Carbon sportive bike

[StuAff]

OK, thanks. My motivation to look at independent options was really so I can get a more tailored build, rather than simply wanting a 'different' bike. The experience of buying my tourer from Hewitt taught me the benefit of that so I guess I'm after something similar - not necessarily a 'unique' frame or entirely custom machine, but a collection of components put together to specifically suit the ride I want. Hewitt does it well, as I've said, and I believe the other two I mentioned do also (Dolan and Onix). I was just after some others in a similar vein to consider.

Well, pretty much all brands, even the big boys, do a frameset only option, so any half-decent bike shop should be able to help.

 

[vickster]

Pearson will build you a bike to match you based on the framesets that they have - the main bits of my Pave were chosen by/fitted to me, or selected by Pearson from their parts to come in budget.

I am sure I could have got a cheaper bike off the peg, but then it would have said Specialized, Giant, Trek, Cannondale, Boardman on the frame but I didn't want that but wanted something different and made for me - hence the Pearson. I didn't have to pay extra to fit narrower bars, a shorter stem, a ladies saddle etc etc

If you have a good sized budget they are very good - their newish Sheen store caters for the higher end.

Most of the frames are made in the same factories but you get a less ubiquitous paint job - that said, I do see a fair number of Pearson frames around, but that's because they've been in Sutton since 1860!

 

[jayonabike]

The Cervelo R3 or R5 frames would be worth looking at if budget isn't a problem. Light, fast, great climbing frames and comfortable.