LETTERS FROM CUSTOMERS
You've read what we think about ourselves here at Spectrum. Now read what our customers have to say about us (and to all the loyal riders out there, keep the letters coming).

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Dear Tom,
Thanks for having made me such a beautiful bike. It feels totally comfortable and even stiffer than my Merlin. The S and S couplers worked out well in my trip to Eddie B's camp. When he saw the case he was afraid that I had a "toy" bike. He was, of course, right, but it is a better type of toy than he was expecting. The Wound Up fork is much more firm tracking than my Kestrel and makes the whole front of the bike feel lighter and more positive.
This bike really knows how to descend. I am not sure what feature makes this happen, but it consistently freewheels faster than any one else going downhill--even against heavier weight riders.
I found that I needed to swap out the stem from 11 cm to 10 cm probably because of the slight difference in geometry with the threadless vs. threaded headset. Eddie B put a full blessing on my position other than that.
Please feel free to use me as a recommendation or testimonial!

Steve

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Tom,
When I first took delivery of my new Spectrum Custom Ti last Friday, I was skeptical and anxious because the frame dimensions were so different from my existing bikes and not what I had expected.  I had given you my measurements and told you my riding style and fit problems with neck and shoulder pain before my crash three months ago but was now concerned that I should have flown back for a fitting.  Friday, I rode my new bike around the block.  I didn't know quite what to expect.  I had just started riding again while still in rehab from the crash that broke my right wrist requiring surgery and injuring my rotator cuff.  The smoothness was total euphoria.  The bike "disappeared."  I couldn't believe it.

The next day, Saturday, I rode in the Solvang Century.  I had signed up for 50 miles - a little ambitious, all thing considered.  It felt so good, I rode an extra twenty miles and no part of my anatomy hurt that wasn't hurting when I started.  I rode another 25 miles on Sunday and it just confirmed everything.  The fit was perfect.  You stretched me out with a longer top tube and  taller head tube than I expected.  A friend I've been riding with for years commented that my back was straighter and I was riding more relaxed than he'd ever seen me.

Finding you was a blessing, meeting, talking and working with you on the phone was a pleasure, and riding your bike is a joy.  You are truly the "guru."

Joel

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Dear Tom,

Following the warranty work on its bottom bracket, my Spectrum Ti  arrived safely yesterday and I wanted to say thank you so much for the exquisite job you have done.  I am so very pleased; after nearly 10 years of use I have a virtually brand new frame.  As if that were not enough, I never had to wrangle with you over the work; in fact, you volunteered that this was a warranty issue.  It is a rare pleasure to find someone who truly stands behind their products and I will continue to tell anyone who cares to listen that yours is THE PLACE for Ti bike frames.  I have seen Litespeeds, Zeppelins, Deans, standard Merlins and others and none come close in workmanship and finish and I know they cannot beat your customer service.

Thanks once again and best wishes,

Nigel
 

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Dear Tom,

 I built my bike up over Christmas weekend and then had to wait for a break in the weather.  First ride got cut short because I overlooked the headset's final tightening (should have remembered it's generally not adjusted and tightened after the stem is installed ... my goof).  A few minor adjustments were also required.  I forgot to measure my saddle height prior to relinquishing the Olmo to State Farm insurance.  I had to go with the standard computed number which turned out to be about 10mm too low.  Front derailleur limits and alignments are always a bit of a challenge (what works on the stand often rubs on the road) to get things just right.  The rear derailleur in particular always seems to need a tweak after a few miles.  I set the stem at the paint line as a start ... maybe a little low for my accident recovery mode, but ideal (I think) once I get back into shape and gain a bit more flexibility.

You nailed the sizing.  After a small saddle tweak the fit is dead solid perfect.  You've managed to put together a unique combination of stiffness and suppleness that is utterly amazing in a so light a frame.  The Super handles rough roads with aplomb, yet rewards hard efforts with the resolute qualities of my SP steel frame.

