Most affordable custom frameset?

[hokoman]

I am going to be splitting a lot of my time abroad for the next 3 to 4 years, and instead of bringing one of my nicer bikes (I would say that the country is relatively dangerous and getting jacked for my bike wouldn't surprise me, might just take the hors category cross since the market is dirt), I was considering buying a Surly Straggler... but after looking at the specs and thinking about all the parts I have laying around, and what changes I would make, it seems like buying a frameset would make more sense... then the thought came to me that I should just get the most affordable custom (is there such a thing?).... Probably looking for a 650b road bike with disc brake capability - the roads suck, and also a high probability that I would be ordering a similar bike for my wife (we're both short, when we got Paul (RL) to build our bikes several years ago, we went with 26" wheels).

Anybody have any recommendations? I just spent 2 hours looking at a ton of links on the custom builders portal, but there are a ton more that I never got around to clicking on....

TIA.

[93legendti]

Curtlo?

[thwart]

and instead of bringing one of my nicer bikes (I would say that the country is relatively dangerous and getting jacked for my bike wouldn't surprise me... )


Wow! Your bike budget must be much larger than mine. I would never consider buying a custom bike given the information above... unless I had to because of non-standard body measurements.

[bcroslin]

Rocklobster. Pretty sure they do custom frame with fork for under $2k. Gunnar is also an option.

[AngryScientist]

where are you going?

have you looked into custom builders in your destination country? you may be surprised at who you might find building bikes in the new location with a potential cost savings from bike shipping, currency exchange rates, cost of business in the destiantion country, etc.

[dbh]

I don't know if custom (even "affordable" custom) is the right route if you're going to be somewhere sketchy and theft is a real possibility. Buying a used stock frame on the cheap seems like a better way to go unless you really need a custom frame.

[Gummee]

Primus Mootry?

M

[roguedog]

what about the new vendor, rogue cycles? their prices looked promising but just not sure what their timelines are since it looks like they might be getting up n running.

but .. i dunno, used off cl might be the way to go or an older mtb frame converted to drop bar.

hope all is well with you. sounds sketchy so good luck to ya.

[TiminVA]

Curtlo unless you're leaving in the next few months. His lead time can be fairly long.

[rugbysecondrow]

Curlo, Waltworks are a couple I would look at.

I would also see if you can find a used Rawland, I think they do 650b with disc brakes.

Best of luck.

Cheers

Paul

[roguedog]

there's always the bay like these. i know.. all 700cc but maybe with long reach brakes...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Serotta-Coeur-dAcier-CDA-w-Campagnolo-Chorus-11-Proton-wheels-3T-49cm-/121744293354?hash=item1c58867dea

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Serotta-Steel-Road-Bike-Sz-48-w-Reynolds-fork-Shimano-Ultegra-6600-tripple-group-/181846828977?hash=item2a56ea67b1

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Serotta-TG-Road-Frame-Set-W-Dura-Ace-Gruppo-And-Extras-Size-51cm-/262037906245?hash=item3d02ad2345

[eddief]

frames or complete bikes from Soma Fab should be good enough to get stolen in another country:

http://www.somafab.com/bikes-frames/bicycles

Otherwise Curtlo or Chinese ti from XACD.

[Anarchist]

Curtlo.

[hokoman]

Thanks for the feedback - no I don't need custom - but for another $500 over a Surly... seems worth it in regards to supporting a frame builder and getting what I want. If we were discussing $2k frames and above, that's a bit too much for this project.

Curtlo looks like a great option with the price points.

[Climb01742]

Check out Joe Wells at Tsunami Bikes. Hard to imagine a better price for custom and many happy customers.

[sandyrs]

Check out Joe Wells at Tsunami Bikes. Hard to imagine a better price for custom and many happy customers.

This, seconded

[eak12]

Look at Marinoni. You can get as low as $1125 CAD for their Turismo (touring) model. Add taxes (around 15%) to bring it to $1294 CAD. Then convert to USD and it's about $974 USD. Wow, the dollar is bad now (or good depending on which you have).

[seanile]

I don't know if custom (even "affordable" custom) is the right route if you're going to be somewhere sketchy and theft is a real possibility. Buying a used stock frame on the cheap seems like a better way to go unless you really need a custom frame.
+1
but since he asked..
Meriwether or
Geekhouse

[R3awak3n]

I am not sure his prices are up to date on the site but I would check out Rick Jones:

http://rickjonesbicycles.com/pricing-1.html

Makes awesome bikes and starts at $1100, $1400 with fork.

