Oregon Cycling Magazine

by Tom Baldinger

Are you comfortable when you ride? Do your wrists or neck ache? Simple changes can make a huge difference in riding comfort. Most mountain bikes are sold with riser bars these days, because the higher position and backward sweep are easier on the wrists and enable better control. Bicycle seats have evolved enough that finding a comfortable model isn’t a matter of searching forever. The days of the itty-bitty racing saddle are over! Correct seat position and stem length/height play a primary role in bike fit. Changing parts will make you more comfortable, which will spur you to ride more. While it’s possible to upgrade a bike that doesn’t fit well, swapping parts is a poor substitute for the right frame. You’ll have to make these changes according to your needs and budget.

The advantages of a custom frame are numerous. Any custom builder worth their salt will guarantee your satisfaction, working closely with you to make sure you get a bicycle that fits like a glove. I have owned a custom steel mountain bike for nine years this fall. It has survived more epic trail rides, rainy commutes and general abuse than any other bicycle I’ve had. I am 6’4”, and have very long arms. My frame has a 26” top tube, a 74-degree head angle, a 74.5 seat angle, and a 43.5-inch wheelbase. The fork rake is minimal. The geometry is extremely steep in comparison to more traditional cross-country mountain bikes, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything else. It is the best trail bike I own. The handling is telepathic and second nature. No matter what kind of geometry you prefer, a good custom bike will enhance your riding experience like nothing else.

The Serotta Size Cycle is a trusted tool for bike fitting. Another way of doing it is a software program called Body Scanning CRM (Client Relationship Marketing). It produces dimensions based on a formula that includes rider weight, height, frame type, and riding style. There are numerous methods and a knowledgeable builder will get the right results regardless. What you’re paying for is a bike made specifically for you; so don’t be shy about stating what you want. A reinforced bottom bracket junction, head and down tube gussets, and a reinforced seat collar are a few of the things you should think about. While these kinds of features do add more weight, it’s negligible when you consider durability. A custom frame is an expression of your personality and the builder’s craftsmanship. Frame material is an essential consideration. Titanium is still the Holy Grail, but steel is a less expensive and more realistic option for the majority of cyclists. Remember that a steel frame can generally be repaired if it hasn’t gone through catastrophic failure. My own steel frame was saved after a hard crash, without breaking the bank. Titanium can be repaired too, but at greater expense. Experienced builders will listen to your input and give you a product that meets or exceeds your expectations. It is a long-term investment, and most builders offer a lifetime warranty on their work, barring disaster or customer foolishness. Don’t back into the garage with your bike attached to the roof rack of your car!

Some of the disadvantages to custom frames are price, shop location, and repairability. While it’s possible to send a damaged frame through the mail to get it fixed, there’s nothing like walking right into the local shop to see what can be done about your baby. One issue to be aware of is the potential need and availability of replacement parts. Before Doug Bradbury started designing suspension components, he built custom mountain bikes in the late 80’s and early 90’s. They were well made and beautiful, but getting frame-specific components for early Manitou mountain bikes was notoriously difficult. A more current example is my own frame, which requires a top-pull, bolt-on front derailleur. They aren’t easy items to find these days. If you have the choice, you really ought buy a bike a custom bike from a local builder. You might get the opportunity to ride another bike from the same shop. Although the fit might be wrong, (probably because the bike you ride is a custom job for someone else), you’ll know what the ride quality is like for the sake of comparison. Before I settled on my custom builder, I tried several of his bikes to get a feel for the basic design. You won’t get this chance with someone who lives far away, and the personal contact is valuable.

Oregon is a mecca for hand built bikes. This local economy is unique and worth supporting! Ten years from now, or thirty, when you’re pedaling on that same bike, the one that fits like your best pair of jeans, you’ll be glad you made the investment! There are dozens of manufacturers in Oregon and I don’t have the space to mention them all. Take the time to do some research on your own and ake the plunge this year; you’ll have a lifetime friend!

Possibly Related

• September 2008: Ashland welcomes custom framebuilders
• September 2008: Stop or yield
• March 2008: Riding out the Great Winter of 08
• January 2008: My bike is reverse-engineered
• March 2008: Itching to get back in the saddle? Not so fast!