Ruby Versus Madone (again?)

[kelownagirl]

Maybe not my last bike, I can't see myself buying a more aggressive racing bike after this. But you're right. Who knows! Maybe my next bike will be a tri bike.

[tulip]

I still say, especially if it's your last bike, go custom.

[kelownagirl]

I have no clue how to go custom. Where do you go? A regular lbs?

[tulip]

I have no clue how to go custom. Where do you go? A regular lbs?

I would start checking around on websites such as Waterford, Luna, Seven, Independent Fabrication, Rivendell, Vanilla (2 year wait, however), Kogswell...I'm sure other TErs will also have some suggestions.

You may have an LBS that you can work through, or you may deal directly with the company.

I can only tell you that my experience with a custom bike is fabulous. I've ridden alot of bikes in my day, and it's amazing to have one that fits perfectly. If you can, why wouldn't you?

[Thorn]

I just gotta jump in and back Tulip up on the custom....I knew I should go custom and I put it off for more than a year. Now that I have possession of the bike and can feel what a good fit feels like, I kick myself that i didn't have it for last summer.

Check with your local bike shops to see if they have a relationship with a custom builder. I cheated and happen to live within 20 minutes of a good, custom steel frame builder. I visited them, had the fitting done there and had a LBS do the build. I know that there is another thread by Lisa where she's working directly with Luna.

Still, I really think there is something to the in-person fitting. After taking the measurements, the fitter plugged them into the computer and set up the machine based on its recommendations. After I rode for a while (it felt good), he tweaked a bit (it felt better), and then he tweaked again (and, amazingly, it was even better). Then they built me a frame that exactly matched it.

In the end, I spent a little bit more than if I had bought a high-end road and it weighs *maybe* a pound or two more, but it has exactly what I want for components and it fits me with all my foibles.

Also try looking at Serrota's website. I looked at them for a while--devoted following.

[Mr. SR500]

I might be a little suspect of your LBS, if they are pushing what they have on the floor over what you seem to be leaning toward. So it you are thinking of custom, you might want to find a better LBS.

That said I'm not sure how close you are to Portland, but they just hosted the hand built bike show. Looked like many local builders were present. I think I would ask around for a great LBS that specializes in custom bikes. It might even be worth taking a long weekend trip to Portland to check them out.

I'm still sold on the Madone. If I ever go custom, I would likely go TI. There are more builders doing carbon, but if you really want a carbon bike, I still think Trek might be the way to go.

Good Luck and have fun with the process.

[sgtiger]

KG -The LBS is your best bet. They would know where most of the local frame builders are located and even have a few recommendations to their favorites. Even if you have to travel a bit IMO it better to work directly with the builder as they can get a more accurate fit and see you on your current set-up. Even if there aren't any builders in the area, many LBS's are an authorized dealer for custom frames of a handful of builders. It usuallly means that they have been trained by the manufacturer to their fit standards or are at least familiar with the frame-buildier's fit guidelines(Is it just me or does every place do theirs just a wee bit differently?) In that case, the LBS should offer to do all the tweaking that come with the purchase of a new bike and even change out parts(different size crank, longer stem, etc.) if need be. But definitely ask what support the LBS offers if you go that route.