Today's inputs included a list member who is coaching a young builder into making him just the bike he needs. After all the bikes I have ridden I am still not sure of all the details which translate into a perfect melding of man and machine. I know how long a top tube I need and what length of seat tube, and stem. I think I might know how long the chainstays should be, and maybe the seat tube angle. I wouldn't be sure of what bottom bracket height I would need nor what combination of headtube angle and fork rake/trail. I wouldn't know if I need Columbus genius or 853 or oversize or what gauge of tubing. I would be only to happy to specify what style of lug, or binder post, or braze on,or brake bridge, or color.
I am often surprised by the effects of changing forks or ridding a bike which is an unknown quantity. This all brings up the wisdom of buying from a builder who knows what he is doing and who tends to build what you already know you will like. It must be a frightening experience to wait a year for a bike only to find out that it still doesn't do what an old trusty, Italian steed has done for you for all these years. Perhaps an experienced builder can even insist that you really need one thing, even though you are sure you'd be better off with another. I would hope that an experienced builder more often than not would be right. I think that there must be a lot more to this game than just getting the fit and finish spot on.
Garth Libre in Miami Fl.