Custom carbon?

[Kirk007]

Originally Posted by sfo1

I'd buy one if it fit. 612 stack (IIRC) and I'd like 625-630 without the need to max out spacers and going +6 on the stem.

The Synapse hi mod also accounts for diff. forks and layups in size variations. The 61 was a tad heavy but none-the-less, remains on short list.

If I recall correctly my Hampsten is easily in that range (I ride a 62-63ish frame, bb center to saddle top + 84 cm and 7-8 cm drop if that helps) and its plenty stiff in the front end, and everywhere else as well).

[makoti]

Originally Posted by sfo1

Looks interesting. I'd love to build a bike some day.



Wow; definitely worth a call. Cali-based and the price is impressive.

Anyone have one of these frames? Would love some feedback before I obsess and search the interweb.

Thanks for the tip.

http://rideeatcamp.com/framebuilding-with-dave-bohm/
A day-by-day account of the steel process

https://bohemianbicycles.wordpress.com/
His blog about it. Great. Now I'm obsessed.

[sfo1]

Looks like Hampsten has upped the carbon offering with real hires/specialists.

Custom Starto is available <$4k, but March would be an optimistic delivery.

1st world problems............

[cgolvin]

Originally Posted by sfo1

Wow; definitely worth a call. Cali-based and the price is impressive.

Anyone have one of these frames? Would love some feedback before I obsess and search the interweb.

Since you quoted two separate earlier posts, I'm not sure to which your comment above applies. But if it's

http://www.montenegromfg.com/bikes/

I know Hern, he's a member of my club and I ride with him relatively frequently. Last week he showed up with a brand new model, which he explained uses a lot of new techniques versus his older one. He's done carbon repair for me and others I know, have never heard any negative feedback on it.

If you'd like a direct introduction to him send a PM and I'll connect you.

[mhespenheide]

A number of forumites can attest to Steve Hampsten's expertise as a fitter as well as a builder, so if that's something that you're interested in as well, it might be worth some extra cash for that added service.

[mhespenheide]

Originally Posted by cgolvin

Since you quoted two separate earlier posts, I'm not sure to which your comment above applies. But if it's

http://www.montenegromfg.com/bikes/

I know Hern, he's a member of my club and I ride with him relatively frequently. Last week he showed up with a brand new model, which he explained uses a lot of new techniques versus his older one. He's done carbon repair for me and others I know, have never heard any negative feedback on it.

If you'd like a direct introduction to him send a PM and I'll connect you.

Custom is basically always outside my price range, but I'm fascinated by the idea that people are doing custom carbon here in the USA, and here in LA. I kind of wish I could stop in their workshop at some point just to be a bike nerd.

[rnhood]

Originally Posted by sfo1

I'd buy one if it fit. 612 stack (IIRC) and I'd like 625-630 without the need to max out spacers and going +6 on the stem.

The Synapse hi mod also accounts for diff. forks and layups in size variations. The 61 was a tad heavy but none-the-less, remains on short list.

I would think that you can get your stack merely by changing the stem shims. That is one of the neat things about the Specialized stem.

And you are not going to buy a better bike than the Tarmac. Just one of those things that isn't going to happen. It's doubtful a 61 will be found in some dealer's stock but, their demo van should have one, and the schedule is posted on the Spec website. Test riding is highly recommended. You want to know what you are buying.

[cgolvin]

Originally Posted by mhespenheide

Custom is basically always outside my price range, but I'm fascinated by the idea that people are doing custom carbon here in the USA, and here in LA. I kind of wish I could stop in their workshop at some point just to be a bike nerd.

Marc, he's a very nice guy and I bet he'd welcome a workshop visitor.


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[sfo1]

I rode a 61. Nice bike. I don't think I can get bars high enough.

Assuming 10mm hs cap, 20mm spacers and a 100mm 0 degree stem I'd still be 6mm short on height, but the reach would be doable.

I'd like to avoid the 0 to + stems, and by the looks of it the Tarmac comes with a -6. Not sure if that stem is adjustable.

Seems like the disc pro price dropped to $6700. I think it was $7k over the summer?

Originally Posted by rnhood

I would think that you can get your stack merely by changing the stem shims. That is one of the neat things about the Specialized stem.

And you are not going to buy a better bike than the Tarmac. Just one of those things that isn't going to happen. It's doubtful a 61 will be found in some dealer's stock but, their demo van should have one, and the schedule is posted on the Spec website. Test riding is highly recommended. You want to know what you are buying.

[rnhood]

If you need a stack that high, then consider the Roubaix. It is equally as excellent. Giant Defy is another good option. Same for that Cannondale Synapse.

If you have to go custom for aesthetic or vanity reasons, be sure it comes with a guarantee that it will not exhibit front end wobble on a fast descent. That is an unacceptable characteristic, and should warrant the return of the bike. You need a properly designed and built bike, especially in the larger sizes since they can typically have more flex - all things equal. Hence the Specialized recommendation. I know it doesn't wobble.

[m4rk540]

Originally Posted by cgolvin

I know Hern, he's a member of my club and I ride with him relatively frequently. Last week he showed up with a brand new model, which he explained uses a lot of new techniques versus his older one. He's done carbon repair for me and others I know, have never heard any negative feedback on it.

You're in MASH SF?

Didn't Hern start at Predator? They were building interesting yet rough CF bikes a few years back.

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by rnhood

If you have to go custom for aesthetic or vanity reasons, be sure it comes with a guarantee that it will not exhibit front end wobble on a fast descent. That is an unacceptable characteristic, and should warrant the return of the bike. You need a properly designed and built bike, especially in the larger sizes since they can typically have more flex - all things equal. Hence the Specialized recommendation. I know it doesn't wobble.

Where did this come from? Do you have some knowledge of chronic speed wobble on custom carbon frames?

[sfo1]

Thanks for the tip.

Roubaix is likely the ugliest bike on the road (IMO, of course); snack box, kooky seatpost and obsolete Cannondale head shock gizmo. I rode the hi mod Synapse and it will fit my gangly needs but it just didn't have much road feedback or get up & go. I am comparing to a TCR Advanced SL so maybe not fair.

Originally Posted by rnhood

If you need a stack that high, then consider the Roubaix. It is equally as excellent. Giant Defy is another good option. Same for that Cannondale Synapse

[owly]

Originally Posted by sfo1

Geo, layup in the front end would up to the builder. But, in my experience, many larger bikes loose stiffness in the front as the length of the tube increases. Some modern off the shelf frame accommodate by optimizing tubes/junctions as sizes go up, but many do not. I'm sure a good builder would know what to do.

Mourenx69 frameset in XXL is 631mm stack.

Reviews on those frames mention rather stiff at the front with some compliance in the rear.

[sfo1]

That model is out of production. I think the Merckx brand lost its way under Ridley ownership. Hopefully, now that they are back in WT, they will reinvest into the product.

Such a great brand name.

Originally Posted by owly

Mourenx69 frameset in XXL is 631mm stack.

Reviews on those frames mention rather stiff at the front with some compliance in the rear.