Who The Hell Needs A Custom Bike?

Thanks to:

Full Giles bike check on Cade Media Extra: @CadeMediaExtra

SUPPORT Francis Cade and Cade Media directly:

AFFILIATE LINKS

Thanks to our CHANNEL SPONSORS:
Garmin
Silca

[fishcyclr]

I'm glad Giles has the option of a custom bike. For most of us, the issue would surely be the price.

[stylgen]

Naming brands and makers for nearly 30 seconds straight is so valuable for the convenience of not having to search for them. Thank you for that service!

[johnmcnulty]

Brilliant that Giles has had his biking "problems" sorted.
Kudos to James, laying the groundwork.
Looking forward to seeing that US crossing with Justin again, cracking adventure :)

[michaelwierzba]

Watching Giles dance on the pedals up that incline looked like perfectly synced locomotion. I'm so happy to see a bike fit its owner so seamlessly.

[ebsalonga]

Add Ira Ryan Cycles, Ioklin Frameworks, Bishop Bikes, Tomii Cycles, Enigma Bikes, and Bastion Cycles to that never ending custom builder list haha

[sarto-bikes]

Hi guys, thank you all for this great report and the visibility you give to us! Kudos to everyone! Happy rides Giles

[kierenkd]

trail running style 250ml / 500ml soft flasks in the jersey pocket might be a good option for hydration? They won't dig into your back and compress down as you drink them, so when less full, won't slosh around. They are readily available. If in UK sportshhoes sell UK brand Montane's 250ml flask cheaply to test out.

[flyingcoffeecup]

Dutch frame builders: Braun, Colossi, Van Nicolas, RIH, St. Joris, Project 12, Lester Cycles, J Guillem, Wikkit.

[BenHelmsCreative]

Proving yet again why this is the best cycling channel ever

[chrisfilby]

There seems to be a resurgence in the USA for custom steel fabrications. Sadly, not so in the UK, but do not forget those who have been building bikes since before many of the others were even born. Such as Mercian and the incomparable Geoff Roberts of Roberts Cycles. I am proud to have been riding one of their custom frames since 1988 when I was 19yo. It fits like a glove and I shall never part with it. I appreciate just how fortunate I am to have this as some have said, the barrier to most people is the cost.

[orbi_fpv]

I’m fortunate to build and paint my own custom steel bike I took a course on a little company call " la fabrique à vélo " ( the bicycle factory ) in Switzerland.
I’m very happy and proud with my bike 🥰

[kazaroth]

I’m 6’4” / 193cm - tall, but not exceptional. But I have long legs and arms and a short torso. Nothing crazy - regular clothes mostly fit me. And yet… there are literally zero off the peg frames that properly fit me. The most relaxed frame I ever found - the Condor Fratello - is ok with a setback seatpost (long legs), shorter bars and an 80mm stem, but I have absolutely no wiggle room and it’s literally one option. That bike is designed as a super relaxed tourer, yet for me, to get the right seatpost height and leg position, I end up in a pretty aggressive posture because the bars end up so far away. I now have a fantastic (but not cheap) custom frame from Donhou and it was a game changer.

But my point is more: how on earth are we in a situation that someone with a far from exceptional body shape can’t find a single frame on the entire market that fits me? See also Francis’ observations about the average female rider. It’s a crazy situation.

Bonus facts: I use 165mm cranks and have toe overlap on both my bikes (pretty unavoidable for me).

[pab]

Nice video Francis.
You've probably heard of waltly but many people restrain from considering them since they are a Chinese company. I own a custom titanium frame from them and after a year of riding it i can say I'm really happy with it. The frame and fork cost me 1.4k € with shipping to Europe. If anyone is interested in one they have more manufacturing options (like 3D printed parts) than what they show on the website (it desperately needs an update 😅), also for finishes

[bennewton]

I am 207cm and reached out to Quirk Cycles and got a custom bike made and it’s the best decision I have made. It has an all road geometry and I have two sets of wheels for on/off road as I wouldn’t be able to buy two bikes

[matthewshaw]

The fact that the average height woman in the UK is basically not served by bike sizing is insane. My wife is 160cm and 95% of bike models don’t come in her size. Half the worlds population of women (plus the men) are shorter than her. Jesus Christ why is it so hard to find frames to fit her.

[nickhutchinson]

This made my day! What a legend, that maap kit is 🔥I bet he climbs like a pro!

[VFXBishop]

Marino Cycles (Steel frames 4130 to Reynolds 853)

[raynerussell]

im 5ft 2 155 pounds (lift weights) i went custom a year ago and went through scarab bicycles. I absolutely love my road bike. Recently purchased a new gravel frame through them, cant wait to get it! No more pain while riding has been a game changer.

[brianhagan]

I have 2 custom Sterling road/race bikes and 1 custom Bilenky mountain bike, all built by Stephen Bilenky of Bilenky Cycle Works Philadelphia PA USA. All mixed Reynolds tube sets; filet brazed and lugged. All built between 1985 and 1990. While components have worn out, and frames have been repaired, and I can no long ride with my handle bars slammed, I still ride almost every day.

[michaelmechex]

Just like Jimmi, I had a custom frame made because all gravel bikes have dumb road geometry with 72 degree head and seat angles and tons of toe overlap. I had it made out of titanium by Waltly and I couldn't be happier with it. I designed the whole frame by myself and learned a lot of stuff. I've never ridden a bike that handles so well.