I'm in the preliminary stages of ordering an Epic Mountaineer. I understand that patience is of the utmost importance when ordering a frame from Curtlo; might any of you Curtlo owners be so kind as to post a few pics on this thread?
I figure it might just make the lead-time seem a bit shorter.
Glad to see someone else is in the same boat as me. I just ordered an Advanced Mountaineer (about 3 weeks ago). When I was talking to Doug, he said time to completion is about 10 weeks.
Very nice ride. Fillet brazed frame. Curved seat stays. But I like my IF Deluxe a little better. The blue one is a 02 mountaineer Solo with track dropouts curved stays and v- mounts, and the third one is I think a 92 Aluminum Curtlo,It has canti stop
Very nice ride. Fillet brazed frame. Curved seat stays. But I like my IF Deluxe a little better. The blue one is a 02 mountaineer Solo with track dropouts curved stays and v- mounts, and the third one is I think a 92 Aluminum Curtlo,It has canti stop
Impressive line-up; I really appreciate you taking the time to forward the pics! My frame will have paragon adjustable dropouts, and will be prepped for (future) use as a geared hard tail; it'll be set up as a single speed for a while (maybe forever!)
Any words of wisdom you can offer for dealing with Curtlo? Anything I should be aware of or pay special attention to?
Also, how do you like your White Bros. sussy fork? I ride a Pace RC31 XC rigid carbon fork, but I've got a buddy who just ordered a White Bros. for his Ti Quireing frame.
I have never had any complaints about my frame. I love the curved stays and them brazed joints.
as for forks, I love White Brothers forks. They are really a set it and forget it fork. the one pictured is a 05 XC.8 so it has a manual lockout if you like rigid. I also have an 00 XC-4 air sprung and air dampened fork that is also awesome. Very rigid forks, very easy to service very light weight. bothe weight in between 3-3.5 Not bad for a fork that has 32mm stanction and @ 8 inches of steerer. My next fork and most likely the one after that will be a White Brothers.
I placed my order for mine at the beginning of February. On February 1, I heard from Doug in my initial "interview" about what I wanted, etc. He said he's sure he'd have more questions for me and that he'd follow up (which I assume means that at the time, we'll talk about how I want the cable stops put on, etc). He quoted me 10 weeks to complete the bike and I made my deposit. Now, 4 weeks later, I haven't heard anything from him in regards to the finer details or what color I'd like, etc.
My question is, is this common? Seems to me that letting 4 to 5 weeks go by without even letting me know where the project stands is absurd. I really don't want to bother him as I'm sure he's busy, but I'm beginning to wonder if he has forgotten. Any advice?
at the risk of sounding cliche, "patience is a virtue." Doug Curtiss has a stellar reputation as a custom frame builder, and you're right, he does stay very busy. Most Curtlo owners I've been in contact with all agree one two things;
1. Quality of the end-product is very good!
2. Well worth the wait, and you will wait!
I placed my order closer to the middle of February, at which time I submitted the required measurements, and also a few pics of me on my current bike. I have emailed Doug since then several times to "follow up" on the emails I've sent. Doug has always made the time to return my emails. I think that the "finer details" will be critical later on in the actual build stage, so I wouldn't worry much. Either send him an email or give him a call. Keep me posted on how things progress.
I placed my order for mine at the beginning of February. On February 1, I heard from Doug in my initial "interview" about what I wanted, etc. He said he's sure he'd have more questions for me and that he'd follow up (which I assume means that at the time, we'll talk about how I want the cable stops put on, etc). He quoted me 10 weeks to complete the bike and I made my deposit. Now, 4 weeks later, I haven't heard anything from him in regards to the finer details or what color I'd like, etc.
My question is, is this common? Seems to me that letting 4 to 5 weeks go by without even letting me know where the project stands is absurd. I really don't want to bother him as I'm sure he's busy, but I'm beginning to wonder if he has forgotten. Any advice?
Just as an FYI - I put my deposit down on Jan-18 and was quoted an 8 week lead time (fully expecting 10+ weeks). It has been almost 7 weeks since then and I'm still waiting to receive a drawing / draft of the frame geometry to approve.
