American Made TI Frame
10-23-09, 07:32 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
American Made TI Frame
I don't want this to turn into an argument over buying American or not, but I have decided that for a variety of reasons I will only buy an American made TI road bike frame. Who should I consider? Here is my list thus far. Have I missed any? I would like to cosider all the options since this will be a pretty expensive purchase.
Seven
Moots
Merlin
Serotta
Lynskey
IF
Carl Strong
Kent Eriksen
Kish
Seven
Moots
Merlin
Serotta
Lynskey
IF
Carl Strong
Kent Eriksen
Kish
10-23-09, 07:36 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 8,550
Bikes: Wilier Izoard XP (Record);Cinelli Xperience (Force);Specialized Allez (Rival);Bianchi Via Nirone 7 (Centaur); Colnago AC-R Disc;Colnago V1r Limited Edition;De Rosa King 3 Limited(Force 22);DeRosa Merak(Red):Pinarello Dogma 65.1 Hydro(Di2)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 551 Post(s)
Liked 277 Times
in
145 Posts
Moots
10-23-09, 08:04 AM
#3
Overacting because I can
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: The Mean Streets of Bethesda, MD
Posts: 4,552
Bikes: Merlin Agilis, Trek 1500
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a Merlin, which I love and which I got on significant discount; buddy has a Seven which he loves. As a Merlin rider, I am honor bound to irrationally dislike Litespeeds, but they should be on the list. The Archon looks sweet.
If I were going to drop full price though, I'd go with a custom from Spectrum Cycles, which is run by Tom Kellogg. Kellogg did (and I think still does) the frame designs for Merlin. I don't think Kellogg's customs are particularly more expensive than a new Merlin etc. but you'd have to confirm that.
If I were going to drop full price though, I'd go with a custom from Spectrum Cycles, which is run by Tom Kellogg. Kellogg did (and I think still does) the frame designs for Merlin. I don't think Kellogg's customs are particularly more expensive than a new Merlin etc. but you'd have to confirm that.
__________________
“Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." (Churchill)
"I am a courageous cyclist." (SpongeDad)
“Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." (Churchill)
"I am a courageous cyclist." (SpongeDad)
10-23-09, 08:19 AM
#4
Gilpin County Wheelman
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Rollinsville Colorado
Posts: 814
Bikes: Parlee Z-4 2001 Fisher Sugar 1 Macalu Ti
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Why not buy from the guy who started Moots cycles? Kent Eriksen. Pricey but Kent will build pretty much whatever you want.
10-23-09, 08:40 AM
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Dean
I love my Lynskey, and they are selling then at a pretty good discount right now.
You forgot Dean.
Habanero cycles is based in FL, but if I recall correctly they use foreign tubing and maybe weld them here.
You forgot Dean.
Habanero cycles is based in FL, but if I recall correctly they use foreign tubing and maybe weld them here.
10-23-09, 08:47 AM
#6
Lost
i dont think you can go wrong with any of the bikes on your list. if i were you, my research would be mostly based on fit, which manufacturer (if not custon) would match your dimensions best. as for build quality - i think most of them would be pretty near equal.
10-23-09, 09:07 AM
#7
Should Be More Popular
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Posts: 43,030
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
Mentioned: 560 Post(s)
Tagged: 2 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22574 Post(s)
Liked 8,919 Times
in
4,153 Posts
If I had money to burn, I would go with Kellogg/Spectrum.
10-23-09, 09:11 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 218
Bikes: Scott Road, Jamis, Tricross,
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Eriksen, Moots, or IF if you have the cash, Lynskey if your looking to spend a little less.
Personally I would call Eriksen, he sold Moots to get back to doing what he loves best, working with Customers one on one.
You might want to look at Hampsten Bikes also, Steve will design it, Eriksen or Moots will build it to his design.
Eriksen also OEM's his curved Titanium seatstays and chainstays to other builders.
