When I first ordered my custom bicycle (I still have just the one), I was thinking that this will be the time to get a really nice riding bike that will be a perfect fit. I wasn't sure that I really had a body that needed a custom fit. Most of us have ridden a few bikes and know the miriad of really nice rides and their different qualities. But with this excercise, I described to the builder what I was going to use the bike for, what I enjoyed most about riding, what I was looking for in a ride. I ended up not with a bike that had this type of ride or that type of ride, or that kind of feel. I ended up with a bike that really excelled in all the ways I wanted the bike to excell. The bike just fell to hand, and had the perfect balance, was stable in the twisty, humpy screaming downhills, and was just the perfect extension of my body. Its pretty too, my color! Back then, it wasn't even a question of lugs or not like now, but I do appreciate the singular beauty of a finely crafted lugged frame in the traditional style. I've now got a few different bikes, and I try to find bikes that represent different styles, eras and frame materials (still all steel). Non of them is quite as nice as riding the one that was custom made for me.
Philosophies aside, I'm inclined to think that most of our KOF builders would be able to give you exactly what you're looking for in a ride. As Dale Brown suggested, a trip to the Cirque' would certainly give you an idea about what the different builders produce. Velo Rendezvous may be a bit closer for Mr. Cheung.
Dan Artley
Parkton, Maryland
>>> <Doland.Cheung@sce.com> 03/29/2005 6:28:47 PM >>>
Can anybody give me an idea on the varying build philosophies and/or styles of the various KOFs in existance? I've recently rejoined the list after a few years off and it's taken me about a month to figure out what KOF means, so I may have missed any previous discussions on this same subject.
I've recently developed an urge to make a nice, handmade, lugged steel frame my race bike. Race bike in the sense of a main steed for fast club rides and training rides with the local racers. Since I dont' and won't actually try to race anymore, weight is less of a priority and style and heritage more although I still like a relatively light bike. I want something timeless, classic and would be at home with either the latest and greatest modern Campy parts as well as a NOS NR groupo (yea, right!). My current main steed is a Litespeed Classic with Record Ti 9sp on it.
With all that being said, what can be said about KOFs? My first thought was Sachs, Weigle, Baylis or Spectrum. Can anyone describe differences between these guys or propose others?
Doland Cheung
Alhambra, CA