Getting custom frame made - any advice?

insanefred

Hi everyone,
First post after being a long time lurker.

I've just stumbled on a guy near me who has been building bike frames for a couple of years, and it's got me thinking - I need a commuting/winter bike, and I was about to buy a nice steel 631 frame with chromed shiny bits in the LBS; but for about the same price, this chap would weld me up something comparable, and customised.

Here's the current plan...
Columbus Zona tubeset, 57cm frame, old school racer geometry, but fairly relaxed. Something like a Shand Skinnymalinky, yum... Curved steel fork, 1 and 1/8 headtube.
Braze-ons to include mudguards, rear rack.
Was tempted by discs, but happy to stick with calipers at present.
Powder blue, and he'll get a stem painted to match

He's asking 50% up front, which seems fair enough. Build time up to 8 weeks.

So, having never done this sort of thing before, what sort of questions should I be asking him? I assume he'll guide me through it, but he's not been at it that long, either.
I understand it's slightly risky, but I'm prepared to give the guy a shot, support local businessman sort of thing.

531

Who is the framebuilder? I've been thinking about same and would love to use a local builder.

insanefred

531 wrote: »

Who is the framebuilder? I've been thinking about same and would love to use a local builder.

It's a chap called Paul Mullin in Whitehead, Co. Antrim. If you Google for Coastroad cycles you'll find his details.

ford2600

insanefred wrote: »

It's a chap called Paul Mullin in Whitehead, Co. Antrim. If you Google for Coastroad cycles you'll find his details.

Have a look on yacf.co.uk for ideas.

Off the top of my head
internal dynamo cabling for front and rear
lug for chain on chainstay
Frame pump lugs
mudguards bosses
clearance for decent width tyres and mudguards

Some really good experienced frame builders in UK, but if you trust your guy go with him I suppose. Can you talk to any of his customers? How long is he doing it?

Crafts take a long time to master

insanefred

ford2600 wrote: »

internal dynamo cabling for front and rear
lug for chain on chainstay
Frame pump lugs
mudguards bosses
clearance for decent width tyres and mudguards

Some really good experienced frame builders in UK, but if you trust your guy go with him I suppose. Can you talk to any of his customers? How long is he doing it?

Crafts take a long time to master

Chainstay lug is a good idea. Defo mudguards. There will be decent clearance for tyres too.
Speaking to other customers is a good idea. He's been building for a couple of years, I'll be able to see a couple of his most recent frames, see how they look, see how the welds are, check if they're straight, that sort of thing?

OldBean

Look into low trail and the potential for a front rack w/handlebar bag. I love mine for easy access while on the go. It'll go nicely with a curved fork.

Have a look at builds from Seven and Soma for ideas too.