Thanks to all that have posted their pichers - it helps show that good things come to those who wait.
In that case, it is 8 weeks down (total quoted delivery time) and 7 weeks to go?
I honestly don't mind waiting 15 weeks for a quality and value product, but I would just prefer that this was told to me upfront.
Hope you enjoy your new ride once it arrive to your doorstep.
Cheers - Suds
My wait time was significantly longer than quoted, but this was the bike I wanted,
so I tried to go in with the attitude of "I'll get it when I get it." I'm not really sure
why he doesn't just quote longer lead times from the outset, but that's his choice.
I don't think Doug puts a lot of emphasis on communication until it's your turn.
Once my number came up, we went through detail design and two drawing revisions
in about 36 hours. When it's your turn in the barrel, things will happen fast.
I choose to view it this way - The less time he spends talking and the more time
he spends building, the faster we all get our bikes.
My Advanced Mountaineer
I got it in '99. I've had a few shock setups on it and have now gone rigid. Kelly Disc. I LOVE this bike! Fast, Light and tracks like a Hound Dog!
Last edited by eldogo; 03-30-2007 at 07:18 PM.
Reason: New Pictures
Any of you kids have updates on your build? I'm in week 8 now. Haven't heard a word.
I'm sitting approx 11 weeks out (quoted 8 weeks). I did get a chance to talk to Doug briefly on the phone at week 7 - at that time he estimated that I should see some progress, in 3 weeks - wait, that would have been last week. From all accounts, once your turn is up, thing happen fast, at least that's what I'm hoping for. I know the frame that Doug makes will be what I really want, so I'll do my best to chill and relax until then.
I'm sitting approx 11 weeks out (quoted 8 weeks). I did get a chance to talk to Doug briefly on the phone at week 7 - at that time he estimated that I should see some progress, in 3 weeks - wait, that would have been last week. From all accounts, once your turn is up, thing happen fast, at least that's what I'm hoping for. I know the frame that Doug makes will be what I really want, so I'll do my best to chill and relax until then.
Mine got here last Friday, for about a 16 week lead time. I've been too busy riding
it to take any pictures or post, but there's a couple shots below.
Epic Mountaineer
EBB SS 36:20
Reba Race
Thomson bar / stem
Race Face Square Taper cranks
King SS Disc hubs / CX-Ray spokes / 717 rims
Flite
Cane Creek S-8 headset, AD-5 shock
Kenda weenies
Yadda yadda
It would have been a bargain at double the price and four times the wait.
I absolutely couldn't be happier.
Fit is perfect, alignment is perfect, geometry and handling are superb.
Softail functions better than I dared hope. It doesn't feel like "suspension"
at all - Zero bobbing while out of the saddle, but knocks down all of the
trail buzz. Seven hours of Pisgah this weekend without the slightest bit
of back pain or stiffness. No issues with flex, at least not with my hulking
147 pounds.
I got mine back in 2004. Ordered in late Feb. and it arrived sometime in June. After riding it for close to 3 years now, I can say that it's one of the best bikes I've ever owned.
On the morning of December 28th, Violet Kray received an official telegram from the governor of Winchester Gaol:
I'm in week 14 right now. Still haven't discussed anything outside of the original submittal and a couple of pics of me on my current ride. Still no drawing, still no paint details..nada. Nothing.
I'm in week 14 right now. Still haven't discussed anything outside of the original submittal and a couple of pics of me on my current ride. Still no drawing, still no paint details..nada. Nothing.
Patience is wearing extremely thin.
Honestly, I never got a drawing from Doug. Didn't matter in the long run as my bike turned out perfect.
I'm not on the waiting list, but you are in peak building season for Doug right now. Keep in mind it's one guy doing everything; that's what will make your new Curtlo so special. I totally understand your frustration, but patience and persistence will make the wait worth it. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and give him a call if you haven't done so already.
edit: As I said in my previous post where I posted pictures, I ordered my frame around the same time you did a few years back. I didn't see it until June. Just an FYI. Welcome to the world of ordering custom from a one man operation. I honestly wouldn't do it any other way, though.
