Hi,
I'm just fishing for opinions at the moment as I'm unsure what my expectations should be regarding a custom build.
Many moons ago I had a custom steel frame made which was my pride and joy for some time and never had cause to question it or its builder.
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More recently I've had another frame made. Like many, I chose my source based on a vast array of positive opinions and to a lesser degree price.
Now, to the crux; as we are talking about hand built, I appreciate that the tubes aren't assembled by robots so I'm not going to get 3D printed precision and perfectly spaced welds etc.
Provided the basic geometry is correct and it's aligned correctly, how forgiving should I be in terms of the 'hand builtness' of the finished article?
I read an interview with a very well respected builder who even stated that he could spend a year on a frame and never come close to the uniformity of a factory built frame! something to the effect that the beauty of such a thing is in its randomness.
But, where do I draw the line? What would you accept? If something isn't millimetre perfect but the builder says that's as good as they can do, should that be acceptable?
I know this is a bit open ended but would really like to hear your opinions or indeed, similar experiences.
Thanks
I'm just fishing for opinions at the moment as I'm unsure what my expectations should be regarding a custom build.
Many moons ago I had a custom steel frame made which was my pride and joy for some time and never had cause to question it or its builder.
-
More recently I've had another frame made. Like many, I chose my source based on a vast array of positive opinions and to a lesser degree price.
Now, to the crux; as we are talking about hand built, I appreciate that the tubes aren't assembled by robots so I'm not going to get 3D printed precision and perfectly spaced welds etc.
Provided the basic geometry is correct and it's aligned correctly, how forgiving should I be in terms of the 'hand builtness' of the finished article?
I read an interview with a very well respected builder who even stated that he could spend a year on a frame and never come close to the uniformity of a factory built frame! something to the effect that the beauty of such a thing is in its randomness.
But, where do I draw the line? What would you accept? If something isn't millimetre perfect but the builder says that's as good as they can do, should that be acceptable?
I know this is a bit open ended but would really like to hear your opinions or indeed, similar experiences.
Thanks