Anyone ride/own a Feska One?

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Kayrehn
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Joined: Thu Mar 24, 2011 6:06 pm

by Kayrehn

Have you considered a Berk as well? You can possibly get a higher level of customization with that if you want something unique.

VTBike
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by VTBike

wheelsONfire wrote:
VTBike wrote:I can't speak to the price in Euro, they don't advertise that here. The One is full carbon at $4k base - which has something like 15 different stock sizes, or you can choose custom geo at NO up charge. That also comes with a tapered 3T fork (though I opted for an Enve upgrade at $150). The Euro is slightly stronger than the dollar. I have to imagine that either it's the same price, or slightly cheaper. So basically, I have no idea what the hell your talking about wheelsONfire.


I looked at the price which starts at 3500 Euro. That is what i was and am talking of. Nothing more or less. I paid about same for my bike with tapered head tube and THM CT fork. So for me Festka is very expensive. I don't say there are not other bikes/ frames that also are expensive.

Prices and specs are to be viewed here
http://www.festka.com/one.php


Ah, I see - I apologize.

I don't think the marketing on their website explains all that they offer with that price. That price includes the option to do full custom geometry. The upcharges for things like a tapered fork seem to be quite minimal.
My chosen options were:
Custom geo (sloping head tube, longer top tube, longer head tube, no cable stops for Etap, etc)
Integrated seat post - $400
Tapered Enve Fork - $150
Integrated rear brake cable - $300
Custom paint - $500 (you can choose a stock scheme and customize your colors for free - i wanted my own scheme)

No, I didn't look into Berk. I really wanted to go through a local shop that could help me make sure I get the geo right for my body and riding style, and that I could work with face to face. Though I've seen Berk's work, and it's certainly amazing.

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wheelsONfire
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by wheelsONfire

For guys in US, wouldn't Argonaut be an interesting choice?
But like Festka, he also don't build a frame with a tapered head tube.
He also implement 44mm HT and Chris King Inset headset.

I don't know what is the most appreciated builder in US?

There are many custom builders, i would probably be most interested to get the ride feel like i wanted.
But what happens if you order a custom build and you are not fine with the ride feel?

I like the Geo of Festka, it seems good enough in standard size (56).
But it cost alot if you go for the LT version (6170 Euro). But i still dislike that the head tube is not tapered.
It's the fork that is tapered and they use a 44mm head tube at the frame. That means that you'd need an external cup headset like Chris King Inset 7 or 8.

I am unsure if i wouldn't rather buy Look 795, Ax Lightness Vial EVO Ultra, Time Skylon Aktiv, Cipo NK1K or something like that when it's so much money.

I hope VTbike comes back with some sort of review. I am sorry if i come off like rude or complaining of Festka. It's probably great frames and i do like to hear how you feel about it once you have it!
Maybe it's just me who can't figure how frames has become so expensive lately.
I just noted Cervelos frame prices and even Bianchis new Specialissima cost 4500 Euro.
Colnago C60 is also costing hysterical money.
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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prendrefeu
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by prendrefeu

KWalker wrote:The new Speedvagen/custom steel. Convincing people they need fully custom solutions when in reality they just need to stop being so anal and have fun on their bikes.


Agreed. I think people are more swayed by the paintjobs and social media presence (people LOVE posting their pics of fancy paint jobs over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over....) than actual ride qualities. And of course, as is usually the case with any 'expensive' product, the owner will think it's the best thing ever because there is a psychological investment that went along with their financial investment.

I'm sure they ride nice. So does a raw steel frame from virtually any custom frame builder.
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KWalker
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by KWalker

Any top end bike rides well. And the number of people that absolutely need custom geo is slim at best. In reality it means "I want a custom HT length to precisely slam my stem".

<2y later the bike is for sale on Paceline or Velocipede. Its been funny sitting back and seeing the last few years of builder/custom trends come and go.
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eurperg
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by eurperg

Festka ONE LT has an integrated headset, not external CK like the normal ONE...