On the morning of December 28th, Violet Kray received an official telegram from the governor of Winchester Gaol:
I'm in week 14 right now. Still haven't discussed anything outside of the original submittal and a couple of pics of me on my current ride. Still no drawing, still no paint details..nada. Nothing.
Patience is wearing extremely thin.
I'm at week 15 - so you have at least another week + to wait. Two weeks ago Doug said that I should have a drawing this week, so hopefully I'll see it soon (breath not held).
As the originator of this thread, I'd like to send out a big giant "gracias" to all contributors.
As for my frame... well, I'm in week 10 of the originally quoted 10-12 weeks. I have not heard from Doug since he confirmed the receipt of my deposit in very early March. I have tried to touch-base with him a few times since then (via email), but have yet to receive a response. Although I must admit that the lack of response on Doug's part is a bit frustrating , I can also say that I firmly believe the end result will be well worth the wait
Keep those pics coming, as they've really helped to confirm what I already know, "Good things come to those who wait!"
Honestly, I never got a drawing from Doug. Didn't matter in the long run as my bike turned out perfect.
I'm not on the waiting list, but you are in peak building season for Doug right now. Keep in mind it's one guy doing everything; that's what will make your new Curtlo so special. I totally understand your frustration, but patience and persistence will make the wait worth it. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and give him a call if you haven't done so already.
edit: As I said in my previous post where I posted pictures, I ordered my frame around the same time you did a few years back. I didn't see it until June. Just an FYI. Welcome to the world of ordering custom from a one man operation. I honestly wouldn't do it any other way, though.
Thanks for the additional information.
I know patience is required....but it's kind of like being a kid getting close to Christmas. You know the gifts are coming and you can't wait to open them.
I had Wade at Vulture build up my SS a few years ago. It took him 8 weeks total....so I was sort of basing this purchase on that. Obviously, it's not the case.
Okay, I'm looking for anyone with experiences with either of these frames, preferably geared, preferably 29", and preferably a short person. I'm looking hard at these two for long haul racing. How do they compare in soaking up the trail? Anyone 5'6" or shorter had one built?
I'm in week 14 right now. Still haven't discussed anything outside of the original submittal and a couple of pics of me on my current ride. Still no drawing, still no paint details..nada. Nothing.
Patience is wearing extremely thin.
14 weeks? That ain't nothing. I waited almost 9 months for my last Curtlo frame.
14 weeks? That ain't nothing. I waited almost 9 months for my last Curtlo frame.
that's nothing... according to the Vanilla bikes site, wait time for a new Vanilla is 47 months!!!!! I guess you'd have to want one reeeeaaaaallly f'in bad.
On the morning of December 28th, Violet Kray received an official telegram from the governor of Winchester Gaol:
that's nothing... according to the Vanilla bikes site, wait time for a new Vanilla is 47 months!!!!! I guess you'd have to want one reeeeaaaaallly f'in bad.
Yeah, but we're talking about Curtlo frames here. And actual wait times.
Yeah, but we're talking about Curtlo frames here. And actual wait times.
yes, I know as I've already posted a few times in regards to Curtlo wait times in this thread. I was simply saying that things could be worse... like a 4 year wait.
On the morning of December 28th, Violet Kray received an official telegram from the governor of Winchester Gaol:
... at least there is one thing that we all seem to agree on; Doug Curtis builds a kick @#&* bike frame. I can't wait to get mine!
Ryancycle,
hows the riding up in INDI? I'm from Florida, but I have a little girl that lives in Lafayette. Needless to say, I'm in Indiana often.
Funny, but I'm also from the Indy area. The riding has greatly improved over the past 11 years that I've been here. If you haven't already, point your browser over to hmba.org and have a look see. Also, feel free to shoot me a PM with any q's or anytime you are coming to town looking for a ride recommendation or companion.
5 frames ordered, mostly road and cross. I have an S3 tubed road frame on order. I expect it early June. I was quoted Early April. My average wait time has probably been about 4 to 4.5 months or so for my prior Curtlos. Always quoted around 10 weeks or so.
Don't get frustrated, just relax and realize this your current frustrations will disappear once on the saddle.
