Saffron Frameworks Dream Bike

Ok, so probably time for an update as pretty much everything has changed since last time I posted.

It started to strike me as a bit stupid spending loads of money on a high end groupset for an all-year bike, and that it was mainly the winter application of the bike that was causing all the problems about disc brake mounts on steel forks etc, as well as compromising what I really want from a 'dream bike'- which is a fast, fun road bike with beautiful detailing, a top of the line groupset and loud paint.

Winston seemed reluctant to spend his time researching disc brakes, polishing stainless steel or cutting bilaminate head tubes, and I felt like I was forcing him into a job he wasn't particularly interested in... and that probably wouldn't pay him enough for all the time he'd have to put into it.

So I changed the plan:

Instead of having a road bike that I can use all year round, and a tourer that I can commute on but that's way too sluggish to use as a winter road bike, it makes more sense to get a road bike that is just a road bike, and a winter bike that I can commute on, use all year without wearing down an expensive groupset, and do some occasional light tours on.

So that, ladies and gentleman, is the new plan.

For the road bike I have put down a deposit with Matthew at Saffron Frameworks. He specialises in stainless frames, has done a bunch of really well-exected bilam headtubes, and is also a short ride away from where I live in SE London. He's up for all the polishing and will certainly do a fastidious job with the details. The price hike from Varonha to Saffron is quite scary, but with Saffron I get a bike fit and a full (and carefully executed) final build thrown in, so it's not actually as bad I had presumed.

For the winter bike I'll update soon : )