Q: What’s the difference between ‘made to measure’ and ‘custom?’

A: Custom means whatever you want. Made to measure means whatever I want to make you. If that sounds flip, I apologize. But having been through several design ‘exercises’ as both a consumer and builder, I will say that a framebuilder can do his or her customer a great disservice by building exactly what he or she asks for.

My #1 priority is listening to what the customer wants, balancing that with what he/she needs (to be comfortable, efficient, safe) and translating these priorities into a frame that will delight for a long time to come. Will I accommodate your wishes? Of course. But I will not build anything that I don’t feel 100% confident is the right design for you. Okay, end of sermon.

Q: Why steel?

A: My first ‘good’ bicycle was made from steel. It was a Holdsworth Professional, and although it was built in a factory, it had details and a ride that I immediately fell in love with. I loved the lugwork. I loved the ride, which seemed to absorb small bumps while still being lightning quick through the turns and stiff for sprinting. And although it was made from steel, I loved how light it was—lighter than the first-generation Cannondale aluminum frames that followed shortly after.

Steel gets a bad rap for being heavy—a silly complaint unless you’re packing <4% body fat and competing regularly. But I’ll let you in on a secret: Steel IS heavy. Did you know that a steel frame can weigh a whole pound more than an equivalent size frame made from aluminum, carbon fiber, or titanium? That could be 25% more at today’s average frame weights. It’s hard to ride on a frameset without parts, though. When you build that heavy steel frame into a complete 20lb bicycle, that 25% weight penalty becomes closer to a 5% weight penalty. Great, you say. But what happens when you put an actual rider on that 20lb bike? Say, an average 175 pound male? When you look at a gross vehicle weight of 195lbs (20lb bike + 175lb rider) that 5% weight penalty becomes more like a .5% weight penalty! For all the benefits that steel provides over other frame materials—durability, repairability, and sweet ride quality are just a few—that .5% weight ‘penalty’ seems like a pretty fair bargain! If you’re still reading this, chances are, you agree. If not, good luck in the Tour.

Q: Do you paint your frames?

A: Nope. Every Echelon frameset is painted by Chris Bull of Circle A Cycles fame, another Rhode Island-based framebuilder. (I’ll also note that Chris was instrumental in helping get Echelon Cycle Works off the ground with opinions, advice, and a swanky sandblasting cabinet. Thanks!)

Q: How long does it take to get an Echelon?

A: As of October, 2005 my waiting list is approximately 3 months. Please contact me for more specific timing information.

Q: How much does an Echelon cost?

A: A ‘standard’ Echelon road, touring, cyclocross, or track frame costs $1200. A handmade steel fork is $250. This includes a two-color paint job and your choice of standard brazeons. Additional options cost more; I’ll be happy to discuss your needs with you.

Q: What kind of materials do you use?

A: It depends. Most Echelon frames are built with Dedacciai tubing and lugs from Kirk Pacenti, Richard Sachs, or Henry James. The materials I use depend on the rider and intended use of the bike, so there is no ‘standard’ tubeset. Simply put, I will choose the materials that will work best for your bike.

Q: What kind of warranty do you offer?

A: I offer a 10-year warranty on frames and forks to the original purchaser. If your frame should fail due to defects in workmanship or materials, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge. In the real world, plenty of things can happen to a bicycle which aren’t covered under this ‘workmanship or materials’ warranty. If your Echelon should be damaged in an accident or mishap, I will work with you to get your bike back on the road for a reasonable cost.

Have a question? Email me, and maybe you can be the next FAQ!