I expected the smooth ride, I hoped for the solid response to pedaling effort, I was overwhelmed by the handling.  This machine is quick when you want it to be, and stable when you need it to be.  Riding no hands or pushing hard on fast descents the tracking is beyond reproach.  "Stiff," "Responsive," and "Lively" are all apt but the best description I can provide is BALANCED.  The bicycle combines all the illusive (and often incongruous) elements of ride and performance into a single, unified whole.  This Titanium Super is truly a bike for all seasons.

The finish is stunning.  The frame appears fillet-brazed.  The blue to clear coat fade paint is head- snapping gorgeous.  Decals are perfectly sealed beneath the paint.  There's no reason a Ti frame can't include the little embellishments that are traditional to steel ... I really like the sculpted seat tube (vice a mountain bike style clamp) and the rear brake cable hidden within the top tube.  Threads and fittings were clean and buildup went without a hitch.  Considering what passes for finish on some equally pricey stock frames, nothing comes close to the Spectrum.

Minor gripe.  The chain stays are thick enough that my heels clip them when my pedal stroke gets a little sloppy (more a function of anatomy and my size 11's).

I followed your recommendation and purchased the Speedplay X-2 pedals.  They work great.  I've had to modify my exit style (I have to think before disengaging ... something I never did in Look-style cleats) but they're truly an elegant solution to making a lightweight clipless pedal.

A gripe about the Regal saddle.  San Marco has changed the padding and it's not as cradling/ comfortable as the old design.

Sincerely,
John
PS:  Thanks for the extra bottles.  Even the shortest ride on a Mississippi summer day is a two-bottle event.
 

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Dear Tom and Jeff:

I am taking this opportunity to tell you how very thankful I am that you took the time to fit both Chris and I with what I consider to be a perfect fit on our frames.  I am truly amazed at the comfort of the bike every single time I go for a ride.  I cannot thank you enough for providing me with a fit that is exactly what I wanted in a bike, only never knew I could have in reality.  My specifications may not have been as crazy as Chris's, however, the changes in my custom frame make a huge difference in my comfort level. as well as my confidence level.  Just last weekend, I ventured out in the 30 degree weather to again be amazed that I can ride for hours and not be constantly moving around to find a  comfortable position.  Even the indoor trainer rides are more comfortable than ever before, at least as comfortable as one can be inside.  In the past, I would always sit up on the trainer because it was very uncomfortable to stay on the brake hoods and especially the drops for any amount of time.  Now, I am comfortable being in the standard position which for obvious reasons, is more beneficial to my riding.

At any rate, I could go on and on about how much I love my custom frame and I usually do to anyone who will listen but most importantly, I want you to know how much I appreciate you taking the time to fit us with a great bike.  For me, cycling just went to higher level of enjoyment all because of you.

I hope all is well and I wish you and your family the happiest of holidays.  Hopefully Chris and I will be able to travel to Trexlertown again this winter and with any luck, I won't need to be pushed home!
Best wishes,
Janet

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Season's Greetings!
    John has been riding a lot this fall, thanks to the warm weather and your beautiful new bicycle.  If you're ever n our area, we'll be proud to cook you dinner!  Give us a call when you're hungry.
Susan, Emily & John

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Tom,
    The Christmas holidays seemed to be a great time to take the opportunity to say again - THANK YOU for the wonderful bicycles that you built for Gary & me this summer!!!!!!!  We got your message that you received our Florida fruit gift.  We hope your family enjoys them through the holidays.
    You said that we would notice a difference from our old Medici's, but we did not expect the astronomical difference.  After all... the Medici's are classic bikes with super record components.  BUT, the Spectrums respond instantly; they corner as if they have a mind of their own; they track steadily; they are incredibly stable on descents and climb like a dream.  The click...click.... shifting on the brake hoods is so easy that we are now completely spoiled.  Our only regret is that we did not buy the Spectrums years ago!!  They have elevated our cycling into another level of speed, comfort, and endurance.
    In October, we rode the Seagull Century in Maryland.  People were literally gawking at our bikes during the ride.  I don't remember how many times we heard "nice paint job", "nice bike", "Ahh a Spectrum" as we rode by others and the travel color flashed at them.
    I have to confess that we found ourselves in the garage on summer/fall evenings admiring the intricacies of the frame details, the overall profile of the bike and the great paint job.

