OP
OP
Cathryn
Legendary Member
- Location
- Marlborough, Wiltshire
I was planning to get a custom built Roberts for my 40th birthday (which is a VERY long time away, by the way!!).
Tourer for a BIG bloke
- Thread starter Cathryn
- Start date
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Kirstie
Über Member
rich p said:
I have a friend who has two custom built Roberts bikes. With each one he has, at various points, had to have arguments with Chas Roberts to ensure that he got what he wanted, rather than what Chas Roberts thought he should have. My friend has been cycling for years, is very knowledgeable, and definiteyl knows what he wants. I didn't think that was the point of custom made, but with no experience myself, I'm happy to accept that I'm wrong in this one.
Tim Bennet.
Entirely Average Member
- Location
- S of Kendal
Anyone thinking of going to see Paul Hewitt should phone and make an appointment as he does all the bike fittings himself and by calling ahead you will get his undivided attention.
I'm told by Mrs TB to mention that he is one of the few 'women friendly' blokes working in the bike industry. She has never felt patronised or ridiculed when asking any sort of question. This apparently contrasts with a list of other shops that would run to several pages.
She also likes it that he is as much of a 'bike tart' as she is. They were in complete agreement that fitting her old purple coloured computer was totally 'unacceptable' on her new red / silver race bike, and that she did indeed 'need' a new black one. It later transpired she also 'needed' new shoes, pedals, saddle, etc, etc
Conversely I'm also happy that he was quite prepared to make up my new bike with all sorts of old crap from my 'bits box'.
They are also Van Nicholas dealers so you can discuss more options than just the trad steel tourer.
I'm told by Mrs TB to mention that he is one of the few 'women friendly' blokes working in the bike industry. She has never felt patronised or ridiculed when asking any sort of question. This apparently contrasts with a list of other shops that would run to several pages.
She also likes it that he is as much of a 'bike tart' as she is. They were in complete agreement that fitting her old purple coloured computer was totally 'unacceptable' on her new red / silver race bike, and that she did indeed 'need' a new black one. It later transpired she also 'needed' new shoes, pedals, saddle, etc, etc
Conversely I'm also happy that he was quite prepared to make up my new bike with all sorts of old crap from my 'bits box'.
They are also Van Nicholas dealers so you can discuss more options than just the trad steel tourer.
OP
OP
Cathryn
Legendary Member
- Location
- Marlborough, Wiltshire
I'm going to look into this Hewitt malarky! It sounds like the way forward.
rickangus
Über Member
- Location
- west sussex
Rich p, apologies for the delay - been away for a bit.
Firstly, I would not recommend not going to Chas Roberts - sorry for the double negative- but hope you see what I mean! CR has built some great bikes. I believe Josie Dew has at least one of his frames and I know there are many others who are very satisfied with his handiwork.
What swung it for me, though, in going to Hewitts was the difference in approach to frame design. CR measures your dimensions and from those, builds a frame. I'm sure there's nothing wrong with that especially with the years of experience he has accumulated.
On the other hand Paul Hewitt puts you on a jig on which all the variables (e.g. leg length, arm length, reach, crank length, stem length etc) are adjustable. He gives you his undivided attention for as long as it takes until he is satisfied that you have the most efficient/comfortable riding position. Even after that, there's a lengthy discussion about tubing, components, fittings, finishes etc. I preferred that approach and felt I was getting what I wanted (especially as I had some unusual requirements).
He is very patient if you don't understand the implications/importance of some decisions and it's nice being treated with respect and courtesy even if you're being bit of a numpty - which I didn't feel... ('nuff said I think)
But as Tim B said, an appointment is essential as should be apparent from the thoroughness of the fitting process.
For me to go to Leyland, which involved travelling up on a Sunday afternoon (260 miles), one night in a Travel Lodge, dinner, beer and fuel was £140 in addition, obviously, to the cost of the frame. I think it was worth worth it. Whilst there I was in a buying mood and got a pair of his beautifully built wheels (XT hubs, STC 19 rims) for which he also has an excellent reputation.
I've now got a great bike for me!
Rick
Firstly, I would not recommend not going to Chas Roberts - sorry for the double negative- but hope you see what I mean! CR has built some great bikes. I believe Josie Dew has at least one of his frames and I know there are many others who are very satisfied with his handiwork.
What swung it for me, though, in going to Hewitts was the difference in approach to frame design. CR measures your dimensions and from those, builds a frame. I'm sure there's nothing wrong with that especially with the years of experience he has accumulated.
On the other hand Paul Hewitt puts you on a jig on which all the variables (e.g. leg length, arm length, reach, crank length, stem length etc) are adjustable. He gives you his undivided attention for as long as it takes until he is satisfied that you have the most efficient/comfortable riding position. Even after that, there's a lengthy discussion about tubing, components, fittings, finishes etc. I preferred that approach and felt I was getting what I wanted (especially as I had some unusual requirements).
He is very patient if you don't understand the implications/importance of some decisions and it's nice being treated with respect and courtesy even if you're being bit of a numpty - which I didn't feel... ('nuff said I think)
But as Tim B said, an appointment is essential as should be apparent from the thoroughness of the fitting process.
For me to go to Leyland, which involved travelling up on a Sunday afternoon (260 miles), one night in a Travel Lodge, dinner, beer and fuel was £140 in addition, obviously, to the cost of the frame. I think it was worth worth it. Whilst there I was in a buying mood and got a pair of his beautifully built wheels (XT hubs, STC 19 rims) for which he also has an excellent reputation.
I've now got a great bike for me!
Rick
I changed the saddle on my Hewitt
It was the only thing I have changed though and would agree with what others have said. I visited a few other touring specialists before Hewitt's, neither Mercian or Longstaff took the same care over fit. The only other place that I received the same attention was from Brian Rourke. I'm sure he would have built me an equally fantastic bike but the Hewitt was considerably cheaper. I was a bit dubious at first if the position was right, it was considerably different to what I was used to. It probably took a few hundred miles before knowing it was better, this illustrates that unless you’re already convinced your position is as good as it can get, a fitting session is worth far more than a test ride.
First impressions are important - when I walked into his shop there were two bikes on the workstands, a piece of Italian jewellery and something obviously doing service on a paper round - I instantly knew it was a proper bike shop.
It was the only thing I have changed though and would agree with what others have said. I visited a few other touring specialists before Hewitt's, neither Mercian or Longstaff took the same care over fit. The only other place that I received the same attention was from Brian Rourke. I'm sure he would have built me an equally fantastic bike but the Hewitt was considerably cheaper. I was a bit dubious at first if the position was right, it was considerably different to what I was used to. It probably took a few hundred miles before knowing it was better, this illustrates that unless you’re already convinced your position is as good as it can get, a fitting session is worth far more than a test ride.
First impressions are important - when I walked into his shop there were two bikes on the workstands, a piece of Italian jewellery and something obviously doing service on a paper round - I instantly knew it was a proper bike shop.