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wheelsONfire
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by wheelsONfire

If so they should update their own web sight.
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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Calnago
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by Calnago

Agree that people are swayed by paintjobs, rhetoric, etc., and that's the way it is, so what... but I would never choose a bike that didn't have superb ride qualities as well. But you can't see "ride quality". And I for one love the aesthetics of a nice bike, and that includes sound geometry, that looks pleasing to the eye (arguably subjective), sound and well thought out construction, good craftsmanship, good quality control, etc etc etc. And once those things are all taken care of... by all means throw a fantastic paint job on it, because I could look at those kinds of bikes over and over and over and over again. And there certainly are those that just because they paid a lot of money for something, they think it's the best... for sure, but that goes with anything. Again... so what. On the other side of the coin, there are also those that take great pride in being as "thrifty" as possible, whether by choice or necessity, then thinking their's is better or just as good as the 'spensive stuff. And maybe it is. Good for them. So what. It's all good.

I also agree that the number of people that actually "need" custom geometry is very small. While one brand may not fit a particular person as well another, chances are that some off the shelf bike will. A lot of custom bikes are sold because of the mystique, the workmanship, craftsmanship etc. Will it make you go faster, no. But I can certainly appreciate the work of a fine craftsman. Kind of depends on how you look at your bicycle in general... is it just a "tool"? Fine... go out, ride it. Get the job done. Or is it maybe a little more than just a "tool"? For me it is way more than just a tool. I love the bicycle as a means of transport, a work of engineering, a work of art even. And I love to ride them. All of it. The bicycle is far more than just a tool to many people.
Last edited by Calnago on Sun Mar 27, 2016 7:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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wheelsONfire
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by wheelsONfire

I think i agree with Calnago. There is always a bike that will fit if we are not locked on to a particular brand.
Custom bikes is hard to sell. It seems what sells best is that what people see the pro riders use.
My GF just asked me, what bike is on your radar now? I feel i have no clue actually. There is not one single bike sticking out as i feel.
Perhaps a mix of TT and road bike with a new handlebar, not developed yet. More like a TT bar with super low drop, 115-118mm.
Using road bike shifters.
Handling tires up to 32mm.
Fluid ride feel, but really stiff where it counts.
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.

VTBike
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by VTBike

I couldn't agree more with all the recent posts above. Its all so subjective! Custom geo, etc.. I certainly don't need it. But why not if there's the option.. (as long as ride quality is preserved)?!

For me, delight comes as much from riding the bike as the craftsmanship and company that goes behind it, and what it actually looks like.

To answer the question above - Argonaut starts at $6500 for the frame. Add in custom paint and what not, you're over $7k. So while it's a great option, I feel like i'm getting the same thing for a couple thousand less. What was said above I believe to be true - at a certain price point, all the bikes are going to ride relatively the same/great, as long as the fit is what you need.

Yes, you're right on the headtube itself being non-tapered, I get what you're saying now. It is an external cup. I suppose one could argue that you lose a bit of stiffness as a result. Personally I do like the look of the integrated headset better, So I do agree I'm sacrificing something here. But I think i'd be hard pressed to tell the difference on stiffness, so its simply aesthetic.

benzebub
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by benzebub

is the derailleur hanger replacable on the Festka One?
But I could be wrong

Denavelo
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by Denavelo

I have (2) friends in LA who recently purchased Festka frames.
One being a One carbon, fully custom.
The other is the Asphalt frame.
I think both of them paid around $4,000-4,100 give or take. So no that doesn't equate to a Argonaut ($6,500)
My buddies got fancy paint jobs, and the Festka guys had a presence at NAHBS for the last few years.
Festka made themselves available to answer questions, show their unique honeycomb layup process and go over the ordering details.
This is how most of the guys chose them to begin with, and I'm sure the fancy paintjob added to the decision making.
I'll report back when my buddies bikes are built and they provide feedback.
I'm in the market for something custom and Festka has always peeked my interest, since talking to the for hours on end at NAHBS.
I'll take one of the One Gravel frames and "Pennie Weenie" it to death. (Extralite, Tune and MCFK parts)

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Hiram
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by Hiram

Maybe Denavelo will have 3 friends in LA with Festkas! Definitely the very top of my short list! I've exchanged emails with them and they seem like great people.


Maybe I'll buy a house instead....

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RoadBikeStudio
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by RoadBikeStudio

Great brand. Love seeing those around online.
pics belong to glorious_collective on IG.

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McGilli
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by McGilli

WW1 British Dazzle Camo is still the best in my books. I actually painted my living room based on a portion of it from some of their Navy ships....

Seeing it on a bike is awesome... gives me the painting bug!

by Weenie


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