from this point, it might get ugly

[silver]

Mimi, if you do go with a local builder please let me know what you think of the process. My dream, assuming I keep riding, is to eventually have a custom steel bike. My fantasy is not Italian-specific, but I agree that there is something very beautiful about steel and that the Italians have been doing it beautifully for a long, long time.

Admittedly, I love the cache of custom steel, but I also know--after spending a lot of time trying to tweak the fit of my Bianchi--that it's likely the only way to get a bike that really fits me. Unfortunately, I will likely have to work with a builder over the phone. People like Carl Strong have wonderful reputations for walking you through the process. There are also builders like Serotta, Waterford and IF that have reps here in Indianapolis that do the fittings. Either way, it will require a leap of faith.

Anyway, good luck with it all.

Kate

Hey, Kate, do you know about Spicer here in Evansville? I'm pretty sure that they will build you a steel one. A fellow in my team just got one built there. He's probably 6'8" they built him a 65cm. But I'm pretty sure his is aluminum.

http://www.spicercycles.com/index.cgi

[mimitabby]

I am still waiting. What I know is that he DID receive the frame and "accepted it" but no credit to my visa yet.

[indysteel]

Hey, Kate, do you know about Spicer here in Evansville? I'm pretty sure that they will build you a steel one. A fellow in my team just got one built there. He's probably 6'8" they built him a 65cm. But I'm pretty sure his is aluminum.

http://www.spicercycles.com/index.cgi

Silver, thanks for the recommendation. I'll take a look at that link. On while we're on the subject, there's an interesting discussion right now on roadbikereview.com about building a custom bike. You'll have to register if you haven't already to read it, but it is interesting....

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=88441