the field quite a bit. (Although a few one-man builders like Carl Strong do offer multiple materials.)

i've always ridden steel, and always loved it (have also had multiple alu and carbon bikes, which are fine for racing, but not this bike). very very curious about Ti.

[alexstar]

Hampsten

[Louis]

very very curious about Ti.

Carl Strong (http://www.strongframes.com/)

[plugkev]

Hampsten

Sounds like a Strada Biancha

[spaced_ghost]

Hampsten

hm, i had forgotten about the Strada Bianca, thanks

[vqdriver]

Sounds like a Strada Biancha

Yep. Almost sounds like the op wrote the product description for their site.

[spaced_ghost]

Strada Bianca looks really close, thanks. any suggestions on similar bikes by other builders?

[d_douglas]

That most people say what they've done was a good idea, so I will be part of that status quo:

Mike Desalvo just built my CX bike and did a great job. He is about to build my friend the same bike as you describe and he has become known for his experience at build 'all-rounders'.

Mike is a specialist in steel, but is also very adept at titanium (thats what i chose) I had a great experience and imagine that you might as well.

PM me if you'd like more information...

[EricEstlund]

One can have a very capable "go-fast" road bike that takes modest width tires. A quick discussion about your uses would narrow down some specifics, but the all-arounder with a performance bent you are describing is quite workable in a way that addresses your specific needs.

[joosttx]

Independent Fabrication Club Racer is the bike for you.

[spaced_ghost]

definitely one I have been considering...

[spaced_ghost]

That most people say what they've done was a good idea, so I will be part of that status quo:

Mike Desalvo just built my CX bike and did a great job. He is about to build my friend the same bike as you describe and he has become known for his experience at build 'all-rounders'.

Mike is a specialist in steel, but is also very adept at titanium (thats what i chose) I had a great experience and imagine that you might as well.

PM me if you'd like more information...

that Desalvo in the classifieds had me salivating for sure. I'll send you a pm when i get a minute tomorrow.

[DRZRM]

Call Make Zanconato and talk to him. His pricing on the new TIG'ed frames is downright reasonable, or go with lovely lugs. I have two of his bikes, one was purchased used, and not only was it a great fit, Mike was super helpful in a very long conversation about the suitability of that frame for my needs. Not only did I love the bike, but I knew right then that if I ever got a custom frame, it would be from Mike. Like you, I'd had many used frames, I know what fits me and I've been able to ride some awesome frames I'd never be able to afford on a professors salary. A year later, I plunked down my deposit and had a great custom experience. I highly recommend him.

[abelson]

You may also want to check out the Boulder Sport.

[Bruce K]

I would suggest either Kelly Bedford or Mike Zanconato as well.

I own a SS cross bike from Mike and a beautiful roadie from Kelly ( the dark blue one on his home page)

Both were built after lots of conversation to pin down my expectations and their thoughts on executing the project.

Both came out as perfect as is humanly possible for the "plan"

Both are great guys to deal with.

BK

[rugbysecondrow]

. . . of COURSE! :banana:

BBD

Here is a link to my Bedford which sounds very similar.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=86754&highlight=bedford

It is a great bike!

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp217/phpeter/Bedford%20Sport%20Tourer/IMG_1832.jpg

[charliedid]

Budget?

[spaced_ghost]

yeow, that Bedford is nice!

well, for pre-existing models, the Strada Bianca and IF Club Racer look almost exactly like what I want. I've ridden a Club Racer before, and did indeed love it, but I'm not that excited about getting an IF. Have always wanted a Zanc, but haven't seen any bikes from him along the lines of what I'm after, have seen mostly straight road and cross bikes. But I'll have a look. DeSalvo is probably at the top of my list, as his pricing is considerably lower than a lot of these, and the bikes are quite beautiful.

guess now I have some decisions to make. The economist in me is pushing for steel to save money, but, on the other hand, if I'm really going for it, I'd like to do ti.

[false_Aest]

Hampsten or Winter.

[bicycletricycle]

i dont think that your basic requirements are esoteric enough to require any specific builder, lots of people can make you that. There are some stock bicycles that fit your requirements, if you want custom then i would choose someone i could go and visit.

also, budget would be important to consider i guess.

curtlo, sycip, circle a cycles, waterford, i really like my tournesol

stock bikes.

SOMA san marcos is cool. cielo, black mountain

[christian]

Have always wanted a Zanc, but haven't seen any bikes from him along the lines of what I'm after, have seen mostly straight road and cross bikes. But I'll have a look.

I will admit that when I think fender-bike, I immediately think Hampsten and Lighthouse, but Mike has built more than a few too:

http://cdn.media.cyclingnews.com/2011/03/04/2/zanconato_blue_full_view_600.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4719136938_3292486acb_b.jpg

http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum/attachments/f11/47647d1351699496-zanconato-cycles-image-2706913068.jpg

BTW, when I think of Mike's bikes, I think of snot-and-drool-on-the-top-tube, 176 bpm average for 57 minutes. I hate cyclocross. How long until September?

