Our Special Report on the North American Handmade Bicycle Show was published today by RoadBikeRider.com. We expand a bit on the state of custom-made bicycle art, but the purpose of this piece is to offer comparative facts, so that you could analyze the relative strengths of eight frame builders, and then link off to them for more information about what is involved in having one of these craftsmen cut, bend, weld, and paint a frameset just for you.

The Show totally changed my perspective on the definition of ‘custom,’ and it helped me to understand the pros and cons of a high-end production frame (I have two – a Rivendell Atlantis and a LiteSpeed Tuscany), versus a handmade frame. Over the years I’ve become a ‘frame buyer,’ rather than a complete bike buyer. I enjoy selecting each component, and building up each bike to serve a purpose. There is no component that has a bigger impact on ride quality other than the frame. Working with a builder allows you to get involved in the process. It is exactly like working with a shaper for a custom surfboard. You are going to be asked about how and where you ride, and your answers are going to be reflected in the end product.

If you are among the 45,000 roadies who receive the free, weekly RoadBikeRider newsletter, you already know that RBR is a fast read, and one of the best ways to stay on top of road cycling news, and to get tips and tricks for improving your riding ability. Our Special Report is highlighted in today’s RBR Newsletter (April 13, 2006). But you have to a Premium Site subscriber to access it.

The focus of the RBR Premium Site is expert advice for dedicated riders. Subscriber benefits include a searchable archive of all 240 RBR newsletters, but the site includes more than 150 pages of content never published in the newsletter, such as 700 Q&A’s with Coach Fred and Uncle Al, the Roadie Rap member forum, where you can post questions to other roadies, or to the cycling coaches online there – including Fred Matheny. I also read and rely on the product reviews. Because the RBR Premium Site doesn’t accept advertising, they can be frank about products.

After you plunk down the $24.95 subscription, you get to download 3 eBooks. And, you receive a 15% discount on all current and upcoming RBR eBooks, including Matheny’s “Spring Training For Roadies,” which could be useful right about now.

If it sounds like I’m schilling for RBR – you’re right, I am – but nobody can pay me to do that. Their cycling writers (Fred Matheny, Andy Pruitt, Ed Pavelka) have had a major influence on my approach to improving my riding. I believe they can add value to yours, too.

Foot Note: photo by Evan Rowe. Bottom brackets courtesy of Richard Sachs.

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