When Doug is ready to build S3 tubed mtb's I will order another.
... at least there is one thing that we all seem to agree on; Doug Curtis builds a kick @#&* bike frame. I can't wait to get mine!
Ryancycle,
hows the riding up in INDI? I'm from Florida, but I have a little girl that lives in Lafayette. Needless to say, I'm in Indiana often.
There's some very nice trails in the state of Indiana, particularly down south in Brown County. If you can, I highly recommend checking out Brown County State Park.
On the morning of December 28th, Violet Kray received an official telegram from the governor of Winchester Gaol:
How did you go about ordering a bike from Curtlo? I have been trying for weeks to get in touch to place an order. I emailed, and have called once or twice a day for weeks without any answer. Did you just mail in the order form and wait for him to get in touch, or is there some other secret?
I would suggest that you print the custom fit form provided on Doug's website, (look for the how to buy link) and then fax it off to him. Believe it or not, Doug was well aware of my order prior to my actual telephone conversation with him. It may sound risky, but go ahead and forward the 50% deposit as well; I'm pretty sure this gets your name officially added to the list.
Hey, any of you guys think I should email Doug a link to this thread?
I started everything off with Doug via email. He seemed to respond to emails later in the evening. I would say he answered the phone 30% of the time when I called as well. Not bad for a one man operation. As far as the long wait times, I think the squeky wheel gets the grease.
I tried to contact Doug via email last week. My message was both apologetic ("please pardon the interruption") and to the point. I implied absolutely no pressure, I simply wanted to know how things are progressing with my build. Unfortunately, I've received no response. According to my calculations I'm in week #15; hopefully I'll receive word soon. Until then, I'll just keep in mind that I'm sure to end up with a sweet frame, and continue to wait patiently.
I tried to contact Doug via email last week. My message was both apologetic ("please pardon the interruption") and to the point. I implied absolutely no pressure, I simply wanted to know how things are progressing with my build. Unfortunately, I've received no response. According to my calculations I'm in week #15; hopefully I'll receive word soon. Until then, I'll just keep in mind that I'm sure to end up with a sweet frame, and continue to wait patiently.
Anybody out there with updates on his/her order?
This Thursday will be 16 weeks for me.....and no update, unfortunately.
I haven't sent any e-mails because I don't really want to bug him. Sounds like he's very busy. I was hoping to have the bike before a vacation to Colorado in July...but I don't see it happening at the rate this build is going.
Folks weren't joking when they said to be patient.
This Thursday will be 16 weeks for me.....and no update, unfortunately.
I haven't sent any e-mails because I don't really want to bug him. Sounds like he's very busy. I was hoping to have the bike before a vacation to Colorado in July...but I don't see it happening at the rate this build is going.
Folks weren't joking when they said to be patient.
Last week was week 17 for me. My geometry drawing came from Doug via email. I asked for a couple of small changes, had a new drawing the next morning and sent him my approval. Doug was very attentive and great to work with during these changes. All I can say is - you will receive great care once you are in the queue - it just takes some patience to get there.
This is not my bike but my buddy and I built her up for him last week. He is too busy riding to make the post so I will do it for him. Early reports are in: He loves it and is on his 3rd ride in 3 days. A lot of components were new, few old. The frame is beautiful with great welds AND attention to detail. His first mountain bike (hardtail) lasted him 10 years and I suspect this one will last him into old age. Enough babble, here is the complete bike!
db
This one I built up had decals, already starting to come off..... It would be nice if it had a badge but one could always have one made. The website does state "badge" but should really say decal!
I tried to contact Doug via email last week. My message was both apologetic ("please pardon the interruption") and to the point. I implied absolutely no pressure, I simply wanted to know how things are progressing with my build. Unfortunately, I've received no response. According to my calculations I'm in week #15; hopefully I'll receive word soon. Until then, I'll just keep in mind that I'm sure to end up with a sweet frame, and continue to wait patiently.
Anybody out there with updates on his/her order?
I received my frame about a week ago (~ 7 month wait time, quoted 6-8 wks...). Sure the delay sucked, and I do wish I had gotten more frequent/regular updates (not so that I could hassle/hurry Doug, not my style, but rather just for peace of mind/curiosity), but it was worh it...the frame is awesome and I'm sure that the bike will ride beautifully.