[spaced_ghost]

I will admit that when I think fender-bike, I immediately think Hampsten and Lighthouse, but Mike has built more than a few too:

BTW, when I think of Mike's bikes, I think of snot-and-drool-on-the-top-tube, 176 bpm average for 57 minutes. I hate cyclocross. How long until September?

that top blue one is a beauty. and yeah, that's how I think of Zancs. unfortunately I can't do two bikes this year, and already have a race-worthy cx bike, albeit aluminum.

forgot about Lighthouse, thanks for that one. someone mentioned Cielo, I think they are cool, but for the price, I'd rather go ahead and go custom.

[sc53]

The Bedford in my sig is spec'd like you want, but I use a MTB RD and big cassette for climbing. I have 32c tires on there now, but have some 25s and 28s for variety as well. Also the Enve cross fork used in my build has no drillings or capability for fenders. If fenders are a must, I'd have Kelly build the same bike with a steel fork. My bike is Ti but I love his steel bikes--tigged, fileted, or lugged, they are superb.

[Steevo]

Dave Kirk built a frame for me that does everything you described. My bike is a DK Custom as opposed to his JKS line. I opted for traditional seat stays, clearance for wider tires, braze ons for a rear rack and front & rear fenders. The bike does everything I want it to do, and it can go fast when I can go fast. Added benefit - Dave's trademark wrap around seat stays. They are a work of art all by themselves.

[FlashUNC]

Lots of great recommendations so far.

I'd recommend Mr. Estlund earlier in this thread (he's been a pleasure to deal with on a frame repair project), or Roland Della Santa. There's a couple photos of a Della Santa that accepts 32s out there, and he's also been a pleasure to deal with on my current project.

[1/2 Wheeler]

Go with Curtlo and do something fun with the money you save.

[spaced_ghost]

holy cow, those Curtlos are cheap! damn!

Kirk is at the top of my list, to be sure. but i'm probably going to have to come down a notch or two from that price point.

[Ken Robb]

You might like something from Rivendell. If you could find a used Rambouillet or Romulus that might fill the bill.

A Waterford RS model like RS1100, RS1200, RS2200, come to mind and there may be others. I think there may also be a Gunnar model for you.

[IFRider]

I am riding a Independent Fabrications Club Racer which I bought when I was looking for exactly what you are. At the time, there were not a lot of bikes like that. I have since got a RS-22 that takes 28's and is a dream. The Hampsten looks sweet and is my next dream bike (if I ever get another dream bike). If you want other options check out Cielo Sportif, Gunnar Sport or Soma Stanyan if you want something quicker than Bedford, Kirk Hampsten.

Enjoy riding in all conditions ...

Warren

[buddybikes]

One thing about cx bikes, they have a high bottom bracket, you may want to go the other way, low bb... This is really how much you want to spend question, sure any of the better custom builders here would do you fine.

[Lanterne Rouge]

Van Nicholas?

They look real nice and the have always piqued my interest. If only I worked a little harder I might have one to call my own.

[cat6]

Takin' It 2 the Next Level is the fourteenth album by the jazz group the World Saxophone Quartet and their second on the Canadian Justin Time label. The album features performances by Hamiet Bluiett, John Purcell, Oliver Lake and David Murray, with a rhythm section of Don Blackman, Calin Jones and Ronnie Burrage.

[spaced_ghost]

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=126401

you're right, but it's way too big. I need something like a 55tt and 54st.

[spaced_ghost]

One thing about cx bikes, they have a high bottom bracket, you may want to go the other way, low bb... This is really how much you want to spend question, sure any of the better custom builders here would do you fine.

yeah, as I mentioned above, I don't want a high BB. I have a bike like that and it's fun for some things.

[jmoore]

Any of the custom guys mentioned in this thread will do a great job. Get one from each of them!

[spaced_ghost]

ha, i'd need to win the lottery for that, I think.

[jlwdm]

I had this Spectrum designed for the same purposes as you are talking about. Unfortunately it is wasting away in Seattle. Three and one-half years and 50 miles. Have not even had a chance to measure the bar height and cut the fork as needed.

Paul Racer medium brakes to handle larger tires.

Jeff

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/6ridge9/Spectrum/IMG_1188.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/6ridge9/Spectrum/IMG_1158.jpg

[rnhood]

I believe that I'd take a hard look at the Calfee Luna in the "Adventure" geometry. It'll take a 32 tire and is suitably lightweight....and swift. It just appeals to me, not to mention its currently on sale (complete bike).

Another one is the new Serotta Pave that has just been introduced. Its very interesting and worth looking into. Not sure of the price but no doubt its a well engineered bike and you can feel perfectly comfortable buying.

