A couple days ago I posted a request for input on road bikes in the $2000 - $3000 range. Then I wandered into the LBS and ran across a new Seven that had just been built up and was waiting for its owner to show. Suddenly $4K didn’t seem like that much but after crawling around their website, reading a bunch of reviews and going through the brochure a half dozen times I still have a hard time with the fact that you could get a half-dozen fantastic production bikes for that money (the R2.5 Carbon immediately comes to mind). I kind of think of a custom built titanium bike as a bit like owning a Porsche or Jag. Sure you can get an Acura NSX that probably performs as well or better and costs less, but there is something magical about certain designs. Curious whether some of the folks out there who have gone the custom route can weigh in (especially Seven riders).
We used to sell them. They are well made, basic bikes.
I have a made-to-order Seven. The craftsmanship, ride quality, and customer service are all first class. Looking back, was it worth the money? Probably not. Ti is nice, but you’ll probably find something on the floor just as nice and for less money.
I agree with Milan. I had a Serotta Legend Ti…it certainly is nice, but I think you can find a stock bike that fits you 98% of the time. i now have a P3.
I am waiting for a surprise soon…I am sure it will be worth it…
I have a custom TiCycles Softride, ti of course. They had no production Softride frame, so it was 100% custom (I later had them do a steel Softride track bike for me as well). Was it worth it? To me, absolutely. Unless Softride goes out of business with the change to the USCF rules for 2006, I don’t see myself owning another road bike. How much of that is the beam, and how much of that is the ti? Don’t know. Don’t care. I got ti because it WILL last forever, not because it’s light or springy or the cool factor. I had the cash to make the deal, and I went ahead and did it. Every time I climb on that bike, I’m glad I did.
I’ve owned a couple of custom road bikes. If I could have found a road bike that fit me I would have saved the $$ and got a production bike.
Do you speak of the ti/carbon blend Herbert’s got cookin’?
Hey IAG
I have a Seven Odonata and you will never regret it! It is by far the best bike I have ever had. And out of all of my bikes it’s the one that calls to me to go for a ride. I even commute to work on it almost every day!
Can you get a bike that is 95% a custom bike for less? Yes and the R2.5 is a sweet rig my best friend has one. But there is just something about a custom fitted bike that makes it just that much better, it’s just right.
One of the things that I noticed right off the bat was how much better I could do a track stand with my Seven. The first time I came to a stoplight I just pulled up and stuck it! The balance is spot on. And small things like when you reach down for a water bottle you don’t have to look for it it’s just in your hand! So there is just a ton of small thing that make a custom worth the time and extra cash.
Dan…
Any reason you are limiting it to Ti? Can get a custom Steel for alot less.
Also, take a look a the Serotta Fierte. It comes in steel or ti, and lots of sizes. I’ve heard they take all the custom bikes they do for a year, or so, and pull out some averages, and those are the sizes they offer in the frame. 12 different sizes in all. Not custom, but more options.
I recently got fit for a custom road bike. I’m not willing to splurge for ti, and liked my last steel bike, so I am going that route. Lots of custom steel manufactures out there. I’m also hard to fit, as I am all torso and no leg.
Last, I’ve heard good and bad things about this company. I always ask myself, how can his Ti be so cheap. But, if your not about “soul” or “brands”, this might be a good route for you: www.habcycles.com
-bcreager
no…no carbon involved…and it’s a surprise
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I think it all comes down to if you can get what you want out of a stock bike. If you can get fit perfectly on a stock bike, there are many good options that you can get. Cervelo r2.5, scott, etc. The second thing is if you care about certain things that come on a bike. For me, I will not spend $$$ on a bike with an integrated headset. It is a deal breaker for me. That rules out many bikes from my perspective. Your likes and desires may differ from mine.
You can get a custom habanero Ti for something like $800 or so.
I have a custom Seven Axiom. I don’t have much to add. If you get one, you won’t regret it, but if you save a few grand I don’t think you will regret that, either…
Is it really a surprise when everyone knows it’ll be September 1st?
Tell us what you know, Frankie!!
it’s coming just for me, and it’s custom…and it’s not litespeed it’s QR…
First, thanks to all for the input it is appreciated. I’m still not really sure what to do. My P2K is production, I’ve had it since Jan 2002 and I still love every ride I take on it, it fits me like a glove and it “only” cost about $2,300 (not counting the HEDs)…
Tom, yours is an unusually circumspect post. Is there a story here? You’re usually full of info and detail on these types of subject. What’s your dream bike with $4,000 to spend?
“I kind of think of a custom built titanium bike as a bit like owning a Porsche or Jag.”
Don’t. That’s your first major mistake. Think of it only as a well made titanium bike that you’re paying extra for.
Unless you have very unusual body proportions there is very little reason to purchase a custom built bike. Bike fitting is a matter of adapting a machine with a certain degree of adjustability to a human body that has a certain degree of adaptability. Consequenly, stock sizes will fit 98% of the population.
The other thing to consider is resale value. How many potential buyers will have exactly your same measurements.