I received my frame about a week ago (~ 7 month wait time, quoted 6-8 wks...). Sure the delay sucked, and I do wish I had gotten more frequent/regular updates (not so that I could hassle/hurry Doug, not my style, but rather just for peace of mind/curiosity), but it was worh it...the frame is awesome and I'm sure that the bike will ride beautifully.
Doug emailed to let me know that my build is coming up soon, and that he would be contacting me in the near future to hash out the finer details; it was nice to receive the update. It's been about 1 week since then; I figure I'm at least another 4 weeks out. Again, I'm not the least bit upset about the wait, and I'm confident that the frame will be awesome. Hopefully, I'll be able to get an actual head badge (rather than a decal) for my frame... me likey the Bling!
Still no word on mine. I'm guessing it will be up soon, seeing as those who ordered around the same time I did have heard from him.
This is definitely becoming an exercise in patience.
I can totally relate, but the more photos I see, and customer testemonials I read, the more I'm convinced that the wait is worth while. Fortunately, I'm still riding my Turner Flux, and my Surly SS while I wait. This may sound crazy, but if my frame turns out the way I expect it to, I'll likely be getting my name on the list for a soft tail right away. I'm pretty sure our frames are scheduled in the same batch, so let's keep each other posted.
Think of the long wait as a blessing in disguise. You guys could be hoarding blingy parts for your build while you wait. That's what I'll be doing when I order my SS cross bike from him.
I am in the same boat as most of you. I order my bike Jan. 13th and I am still waiting for the finished product. It is at the painters so I am hoping to see it in the next week or two. This does not seem to be a fast process, and only gets slower when you have most of the parts for the bike but no frame and fork. It does sound like it is worth the wait. I have found the best way to keep in touch with Doug is via email, although it may take him a couple of days to reply, it also seems if he has no updates he will not reply. I guess he is busy building bikes.
I am in the same boat as most of you. I order my bike Jan. 13th and I am still waiting for the finished product. It is at the painters so I am hoping to see it in the next week or two. This does not seem to be a fast process, and only gets slower when you have most of the parts for the bike but no frame and fork. It does sound like it is worth the wait. I have found the best way to keep in touch with Doug is via email, although it may take him a couple of days to reply, it also seems if he has no updates he will not reply. I guess he is busy building bikes.
Look on the bright side, at least you know your's is at paint on will be on it's way soon. I ordered mine a little over 2 weeks after you ordered your's and to date, I don't have jack sheot. No drawings. No communication back. No nothing. Nada. Zilch. I'm in week 19 and the last time I heard anything was on February 1 when I put in the order and my credit card was processed for the down payment.
The bikes may be stellar. The customer service is severly lacking. I'm sorry, but don't tell people you're on a 10 week schedule when it's really 2 to 3 times that. I can handle honesty up front.....
I wouldnt bother,the bikes look boring.Sorry......
You're absolutely right, Forget the reputation, forget the strong following, and forget the fact that Curtlo offers one of the best custom fit frames available. Do, however, remember to buy something because it looks... exciting!
I got an email from Doug, my bike is on its way. News2ss I hope this means you are close. I will post updated info when i actually have the frame and fork........
I got an email from Doug, my bike is on its way. News2ss I hope this means you are close. I will post updated info when i actually have the frame and fork........
Man I wish.
I'm in week 20 right now. Still no drawings. Still haven't discussed color, cable routing, etc. Still no response to my e-mail last week inquiring as to where I am in the cue.
Speaking of color...I wish the damn color samples on his website would show up. All I get are blank boxes with names of colors in them.
I received my bike Friday of last week. It was actually here on Wens the 20 but the post office would not deliver the package, which is fine since no one was here to take it. Any way I placed my order on Jan 13 and got the bike on June 20.
It looks sweet.....Good luck to all of you waiting.
I received my bike Friday of last week. It was actually here on Wens the 20 but the post office would not deliver the package, which is fine since no one was here to take it. Any way I placed my order on Jan 13 and got the bike on June 20.
It looks sweet.....Good luck to all of you waiting.
Congrats! Mine is currently being powder coated - I ordered on Jan 18.
[QUOTE=Suds]Congrats! Mine is currently being powder coated - I ordered on Jan 18.
/QUOTE]
Alright, the frame showed up on Friday, June 29. Have I mentioned that it is one of Doug's S3 road frames? Anyway - here is a link to some photos, etc.
Congrats! Mine is currently being powder coated - I ordered on Jan 18.
/QUOTE]
Alright, the frame showed up on Friday, June 29. Have I mentioned that it is one of Doug's S3 road frames? Anyway - here is a link to some photos, etc.
Got my drawings today via e-mail. Can't wait to finally throw a leg over her.
looks like it's gonna be a sweet 29ner! Unless I'm mistaken, my drawing should be coming along shortly too I'm pretty sure our orders were in within days of one another. I'll keep you all posted.
Love this bike, but it is not mine. I am considering having a Curtlo built with the Pro shock fork soon. Probably not the softtail or the couplers though. It would also have regular dropouts.
Doug just emailed my preliminary drawing this morning; SWEET
Funny story; I had originally intended to order a full rigid Advanced Mountaineer, but somewhere along the line I screwed up and ordered an Epic instead
Now I'm thinking I'll go ahead with the soft tail frame... just wondering how it will work out with a rigid fork as a single speed?
For the guys who have their frames, did the process start to move quicker once you received your drawings?
We discussed a few slight "tweaks" to my drawing; he was making the changes as we spoke. Doug explained that he would have the final revised drawing to me by Monday. When I told him that I figured on another 4 weeks of lead-time before receiving my frame, he assured me that it absolutely will NOT take that long. I'll keep everyone posted.
Not that it really matters much, since I have been looking at all options, and most more expensive, but his web pricing is about 1yr old. Has it changed much. I am definitely going with Doug at this point on a 29er 24hr. The nice thing is that he is only a couple of hours away, and we have work scheduled up there in a few months.
"Life is a F@#^ing story problem, get used to it - my son.
I finally finished constructing my 24hr 29er and took it out this weekend. It is sweet. I just need to get use to the single speed aspect of it. The likes to go fast and has no problem climbing at all. Mine in fully rigid, but it rides really smooth. I am very impressed. My other bike is a carbon softtail (Trek STP 300) and I would say the steel hard tail rides just as smooth.
On Monday, I sent Doug my paint choice as well as details concerning the cable routing.
Today, I received an e-mail back saying thanks for the additional information and that it is now time to build the frame. I would expect probably another 4 to 6 weeks to receive it, considering build time plus paint, etc.
Got the official word from Doug via email yesterday. Best of all, at this very moment, my frame is at home waiting for me to throw a leg around her . Looks like I'll be busy building a new bike over the weekend. Having issues with attaching pics right now , but I'll get some on in the very near future.
To those of you still on the waiting list; hang in there, good things are on the horizon .
I placed my order in very early February, so... well over 20 weeks. Been too busy workin and ridin to finish putting her together, but I should be ready for the maiden ride by this coming Saturday. I'll make sure to post pics of the final build.
Got the official word from Doug via email yesterday. Best of all, at this very moment, my frame is at home waiting for me to throw a leg around her . Looks like I'll be busy building a new bike over the weekend. Having issues with attaching pics right now , but I'll get some on in the very near future.
To those of you still on the waiting list; hang in there, good things are on the horizon .
Adios
You beat me!!! I haven't heard back from Doug on mine yet. I figure since you and I ordered around the same time, mine should be almost on it's way.
Do you guys know if Doug takes kindly to in person visits? I read the custom fit PDF and... well, it seems like he bases a lot on the geometry of your current bike -- what if you don't like your current bike (thus the interest in getting a new one)? I'm on an old Trek, and dont' really like the way it handles, fits me and strips my confidence when riding because it just feels squirrely... Calling or actually visiting him would be, IMO, the best route... but what do you folks think who have dealt with him before? Thanks!
I read the custom fit PDF and... well, it seems like he bases a lot on the geometry of your current bike -- what if you don't like your current bike (thus the interest in getting a new one)?
