Steel or titanium

[T S]

Hi everyone,

I would like to have a custom road bike built for myself. I am undecided between steel and titanium. I am from the Netherlands but I was wondering if you could recommend people with a great deal of knowledge and experience elsewhere in Europe (for example, Belgium, France, Germany, or elsewhere)?

I lean towards rim brakes and inner tubes rather than tubeless setups. Regarding cable routing, I would prefer to avoid complex internal routing (like through the head tube). I’d prefer a simpler approach. 

I am not a 60 kg climber; I weigh around 100 kg and generate a lot of power, so the bike needs to be built to handle that. I prefer the build to feature proven, high-quality, functional components. 

Knowing myself, I don't mind paying more if I know that it works well and will continue to do so, provided it receives proper maintenance.

It would be great to come across someone willing to give me sound, clear advice, because there is so much to read and watch on YouTube, and for someone like myself, it isn't always clear what makes sense and what doesn't.

Thanks in advance.

Tom

[Jon Norstog]

For a steel frame you have plenty of 'builders in Europe to choose from.  For Ti, not so many.  My advice would be to choose a 'builder whose philosophy and approach is compatible with your needs and desires, rather than choosing a material.

good luck!

jn

"Thursday" 

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[T S]

Correct. I tried that and sent a message to someone I knew possessed the necessary knowledge and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, this frame builder didn't see enough potential in my proposal to reach an agreement.

I’m not entirely sure what exactly caused it, as I didn’t lay down any specific demands—just a few things that personally appeal to me. It did teach me, however, that I can’t quite figure out how to determine whether the philosophy and approach aligns with me (or vice versa). That’s why I created this post.

I find the craftsmanship behind fillet brazing appealing. The way David Kirk showcases this using silver brazing is masterful. Someone with extensive experience, knowledge, and skill would be a great. 

Tom

Op do 17 sep 2026 om 20:33 schreef Jon Norstog <mutton...@gmail.com>

[Duane Draper]

Start by searching for Bespoke Dresden presenters.  I won’t say ‘all the best’ framebuilders in Europe were there but  a fairly good representation would have been.  There are lots of pictures online from the show.  Pick the one that resonates with you.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/framebuilders/CAKQrqwRmpbmpaZdy4%3Dp8JT_Np2XLeBRAnwDQ7NMmYNyS5gzuFg%40mail.gmail.com.

[tho...@kokopedli.com]

Why I non-dutch builder?
   I know of a good one in the north-east end of holland, Marten Gerritsen
Kiel Windeweer     https://m-gineering.nl/mindexg.htm   
I visited his shop and recommend him    =)

noMadic   Thomas

[satanas]

It really helps if you and the (potential) builder have compatible points of view. Otherwise it's likely to be either hard work or impossible to reach any agreement...

Later,

Stephen (in Sydney, AU)

[Doug Fattic]

• I would start with Marten Gerritsen in Kiel Windeweer.  He has been mentioned alredy.  He is of course Dutch so he has the directness and bluntness that is common of your fellow countryman.  He is a very nice guy and very knowledgeable. 
  

Others might disagree but I can build with both titanium and steel and I prefer the feel of steel. 

Doug Fattic

Niles, Michigan

[T S]

Exactly Stephen. I’m looking for someone willing to take the time to advise me on better options and what makes sense—or doesn’t. If I want a bespoke suit and go to a tailor, I might explain what I like, but ultimately the tailor makes certain choices and always leaves his own signature mark on the work. That is precisely why I’m looking for a craftsman. That requires a certain amount of trust from the customer and a degree of interpretation on the part of the frame builder. 

I have a few frame builders in mind now, and I’m going to get a bike fit done first.

Tom

Op za 19 sep 2026 om 02:01 schreef satanas <nsc.e...@gmail.com>

It really helps if you and the (potential) builder have compatible points of view. Otherwise it's likely to be either hard work or impossible to reach any agreement...

Later,

Stephen (in Sydney, AU)

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[T S]

Thanks for the suggestion. I hold Marten’s knowledge and expertise in high regard, and he certainly would have been my first choice within the Netherlands. Unfortunately, things didn't progress beyond an initial inquiry. St Joris in the Netherlands might be an option; otherwise, I don't know of anyone else in the country.

Tom

Op vr 18 sep 2026 om 06:57 schreef <tho...@kokopedli.com>

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