Personally I would call Eriksen, he sold Moots to get back to doing what he loves best, working with Customers one on one.
You might want to look at Hampsten Bikes also, Steve will design it, Eriksen or Moots will build it to his design.
Eriksen also OEM's his curved Titanium seatstays and chainstays to other builders.
10-23-09, 09:16 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Kent, WA
Posts: 315
Bikes: '07 Specialized Tarmac Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Dunno where you live, but Davidson is a well known custom builder here in the Pacific Northwest.
10-23-09, 09:24 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 106
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sampson Sports in Colorado also builds Ti bikes (I'm assuming they are still built onshore), but don't know for sure. I still have a Sampson Kallispell from 1999 and its a awesome bike. Here is the link to their site: https://www.sampsonsports.com/
Not sure how his prices compare to others today, but 10 years ago, he was extremely competitive and his bikes received rave reviews from the bike magazines.
If I recall, I believe he's also gotten into manufacturing (or at least selling) his own branded components, and they haven't faired as well, but I assume he'll include whatever components you want. The only challenge (unless you live in Colorado) is not being able to test ride prior to placing the order.
But, they were (and I believe) still a small company. Matter of fact I sent an email to Sampson spoprts just the other day asking if they could dig up my receipt/specs from my 1999 purchase, and Eric Sampson (owner) responded to my email within 15 minutes. They had great customer service then, and that doesn't appear to have changed.
Not sure how his prices compare to others today, but 10 years ago, he was extremely competitive and his bikes received rave reviews from the bike magazines.
If I recall, I believe he's also gotten into manufacturing (or at least selling) his own branded components, and they haven't faired as well, but I assume he'll include whatever components you want. The only challenge (unless you live in Colorado) is not being able to test ride prior to placing the order.
But, they were (and I believe) still a small company. Matter of fact I sent an email to Sampson spoprts just the other day asking if they could dig up my receipt/specs from my 1999 purchase, and Eric Sampson (owner) responded to my email within 15 minutes. They had great customer service then, and that doesn't appear to have changed.
10-23-09, 09:28 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Redding, CA
Posts: 109
Bikes: '08 Madone 5.2 Perf, '94 Trek 8700, '72 Gitane TdF
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
+1 for Moots - jsut have to wait for the new frames if you want a compact. New frames should be available by Dec, with the RSL (Race Super Light) not available until March.
10-23-09, 11:13 AM
#12
Full Member
My Lynskey R330 is being delivered TODAY! Pics soon.
If wanted to spend the cash I would have gone custom with Moots et al. With the current discounts at the Lynskey website I couldn't pass them up.
Dave
If wanted to spend the cash I would have gone custom with Moots et al. With the current discounts at the Lynskey website I couldn't pass them up.
Dave
10-23-09, 11:23 AM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Zang's Spur, CO
Posts: 9,080
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3370 Post(s)
Liked 5,493 Times
in
2,846 Posts
I don't want this to turn into an argument over buying American or not, but I have decided that for a variety of reasons I will only buy an American made TI road bike frame. Who should I consider? Here is my list thus far. Have I missed any? I would like to cosider all the options since this will be a pretty expensive purchase.
Seven
Moots
Merlin
Serotta
Lynskey
IF
Carl Strong
Kent Eriksen
Kish
Seven
Moots
Merlin
Serotta
Lynskey
IF
Carl Strong
Kent Eriksen
Kish
Dean - Boulder
Black Sheep - Fort Collins
10-23-09, 11:33 AM
#14
pan y agua
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 31,297
Bikes: Willier Zero 7; Merlin Extralight; Calfee Dragonfly tandem, Calfee Adventure tandem; Cervelo P2; Motebecane Ti Fly 29er; Motebecanne Phantom Cross; Schwinn Paramount Track bike
Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1442 Post(s)
Liked 711 Times
in
365 Posts
Spectrum
__________________
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
10-23-09, 11:50 AM
#16
juneeaa memba!
