When contracting a custom frame from a builder, it helps to have at least a basic idea of what you’d like it to be. And the more defined your idea is, the easier it is for the builder. Just remember that they might have more experience than you when it comes to technical specifications and how they will affect the ride, so be prepared to accept suggestions.
When the builder and the client are both contributing to the project, some real magic can happen, and this double purpose frame by Oregon’s English Cycles is proof.
Rob English had some stringent requisites laid down by Ben, his customer, the main one being that the bike must be both 1: a high-performance road bike and 2: a serious back-country adventure bike. A challenging brief, to say the least.
Sure, there are plenty of production bikes out there that can multitask, but none built quite like an English. Rob embraced the task, creating a frame perfectly matched to Ben’s height and physicality. The tall seat tube and headtube resulted, with the gently curving top tube and seat stays a directive from Ben.
Rob designed the frame around a 46T chainring with an Easton crankset, with allowances for 650Bx48 tires, and seamlessly integrated an XTR Di2 rear derailleur controlled by Dura-ace 9170 hydraulic levers.
The carbon seat mast was provided by ENVE, modified to allow room for a third bottle cage, and Rob added bosses for the Kaibab Customs frame bags and fenders, which mount at the rear of the seat mast instead of the chainstay bridge.
Roger at Stoller designed a paint scheme inspired by BMW’s M-series colors, which was then applied by Colorworks. As with every English, this bike has far too many details to list here, so head to Rob’s website for the full rundown.
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