Hello all,

I'm getting back into riding, and decided to get a new bike to celebrate. My current one turns out to be too small, according to a the bike fitters I went to, people who were recommended here.

I had an appointment already with Chris at Robinson Wheelworks. What a nice guy! He was very careful not to tell me outright that I need a new bike, which I appreciated. When I pressed him more, his assessment was that my Bianchi can't be modified further to fit me. And I'd just as soon get on with it, I can afford it, so I'm considering a custom bike. And now to start with my many questions.

I've read BikerZ's story about the Seven - thanks for all that information! They can also order a frame from Habanero. Does anyone know the difference between the two? I think this is what Chris said: that Seven frames are US-made while Habanero frames are made in China. Seven makes their own tubes, and the extra degree of customization available from Seven is built into the price of their frames in general. Is that it, or are there style differences that I just can't see? The Habanero site doesn't exactly inspire me, and I haven't found much about them online. Obviously Habanero is cheaper.

Regarding custom vs. stock, if we can plot out my frame geometry based on body measurements, couldn't we find one of the stock bikes based on that same geometry? Or do you get stuck in-between the steps between the different stock sizes?

I'll search around here for more about buying custom, which I see as a bit of a project.
More later. Thanks!