[sandyrs]

These are all great suggestions but isn't Tsunami $800 for the frame?

[ANAO]

Coarse Fabrications is an attractive price point.

[downtube]

what about the new vendor, rogue cycles? their prices looked promising but just not sure what their timelines are since it looks like they might be getting up n running.

but .. i dunno, used off cl might be the way to go or an older mtb frame converted to drop bar.

hope all is well with you. sounds sketchy so good luck to ya.

I stopped by Rogue Cycle last weekend, Their bikes look great and they are certainly priced right. They use a very good set of wheels and choice of group sets. Even have a campy 10spd model. It looked awesome. Keith was there the day I stopped by, super nice guy.

Because of your location I would also add Roland Della Santa to the mix. I have one of his frames and love it. Full custom specs. Rides, handles and works fantastic. Pretty quick turn around and an cycling education when you talk to Roland.

chuck

[bfd]

One more option - Bernie Mikkelsen in Alameda, CA:

http://www.mikkelsenframes.com/home.html

[Bob Ross]

Curtlo, Tsunami, Primus Mootry, Della Santa, Mikkelson...?!?! hell, if I lived in a country like OP describes I'd probably jack him for one of those bikes!

[rwsaunders]

Dave Thompson builds for tequila and cigars and he guarantees the frame for as long as it takes you to head out of his driveway. :cool:

[Tin Turtle]

There are a couple of custom guys in China I know if you are headed to Asia. They do great work and are very reasonable.

[fishwhisperer]

One more option - Bernie Mikkelsen in Alameda, CA:

http://www.mikkelsenframes.com/home.html

seconded. very reasonable prices and bernie is a great guy. i don't own one of his bikes, but he's repaired more than a few of the ones i do own...

[Ken Robb]

Take an old quality rigid 26" mtn. bike with whatever bars you like. A Nitto Dirt Drop stem will let you use drop bars if you prefer them. Once you ride a while in your new area you should have a pretty good idea what bike you really want and what kind of bike you are least likely to lose.

[dave thompson]

Dave Thompson builds for tequila and cigars and he guarantees the frame for as long as it takes you to head out of his driveway. :cool:

That's true, all without the stigma of a short wait time!

[krhea]

Allan Wanta

[buddybikes]

In Keene last week and met a guy with 2 nice looking bikes in back of his truck, turns out he is a young frame builder: Graham Cycles out of Marlow NH. http://www.grahamcycles.com

[eddief]

everybody and their uncle is too. Incredibly competitive.

[Leoner]

allan wanta
+1

[dcama5]

Rich Adams in Wilkesbarre, PA does a really nice job. His tig welded Columbus Zona frames are $1350 and although he lists a geometry table, he will modify that for anyone. He built me a fillet brazed one that was excellent.
http://bicycleframes.com/

[hokoman]

I have been checking back in and going to each respective builders website - what is surprising to me is how many of them do not include the starting price of their frames/forks. I am working on something right now, but will update if I have progress. Hopefully this thread is helpful to others that are considering custom but do not know if they can afford it.

[soulspinner]

Dave Thompson builds for tequila and cigars and he guarantees the frame for as long as it takes you to head out of his driveway. :cool:

Sounds good to me:beer:

[Ken Robb]

Sounds good to me:beer:
And it's a very short driveway. ;)

[fa63]

These are all great suggestions but isn't Tsunami $800 for the frame?
It was when I bought one a couple years ago. Not sure what it costs now.

[soulspinner]

And it's a very short driveway. ;)

If he shares the Tequila I wont make it to the end anyway...:bike:

[carpediemracing]

Check out Joe Wells at Tsunami Bikes. Hard to imagine a better price for custom and many happy customers.

I have two frames he built. I told him he needs to charge more - he charged me $650 and $700 I think, including next day shipping on both of them. I think price on frame is now $800 or 900.

No fork, but the first frame I used a fork I already had. Second one I bought a fork ($300? - he will get you a fork for a good price), then I had the first one modified for so little it shocked me so I bought a new fork at the same time.

Only disadvantage is that he's aluminum only, so no S&S couplers. Also, because BB30 is not a common face/ream tool, get an English BB.

I don't get any special treatment from him, and in fact I paid him more for my frames because I felt like he deserved more.

http://tsunamibikes.com