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@TerryA
Ordered my first custom frame last May and though I was told it would be 12 week build it took almost 25 to finish BUT it was well worth the wait. Currently ride a Colnago master x lite so the finished result needed to be good and Chaz (Roberts) didn't disappoint. He spent around 2 hours discussing my needs, how I would like the frame to be and what type of riding I will be doing. I am now 59 so racing days are over but still get out most days and do number of Sportives every year including on the continent so we went for steel throughout with a slightly sloping top tube (6 degrees) to keep the frame stiff.
We decided on Columbus tubing (life) with stainless lugs as I wanted some of them polished and I also specced straight and polished steel forks and as Chaz said that my weight (72kg) is around the limit for straight forks (according to tech specs from Columbus) he used Reynolds 953 for the fork design. Went for Chris King no threadset headset.
Went for a nice blue colour with white outlines under the roberts decals and bits picked out in black - loving the paint finish and the polished headtube lugs, rear dropouts, front mech hanger and front forks. Really pleased with the finish - the attention to detail on the polishing and the painting is spot on.
First job was to wax the frame - 3 coats of Meguirs carnuba wax and then 3 coats of Sonus polymer sealant finish.
Wanted to keep the weight as light as possible so went for new wheels (Campag Neutron) with a KCNC lightweight cassette. These are shod with Vittoria Open Corsa SC 700 x 23mm and latex tubes. Also, as I don't race anymore, have gone for a compact chainset with the running gear and brakes a mix of Campag centaur and chorus (black).
Chaz informed me that the life tubing is slightly oversize and he recommended the Fizik cyrano carbon seatpost which I agreed on and also fitted an Antares saddle and decided to fully match that with the cyrano stem and microlight bar tape (have used Fizik bar tape for years).
Finally decided to try Swisstop brake pads and I have say have been impressed so far - went for the green but mounted them on swisstop pad holders and they are working well with the chorus calipers.
All over soooo soooo happy with the result - anyone thinking whether to go for a bespoke frame and not sure - go for it - you won't be disappointed !!
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