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: boogled up in...Idaho!
Posts: 5,632
Bikes: Crap. The box is not big enough...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I have an older Spectrum custom, and I can't get enough time on it.
I also have an older Serotta Legend Ti, and can't get enough time on that, either. I hope I'm never forced to pick one or the other.
I also have an older Serotta Legend Ti, and can't get enough time on that, either. I hope I'm never forced to pick one or the other.
10-23-09, 11:58 AM
#17
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Deals
I have seen the Lynskey deals and hear quite a few people getting deals on Merlins (when and where?). Do other manufacturers run sales? I'm more interested in a good fit then a deal, but if I can get both, that would be great.
10-23-09, 12:20 PM
#18
Jonathan
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Posts: 59
Bikes: Lynskey Sportive, Peter Mooney Steel Road Bike, 1974 Raleigh Sprite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The headset used some epoxy inside so I could not ride it last night. However, I got on it this morning...Wow. Ti is a totally different ballgame than carbon (my other bike is a Felt Z25). Looking forward to putting in some miles on it tomorrow.
10-23-09, 12:21 PM
#19
Administrator
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Delaware shore
Posts: 13,557
Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1106 Post(s)
Liked 2,171 Times
in
1,462 Posts
You have a bunch of bikes making comparsions difficult. Some come custom with dealers to help size you, some are small independents where much of the customization is over the phone, some are mass produced with customization as an option, and others are mass produced with standard sizing. I can tell you from experience that customization varies a lot between builders and their fitting philosophies.
If you are interested in sales, you can leave out Serotta (to some extent), Seven, Moots, and IF. If you are interested in customization (there are advantages expecially if your body is different than the norm or you like to dial in certain characteristics), then you should look at just a portion of these.
If you are interested in sales, you can leave out Serotta (to some extent), Seven, Moots, and IF. If you are interested in customization (there are advantages expecially if your body is different than the norm or you like to dial in certain characteristics), then you should look at just a portion of these.
10-23-09, 12:35 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: My family and I -- wife and two young children -- live in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Posts: 723
Bikes: TST ti 'cross bike (commuter); Guru ti road bike; recumbent; Airnimal Chameleon folding racing bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Seven Cycles is a good choice. Stunning welds and renowned attention to detail, with lots of imput re: stiffness, etc.
10-23-09, 01:24 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,639
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Why Merlin and not Litespeed? They are made by the same company. An "entry level" Litespeed Siena is pretty darn close to a Lynsky. I looked at both and picked the Litespeed because it was about $150 less.
10-23-09, 01:57 PM
#22
Ass Hatchet
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Western NC
Posts: 711
Bikes: Felt FC custom | SRAM Force/Red mix.| RS80 Wheels | 3T Cockpit & Post.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a Merlin, which I love and which I got on significant discount; buddy has a Seven which he loves. As a Merlin rider, I am honor bound to irrationally dislike Litespeeds, but they should be on the list. The Archon looks sweet.
If I were going to drop full price though, I'd go with a custom from Spectrum Cycles, which is run by Tom Kellogg. Kellogg did (and I think still does) the frame designs for Merlin. I don't think Kellogg's customs are particularly more expensive than a new Merlin etc. but you'd have to confirm that.
If I were going to drop full price though, I'd go with a custom from Spectrum Cycles, which is run by Tom Kellogg. Kellogg did (and I think still does) the frame designs for Merlin. I don't think Kellogg's customs are particularly more expensive than a new Merlin etc. but you'd have to confirm that.
10-23-09, 02:51 PM
#24
Living the n+1
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Off the back
Posts: 2,745
Bikes: 2019 RM Blizzard, 2013 SuperX, 2007 Litespeed Vortex, 1970 Falcon Olympic, 2008 RM Metropolis IGH, 2004 Specialized Enduro, 2006 Langster
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
10-23-09, 03:00 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 398
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts