Out of curiosity, if you went through the custom measuring process on the Guru bike machine, why didn't you get the Guru bike?
I got a full-custom Parlee Z1.
Step 1: Want, not need.
Honestly, I did not need a full-custom bike but I wanted one. But, since I was going to spend this amount of money on a bike, I decided that I should understand the process and take advantage of as much as possible of the various aspects of a full-custom bike. I started the process by reading what Sheldon Brown wrote but also reminded myself that a little knowledge was a dangerous and stupid thing and that I would also have to rely on real work experiences of bike builders and riders.
Step 2: Finding partners.
My fitter used the Juteau-Cantin bike rig to test various geometry dimensions based on my two favorite bikes, a Lynskey Helix OS and a Lynskey R330, that have been set up almost identically but differ slightly due the frames' inherent differences. The fitting was also based in the Juteau-Cantin guidelines, his training and fitting experience, and the pre-fitting discussion, and post-fitting discussions and tweaks at 3-month, 9-month, and 15-month.
My fitter fitted my Lynskey Helix OS over the three fittings as we tweaked the stem length, steering column spacer amount, handle bar shape and hood angle, and seat post height and saddle angle based on my riding experiences. Based on this great experience, I also had him fit the Lynskey R330 to me.
Step 3: Initial geometry measurement.
Based on this experience, my fitter and I set the initial bicycle frame geometry. We compared this geometry to various standard stock Parlee's. I could have gone with a stock geometry but, as I said, I wanted a full-custom bike.
The geometry centered around the seat tube angle and final saddle height, the head tube angle and length that took into account the head set stack - these dimensions focused in my stack and reach requirements.
Step 4: Geometry refinement.
I then took these dimensions to my Parlee authorized dealer. We discussed the head tube angle, fork rake, and trail of the bike and their effect on handling. We also discussed the chain stay length and overall wheelbase and their effect on vertical compliance, comfort, and stability. This discussion and what I wanted in my bike comprised of the final requirements that were sent to Parlee.
Step 5: Geometry finalization.
Parlee then took the geometry measurements and interviews and proposed a geometry measurement. I talked with Tom Rodi and about the effects of each dimensions and then took the geometry dimensions back to my fitter.
Step 6: Geometry validation and finalization.
My fitter set up the geometry on the Juteau-Cantin bike rig and I rode it while he observed me. We talked about taking these geometry dimensions to the Retul laser fit system and the Guru bike machine but we decided that it was unnecessary. We figured that I should just ride the bike first and come back for a tweak at 3-months and 6-months, if I felt it was necessary. But, he said that it shouldn't be since the new dimensions are tweaks of my Helix OS and R330, maybe representing no more than a 5% change. Funny how a 5 % change costs 100 % more....
Step 7: Paint scheme
Believe it or not, this took as long as Step 5 and 6 as Parlee did three revisions of the custom paint scheme.
Step 8: Bike fabrication.
The frame took two months to build - actually, it was on the build schedule cue for 6 weeks and the actual build took two weeks and the painting took another week. Tom and Derek of Parlee sent me pics of the frame as it was being built.
Step 9: Bike assembly.
This is 99% complete. I am waiting to put on the custom-built (by me) Speedplay Titanium pedals. The bike currently weighs 6.3 kg with everything and an uncut seatpost and a heavy saddle (SMP Lite 209).
As someone wrote, 99% of us probably do not need a custom bike. I think that is especially true if you do not go through at least Step 1 through 7.
Mark
