NW Custom Frame Builder

[freshsushi]

I'm looking for recommendations on a frame builder, and what I should be looking for from a frame builder. Specifically, I want a good road-race bike that will survive crashes (I'm thinking titanium)... and I'd like to put in S & S couplers on the frame.

I'm centering on Davidson's - their price list on their website looks pretty sweet. Has anyone here had any experience with their frames? http://www.davidsonbicycles.com/html/home.shtml

[mimitabby]

my husband just got one, and I am getting ready to buy one myself.

The other day I was in their shop and as always, owners of other davidsons are coming in for little and big adjustments.

But what I wanted to tell you about is there was a bike in there that after several years a weld came undone. They were in the process of fixing it!

SERVICE. I am very impressed on how they take care of their customers. They are friendly and helpful..

And I see people coming in on 20 year old bikes that are still happy with them.

see http://www.sersale.org/bike/raleighdonbike.htm

[mimitabby]

another thing i like about Davidson is they do not subscribe to the one bike fits all theory. YOu go in and tell them what you want, and they make it.
You want it to fit 650's? they make 'em. You want a superlight bike? you can have that. You want oversized tubes? they will do that too..
And if you want TI, they do that too.

Go in, ask to talk to Bill, and make yourself acquainted. that's another thing.
No hard sell. I like that.

[Eden]

Davidson is very good, but Seattle has a wealth of custom frame builders
so there are a few other options too
Ti-Cycles will build custom frames - obviously they have a lot experience with ti.... (www.ticycles.com)
Hampsten builds really nice race bikes (http://www.hampsten.com/)
There's always Rodriquez - though they will likely push steel and 650 wheels....(http://www.rodcycle.com/)

[SadieKate]

If you're open to the entire PNW, DeSalvo in Ashland. They work ti.

S and S has a website that lists all the builders using their couplers.

Don't forget the Ritchey Breakaway-type system. It is showing up on more and more bikes with great reviews.

[mimitabby]

I was really interested in the Hampsten Bike Frames for a while, too. He was supposed to be at Bike Expo, but was a no show. A few months ago I drove all the way out to his shop one day to discover that it's actually his garage (unmarked even) and he only opens by appointment.. So I never went back, it would be really awkward for me to go there with an appointment and NOT want a frame, you know?