the sci guy 

I'm mulling over making this my next SS/FG bike. I love that each bike is unique because of the custom paint job, but I'm curious what y'all think about the value.

https://www.squidbikes.com/products/so-ez
https://www.instagram.com/squidbikes/?hl=en

Is the frame worth the $666 base price? ($800 for one w/ a custom paint jobber). Then you've still got to add everything else. Anyone have any experience with the brand or their bikes?
The other bike I was considering was a new All-Ctiy Big Block, but the SO-EZ has way more tire clearance for some SS gravel rides, etc.

Dylansbob 

It's got a 135old rear end. Seriously doubt it'll run a 42mm chainline, if that matters to you. Wishbone frames tend to be a bit heavier.

If you like it, go for it. Personally, I'd buy 2 chrome Jurys from BI and have change.

SoccerBallXan

Well... I really do not mean to be rude, but if the welds in the stock photos are presented as so, do you really trust this company? Its got a gimmicky price (that's expensive), only comes in one basic finish without another $100+ investment, and this is not even getting into their sourcing "explanation". This is an American company that sources Taiwan bikes from a UK wholesaler and works with a US spray paint wholesaler to paint them? A little much... For the price you might consider a more established brand.

HOWEVER, I will say the "spray can" jobs are impressive and unique.

TugaDude

At least they are honest:THE FINISH QUALITY WILL BE IMPERFECT: It’s built into the whole concept here, but it bears repeating: these frames are painted using spray paint! It’s absolutely excellent spray paint (we use Spray.Bike products exclusively), and we have gotten reasonably experienced using it, but these frames won’t come out looking like professional paint jobs. There will almost always be some small imperfections, overspray, or other small blemishes. Usually we don’t leave drips, but it’s possible. With that said, if you are using the bike the way it is intended to be used, we won’t leave any screw ups worse than what you will do to in in the first few months of riding.

THESE MIGHT TAKE A LONG TIME: We actually don’t know about this one, since we are just starting, but it seems like a good warning to give. After we receive your order, your frame will be placed in the queue, and then we will paint it as soon as we can. We really like painting frames, so we expect to actually be fairly good at clearing the list. However, we get really busy sometimes (especially during CX season) and there may be some delays. When we email about details we can estimate this wait as well. If it seems too long we are happy to give you your money back and tell you how best to DIYFS!

THESE WILL NOT LOOK EXACTLY LIKE YOU EXPECT: We haven’t yet painted a bike that turned out exactly how we planned. Halfway through most paint jobs there is some change that needs to happen, or some new idea that we only figured out because we were seeing how the bike progressed. If you want something specific with your design, we will try and stay close to what you want. But these will never be 100% made to order, and a little flexibility and willingness to accept surprise should be the plan going in. If that doesn’t sound good, probably best to find a professional painter, or DIYFS!

the sci guy 

Yeah I'm not as worried about the paint-job, I'm more interested in the build quality of the frame, weight, tubing, etc. I've read they build the bikes in the US, but maybe not all of them? The SO-EZ is made in Taiwan I guess?

seau grateau

Squid is a cool brand, so you're paying cool brand prices for them. Is an unpainted Taiwan made steel "tracklocross" frame worth $666 to you? IMO it's not. I like Squid bikes but I wouldn't buy one at their prices unless I had a lot of disposable income to throw around.

50voltphantom

You can get a complete All-City Super Professional with clearance for 45's for 1299

TugaDude

This is from their website:
Made in Taiwan and in collaboration with Brick Lane Bikes and Spray.Bike.

There are some high quality builders in Taiwan whose work rivals the best Japanese. There are certainly some that don't.

And yes, some of their bikes are made in California according to their website. Just not this model.

veganbikes

The price is cute. But I would rather have the All City Super Profesh because it has thru axles and disc brakes and me likey. I have already done a build sheet for one though I am still trying to figure out what I want to do for wheels if I end up with it. I will probably do i9 SS hubs so I can have crazy engagement and run those sexy WTC stainless cogs. Though the idea of getting a Paul Fixed WORD also crossed the old noggin for if I ever wanted to do that whole tarckolcross thing that the youts are into these days.

Would love to have a Squid paint job though because they do neat things but honestly I am fine with my Cinelli Mash Work for a SS with canti brakes it is known Columbus tubing from a well known brand (and some shop in SF) and has been a fantastic ride

REDMASTA

for the price i'd rather have a mash steel. they seem to be sold out though.

Bat56

I see no reason to get that frame over a Jury. Add a carbon disc for for <$100. You can run 40c tires.