I would go so far as to say that you should expand your horizons and perhaps look outside your immediate geographical area, if at all possible. I decided some 8-9 years ago to order a custom frame, wanting to purchase a frame that properly fit me (short legs, long torso) and had custom lug work. After calling/communicating with several builders of lugged steel bikes around the U.S., I decided on Glenn Erickson in Seattle, as something about his custom lug work and approach to framebuilding connected with me. I kept my eyes on airline ticket pricing, finally purchasing a round trip for about $225 and off I went to see Glenn. I was in Seattle for a total of three days, and on one of those days I spent an entire morning w/Glenn, going over my order and working together on designing the lugs for my bike. We pinned down the exact color scheme, he measured me for the frame and he even took me on a local group ride around the Seattle area. It was fantastic & well worth the trip, as the resulting bike is a joy to ride, something I really treasure. And to top it off, I even ordered a second Erickson the next year, which is a "beater" to race on. My advice: don't limit yourself to someone who might be the closest - find the work of a builder that speaks to you and go get one for yourself.
Dave Patrick Chelsea, Michigan
Ken Freeeman <freesound@comcast.net> wrote: Sorry for the double post, but this message is a lot more relevant with a pertinent title!! I need to think before I shoot in the future!
-----Original Message----- From: Ken Freeeman [mailto:freesound@comcast.net] Sent: Friday, April 01, 2005 6:42 AM To: 'classicrendezvous@bikelist.org' Subject: RE: [CR]Builders versus Marketers
I know of one: Ron Boi, RRB (or RBB?) Cycles, on Green Bay Road in Kenilworth. There might be others. I just got my frame aligned there with some geometry adjustment, and many years ago I had a fork repair. He built some bikes used in the RAAM, some of which are hanging in the shop. I haven't bought a frame from him, however.
Ken Freeman
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of MacKinnon, Kevin S. Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 4:18 PM To: Guy Apple; classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: RE: [CR]Builders versus Marketers
OK, I'm inspired. Who are the small independent builders in and around the Chicago area?
Thanks!
Kevin S. MacKinnon Partner Katten Muchin Zavis Rosenman 525 West Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60661-3693 Tel: 312/902-5285 Fax: 312/577-4504 kevin.mackinnon@kmzr.com
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Guy Apple Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2005 2:27 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR]Builders versus Marketers
Could not agree more.
Put your money on the table and get the bike of your life, something you're proud of, just for you!
Guy Apple Sunnyvale, CA
-----Original Message----- From: Vince Connelly Sent: Mar 31, 2005 10:21 AM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Builders versus Marketers
Bruce Gordon wrote:
"If people want the small independent builder to be around in the future - they should buy something. Not necessarily from me, but from a small builder, not a small marketer."
That's the best post I've read on this list in more than a year. Succinct,
and opens up discussion. A rare thing on this list, An original opinion,
stated in terms that are not narrow minded or argumentative. It drives the
lurker in me out of hiding.
Vince Connelly Durham, NH
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