Argonaut vs speedvagen vs baum vs firefly vs etc...

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UncleJamsArmy
Posts: 82
Joined: Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:07 pm

by UncleJamsArmy

None of these custom builders (though Speedvagen is usually stock) offer anything of value over any off the big commercial bike companies, unless you really need custom geometry (only very few people do need custom geo). There is nothing really superior to these niche custom builders other than the cache of the name. Technologically and from a price point, you are much better off going with a stock, off-the-shelf frame nowadays; they're that good.

If I were to go custom for a ti frame, it would be Carl Strong. His welds are better than Tyler Evans' and you don't have to wait 14 months to get it. Less expensive, too.

by Weenie


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andyindo
Posts: 367
Joined: Tue May 12, 2009 10:03 am

by andyindo

With all of these custom guys you're buying into the builders appeal and philosophy more than the actual bike performance. Performance wise none of these can match the top end carbon bikes. But you're not getting it for all out performance, rather something unique that you identify with. Its not an objective decision, so choose the one that you like the look of the most and can accomodate your unique needs the best.

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wheelsONfire
Posts: 6283
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2014 8:15 am
Location: NorthEU

by wheelsONfire

You can buy a Paduano racing bike to
http://www.paduanoracing.com/shop/en/

I had a Gladio, now i have a Fidia (like Nerva)
Very stiff and stable! Not very light though!
Bikes:

Ax Lightness Vial EVO Race (2019.01.03)
Open *UP* (2016.04.14)
Paduano Racing Fidia (kind of shelved)


Ex bike; Vial EVO D, Vial EVO Ultra, Scott Foil, Paduano ti bike.

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PinaRene
Posts: 856
Joined: Mon Feb 12, 2007 12:08 pm

by PinaRene

If you want custom - not too expensive - you can try Wind Cycle works.

I love to see his frame work @ his gallery ;

http://windcycleworks.nl/gallery

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jbaillie
Posts: 685
Joined: Thu Nov 01, 2012 4:17 pm

by jbaillie

RyanH wrote:They didn't send him one and told him that basically, too bad, we don't make a zero setback one so you're not going to get it,even though it was in the spec.


This doesn't sound like them at all. And they only make zero setback for ISP, it's the ISP toppers that may or may not have setback.

And to those making the whole "you aren't getting anything better/faster than the top end pro carbon bikes out there", of course you aren't! That's not what custom is about! Let Kanye explain. http://manualforspeed.com/feature/reachforthedream/

Stockie
Posts: 354
Joined: Mon Aug 20, 2007 7:24 pm

by Stockie

Don't forget about Crisp titanium
I Will make the leap

dcaspira
Posts: 27
Joined: Sat Jul 14, 2012 1:10 am

by dcaspira

jbaillie wrote:
RyanH wrote:They didn't send him one and told him that basically, too bad, we don't make a zero setback one so you're not going to get it,even though it was in the spec.


This doesn't sound like them at all. And they only make zero setback for ISP, it's the ISP toppers that may or may not have setback.

And to those making the whole "you aren't getting anything better/faster than the top end pro carbon bikes out there", of course you aren't! That's not what custom is about! Let Kanye explain. http://manualforspeed.com/feature/reachforthedream/


I second this comment - Firefly are incredible to work with.

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jbaillie
Posts: 685
Joined: Thu Nov 01, 2012 4:17 pm

by jbaillie

Case in point.

Image

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soracabana
Posts: 85
Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2011 4:24 am
Location: French Guiana & Aix-en-Provence France

by soracabana

Image

Image

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