Custom build recommendations?

[m1a7]

I'm vertically challenged (148cm) and really want a nice steel commuter so I think getting a custom bike is my best bet.
Can anyone recommend any good builders? I'm based in NSW

[hillbrick-rider]

Paul Hillbrick
Tarn mot primate frames

[queequeg]

Peter Bundy (AT) Riverwood

[m1a7]

Thanks!


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[seddo]

A bit late - Keith @Kumocycles

[Alaskan]

Never too late...get a Paconi...no baloney

[m1a7]

Haha thanks everyone for all the suggestions!


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[peanutz]

You are more challenge than me by only 6cm. Have you tried XS frame? I have a unisex roadie in 44cm and 49cm for flat bar road bike. I think some bikes come in XXS as well.

[m1a7]

Hi peanutz, thanks. Yeah I've seen a couple of 44cm/XS roadies around. I've noticed a lot of them though still have a standover height that's a bit too tall for me. I don't really want a step over frame either

Also, I'm really wanting a steel frame
I've just recently seen the Vivente radonneur which comes in an XS - smaller wheels too! Keen to test ride it...

[Eleri]

Hi

I've got 3 custom bikes and I'm only a wee bit taller than you at 152cm.

The first one I had built 20 years ago by Wayne Kotzur in Canberra. It's steel and has a 24" front wheel and a 700c back wheel. I wouldn't do that again with different size wheels but I still have the bike and ride it. I converted it into a fixie a couple of years ago. He is still building but mostly doing recumbents I think.

The second one I had built by Dave Bowan (Bobo) who I don't think is building anymore. It's also steel and has 2 650c wheels and a sloping top tube for standover. The top tube is 475 which is quite small - I've got a short body and relatively long legs The bike was designed by Steve Hogg for me. I mostly use that as a touring bike now but have just lent it to a junior girl as her first race bike.

The third one I have is a Baum and is titanium. Darren Baum is a fine bike builder and used Steve Hogg's design and made a couple of minor tweaks. It has more racing angles than the Bobo but the same basic shape and configuration. This is an absolutely beautiful bike to ride and I've done over 30,000 kms on it. Baum also build steel bikes.

Getting a custom bike built is time consuming and expensive and there is a lot to think about in designing and fitting it. I'd recommend getting someone to design it who has experience in building bikes for small women.

I'm in the inner west of Sydney if you would like to look at any of my bikes and maybe have a ride.

PS - I also have 2 off-the-shelf bikes. A Bianchi track bike that is too big for me and has 700c wheels but it was the best fit of all of them. And a Cervelo P3 time trial bike that has 650c wheels and seems OK. I'm yet to get it properly set up.

[m1a7]

Thanks for the detailed response! You're so lucky to have a Baum titanium bike! If I win the lotto I'm definitely making a trip to Victoria to get one, haha
At my height i'm definitely looking to get 650 wheels. All the bikes i've tried with 700c wheels feel a bit 'twitchy'


Looking to test-ride the Vivente Radonneur in XS. It's got 650 wheels and I heard it was a reliable commuter