I think we are making kinda the same point. But I don’t get the need to build these over-the-top “pretty” bikes, which are often done at the expense of performance. Case in point: those custom graphic EeWing cranks in the article - those just make me roll my eyes (and I understand those cranks have issues as well!) Now, I understand everyone’s idea of performance is different.
I also see a lot of comment’s eschewing the great benefits of custom frame sizing, but then also comments about whether the average rider can actually tell the difference between suspension designs. I believe the opposite is true, at least in the realm of NSMB.com readership. Unless your body shape or size lies WAY outside of the bell curve, I think you will be hard pressed to gain any quantitative benefits from truly custom sizing, whereas I think most riders will be able to tell the differences between suspension design. The amount of R+D spent by the big guys on frame sizing and suspension is staggering. To suggest that an “average” rider can do better at designing their frame fit is a bit silly.
If I was presented with the choice of a custom fit frame, made in a garage with a questionable suspension design, or an off-the-shelf, carbon race weapon - I will always choose the race weapon, and it will be a far better ride for me. Not speaking for everyone, but there it is.
July 15, 2022, 6:22 a.m. - Ryan Walters
I think we are making kinda the same point. But I don’t get the need to build these over-the-top “pretty” bikes, which are often done at the expense of performance. Case in point: those custom graphic EeWing cranks in the article - those just make me roll my eyes (and I understand those cranks have issues as well!) Now, I understand everyone’s idea of performance is different. I also see a lot of comment’s eschewing the great benefits of custom frame sizing, but then also comments about whether the average rider can actually tell the difference between suspension designs. I believe the opposite is true, at least in the realm of NSMB.com readership. Unless your body shape or size lies WAY outside of the bell curve, I think you will be hard pressed to gain any quantitative benefits from truly custom sizing, whereas I think most riders will be able to tell the differences between suspension design. The amount of R+D spent by the big guys on frame sizing and suspension is staggering. To suggest that an “average” rider can do better at designing their frame fit is a bit silly. If I was presented with the choice of a custom fit frame, made in a garage with a questionable suspension design, or an off-the-shelf, carbon race weapon - I will always choose the race weapon, and it will be a far better ride for me. Not speaking for everyone, but there it is.