In the first installment of this two part post, I introduced you to Lynskey Performance designs and gave you a little background on the company. In this post, I want to get a little more specific and talk a bit about 29�ers.

When looking for a custom designed and custom spec bike, Lynskey Performance Designs can either be contacted directly or through one of their many dealers. The first thing that you will do is fill out their two part form. One form is where you will give some parameters on measurements from a bicycle fit, a favorite bike, or design you are fond of. The second form is concerned with component choices and how you expect the bike to perform. You can even dictate what you would like to have as a complete bicycle weight.

When you are finished, the forms are submitted to Lynskey Performance Designs and a Lynskey employee will then arrange a time with you for your “interview� with David Lynskey, the very man that will design the frame, select the proper tubing, and even fabricate specific tubes if necessary, depending on which level of customization you are in need of.

Levels of customization? That’s right, you can choose from four levels of custom design, depending upon your specific needs and budget. Obviously, the more fabrication and tube manipulation that is involved, the higher the price, but it’s nice to see that there is choice. The four “levels� go like this: Level 1, which is straight gauge 3 2.5 tubing, Level 2, which is using round, straight gauged and butted tubing, Level 3, which uses ovalized tubes and butting, and finally Level 4, which takes you into 6/4 titanium tubing with multi axis shaped tubes. Not only that, but if you are one of those fortunate folks that fits stock geometry, Lynskey also offers a “House Blend� frame set, that is somewhat less money due to the lack of customization. The real surprise here was when Lynskey Performance Designs representative, Jesse Stevens told me that they are also doing some frames in steel!

During the interview, David asks you to confirm all of the information submitted and asks you about your riding, and expectations concerning your new bike. David made the comment to me that a lot of people don’t necessarily know “bike speak�, but from his previous years working with professional athletes and serious cyclists, he feels he can decipher a lot from customer’s comments. In fact Jesse told me that David may call the customer several times if need be to clarify certain points or to ask more questions. Truly a hallmark of a good custom builder. What’s more, David even says he rather enjoys getting to know the riders of his company’s creations.

After the details have been wrapped up, you can expect delivery of your shiny new titanium bike in about 5-7 weeks. Oh, and did I mention that they have a custom painter that can paint your bike in any color scheme you can dream up? Yeah, choices. You don’t have to have a grayish bike if you don’t want to!

I asked Jesse Stevens about any particular concerns that they had designing 29�ers. He mentioned that they like to insure that the bottom bracket area is stiff and that any front triangle flex can be addressed by a Level 3 build which would utilize some ovalized tube shapes at the head tube to reinforce that area and prevent any unwanted frame flex. David also chimed in by saying that they had done a fair share of 29�ers and he was familiar with the geometry differences from that of their 26 inch mountain bikes.

The bottom line with the Lynskey Performance Designs experience is that you can be involved in the process of getting a bike designed specifically for you by a company with people steeped in knowledge of titanium and skilled in manipulating it to serve your specific needs and desires. It’s all they do now, so the focus is there, the passion seems to be alive in the people I spoke with, and the products look amazing. I can’t wait to see one of these titanium masterpieces out on a trail some day!

Contact Lynskey Performance Designs for more information regarding their custom design program and how to get started