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Custom Ti Frame Makers..a different kinda question

2261 Views 23 Replies 18 Participants Last post by  Ottoreni
I have seen plenty of Ti frame maker questions, but I am thinking this might be a bit different.

I am looking for custom frame makers who make batches of stock frames for sale. They have stock sizes they sell at a lower price.

At the moment, I can only think of three..

Lynskey

Wily

Moots (still seems pricey to me)

Are there any other custom ti frame makers who make small batches of stock sizes?
I was hoping Quiring did, since he made the Q-ball steel frame, but no luck.

It may only be a few $100 dollars cheaper, but that could be my brakeset or crankset that I just saved money for since I am really stretching my budget to reach for ti.

Please add to my list....
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Bikes direct. Ha

<------- SHILL !!!!!!!!!!
No thanks

92gli said:
Bikes direct. Ha

<------- SHILL !!!!!!!!!!
Please try to contribute something REAL..name calling accomplishes zip:nono: .

As for Bikes Direct, they are not a Custom Frame Maker.....SO NO, they do not belong on this list. Just like Voodoo to mention another Ti production maker.

To clarify my question, I am looking for frames made stateside by CUSTOM MAKERS who make small batches of stock sizes..

Thanks!:thumbsup:
not sure who their overseas builder is, but Carver can get you custom Ti frames starting around $1200. Certainly a good place to start for Ti on a budget.

edit: I see you just clarified while I was writing my post. nevermind then.
Ottoreni said:
Please try to contribute something REAL..name calling accomplishes zip:nono: .

As for Bikes Direct, they are not a Custom Frame Maker.....SO NO, they do not belong on this list. Just like Voodoo to mention another Ti production maker.

To clarify my question, I am looking for frames made stateside by CUSTOM MAKERS who make small batches of stock sizes..

Thanks!:thumbsup:
pretty sure he was calling himself names in a tongue-in-cheek way and in reference to recent discussion

so you want a non-custom "custom" frame then? ;) I can understand wanting to support an American company, but why not just say that?
Reason for American

Only possible reason for American is because if I have any warranty issues, I am hoping dealing with someone here would be easier than going half way around the world.

Carver does have a nice starting price, but seems to have an upcharge for most non-geomtry based changes (tubing, drop-outs...etc).

I guess business must be good if no custom frame makers are doing something like this, or they figure it will cannibalize their core business.
Ottoreni said:
Only possible reason for American is because if I have any warranty issues, I am hoping dealing with someone here would be easier than going half way around the world.

I guess business must be good if no custom frame makers are doing something like this, or they figure it will cannibalize their core business.
I think the truly custom guys just dont have the time or resources to build that many frames. Why charge less when you have all the business you can handle at the highest price ?

I think Lynskey makes perfect sense for what you are asking. American made and good customer service at a middle pricepoint.
So....let me get this straight????
You are looking for a custom builder that does non custom work?
And after you compile this list...do you plan to be a non customer?
He's looking for a titanium frame that will be hand made by an American builder. "Off the peg" bikes are traditionally cheaper because they don't require special orders, schematics drawn up for each individual, and they can be had in a matter of days, rather than a matter of months.

What's so hard to understand?

I'd go with Lynskey. Great customer service, and their frames are relatively cheap when you compare them to other frame builders specializing in titanium. I can't afford a titanium frame, so I can't compare one brand to another, but I have faith that Lynskey's quality is on par with Moots, despite being cheaper.
IMO quirings custom is better value than a lot of the "custom stock" bikes. There can be a lot of add ons like finish, decals sliders etcetc
Lynskey- great bang for the buck, great customer service. Not a schill- just one of the better bike shopping experiences I have ever had.

The bottom line- outside of Carver, getting a USA made ti frame on the cheap is hard. The cost of materials and labor time are both high.

You are better off looking for a used frame on flea-bay.
Be patient and keep an eye on Lynskey's Loft deals. Mine was damn near 1/2 off !!!
The salsa lynskey made frames (el mariachi ti and selma) meet your requirements and have proven geometry and solid warranty support
I'm in Chattanooga just up the road from Lynskey, Cysco, Ruby, Litespeed and Merlin...all ti makers. Let me know and I can go pick it up for you to ensure all is OK with it :)

If you want a sweet ti Nuke Proof 26er, I can sell you mine. tune wheelset, Carambas and all. that part I'm serious about.
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