Frame builder rec

Aaron O · #1 11-26-2019, 12:47 PM

Hi Gang,

A friend is looking to get his first custom. He has some very - specific - ideas, not all of which I agree with, and at least half I don't understand. I'm looking to recommend builders to him, and it's not going well.

Some of his preferences - and these are all weighted. Not dis-qualifiers individually:

Prefer closer to North East

Looking for someone who will take a lot of input from him (which I don't think he has the requisite knowledge to provide, but it's his money)

He gave me some architecture language that I didn't understand when we were talking, but basically he likes straight lines, and clean angles

He'd prefer someone with a more diverse demographic background

Has built a reasonable number of frames (I talked him into this one)

Someone who works primarily with roadies

Preference to a builder who also paints

So far the builders he's liked that I've recommended are Bishop...and...Bishop. He liked Mr. Kirk's work, but he didn't want to go to Montana. My recommendation, Simon/Hanford, didn't hit him...I think he wants a more roadie gallery.

Is Goodrich back to making/delivering bicycles? (not stirring the pot...honest question)

He didn't love Kvale's gallery, Wages and Bedford didn't move him, and Mark Nobilette was too far. Peter Mooney, one of my favorites, also didn't move his needle.

Blue Jays · #2 11-26-2019, 12:57 PM

Oh my goodness...sorry that you have been put into this precarious position with this person.
Can you please call the framebuilders to graciously advise them not take his calls as a courtesy?
Sounds like negative energy to me.

Aaron O · #3 11-26-2019, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Jays

Oh my goodness...sorry that you have been put into this precarious position with this person.
Can you please call the framebuilders to graciously advise them not take his calls as a courtesy?
Sounds like negative energy to me.

He's actually a good guy, but he has very specific ideas about what he wants, and he's a bright guy who can be somewhat...strident.

He's very impressed with a builder (will not provide name) who i advised against because of lack of experience and what I'd consider more of an artiste "precious" background.

prototoast · #4 11-26-2019, 01:09 PM

I'd recommend Bilenky. Dude has built just about any type of bike imaginable, does his own paint, and seems to be willing to go in weird directions if that's what the customer wants.

Aaron O · #5 11-26-2019, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prototoast

I'd recommend Bilenky. Dude has built just about any type of bike imaginable, does his own paint, and seems to be willing to go in weird directions if that's what the customer wants.

I think he wants someone more focused on roadies, and he's putting a lot of stock in galleries.

I have a Bilenky (Sterling) tandem that I ADORE, and which he's ridden.

I think he'd like Goodrich, but I'm not even sure if he's still around. He has a website, but there's nothing on it but pictures.

BobC · #6 11-26-2019, 01:26 PM

Indy Fab?

Malinois · #7 11-26-2019, 01:28 PM

If he’s open to aluminum and/or carbon fiber I’ve heard good things about Jack Kane, who’s based in North Carolina. Never dealt with them directly but they are pretty much roadie-only, the quality seems very good, and the custom paint work is top notch.

nighthawk · #8 11-26-2019, 01:35 PM

Toby Stanton at Hot Tubes?

timto · #9 11-26-2019, 01:37 PM

If he likes Bishop, does he need more options?

Aaron O · #10 11-26-2019, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timto

If he likes Bishop, does he need more options?

He's hoping for another option or two to consider.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malinois

If he’s open to aluminum and/or carbon fiber I’ve heard good things about Jack Kane, who’s based in North Carolina. Never dealt with them directly but they are pretty much roadie-only, the quality seems very good, and the custom paint work is top notch.

He's looking steel, and - I THINK - prefers fillet brazed.

cash05458 · #11 11-26-2019, 01:47 PM

"Looking for someone who will take a lot of input from him (which I don't think he has the requisite knowledge to provide, but it's his money)"

I am sure he is a nice guy, but boy this sounds like a headache...

muz · #12 11-26-2019, 01:50 PM

He should go to NAHBS and talk to a bunch of framebuilders.

zennmotion · #13 11-26-2019, 01:53 PM

Bilenky in Philly. If the shop and location doesn't scare him off, they can talk some sense into him. Honestly, I think you should just give him a couple of names and get out the way, a couple of conversations from the builders will set him straight, or not, and he can just hire somebody to repaint a Cervelo or something. Does he even ride, bro?

cash05458 · #14 11-26-2019, 01:56 PM

"He'd prefer someone with a more diverse demographic background..."

Not to stir the pot...but what does he mean with that? What does that have to do with making a good frame for him? I am curious...

Aaron O · #15 11-26-2019, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zennmotion

Bilenky in Philly. If the shop and location doesn't scare him off, they can talk some sense into him. Honestly, I think you should just give him a couple of names and get out the way, a couple of conversations from the builders will set him straight, or not, and he can just hire somebody to repaint a Cervelo or something. Does he even ride, bro?

He does, and, as stated earlier, Bilenky (who I am very familiar with) is not a fit.