Custom road vs. off the rack mountain

[AngryScientist]

i may need to banish myself for saying so, but we are well beyond the days of custom bikes being "better" than stock bikes for any performance based metric, road or mtb, unless you have some really wonky fit requirement.

every time i rent a tarmac i come home wanting one. they are SO good.

custom bikes are fun to look at, and it's great to support craftsmen and women doing their thing, but i'm beyond trying to convince myself any of my fleet of customs actually DO anything better than something i can pick up from the big guns.


mtb? forget about it.

if i were seriously into mountain biking, i would want to be on a short term lease program with Spec or Trek. Give me the brand new tech every year. it just keeps getting better.

[John H.]

These are 1st world problems.

So many good custom choices these days-
So many good stock choices these days-

I have had many custom bikes over the years- Both road and mtb.
Currently I only have one custom bike- A very custom Seven Gravel/Road that takes fenders and really big tires.

That said- I am leaning more towards stock bikes these days.
I don't really need custom for fitting purposes. I used to need a long top tube, but at age 54 I can ride most stock 54cm frames.
I feel like this allows me to ride the highest technology bikes, lightest, stiffest, most aero, etc..
My Open UPPER is excellent. My Epic HT 29er is also excellent, Scott Addict RC disc...
All I need is a full aero bike

[Peter P.]

I'm a snob in both departments.

[gomango]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

Give me the brand new tech every year. it just keeps getting better.

That's why I just ended up with a Yeti SB5 plus.

By far, the nicest mtb I have yet to own.

Off to Moab again this year and I can't wait.