How to choose a framebuilder
How to choose a framebuilder
Having made the decision to go custom, the most difficult decision you will likely face is having to choose which framebuilder to use.
For some, the choice will be narrowed by material preference; carbon, titanium and, to a lesser extent, stainless steel are materials used only by a select number of builders. Opt for regular steel, on the other hand, and you’ll have no shortage of choice.
Other factors that can influence the selection of a builder include reputation, cost and wait times, with the latter two factors often influenced by the first. Whether you are willing to wait months, and in some cases years, rather than weeks should be factored in when choosing who to go custom with.
The specialisms of a particular builder should also be considered. Donhou, for example, is known not only for his ability to work with stainless steel, but also for his paint work, and the finish on his Signature Steel frame, with its deep granite grey and pink to lime fade, is stunning. “Paint jobs are getting more and more involved, and I really enjoy that because my background is in design. We’ve become known for offering a very high level of finish and we’re one of the few builders in the UK that finishes its own frames.”
Some builders will also specialise in a particular ‘type’ of bike, whether it’s for road racing, touring, cyclo-cross or mountain biking, and naturally their expertise will lie in the area at which they are most au fait. Similarly, if you have an idea for a radically different frame, then approaching one of the new generation of builders may be a better move than talking to an established business that is known for traditional designs.