2010 prices

To a great extent there really is not anything new when it comes to metallic-framed road bikes. Just as violins were basically perfected three centuries back, the diamond bicycle frame is not significantly different today than it was in the early twentieth century. The custom builder can concentrate on details and fine points of geometry without having to reinvent the basic armature everytime he or she picks up a torch.

But do not assume by my writing that that a steel Wildebeest will be lifeless, stodgy or dull. There are reasons that violins and steel bicycles continue to be produced. With regard to the bicycle, a custom frame will have soul, and it will fit you.

Now, to the point- what it might cost you to acquire a Wildebeest.

I say might because suggested pricing is just that, and nothing is final without telephonic, electronic or written communication with those of us on the vast production team here. Pricing may be affected by: choices in brands and grades of steel tubing; costs and availability of other metal parts such as lugs, fork crowns and bottom bracket shells; vastly wacky or experimental design exercises that we consent to tackle; et cetera, on and on, you get the point.

Anyway, here are the baseline prices for frames or frame/fork sets, powdercoated in one color, as of 1 January 2010:

the cycleacross

The owner of the prototype coined the name.

The order was to make a frame not quite pure cyclocross, but a bit racier than a pure touring rig- a bicycle which could cycle across anything. Every bicycle rider should have one, or at least something similar. Cantilever brakes and rack-appropriate bosses, clearance for fenders, dig it.

$1221.00 sans fork, $1441.00 with a steel fork.

the migrator

A more classic touring frame, such as the edelweiss or the torp bike.

Longer wheelbase and chainstays, and slacker angles, than found in the cycleacross. More mounting points, as in bosses for a third bottle cage, and front rack bosses on the fork, are standard. Cantilever brakes again, and clearance for fenders.

$1331.00 just frame, $1551.00 with steel fork.

basic road

Basic, indeed, like the fox bike or the very first wildebeest or the yellow bike.

$1111.00 without fork, $1331.00 fork of steel.

parts and complete bikes

I am an experienced wrench and DT-Swiss certified wheelbuilder, and am keenly interested in providing complete bicycles to those who wish such. My current wholesale avenues for components are somewhat limited, though; as long as you are content to build with mainstream gear from the likes of SRAM, Campagnolo, Shimano, Cane Creek, et cetera, then all is well. Those yearning to complement their custom frames with boutique parts may have to provide their own- but I will be delighted and honored to install same.

I do not offer ala carte component and accessory sales- that is what your local independent bicycle dealer is for. I provide components strictly to equip new, and repair existing, Wildebeests.

Component and group pricing available only through direct contact via phone or email.

is that all?

Prob'ly not- but, I choose to focus on bikes for touring, commuting and pavement recreation. That should not be interpreted as this is all I do, or that I can not render an idea or request you may have in your mind. Written or verbal consultation will clarify things dramatically.

I will not hesitate to say that, should you have technical off-road or road racing ambitions, there are other builders, and materials apart from steel, that may serve you better. But I will listen to any idea you have...

so how does one start the process?

well, one could open this page -> process <- and read or print it, or one could click on the reach us link just below and try any of those methods.