Alternatives to Rivendell

[skiezo]

Originally Posted by BobbyJones

Johnny Coast of Coast Cycles may be of interest to you.

I had Jonny Coast build me a 650b rando last year and I can say he is a pure joy to work with. Very knowledgeable and builds a great bike.
I am in the process of getting the last few parts for mine and will be building it up soon.

Wyganowski Frames is another one. He built a few frames for a friend of mine and his wife and I can say he knocked it out of the park.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by Chicago

I am looking to get custom steel lugged frame. I share the philosophy of Rivendell, i.e., more upright riding, comfort vs speed, longer wheelbase. I really like Rivendell bikes, but this post really turned me off to this company:https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?p=2839877.

So, I am looking for an alternative. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions. Thanks in advance!

www.waterfordbikes.com
https://waterfordbikes.com/22-series-artisan/

The only real concern/question about Waterford is that you don't have the one on one with the builder. Thus, if you don't have that, how does the builder at Waterford choose what kind of tubes or diameter of tubes to use to best suit what ride you are looking for? Is it just from information you provide in some type of intake form?

Call and talk to Richard(Schwinn) and he'll let you talk to Mark Mueller..Tell him Peter from Vecchio's sent ya//I don't think he'll hang up on you

Also mentioned, Mark Nobilette..I have sold many of both of their frames and both are first class.

[J.Higgins]

Originally Posted by steveandbarb1

Bilenky does it right, and has been doing so for decades

+1 for Bilenky. I love mine.

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by David Kirk

Dave Wages of Ellis.

dave

Short drive to Wisco. and gives the OP the process and experience he's after with Dave's more than capable hands.

[Gsinill]

Originally Posted by pinkshogun

https://www.chapmancycles.com/

Someone over at CR just posted theirs, gorgeous, IMHO:



Full album here.

[fiamme red]

Originally Posted by Gsinill

Someone over at CR just posted theirs, gorgeous, IMHO:



Full album here.

That's an astonishing bike. It's in the tradition of the great French constructeurs.

[mistermo]

Many years ago, I ordered a custom bike from Waterford. Richard Schwinn was the initial contact, then he turned it over to Mark Mueller, who designed it. I spoke with Mark several times in the process. Mark knows what he's doing. You'll get what you're seeking.

As others have said, you can't go wrong with Dave Wages (Ellis) either, though I've got no personal experience to offer.

If you're in Chicago as it appears. It's cool to have the connection to Schwinn/Waterford/Ellis, with the history and proximity.

[Gsinill]

Originally Posted by fiamme red

That's an astonishing bike. It's in the tradition of the great French constructeurs.

Yep, I agree.
Personal preference: I would have gone full lugs since I am not a fillet or bi-laminate fan.
I am sure though that Brian would be able to accommodate

[EB]

No personal experience with him as a builder, but in this genre I love the Gallus Cycles instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gallusdude/?hl=en

https://galluscycles.com/

He has some small batch options that bring the price down considerably, also.

[RonW87]

https://mariposabicycles.ca/bikes/road/

[Waldo62]

Yup, to know Grant is to love Grant. I am not sure what the OP found off-putting in the post he linked, but he is obviously welcome to shop and not shop wherever he pleases.

Originally Posted by CMiller

For what it's worth, Grant can be a bit funky in writing but I have never met an overall nicer group of people than at Rivendell. Seriously nice people.

Any builder can get you a nice steel bike. But Rivendell have a tradition of upright and neutral handling bikes, and you are paying for that reassurance and brand name ride. Not all the new bikes are my cup of tea, but I have never ridden a poor handling Rivendell.

[bikinchris]

Originally Posted by Waldo62

Yup, to know Grant is to love Grant. I am not sure what the OP found off-putting in the post he linked, but he is obviously welcome to shop and not shop wherever he pleases.

I like Grant for the most part, but his anti cycling as exercise, anti index shifting, anti cycling clothing attitude is weird. It might work fine for a 6 block ride to a grocery store is fine, but not long fast rides.

[charliedid]

Originally Posted by bikinchris

I like Grant for the most part, but his anti cycling as exercise, anti index shifting, anti cycling clothing attitude is weird. It might work fine for a 6 block ride to a grocery store is fine, but not long fast rides.

I'm just kind of sad that Rivendell became a company more about what it isn't than what it is.

Who gives a damn.

[El Chaba]

I go to their website once a year or so to look around...in the same way that some people watch videos of train wrecks. It never disappoints, for the same reason. I always leave with the impression that those people hate cycling and the bikes designed to be used for it. Any good builder can build a nice bike for actual riding just toned down a bit...and without throwing shade on the entire sport.

[Chicago]

I want to thank everyone for their suggestions and input. It is very helpful. I look at and research each suggestion. Thank you!