Who built your custom frame?

[Susan Otcenas]

I have TWO full custom bikes make by Sweetpea Bicycles in Portland, OR. Natalie builds for women only AND she seems to make a specialty out of fitting smaller women. My first Sweetpea is steel with S&S couplers. I've packed that bike to Europe twice (and will do so again this summer) and several times around the US. The couplers (and the suitcase) pay for themselves quickly if you travel a lot. This is my fourth season on the Sweetpea. I've put over 15,000 miles on it and have been super pleased with how well it fits me.

I also have a full carbon Sweetpea. As far as I know, it's the only one in existence. She's developing a new line and I got the very first one. It is such an incredible bike. Built to the same size specification, but damn, that thing is a rocket ship. I put some Zipp 404s on there.... damn. Even with my Powertap hub, the thing is under 17.5 pounds. Yes, please. My first weekend with it I rode 350 miles. Yeah, it fits perfectly! (Incidentally, Natalie designed the carbon bike and John Slawta at Landshark built it. Kick@ss paint job, too.)

I recommend full custom if a) you can afford it and b) you are small and have had a hard time finding something to fit. However, make sure you work with someone who is accustomed to working with small people. If you are 5'1" and someone is trying to sell you on a full custom with 700c wheels, run and run fast.

You will spend a LOT of money on a full custom (well over $5,000 if you want high end components) and it should be perfect for you. If you are at all uncomfortable, or feel like your voice isn't being heard, find another builder.

[Thorn]

I have a custom Waterford with S&S couplers. It travels at least once or twice a year. As a small rider, your packing will probably be easier than mine (my seat tube is 58cm). The first trip was scary -- ?could I get it put back together? ?what if something went wrong? Now, I'm pretty comfortable with the assembly/disassembly.

I love the ride of the bike and it fits me well. Waterford is a steel bike. When I first starting looking, I wanted to go Ti, but the steel rides well.

Note: Terry's semi-custom line is made by Waterford. That might give you a slightly more cost effective solution.

[DebW]

My custom steel frame with S&S couplers was made by Peter Mooney at Belmont Wheelworks.