MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
Looking on the Travers website (for example) it seems that getting a bespoke ti frame with tailor made geometry isnt that much more spendy than an off the shelf jobbie and perhaps the only negative would be the waiting time.
But how do you know what geometry you want?
I mean, there are bikes I've had in my past that I thought were an incredible ride (the size 19.5 ,Lynskey made, On One Ti29er for example seemed to speak to me more than most of my old bikes), but I dont really know what aspect of the geometry made it feel like it was 'my' bike and if I did and could get an exact(ish) replica I'm not sure it would have the same appeal to me these days.
So custom frame buyers, what was your criteria for typing the numbers in the box personal to you? How do you know what works (for you) more than a good bike designer does?
Asking for a friend.
First you need a benchmark/s (bikes you've owned and ridden) to know what works for you, and what you like & don't, then go from there on BikeCad, your frame builder can then tweak your numbers during consultation with you. Remember: any "improvement" you make on the geometry will have a negative effect elsewhere. Bear in mind that your wants from a frame may change over the years. Once you settle on "your" numbers, trawl the www to see if it's available off the shelf. What do you want from custom? BeSpoked is in Harrogate in October this year, go peruse.
When I ordered mine in February this year I knew I wanted a slightly longer version of the bike I already had which was quite simple.
When i got my Shand road bike, a lovely man called Russell got all my measurements and then designed the bike around what i wanted. While I had a good idea what I wanted converting that into exact millimetres is a bit harder.
You need reference points and clear opinions on what you like and dislike. I designed a custom steel hardtail on paper (based on my full-sus) but before I ordered it a similar alloy hardtail came out which just needed a -2 deg headset to match the design within a few mm and about 1/4” degree, bar the chainstays being 10mm shorter - so I bought that instead to test the geometry. I’m still riding it five years on!
In retrospect, I got it right apart from designing for a 130mm fork when it works better with a 150mm at more sag. Then again, I’d now rather it was a 29er and the head tube even slacker but everything else can stay the same. Conveniently that same brand now has a steel 29er out that looks perfect so I can avoid going custom.
I had a frame that I loved but had a few features and dimensions I wanted changing. Couldn't find anything to replace it off the shelf so custom it was.
Fits like a glove and has the features I wanted..
Having a good idea of what you are wanting is essential I'd say otherwise it's an expensive gamble surely?