Are they decent? From what I've seen when they pop up on here they seem like a good outfit, just wondering what their frames are like?
If you're anywhere near the shop, there's one in the workshop waiting to go for paint at the mo-an ideal chance to have a look yourself!
I'm afraid I'm not. But if you wanted to post one up here for me to look at... 🙂
I'll try to sort some photos when I'm in on Monday. Can get some of out painted Monsal/Blacka models too. Email me at info@18bikes.co.uk and I can forward over
Cheers,
Si
Will do, thanks.
Being anywhere in this hemisphere is no excuse. We had a chap fly in from Australia yesterday to be sized up for one.
matthew_h - Member
Being anywhere in this hemisphere is no excuse. We had a chap fly in from Australia yesterday to be sized up for one.
Bruce says G'day!
With custom isn't it more about getting a builder who you feel completely understands what you're looking for in a frame, whether that's through having built similar stuff, doing a similar type of riding or being very good at translating a customers ramblings into something that makes bike sense. I'd have thought you can only get that from speaking to them. With regard to quality of build (and I don't mean to demean the skill required) the known builders will be much of a muchness, whether it's 18, swarf, BTR, Shand etc... so looking at a frame is probably pointless. That said I do spend a lot of time on Instagram gawping at various custom builders pics.
I had a frame built by Matt at 18 bikes last year. I'm very very pleased with it.
Matt was very helpful and communicative, helping out with design ideas. I wanted a short rear end, 157mm thru axle rear and 83mm BB, all accommodated. We didn't speak in person - all done by email but this was no problem.
The finished product is great, a nice combination of brazed and welded joints.
I'd work with him again.
Pics below.
[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/575/23432343411_5c050a02e0_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/575/23432343411_5c050a02e0_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/BGCTjT ]DSC_0010[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/46413317@N06/ ]Jones96er[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://farm1.staticflickr.com/666/23406779442_f1eaa5a968_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm1.staticflickr.com/666/23406779442_f1eaa5a968_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/BEnS3N ]18bikes custom hardtail -first ride today - very sloppy conditions but great to be out on this at last![/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/46413317@N06/ ]Jones96er[/url], on Flickr
Nice bike mister!