Author Topic: Custom 32er steel frame build  (Read 34319 times)

jefflinde

Re: Custom 32er steel frame build
« Reply #15 on: July 29, 2026, 12:24:43 AM »
I have a Marino 32 hardtail on the way.

Got first pic of it and should be finished this week.
Geo looks pretty similar?

Looks awesome. Can't wait to see your finished bike.  I just was out on mine and still love it.

ErvanFinland

Re: Custom 32er steel frame build
« Reply #16 on: August 10, 2026, 11:21:39 PM »
Turned out pretty nice...
Now the agony of shipping, I opted the fastest one.

jefflinde

Re: Custom 32er steel frame build
« Reply #17 on: August 11, 2026, 07:15:40 AM »
Love blue and silver.  What axle to crown did you go with on the fork?  What did they charge for shipping?  I am in the US and I recently reached out to Marino about anew frame and they said that shipping was not like 400+.  Seemed excessive but curious what your experience was.

ErvanFinland

Re: Custom 32er steel frame build
« Reply #18 on: August 12, 2026, 01:31:22 AM »
The fork is kind of a test/placeholder. I took it with 510 length and 70mm offset. I'll buy a short stroke suspension fork for it when they are available with decent price.

shipping with DHL was 220 usd

Tijoe

Re: Custom 32er steel frame build
« Reply #19 on: August 12, 2026, 01:39:01 PM »
I have a question.  Have any of you thought about having Waltley fabricate a custom 32er TI frame?  Once someone gets a frame geometry they like, this might be a cost effective approach for a mid weight frame.  I have contacted Waltly about their 32er TI frame and its price.   (They have designed and fabricated a carbon fork.)   The attached link shows their 32er frame geometry.

https://www.waltlyti.com/product/61.html

Cloxxki76

Re: Custom 32er steel frame build
« Reply #20 on: August 12, 2026, 04:42:16 PM »
I went though almost the whole process with Waltly but didn't end up choosing them. Didn't ask them for a drawing.
I had some small requests and communication was less clear than I needed to gamble so much money.
A friend had just ordered a very basic 700C Gravel frame and it took longer than expected.
My friend got the Waltly, it looks reasonably well made. Not boutique builder level, but decent.

With similar uncertainty and communication, I decided to go with Marino in Peru for half the price and a custom steel fork (529/60 mm). No doubt much heavier, but supporting a smaller shop. I've always liked steel anyway, have no meaningful experience with titanium although I used to sell Litespeed and Merlin.

Within a few months the Trek bikes will be on the market. A complete OCLV hardtail bike with long travel dropper post and Rockshox for €1799.
I may buy that Trek and swap parts with my more high-end build, to have a heavy steel bike for the road and singlespeeding, and a quite light rigid Trek. Wheels can be exchanged, both Boost. I'll just use 180/160 mm brakes on both.


ErvanFinland

Re: Custom 32er steel frame build
« Reply #21 on: August 20, 2026, 02:39:12 PM »
It’s here, built and tested. I like it.