Anyone have anything to say about Tom Oswald and Oswald Cycle Works? I want someone who will do a fillet braze and I'm halfway thinking of Oswald as a prospective builder for my next steed.

.

I have an Oz... Tom's a good guy.
...but my bike has toe overlap.

I have an Oz... Tom's a good guy.
...but my bike has toe overlap.
Uh-oh... How tall are you and what's you're bike size?

I don't know Oswald....but I do know Kirk.

Why not get a fillet brazed frame from Dave?

Len

Uh-oh... How tall are you and what's you're bike size?


since we're talking about a custom frame, how tall I am and the frame size are irrelevant... my proportions are unusual and the frame was built around certain geometry parameters based on what I know fits me, and toe overlap was not a concern... but FWIW it's a small frame that would typically have overlap in stock geometry...

ask about the build process, how Tom is to work with, how the frame rides, etc. that's what you really want to know... send a PM if you want

I don't know Oswald....but I do know Kirk.

Why not get a fillet brazed frame from Dave?

Len
lol, Len you're seducing me! :D

I just might look in to Kirk. He's more $$ than I'd like to spend but if other frame builders can't ease my mind when it comes to the overlap, I might look at him more seriously. I realized last week that Strong does not do fillet braze so I'm still combing through options.

I might make a couple of phone calls this week to builders. If I have time...

the fillet brazed stem!

Seriously...Dave is worth every penny. How often will you buy a frame?

Len

the fillet brazed stem!

Seriously...Dave is worth every penny. How often will you buy a frame?

Len
Yes the Kirks are absolutely beautiful. How often will I buy a frame? Not as often as the rest of yooze guys here and you know who you are .... len, terryb, phys, tmb, etc... :D

Yes the Kirks are absolutely beautiful. How often will I buy a frame? Not as often as the rest of yooze guys here and you know who you are .... len, terryb, phys, tmb, etc... :D

Dave's gallery.

http://www.kirkframeworks.com/Photo%20Gallery.htm

Len
PS..you didn't include Mapei in that list?

Dave's gallery.

http://www.kirkframeworks.com/Photo%20Gallery.htm

Len
PS..you didn't include Mapei in that list?
lol! Mappy says he's found the love of his life with his Time Edge Translink. Or so he says. I did see him casting longing looks at some of the frame builders' bikes at NAHBS - Sachs, Kirk, Rebolledo, Ybarrola, Mooney...

And yes I am well acquainted with David Kirk's gallery. Beautiful frames.

Whatever you do, do not listen to Len...he bad, very, very bad :) He almost convinced me to buy a Sachs, but I saw the light and will end up renovating the hallway. And buy a fireplace. And buy a shed for all the bloody bicycles and kids toys and gardening stuff we have. Have I gone crazy il sogno?

Whatever you do, do not listen to Len...he bad, very, very bad :) He almost convinced me to buy a Sachs, but I saw the light and will end up renovating the hallway. And buy a fireplace. And buy a shed for all the bloody bicycles and kids toys and gardening stuff we have. Have I gone crazy il sogno?

(Cue the James Earl Jones voice) Listen to the force Wayne........you know you want to.........

LOL

Len

A friend of mine rides an Oswald custom and it is a really nice frame. Nothing fancy, just a good solid old-school style frame with lugs and some nice touches like an extended headtube. His is burgundy metallic red with white panels, similar to the one in the photos posted above.

If you're looking for a filet-brazed custom frame without breaking the bank, check out Lyon in Grants Pass, Oregon: http://www.lyonsport.com/

His frames are about $800, full custom. I almost ordered a frame from him a few years back, but unfortunately he doesn't communicate well by email. I got tired of making long-distance phone calls.

Whatever you do, do not listen to Len...he bad, very, very bad :) He almost convinced me to buy a Sachs, but I saw the light and will end up renovating the hallway. And buy a fireplace. And buy a shed for all the bloody bicycles and kids toys and gardening stuff we have. Have I gone crazy il sogno?
Don't be silly Wayne. No reason a man of your means should have to wait 5 years for the Sachs. Get an Eriksen or better yet get an Oswald and tell me how it rides! :D

If you're looking for a filet-brazed custom frame without breaking the bank, check out Lyon in Grants Pass, Oregon: http://www.lyonsport.com/

His frames are about $800, full custom. I almost ordered a frame from him a few years back, but unfortunately he doesn't communicate well by email. I got tired of making long-distance phone calls.
Bikes schmikes! I checked out his website. Lyon also doubles as a fishing guide on the Rogue River!

Bikes schmikes! I checked out his website. Lyon also doubles as a fishing guide on the Rogue River!

Yeah, and if you try to call him, he is most likely out fishing! That's why I ended up not ordering a frame from him, because he was so hard to get in touch with. Seemed like a nice guy, however, when I did talk to him. He specializes in cyclecross bikes, and think used to race them, but also makes road and touring frames.

I was very close to ordering a custom frame from him about 3-4 years ago after searching unsuccessfully for a steel Eddy Merckx in my size for quite a while. Then I came across a Merckx Corsa 01 in my size right when I was about ready to order a Lyon, and the rest is history.

I first heard about Lyon frames from gvhbikes.com, which usually stocks a few of his frames. They had a Lyon frame close to my size at GVH for something like $500 frame and fork, but then I found out I could order a full custom for not much more.

Not to add further decisions but if you are interested in fillet brazing definitely check out Landshark (http://www.landsharkbicycles.com/). He makes some of the best looking welds and wildest yet still attractive paint jobs.

He's actually also a stones throw away from Lyon, road trip?

Not to add further decisions but if you are interested in fillet brazing definitely check out Landshark (http://www.landsharkbicycles.com/). He makes some of the best looking welds and wildest yet still attractive paint jobs.

He's actually also a stones throw away from Lyon, road trip?
Yes, Landshark. On my ride a week or two ago I came across a woman on a Landshark. She had gotten it 3 years ago and loves it.

I love road trips. :)

Dave's gallery.

http://www.kirkframeworks.com/Photo%20Gallery.htm

Len
PS..you didn't include Mapei in that list?


Dang-nabbit Len! Quit posting that link! :wink:

Note to self: quit coming into this forum. New frame lust is VERY high right now. Off the charts.

Definitely look at Landshark. They are one of the better values right now for custom frames, in my opinion. If you haven't done so, look through the gallery at their website. He does some incredible paint jobs, some over the top, but also some classic panels. GVH Bikes usually has a selection of Landsharks as well, but I would go for the full custom just for the paint job.

John Slawta (Landshark) also appeared on the local "Art Beat" show for his impressive paintjobs. It was pretty cool to see bicycles being appreciated by artsy types.

John Slawta (Landshark) also appeared on the local "Art Beat" show for his impressive paintjobs. It was pretty cool to see bicycles being appreciated by artsy types.

but to me, I've never seen a landshark paint job that didn't send me running away.

YMMV

Len

but to me, I've never seen a landshark paint job that didn't send me running away.

The world does not live and die by panel paint jobs alone but he does those too:

but to me, I've never seen a landshark paint job that didn't send me running away.

YMMV

Len

Landshark makes plenty of frame with more restrained paint jobs. It all depend on what the owner wants. Take a look at these ...

I've never seen a landshark paint job that didn't send me running away.

I've only ever seen one Landshark in the flesh, and my reaction was similar: "You spent how much for that bike?!?! The paint job makes it look like a Fisher-Price My First Bicycle® !"


Of course, the guy riding it could climb like he knew a few loopholes in the law of gravity. So I didn't have to look at the ugly paint job for very long :)

Landshark makes plenty of frame with more restrained paint jobs. It all depend on what the owner wants. Take a look at these ...

but only in galleries, never in real life.

People seem to go to him for his garish paint jobs. Every one I've seen in real life was awful.

I lived outside Greensboro and cycle d' oro is a big Landshark retailer.....and trust me, the number of ugly landsharks in and around Greensboro might make one take up a different sport. Unfortunatly, when I think of Landshark I think of ugly frames......can't get it out of my head.

I think that the biggest mistake many people make with a custom bike is going over the top (in trying to get a unique look) with the paint.....Landshark makes it easy (because of his capabilities) for a buyer to get ridiculous.

Len

I've only ever seen one Landshark in the flesh, and my reaction was similar: "You spent how much for that bike?!?! The paint job makes it look like a Fisher-Price My First Bicycle® !"

LOL!

I agree with Len and Bob. I just looked at the gallery and most of the paint jobs were heinous. I'm sure they are great bikes. And I appreciate the guys talents and all, but those tricked out paint jobs just don't do it for me. Bleh.

YMMV, of course.

Count me in with Len, Bob and Innergel. Every Landshark I've ever seen in the flesh has just plain assaulted my eyes. And as my User Name implies I'm a fan of garish paint jobs, too.

Anyone have anything to say about Tom Oswald and Oswald Cycle Works? I want someone who will do a fillet braze and I'm halfway thinking of Oswald as a prospective builder for my next steed.

.
I've been watching your posts, rather your personal turmoil in choosing your next custom steed. Two words for you: CARL STRONG
Carl is very reasonably priced, has short lead times, and he gets it, 100%.
You will not be dissapointed, Carl is the Bomb. Nuff said. :thumbsup:

I've been watching your posts, rather your personal turmoil in choosing your next custom steed. Two words for you: CARL STRONG
Carl is very reasonably priced, has short lead times, and he gets it, 100%.
You will not be dissapointed, Carl is the Bomb. Nuff said. :thumbsup:
but...but...he doesn't do fillet braze, right?

and you're right. i have no idea what to get. lately my husband had been saying "just get an eriksen". thing is i don't even know if i want steel or carbon or ti. :(

sorry for no caps. i'm using my other hand to eat a sweet roll. :D

I've been watching your posts, rather your personal turmoil in choosing your next custom steed. Two words for you: CARL STRONG
Carl is very reasonably priced, has short lead times, and he gets it, 100%.
You will not be dissapointed, Carl is the Bomb. Nuff said. :thumbsup:

PSV - I strongly suggested Strong to Il Sogno back in early March via PM when she was shopping for a Ti frame. Same reasons - easy to work with, great CS, and one of the top craftsmen in the biz. His prices are a bargain. But no fillet braze as y'all know.

I guess you've changed your mind from Ti, and now you want fillet - So I gotta second (third, fourth, fifth?) DK. He's also very easy to talk to and helps you figure out what you need without unneeded hype.

I think a DK Terraplane is my next ride, unless I decide on a Ti frame from Strong, Kish or DeSalvo... :eek:

PSV - I strongly suggested Strong to Il Sogno back in early March via PM when she was shopping for a Ti frame. Same reasons - easy to work with, great CS, and one of the top craftsmen in the biz. His prices are a bargain. But no fillet braze as y'all know.

I guess you've changed your mind from Ti, and now you want fillet - So I gotta second (third, fourth, fifth?) DK. He's also very easy to talk to and helps you figure out what you need without unneeded hype.

I think a DK Terraplane is my next ride, unless I decide on a Ti frame from Strong, Kish or DeSalvo... :eek:
My temporary list of frame builders to call (hopefully tomorrow):

Strong
Oswald
Eriksen
DeSalvo

I'm flexible on whether to fillet braze or go TIG.

If only you had money like the Queen of England...then you could get all four frames :)

If only you had money like the Queen of England...then you could get all four frames :)

The Queen of England would love for you to consider a Mercian too.

www.merciancycles.co.uk

Whatever you get, it's gonna be sweet. You can't go wrong with that list of builders.

If only you had money like the Queen of England...then you could get all four frames :)

that terryB was the queen of England? Learn something every day.

Len

that terryB was the queen of England? Learn something every day.

Len


LOL!!! :D :D Terry does look kind of cute with a crown on his head, doesn't he?

My temporary list of frame builders to call (hopefully tomorrow):

Strong
Oswald
Eriksen
DeSalvo

I'm flexible on whether to fillet braze or go TIG.
Sogs, if your flexible on fillet or Tig, them call CARL
DeSalvo is a 6 month wait, (my buddy just took delivery of one)
Eriksen? Get a Moots.....
Oswald, don't know much about Tom.
The custom world is a difficult one, lots of waiting, ambiguity, anguish, turmoil, etc, etc.
Put your mind at ease, Carl Strong. The only thing you have to worry about is choosing your color. :D
If you have to go Fillet, then Dave Kirk is your man.

Can I ask a stupid question? What difference would the way the frame is welded make in the frame? I know the welds look different, but other than aesthetics, what tangible difference does it make if it's fillet brazed as opposed to TIG welded or whatever? Maybe I'm just a little slow, but I can't see how it could make any difference in the ride.

Of course, selecting a bike on aesthetics is fine by me. We all want a lovely bike.

innergel - it's just aesthetics. Some people love lugs, others like the no-nonsense look of a nice TIG bead or the seamless appearance of fillet brazing. No dif in ride.

DK's lead time is 8 months FWIW.

PSV - I'd rather have an Eriksen (or Strong) than a Moots - and I've already owned a Moots. In my experience, the folks at Moots are hit and miss about responding to communication. There's more to life than a pretty Ti weld. Strong's welds look just as nice and he's several hundred cheaper, with far better communication throughout the process.

I spoke with DeSalvo 2 weeks ago and he says Ti frames, unpainted, are running 3.5 - 4 months. When steel or Ti needs to go into the black hole at Spectrum, time goes up quite a bit. My Strong took a month to get through Spectrum recently.

My temporary list of frame builders to call (hopefully tomorrow):

Strong
Oswald
Eriksen
DeSalvo

I'm flexible on whether to fillet braze or go TIG.


I don't know if you have ruled out Curtlo but he does Fillet Braze his frames and price/quality ratio is super high ($755.00) for a completly custom True Temper OX Platnium frame, or just uner $1000 for an S3 frame. I'm pretty sure you have done your research already, and likely could have ruled Doug Curtiss out...I just had to throw his name out there :D

Here is a pic of my bottom bracket juncture:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b174/Wookiebiker/Curtlo/100_1952.jpg

innergel - it's just aesthetics. Some people love lugs, others like the no-nonsense look of a nice TIG bead or the seamless appearance of fillet brazing. No dif in ride.

OK. I thought I was missing something. Thanks for clearing that up.

I already have a lugged steel bike. I have two tig welded aluminum bikes. I was hoping for a fillet brazed frame. But it's not the most important thing...

LOL!!! :D :D Terry does look kind of cute with a crown on his head, doesn't he?
Someone needs to talk to Terry about his hair style and those purses of his! :D

My temporary list of frame builders to call (hopefully tomorrow):

Strong
Oswald
Eriksen
DeSalvo

I'm flexible on whether to fillet braze or go TIG.

+1 Carl Strong. Great customer service + great frame fit + rides just as I wanted + very nice welds = Happy customer.

singlecross

Count me in with Len, Bob and Innergel. Every Landshark I've ever seen in the flesh has just plain assaulted my eyes. And as my User Name implies I'm a fan of garish paint jobs, too.

Speaking from personal experience, John doesn't pressure you to do crazy paint. I was like, "I want green with white panels," and he was like, "Cool, I've got some nice metallic green," and that was that. The only other shark I've seen was also viewable. However, I do get a lot of, "Wow, I've never seen so tame a Landshark!"... The bike is awesome -- I recommend it. (Also, the price is very reasonable.)

http://www.dartmouth.edu/~lmaurer/landshark.JPG

I already have a lugged steel bike. I have two tig welded aluminum bikes. I was hoping for a fillet brazed frame. But it's not the most important thing...

If you want fillet brazed, get it. There is nothing better in joinery in my mind.

Carl used to do it, are you sure he still doesn't?

I was on a group ride today and I saw a Hampsten steel frame (made by Strong) that I swear was fillet brazed. There were absolutely NO weld seams around the head tube or seat/top tube junction. I didn't check out the bottom bracket, but I remember commenting to Handsome Rob about how clean the welds were.

Wow.....the art on some of those bikes is amazing....:)

If you want fillet brazed, get it. There is nothing better in joinery in my mind.

Carl used to do it, are you sure he still doesn't?
I think he does do it if pressed. On his website he recommends David Kirk for fillet brazing.

And yeah Terry, my husband says the same thing. "It's a custom frame. If you want fillet braze get it. No need to settle for anything else."

You should not compromise on a purchase like this, otherwise you're going to be shopping again a month after you get it.

Oswald makes darn nice bikes and the only reason I am not riding one is the fact that he had a 1 year waiting list last time I talked to him. And I simply have too strong a case of AADD to deal with that.

Carl has changed his business model over the course of the last few years, concentrating more on what he likes to do versus what it takes to compete with everyone and their brother. This might be the source of his preference for TIG now. Call him and tell him terryb said he should fillet braze a frame for you. :D

The other choices are excellent too - you won't end up unhappy. Unless you let expediency stamp out your dream. It's worth it to hunt down the guy who will put the right bike together for you in the way you want it. I'll be frank - when Iook at the curves on my Kirk and my Vanilla I wish every bike I owned was filleted. It's just that nice.

This guy has done some amazing mtn bike frames and looks like he does road frames as well:
http://www.wolfhoundcycles.com/home.html

his road frames are undoubtedly more traditional than his mtn bike frames, but his work is out of this world.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=275228

This guy has done some amazing mtn bike frames and looks like he does road frames as well:
http://www.wolfhoundcycles.com/home.html

his road frames are undoubtedly more traditional than his mtn bike frames, but his work is out of this world.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=275228

a mountain bike from a builder specializing in road frames?

Len

Yes, it all boils down to if you trust your builder on not.