Top Ten Reasons to Buy a Custom Steel Bike

I’m loving my new DeSalvo gravel bike. On the first day I made a minor adjustment to the seat height and setback and that was it. It’s totally dialed for me and my riding. This is my fourth custom steel bike in four decades.

But in this day and age, does a custom steel bike still make sense? Here are my top ten reasons why you should buy a custom steel bike!

1. Fit. The top reason to buy any custom bike will always be fit. Maybe you have weird proportions. You’re super tall or super short. Or you’re getting older and those race bikes with crazy low stack heights just don’t work for you.
2. You want something unique. You have very specific ideas that aren’t met by what is out there already. You don’t want the usual Trek or Specialized. You want to be able to pick color.
3. You want rim brakes. Choices for rim brake bikes are almost non-existent these days.
4. You want a deeper connection to the bike. A custom bike is really YOUR bike. It’s not a commodity. It’s not easily replaced.
5. Style. There is something about the clean lines of a quality steel frame.
6. You love the ride of steel. Especially when dialed in for your weight and riding style.
7. Durability. Carbon has come a long way since the 80s and 90s, but it’s still more susceptible to potentially catastrophic damage in even minor mishaps.
8. Affordability. Custom steel might be cheaper than you think. It can be cheaper than off the shelf carbon fiber, and it’s definitely much cheaper than custom ti or carbon.
9. Street cred. Shop rats will swarm your cool ride at the LBS!
10. Fun. The whole process from start to finish is a lot of fun.

Chances are you have a top notch custom builder near you. Shoot them a note or give 'em a call. Support local, MADE IN USA!