-
All I'll say is it seems near impossible to make any sort of money as a uk framebuilder, the economics just don't seem to add up unless you start with a trust fund, family providing workshop space, etc, etc.
I read a survey of framebuilders asking about their finances and I am starting to suspect that this is the case. Perhaps Matt and Caren had problems unique to the way they ran the shop that caused them to go under but it probably is more fragile than I imagine.
I did put down 50% of my frame's price, but that does mean there was 50% in it for them if they finished building it. Even if this was financially costly to me (and I'll be OK, it stings but in the end this was a luxury purchase and I budgeted for it) I can't imagine this situation is profitable at all to the folks at Isen. I definitely feel hurt by the lack of communication and not getting my dream frame but it's also hard to not feel for them as well.
I guess in the end I learned an expensive but important lesson about counter-party risk. Or made a sizable donation to a few people unfortunate to be living in the UK economy right now. In any case, I don't see any point in dwelling on it or getting angry. I met with a framebuilder where I live in the US and, apart from being a little burnt out on the custom thing, they just didn't speak to me the same way Isen did and I'm not sure anything will.
I'll probably order a Canyon.
thelarksparrow-
I'll probably order a Canyon
This will be engraved on custom framebuilding's headstone.
-
Which builder did you meet with? I wholeheartedly recommend Seven. Absolutely fantastic to work with. No candy paint, but having now had three of them, the frames really are brilliant.
David Kirk, also fantastic. Didn't end up going through with my order but very good guy and a legend of a framebuilder.
Pursuit Cycles/Carl Strong also have a very good reputation.
-
I already posted this but will post my recommendations for reliable and friendly framebuilders in the uk.
Winston vaz is really friendly, professional and affordable. He has 40 yrs experience in building.Mr. Richard hallett is friendly and very reliable, always happy to talk things through with customers.
Lee cooper in coventry is also very good.40 yrs experience.
Limit bmx in norwich is very good.
Geoff roberts in sussex is good. 30ish yrs experience.Mr kevin winter in Ferryhill, is also amazing. Very attentive, listens and does very gd paint. 30ish yrs exp
Six four frameworks in london, adrian is very friendly too. 40ish years exp.
There are others but these are the ones I can vouch for.
GiantManta
JB
user155837
Again I'm really keen to not get involved as I don't have all the information - partly because I've barely seen Matt or Caren in quite a long time because they were generally working 6/7 day weeks trying to get orders out. I just don't like the barely concealed glee certain people exhibit at what's a really sad situation that has taken a massive toll on everyone involved.
I also don't have the time to get into internet arguments because of work, family, etc, so should really be staying out of this. All I'll say is it seems near impossible to make any sort of money as a uk framebuilder, the economics just don't seem to add up unless you start with a trust fund, family providing workshop space, etc, etc. Or go the 'designed in UK' route and get everything made abroad. Once you exclude those builders you've got a pretty limited number making any sort of living out of it.