Custom steel - some options

[raggedtrousers]

So, clearly not a true WW topic, but I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a custom steel frame.

Reasons:
1. I have slightly short legs for my height and slightly long arms. Nothing ridiculous, but the combination means it's hard to get a better than 'ok' fit on most stock frames (there are a few that work fairly well but the choice is a bit limited).
2. I love the 'classic but modern' aesthetic
3. I haven't raced for over a decade and have come to the conclusion if I ever do pin a number on again it will be in a TT (not on this bike), so absolute weight/speed is not a priority, provided it is fast enough
4. I want something that will last me a decade or more, with no worrying about cracks, bbs, etc
5. I want custom paint

Now, I would love full stainless, but that's a little out of my realistic budget (c.£2500) unfortunately.

I've narrowed it down to a few options and would appreciate some thoughts from anyone with any experience of them/thoughts on the above (PS this is a present for my 40th, so anything with a greater than c.6 month waiting list is out):

1. https://www.ciclicasati.it/spirit-disc-brakes (probably the current front runner)
2. https://www.condorcycles.com/collection ... c-frameset (I've ridden one of these and really liked it, but it strikes me as a touch over-priced)
3. https://stelbel.it/en/model/stelbel-rodano/ (lovely, but top of budget and struggling for a 6m turnaround)
4. https://www.enigmabikes.com/pages/enigma-elite-hss (the bikes look good and they are well-reviewed but the owner has a reputation for being a bit difficult to work with)
5. http://www.horsebrand.co/bikes/road-racer-plus (bit of a dark horse, excuse the pun)

Any thoughts on the above or suggestions for ones I've missed?

[MrCurrieinahurry]

Whatever you think you will end up spending and a third on lol or double it anytjing custom frame wise Id want to go with someone local to me that I could build a relationship with and enjoy the building process.
That's my two pennys

[raggedtrousers]

Whatever you think you will end up spending and a third on lol or double it anytjing custom frame wise Id want to go with someone local to me that I could build a relationship with and enjoy the building process.
That's my two pennys

Ha! Yeah, I'm finding all the 'headline' prices all look quite reasonable, then you realise that everything like internal cable routing, disc brake mounts etc etc are all extra and the actual 'ready to ride' price is about 20-25% higher.

I'm struggling to go local. Saffron (in London, which is about 90 mins away) do fabulous looking bikes, but they're right at the top of/a bit over the the budget and have a c.10 month wait. Rourke is about 2 hours away (and 15 minutes from my folks), they have a great reputation and are competitively priced, but the aesthetic doesn't do much for me and I'm pretty sure that's it's not Brian who does the building these days. Maybe they're worth another look...

There is another guy who is quite close. He's fairly new to the scene, and I suspect his very competitive prices are down to him trying to build his business. His work looks good (and is a bit different, in a cool way) and I was very keen initially, but he's been hard work even just to exchange a few emails with and has come across as a bit odd, so he has probably ruled himself out!

Decisions, decisions...

EDIT: thanks to the member who sent the helpful PM. I can't reply directly for some reason, but I'll look into it!

[CustomMetal]

Feel free to message me... I've had a few and can give my 2 pence worth

[raggedtrousers]

Message sent via email as I can't PM - thank you

[Broady]

Looks like you're UK based, I've got 2 Feather Cycles, Ricky's work is superb, would definitely recommend.

Www.instagram.com/feathercycles

[raggedtrousers]

Thanks Broady. I emailed Ricky a couple of days ago. I'll wait to hear back, but I suspect both price and waiting time will rule him out.

[muti]

From the Italian framebuilders,I would suggest to look at CicliBarco.Now they make the stainless Viva fork for disc brakes,too.They are subcontractors for a lot of famous brands(one of them is even on your list!).

[Cycomanic]

I can't recommend them (never seen one in real life) and they are not custom, but I recently came across the urwahn bikes (their road bike is the schmolke edition) . They definitely look different, especially for a steel bike. They are very expensive though.

Sent from my LYA-L29 using Tapatalk

[Stvrox]

https://www.isenworkshop.com/bikes
Isen frameworks have a custom geometry option and some absolutely mouthwatering paint jobs. 10 week lead in time.

[Stvrox]

https://www.isenworkshop.com/bikes
Isen frameworks have a custom geometry option and some absolutely mouthwatering paint jobs. 10 week lead in time.

[Tychom]

Maybe not fancy enough for a 40th birthday present but the Ritchey Road Logic frameset is pretty decent and I'd say the geo could work fairly well for you.

[Ben689908]

Feather
Donhou
Quirk

[raggedtrousers]

Thanks for all the further suggestions, especially for those who have sent a PM. I'm too new to reply, so thank you - I promise I'm not just being rude.

Isen look great, but all in c.£3200 non stainless is possibly pushing the budget a bit too far. Have emailed Ricky at feather but no reply. Quirk's frames look lovely but I'm after something a bit sportier.

Donhou is a new one for me so will check it out.

Funnily enough I'd looked at the Ritchey, and I could put a hell of a build together for the budget...

I'm now spoiled for choice!!

[gwsmith1004]

What about Field cycles in Sheffield?