Custom Build Bike - Sven Cycles - Using remains of Genesis Croix de Fer

A few months ago I got a new bike on the cycle to work scheme. I wanted a steel frame with disc brakes. I went for the Jamis Bosanova for it's combination of price and good (tiagra) components.

As luck would have it, a few weeks after I got it I was involved in a nasty accident and it was written off. Luckily I was insured, and the insurance company, in their infinite generosity, gave me a Genesis Croix de Fer as a replacement. A lovely bike, and an upgrade in terms of steel.

And then...a few weeks after receiving this, some asshole cut me up passing a stopped bus and then stopped in front of me to shout at me. Don't ask. And in bumping into the back of his car, I have damaged the frame of the Croix. I'm pursuing his insurance company and should be on track for a full payout.

Anyway, to cut to the chase, I'm now looking at using the payout from this to invest in a hand-built frame, and then use the components from the Croix to build it back up.

I'm (almost certainly) going with www.svencycles.com, as I like the look of their stuff and was impressed that they won 'best touring bike in show' at the recent bespoked event at the Velodrome.

Does anyone have any thoughts/advice? I'm thinking a lugged 725 frame with enough clearance for mudguards and all the requisite holes for rack etc., also going for internal cable routing to keep things sleek.

I'm going on a cycling holiday to France at the end of August, so that's my deadline.

Internal cabling seems a bit redundant on a touring bike, which will be covered in gubbins anyway and be a right ballache to work on if something needs replacing mid-tour.

Also - worth checking they can definitely turn a frame around in time. Custom frames usually take around 6 months from start of the design process to completion. At least.

Internal cabling seems a bit redundant on a touring bike, which will be covered in gubbins anyway and be a right ballache to work on if something needs replacing mid-tour.

This is true. Although it's main (ongoing) function is probably going to be less touring-y. And the france trip is more of a holiday than a serious trek!

We shall see... I have a friend who is adamant that I should have it...!

re. turnaround time, I'm going to see him in a couple of weeks to get measured up and I'm provisionally booked in for his July slot, he said it should be about three weeks or so..although I will absolutely confirm before anything happens!

Also - worth checking they can definitely turn a frame around in time. Custom frames usually take around 6 months from start of the design process to completion. At least.

Ballpark number of months? 10-12 week wait for mine. 12 week wait for an Indy Fab through Kinoko from order date etcetc

I should add that I know you said 'usually'

Sounds like a warped view of "luck" to me. Two frames written off in two months?

Saw his stand at Bespoked and thought the frames looked great. I hope your luck with the project is better than that on the roads.

More like standard london conditions, perhaps! Who knows. I don't remember what happened with the first one because I woke up in an ambulance, but by all accounts it was a taxi driver stopping suddenly (on the zigzags of a zebra crossing) with an uncertain passenger, possibly with a bit of cycling too close thrown into the mix... The second one, well I've already explained!

Anyway, lessons learnt, teeth mended, etc.

Don't go internal cabling, especially with disc brakes, who know you want to run a full hydraulic disc in the near future.

Don't go internal cabling, especially with disc brakes, who know you want to run a full hydraulic disc in the near future.

Very good point, I hadn't thought of that. Also, with discs no need for a top tube cable run?

Can be top tube, or down tube, I went for top tube on mine so I have room for the cable on the downtube and bottle cages (under downtube), but that's it.

Just to let everyone know - the bike was built within the timescale and is fantastic!

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Cool frame. Weird build.

Weird build in what sense?

Very pretty, like it a lot.

Nice looking frame and paint - reminds me a bit of my old marin mountain bike. I'd lose the wheel reflectors though

oh gawd, hadn't even noticed them! The bits are all from a genesis croix de fer (apart from saddle and pedals). I'm taking them off as we speak.

the seat lug and stays are really lovely

Sweet!!!

Psee, can't see anything weird about it, as all the parts came off his genesis, just using what he already had. Obviously not everyone's choice of components, but you run what you got, and upgrade when things wear out.
Bloody nice frame, me likey. Enjoy, and for fooks sake, stay away from taxis.