Here we go again: I am finally near buying a new bicycle. My plan is to purchase a custom made ti. A couple of people whose opinions I respect suggested that I consider a Moots ti road bike, with a small shock absorber under the seat, due to my sometimes problematic lower back. I have also considered an Independent, Seven, Landshark, and Serotta. I would like to get a bike at a Manhattan bike shop for maintenance convenience. Your thoughts re Moots v other choices (above or any others)?
Moots bicycles
Thu, 01/27/2005 - 11:48am
Thu, 01/27/2005 - 2:39pm
#1
"Hey Rick;
Funny you should inquire, but I just converted my steel soft-tail KHS mountain bike into road bike. It's a heavy touring setup with 26"" wheels, disk brakes, head-shock style front fork and a serious rack/pannier, but you are welcome to try it if you like.
KHS -- who licensed the soft-tail design from Moots - marketed a cyclocross version of this design as late as 2003 for $699:
http://www.khsbicycles.com/cx100.html
I see a new 55cm cx100 frame currently on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=22681&item=713005...
Colorado Cyclist once marketed an upscale version with carbon fork-seatpost- handlebar and Ultegra components for $1100."
Thu, 01/27/2005 - 3:25pm
#2
Rick:
I Don't know diddly about Moots but one name I would add to your list is Spectrum. Cheap they're not, but Tom Kellog is brilliant, is very aware of back issues and what they mean in terms of frame specs and will go the extra mile or 10 or 20 to fit you correctly. Buying in Manhattan shouldn't be an issue, I think any LBS will be more than happy to service your new Spectrum should you purchase one. True, you won't get the service warranty that shops offer but I've found those warranties are so restricted they are of little value.
Fri, 01/28/2005 - 11:52am
#3
It's a great bike
Rick,
I bought a Vamoots earlier this year and I love it. Sid's Bike Shop put it together for me, and they loved it too, so they became an authorized dealer (the only one in the city, I believe). Feel free to contact me offline, and I'll tell you all about it.
Jeff Robins
Fri, 01/28/2005 - 2:13pm
#4
About Spectrum
Perhaps the best thing of all about a Spectrum is that you get to meet with the builder (assuming you're willing to travel to PA to visit him) so he can see you in action and perform the fitting himself. You will leave the session knowing he nailed it.
You can also go with Serotta, but they are quite a bit more, if I remember. Everyone I know who has one is delighted with their bike.
Thu, 01/27/2005 - 12:14pm
#5
This thread on RoadBikeReview might help.
http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=5358&highlight=custom+ti
Those are some of the most experienced and most expensive builders around. You could hardly go wrong with any of them. I have a Seven MTB; It rides like a dream. I've also got a custom lugged steel road bike that cost half the price, rides very smoothy and weighs 17.5 lbs. Not bragging, just saying there are options.
If you are looking for shock absorption for your back, I would think wider tires or running lower PSI in them would help.
Fri, 01/28/2005 - 7:22pm
#6
wider tires
Oh, you mean like 25mm tires pumped up to 90psi instead of 23mm tires at 120psi? Noooo, there's no marketing value in that.
;^/
Thu, 01/27/2005 - 9:10pm
#7
spectrum bike
Hi Rick - Tom's recommendation for Tom Kellogg and the Spectrum comes directly from watching his wife - that would be me - get one. I have serious enough back injuries that they have always interfered with my riding and therefore decided that a custom bike was definitely the way to go. Tom K. was amazing. He spent a full three hours interviewing me and watching me ride. As opposed to some larger companies, Tom takes personal responsibility for seeing the bike from initial conception, measure and design through delivering a fully built, painted bicycle every angle and inch specifically meeting your needs. I hoped for a more comfortable ride, but never anticipated what a difference the new bike would make in my riding, not to mention that this is the longest I've gone without injury in years. If you want to talk more about the details of my experience, I'd be happy to - e-mail or call any time - Debbie R.
Fri, 01/28/2005 - 3:22pm
#8
IFFY
I have 2 independents.
Both steel.
one is a custom tri bike. When I decided to have it made, I went up to IF and they gave me a 3 hour personal tour. They whole process start to finish was great.
Then I bought an Iffy road bike I got lucky enough to find on ebay, brand new, never ridden, fully campy, my size (which is small) they are beautiful bikes and they also make a beautiful Ti which I would have gotten if I had not found the ebay gem.
Fri, 02/04/2005 - 7:10am
#9
thanks
I appreciate the advice that you all gave me on and off the Message Board. My new custom-made ti Moots is now on order. The next part of the process will be to decide on the components.
