| Re: Rivendell customer service is very good
Sun, 06 Mar 2005 01:14:52 GMT,
<gQsWd.129433$qB6.88181@tornado.tampabay.rr.com> ,
"Gooserider" <noway@mousepotato.com> wrote:
>As for the wait---that's to have a custom frame built.
>They have ONE builder and ONE painter.
Here's a hand brazed custom or semi custom frame builder with a
history of doing it right. Some of their employees have been brazing,
painting and detailing frames for over 30 years.
http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/
Certain models are custom sized for no extra charge.
The "King of Mercia" ranges from ~$730 to $1100 depending on your
choice of Reynolds tubing. Most braze-ons are standard though you can
specify which ones you want.
The lugs on the Vincitore are as fancy as anything you're likely to
see. http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/frame...itore_vl_3.jpg
The most expensive one is a full $1000 less than the Rivendell and you
could be riding it at least a year sooner. I doubt your heirs will
notice the extra wear when it becomes theirs.
Their paint selection is boggling.
http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/finishes.asp
If you're willing to wait ten days after completion, shipping and
insurance is only ~$150.
When English frame builders are asked to name the best frames built in
England, "Mercian" is consistently mentioned near the top of the list.
The Rivendell has a pretty head badge and certain cache with the
nouveau rich. Waiting two years for custom frame is crazy unless it's
really unique. Rivendells just aren't that unique. They're simply
mimicking what Mercian has been doing since Grant Peterson was riding
with training wheels.
--
zk
|