After suffering from a bad back for most of last year I was advised to have my own frame made by someone at my LB. After browsing on the internet at different frame builders in this country I stumbled across Justin's website.
I had't thought of titanium as an option as I thought it would be too expensive. After seeing the website, I found I couldn't stop going back to looking at the bikes in the gallery. I made a phone call to Justin who invited me down to his workshop to discuss what type of bike I would like and to try some of his bikes. I originally wanted an Audax bike but after riding Justins road bike I was in two minds. So Justin made me a frame that I can use as a road bike and just change the forks in the winter to attach mud guards. He also suggested that my saddle height was far too high and gave me a measurement to try out (I also had a choice of all tube shapes).
Justin said my frame would be approx 6 weeks to make but it was back much sooner, and I went to pick it up from him. It has taken me about 4 months to save up and get the bits for my bike, I have gone for top of the range Eastern forks and stems. The gearing is Shimano Ultra Gearer SL Triple, I make no apologies for this, I like Shimano and have also got top end Shimano Durace wheels.
When I showed the frame to Eric and Martin in my local LB, they said "There is no way you will want to ride a frame of this quality in the winter". They were overwhelmed at the quality of the frame having seen some very poor quality Titanium from the Far East.
They were also shocked at the price, and thought that I would have been double what it actually cost. My father was an Market Research Development Engineer for the British Oxygen company all his working life, he also taught welding and could not believe the quality and craftsmanship of my bike frame when he saw it.
On the day of recieving my full bike, I was very nervous having spent all this money, as to whether all the stories of the ride of Titanium would be true. Well, I can tell you it is. Riding my new bike is like nothing I have ever experienced. I can only describe the ride as silky smooth, and very responsive.
Riding has become a joy again, as I no longer suffer from any back problems as the bike fits like a glove. The main thing about my bike is that it is mine, its a complete one off and I absolutely love it. So, thank you very much to Justin, I would recommend anyone, however much they know about bikes and cycling, to work with Justin.
Many thanks
Jeremy