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10K views 22 replies 13 participants last post by  epicxt  
#1 ·
I'm starting to shop for a custom steel racing road frame. I'm from the Seattle area and I prefer to shop locally.

So the question I pose to the forum is: Which custom steel builders in Seattle would you recommend or not recommend?

I've looked into Davidson, Rodriguez, Perfect Wheels, Hempsten, Boxer, and 333Fab among others. So far my favorites are the first three even though Perfect Wheels gets it's frames elsewhere.

My preference is for a lugged frame and my max budget is about $2500.

Thanks in advance for any feedback
 
#2 ·
I think that your lugged requirement is going to be the decider.

I grew up in Seattle and lusted after a Davidson for a long time, but I like the looks of what 333Fab are doing; I like "modern steel". Hampsten would definitely be on my list... I believe they know what they're doing. I've never heard a review of a Rodriguez (though I think that they were really respected and no slouch ride), and I've never had a problem with my wheels from Perfect Wheels. Boxer seems to be a bit retro for me.

There's a lot of builders here on the West Coast... If you want lugs and steel, you've got some deciding to do.

I've never gone custom in frames, but I keep this in mind for everything custom I consider: Custom is a service, not a product.

Good luck, and post up what you decide... my next bike will be a custom steel, and I already know it's going to be a tough decision!
 
G
#3 ·
It really depends on what you're looking for. A custom geometry or a truly custom frame?

I live in Seattle, but I'm currently working with Eric Estlund who runs Winter Bicycles down in Eugene, OR. I saw Eric's work at the Seattle expo then found a guy who owned one of his bikes and raved about it. He's great to work with and very happy to look at each frame as a new project. He can build a frame for what you're looking at.

As I was doing my research I found that the better builders seem to be in Oregon. Not to decry the local builders but the quality of work coming from the southern north west really is extremely high. I'd highly recommend you at least take a look; it will give you some ideas if nothing else!
 
A
#4 ·
I was actually over at R&E yesterday. They do claim to have some really competitive road race frames, on par with aluminum or carbon for weight. I haven't ridden one of their bikes myself, though, and while a guy I know has one I don't think he knows wtf he's doing with bikes. He works for Microsoft, so if he wants something he buys it. He was certainly excited about his Rodriguez when he got it. One of the S&S couplers ones.
 
#5 ·
I own 3 custom frames (lugged steel, carbon, tandem) and think your idea to buy locally is the best choice, and not because I'm a "buy local" guy. The reason to buy local is because you get to sit down with the builder and really let him know what you want., how you ride and what you want this bike to be. Much better to talk to the builder than fill out an online form or chat on the phone. My tandem was not a local purchase and it's not "all I had hoped for".

And if there is a detail to be changed you can go see the builder. I've heard too many custom build stories about bad (or lack of) communication after the order was placed and deposit paid.

Portland has a lot of lugged steel builders and that's almost local to Seattle. But I've been lusting for a new bike and Davidson is where I would go. Especially if you want lugged steel. for $2500 you could have Ti and that should be a consideration, unless you already own one.

Strong Frames has a huge following - Montana. Strong Frames | Home
I also like Mike DeSalvo's work - Ashland, OR. DeSalvo Custom Cycles | Home
But not sure if either do lugs.

Working with Craig Calfee and Jon Tallerico resulted in 2 dream bikes for me. I suggest you take your best existing ride to the builder and describe what you would change to make it perfect.
 
#6 ·
Just re-read your initial post - for a race frame I would go to Curtlo. If you crash it badly you can get a new frame and still stay within your budget. Custom TIG welded frames for about $1K. Winthrop, WA is only a couple of hours away. And what a beautiful drive over.
 
#7 ·
This is awesome feedback guys. Thank you very much. I did go and check out Davidson and some of the other riders I hang with have mentioned them without my prompting so it seems like "the" customer builder in Seattle. I will definitely research your other suggestions though.


Winthrop is an amazing drive.
 
R
#8 ·
I have a Hampsten Gran Paradiso and I strongly suggest you give Steve a call. If you like lugs then his Team Pro is what you're looking for.

333Fab is Max who welds Steve's frames.

Either way you will not be disappointed.

I also suggest you check out the forums at velocipedesalon.com That venue is more focused on the custom scene.
 
#11 ·
Davidson and Hampsten are the best choices for the Seattle area, IMO. When I was shopping for a custom steel, I took a good look at Rodriguez since the name was well known in the area. I found them to have great paint jobs but I underwhelmed with the construction, it just wasn't up to the same standard of finish as Hampsten and Davidson. I ended up with a custom from Portland (Argonaut) because I liked what he was doing with dropouts. My custom steel has replaceable 6/4 Ti rear dropouts that can be swapped out if damaged or I could convert it to a track bike or fixie with 120mm spacing. Unfortunately he is only building custom carbon now. For me it was the small things that make a frame worth having.

If you want a lugged race bike, I would go with Hampsten, Winter, or Ira Ryan. The last two are in Oregon. If you want some insight on what goes into a custom steel, I recommend you look at the Velocipede Salon forum, just be prepared to be overwhelmed with information and incredible frames.
 
#12 ·
I'm only about a year and a half into my serious cycling career. the reason I'm looking at custom steel is because my Car is currently a 1980 Fuji America that's a tad bit over sized for me. It does ok commuting but I've reached a point where it can't keep up with my fitness in training. I would like a carbon frame for racing/training and a custom steel for commuting. But commuting home is when I get in most of my training rides so it needs to be race ready.

Also my geometry is a bit odd. I've got a pretty normal 5' 11" body, maybe a bit leggy, but then I've got at least a 6' 5" reach. So the more aggressive riding position of race bikes is actually more comfortable for me than a touring bike intended for comfort.

It was my intent to buy a Scott Foil right about now and the steel frame in the fall so I wouldn't be riding a carbon aero frame in the winter. But the Foil I want/can afford is on back order so I thought I'd get the steel instead but the time frame to get one doesn't have me riding until after my races are over.

So now I've got time to thoroughly do my research. I'm gonna take another look at Hempsten, I'm starting to lean either to them or Davidson.
 
R
#20 ·
My roommate just picked up his custom titanium Davidson from Elliot Bay this weekend and it is a work of art. Welds are beautiful and it was finished perfectly in all its bare titanium glory. He worked with Bob on the fitting and geo and couldn't be happier. Steel should be the same, at least go down and chat with them before you make a decision
 
#21 ·
Just spoke with Bill about what I want on my Davidson and how I want to ride it. Should start on it any week now.

The deal is that most long time builders are going to build you a nice bike.
It's the interaction between builder and rider that's most important to me and why I went local with Davidson. He knows what he's doing.
I have a Steelman that I bought and it, like the pictures above have a carbon fork...ruins a good steel bike ride and look, especially if you're going lugged. IMO.
Bill is going to build a nice sweeping steel fork for me to put on it so I can fly.... :)
 
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