Feel free to leave the info for the new bike blank, or mostly blank.... I did. The first time I talked with him He asked plenty of questions about what I liked and did not like about my current bike. I also attached some other info about what it was that I was looking for in a new bike.
"Life is a F@#^ing story problem, get used to it - my son.
Do you guys know if Doug takes kindly to in person visits? I read the custom fit PDF and... well, it seems like he bases a lot on the geometry of your current bike -- what if you don't like your current bike (thus the interest in getting a new one)? I'm on an old Trek, and dont' really like the way it handles, fits me and strips my confidence when riding because it just feels squirrely... Calling or actually visiting him would be, IMO, the best route... but what do you folks think who have dealt with him before? Thanks!
Matt
Doug personally fit me for my Advanced Mountaineer back when he was building here in southern Calif. Contact him and see what he says.
Do you guys know if Doug takes kindly to in person visits? I read the custom fit PDF and... well, it seems like he bases a lot on the geometry of your current bike -- what if you don't like your current bike (thus the interest in getting a new one)? I'm on an old Trek, and dont' really like the way it handles, fits me and strips my confidence when riding because it just feels squirrely... Calling or actually visiting him would be, IMO, the best route... but what do you folks think who have dealt with him before? Thanks!
Matt
After sending him pictures and explaining the likes and dislikes of other bikes I've owned, Doug was able to make suggestions, and finally several tweaks to the final drawing. Long story short, he totally nailed it with my new frame. The first time I rode it, I was amazed at how my position on the bike seemed so familiar. The dislikes I had discussed with Doug are no longer, and I couldn't be happier with my new ride. I suggest you call Doug and speak with him personally; he's a really cool guy.
The frame Doug built for me was basically a copy of the geometry of a frame that I liked, but with nicer tubing and EBB for singlespeed.
I sent him the old frame's geometry chart, and then we chatted for about 20 minutes about a few changes. For example: he suggested that if I plan to continue using Thomson seatpost (I do), consider slackening the seat tube by 1/2 degree to make up for their lack of setback. That sort of thing.
Did the first official ride on my new Epic for the first time yesterday; I’m in love, and happy to report that you seem to have nailed the fit. The 1” of rear travel eliminates all small trail bumps and takes the edge off of the root-covered rocky areas; there is no suspension “bob”. I’m amazed at how well the bike hooks up on climbs. In fact, we’ve recently had heavy rains here (almost nightly for over a week now), and most of the local trails are washed out and extremely slick (lots of clay here), yet I was still able to scoot up the most difficult climbs with no slipping of the rear wheel, and with very little adjustment of my center of gravity in the cockpit; coming out of the saddle was not necessary. The bike handles extremely well, and, regardless of loose dirt, rocks, or roots, the rear wheel stays on the ground. All in all, the bike hooks up better than anything I’ve ever owned or ridden.
In short, you can add me to the long list of satisfied customers. I couldn’t be happier with the final result, and it was well worth the wait! I will definitely be in touch again in the near future to start working on details for a new single speed frame.
Thanks for the photos and comments. Glad to see that my ongoing wait isn't abnormal. After so many dates promised then missed I was starting to wonder if I'd been taken, so I searched the web for some dirt on Doug which is how I landed here. For what it's worth I found negative comments from only one unhappy customer and his complaint was pretty vague - thems good odds if you ask me.
Original delivery date was early October, now I'm hoping for the end of the year. But at least I now know that it's just bidniz as usual from Curlo.
So when did you put your order in? Just curious. I went into mine expecting the wait, and calculating by what others have seen for wait times I should see mine mid Feb.
"Life is a F@#^ing story problem, get used to it - my son.
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Why the short head tube?
Originally Posted by chruby99
. From all accounts, once your turn is up, thing happen fast, at least that's what I'm hoping for. I know the frame that Doug makes will be what I really want, so I'll do my best to chill and relax until then.
, I can also say that I firmly believe the end result will be well worth the wait
I guess you'd have to want one reeeeaaaaallly f'in bad.
Anyone out there know?
It's here, it's really here!
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A letter to Doug Curtis...
