ed209
new member
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 7
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After a year of research I finally broke down and ordered a custom Ti frame. I was torn between a Spectrum and a Strong and after seeing Carl's 20% off sale last month the decision was made. Carl has been great to work with so far and has fielded numerous answers to my questions. I sent my measurements to him last week and Carl should begin the design within the next month.
I'm going with a traditional frame, no compact, and Carl recommended either the Alpha Q or Columbus muscle for the fork. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what the benefits of each fork would be? Currently I'm planning on building the bike up with either 2004 Chorus or Record with Mavic Open Pro silver wheels, Thompson masterpiece silver seat post, and probably an ITM The Stem to round it off. The bike is going to be powder coated in Team Red with 3/4 paint and 1/4 Ti with white decals.
I'm getting excited about getting the bike and building it up and riding it for the first time. I've been riding Cannondales for the past 11 years and I'm curious to see how Carl's geometry will differ from my Cannondales stock geometry. The only specific request that I have put on the new bike is to have my bars raised up quite a bit closer to my saddle height.
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SurfsUp
new member
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 10
Loc: Tampa, FL
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Congratulation on your decision to get a Strong. I had considered using Carl myself. I went with a local fitter that works with Seven, because I've had problems with fit. I do want to get a steel bike in the future and if all goes well with the Seven I should have a good idea of what I'll need. If Carl keeps his prices where they are now I think he will be tops on my list. I think you are going to get a lot for your money. Did you go with the straight or butted tubing, and are you going to have it painted or go naked?
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ed209
new member
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 7
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After talking with Carl for approximately 30 minutes about my current bike, likes and dislikes, and expectations from my custom we decided that Ti was the better material for my needs. Also, since I'm not overly concerned with having the lightest bike possible Carl advised me that straight butted tubing would have the same ride characteristics as the butted tubing and would only sacrifice a few ounces in weight. He also told me that the straight gauge tubing would be less prone to minor dents and dings.
As far as paint goes I am planning on getting the bike painted 3/4 Team Red and the back 1/4 going naked Ti. Carl and I are still discussing the fork that will be used as he is recommending the Alpha Q. I don't particularly like straight bladed forks and he also recommended the Columbus muscle. Does anyone have any advice on which fork would be the better choice for a 178lb rider?
Regarding Carls prices I got 20% off of a $1900 custom Ti frame, do the math and that is a great deal. I couldn't find prices like that anywhere else and believe me I looked at every possible custom builder that I could find.
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TheMightySkunk
journeyman
Reged: 12/26/03
Posts: 82
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I have 4 titanium bikes; on two of them I have AlphaQ titanium forks, on one I have a Reynolds Ouzo Comp II, and on one I have an Ouzo Pro.
All are terrific forks, but I like the AlphaQ best. I had barely heard of AlphaQ until I bought a used Serotta Legend Ti which had an AlphaQ already installed. Objectively, I can't tell you why I like the AlphaQs better, but subjectively, I just do.
The AlphaQs with titanium steerers are hard to find. I had to call TrueTemper to track one down.
One small issue - the AlphaQ titaniums aren't available in 43 mm rake, which the majority of off-the-shelf bikes ask for these days. I believe they only come in 40 and 44 (mine are 44). For me, the 1mm deviation isn't an issue, but for some it might be. You might check with Carl about the 44 to see what he thinks.
TMS
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"I haven't failed. I've just managed to find 100,000 ways that don't work"
--Albert Einstein
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ed209
new member
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 7
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I have read a lot of good reviews regarding the Alpha Q. In the end since this is the fork that Carl seems most enthused with, I will probably go with the Alpha Q. Carl certainly knows more than I do about frame design and he recommended the fork for a reason.
Thats the best point of working with the designer on a one on one basis, I would not have even considered the Alpha Q for myself but after listening to my expectations of the new bike that is the fork that Carl advised. I personally was thinking of the Ouzo Pro but that wasn't even one of Carl's recommendations.
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