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
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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?
