Hip Hop Skid Bikes / Hipster Sleds / HHSB

If a frame for life which actually fits is the target, custom ti might be the way to go, therefore, Enigma. Don't know their prices, but start saving......

If I was going for a frame for life it would definitely be steel, simply for the huge number of places I could get it repaired and for a decent price.

Why would you want a frame for life when you're 16..

Exactly, in 3 years time I'd just be stuck with a frame that didn't fit.

Or maybe Burls?

Have you ridden one? T'is True, at retail it certain puts it in the ball park of a more refined custom frame. I'm sure there's plenty of other options, but from personal experience it's worth considering, especially if a used one turns up....or you happen to have a lump to burn and need something sooner than a custom.
Also, good to put money into companies like tonic, similarly with any homegrown builder.

No I haven't and I doubt I'll have the chance to without buying one.

expensive custom frame at the age of 16 while he's still growing???

.

have you considered skateboarding?

That's how I originally wrecked my knees.

I'd get a mielec. Cheap and cheerful. At the tender age of 16 preferences about aesthetics and stuff are still not grounded in stone (at least wasnt for me, if I look back at some photos :)) so spending truckload of money on a custom frame would seem kind of silly

I don't trust the company, unknown lead times and just the amount of them that aren't what was asked for.

He's already had a Mielec... Reading the horror stories on here I would never consider giving Mielec any money. Would rather purchase from a reliable source.

Exactly, it's just not worth the potent disappointment.