[spaced_ghost]

no carbon on this one.

[PaMtbRider]

I had this Spectrum designed for the same purposes as you are talking about. Unfortunately it is wasting away in Seattle. Three and one-half years and 50 miles. Have not even had a chance to measure the bar height and cut the fork as needed.

Paul Racer medium brakes to handle larger tires.

Jeff


Very nice looking Spectrum. Is that an Alpha Q fork?

[IFRider]

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=126401

I can look at Kirk Terraplane's all day. A modern classic ...

[giverdada]

carl strong. wicked guy. wicked business. wicked frames. give'r.

[bicycletricycle]

I had this Spectrum designed for the same purposes as you are talking about. Unfortunately it is wasting away in Seattle. Three and one-half years and 50 miles. Have not even had a chance to measure the bar height and cut the fork as needed.

Paul Racer medium brakes to handle larger tires.

Jeff

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/6ridge9/Spectrum/IMG_1188.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m617/6ridge9/Spectrum/IMG_1158.jpg

Brakes pads are backwards

[93legendti]

Tom Kellogg
Carl Strong
Dave Kirk

Can never go wrong with any of those 3.

[soulspinner]

I will admit that when I think fender-bike, I immediately think Hampsten and Lighthouse, but Mike has built more than a few too:

http://cdn.media.cyclingnews.com/2011/03/04/2/zanconato_blue_full_view_600.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4719136938_3292486acb_b.jpg

http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum/attachments/f11/47647d1351699496-zanconato-cycles-image-2706913068.jpg

BTW, when I think of Mike's bikes, I think of snot-and-drool-on-the-top-tube, 176 bpm average for 57 minutes. I hate cyclocross. How long until September?

:)

[soulspinner]

Dave Kirk built a frame for me that does everything you described. My bike is a DK Custom as opposed to his JKS line. I opted for traditional seat stays, clearance for wider tires, braze ons for a rear rack and front & rear fenders. The bike does everything I want it to do, and it can go fast when I can go fast. Added benefit - Dave's trademark wrap around seat stays. They are a work of art all by themselves.

I don't believe you with no pics:p

[spaced_ghost]

I can look at Kirk Terraplane's all day. A modern classic ...

yeah me too. if i was ready to buy right now i'd grab that silver one in the classifieds.

[spaced_ghost]

Tom Kellogg
Carl Strong
Dave Kirk

Can never go wrong with any of those 3.

yeah, Money no object, I'd go with Kirk or Ellis. or, well, you know, get one of each + a Firefly ++++++.....

All things considered, I think at the moment it's looking like a Strada Bianca, a Club Racer, or a DeSalvo. with DeSalvo solidly in the lead. all gorgeous frames that meet my ride requirements and are under $2500. so barring a nicely priced used Kirk, Bedford, etc., popping up that fits me, that's probably how I'll go. All the builders mentioned in this thread make super rad bikes, and I would be happy to have any of them. Winter, Bedford, Zanc, Kirk, all very high in the running should I decide to increase the budget for this or buy a dream bike down the road.

[spaced_ghost]

****, i'm a doofus. just looked at Strong. now adding to list of serious contenders.

[jlwdm]

Very nice looking Spectrum. Is that an Alpha Q fork?

Yes it is. One of the last ones. CS 25.

Jeff

[Wilkinson4]

****, i'm a doofus. just looked at Strong. now adding to list of serious contenders.

+1. But, really any builder can do this build. Go local if you can. Where do you live?

mIKE

[spaced_ghost]

ny

[rugbysecondrow]

ny

well then of course you need to call Mr. Bedford!

:)

[spaced_ghost]

ha, I knew someone was going to say that. There's also a few good builders in the city. Horse, Rosko, and Johnny Coast. actually, the local thing is a good idea. Don't know why I didn't think of that. Could ride my bike over and get fitted, and not have to pay shipping when it gets delivered.

[Wilkinson4]

Fast boy comes to mind, but not sure how Exra is doing. Jamie Swan as well. Go up north and tons of options in Boston.

mIKE

[JasonF]

I had Tom Kellogg design a Spectrum exactly for your purposes:

- Clearance for up to 32c tires (or 28-30 with fenders)
- Can accommodate long reach brakes
- rear rack eyelets
- handles "just right" (not too twitchy, not too slow)

If you're anywhere near PA (heck, even if you're not) it's worth a visit up to "The Barn" and get fitted by arguably the best in the business.

[soulspinner]

I had Tom Kellogg design a Spectrum exactly for your purposes:

- Clearance for up to 32c tires (or 28-30 with fenders)
- Can accommodate long reach brakes
- rear rack eyelets
- handles "just right" (not too twitchy, not too slow)

If you're anywhere near PA (heck, even if you're not) it's worth a visit up to "The Barn" and get fitted by arguably the best in the business.

Swwwwwweeeeeet