Thank you again.  Wishing you, your wife and daughter the happiest Holidays and a great 1999 (with at least one Derby ride win!).
Regards,
Ruth & Gary

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Dear Tom-
    I've enclosed an order/check for a pair of bibs.
    More important, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and Jeff for my bicycle, it is fantastic!
    I don't think you guys can imagine how much this bike has meant to me after the crash.  I admit to some lingering nerves on my rides but I ignore them with each outing.
    Finally, Tom, I will never forget our ride together.  I hope my shaking wasn't too disconcerting, but your kindness meant so much to Susan and to me.
    So thanks to you both and a very merry Christmas!
    John

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Tom and Jeff,
    Thanks so much for the frameset.  It is better than I imagined possible.  Strong, stiff, light, responsive, and fits like a glove.  Who could ask for anything more?  I've included some pictures of the bike in action at the Elite Track Nat's.  A fourth place in the Sprint and fifth in the Olympic Sprint is more than even I expected of my first year as a Senior (and my first Senior Nationals).  Hopefully next year with the help of guys like you, Andjze and Skip I can turn bronze into gold (I'll probably need a baseball bat also if Marty is still around).  Thanks again, I couldn't have done it without you.
    Jeffrey,  U.S. National Team

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Tom,
    I'm writing to tell you how ecstatic both Cheryl and I are with our Ti Spectrums.  Cheryl says "the go so fast."  I just feel the bike flies!  It accelerates on the flats and I can climb in higher gears.
    Your custom sizing of the frames automatically positions us properly,  We have never had such good form.  Your painting is a work of art and your prep work is only noticeable due to your flawless finish.
    While we can appreciate our bikes, now I know in the years to come we will realize its fine points and potential.  Not everyone can appreciate a Spectrum nor can everyone understand the specialness of Porsches, BMW's or Ferrari's.
    I feel fortunate to have one of your creations, your acquaintance and friendship.
    Happy biking!  Joel and Cheryl

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Tom,
First, thank you for the info on the Dura-Ace headset and bottom bracket adjustment/maintence. My new Spectrum is simply great! I find  my rides are much more comfortable, not doubt attributed to a perfect fit to the bike.  I expend less energy and can ride longer and stronger that ever before, forty miles seems like ten. The handling characteristics of the bike ascending and descending are superb, I feel one with the bike and in complete control. The bike is much more responsive to my commands and requires less energy to execute a maneuver.   Thank you again for delivering such a great bike!

p.s. I did pick up a pair of Carnac's, I must have tried on every shoe in the store but they felt the best.
Philip

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Tom:
I hate to be a pain in the ass but I'm still waiting on the pump that goes with my *NEW* frame!? I know you guys are busy and lots 'o stuff is going on so I'm trying to be patient.... But it's hard because now I have TWO bikes and one frame pump and it's no fun *sharing* between the two!!!! Life's ROUGH! ;-) So, since things do get dropped in the shuffle I just thought I'd remind you that I'm still missing something!!!! (not to mention the reflector tape chain-guard... )
Also, I'd just like to add that I've finally gotten a chance to ride the bike after two rainy weekends and a week long business trip... What a dream! I fully expected to like the ride but then having ridden a few other "nice" bikes before my exceptions were that I would ultimately say, "Nice but it's a bike." But much to my surprise, it's much greater than my exceptions!!! I see no need to ever own anything but one of these again. So I guess it's time to take the aluminum beast and chuck it in the trash and buy another Spectrum "junker" for the rain... This thing easily outperforms in EVERY WAY both my old cannondale and my custom easton elite tubeset frame I had made up. It feels sooo good that I'm left wondering if there's any reason to ever consider buying another frame out of any other material from any other manufacturer EVER! Oh-well, send me my pump and I'll stop sending these gushing letters! ;-)

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Hey, Tom;
How is everything....I hope you and your family are doing super... Hi to Jeff also!!!
What a season!!!!....First off....the 2 of you have created something that is the BEST sprint frame available....PERIOD!!!! I have allowed some people to ride my bike...and everyone.....is in complete disbelief that this frame does what it does....super stiff....seems to carry speed....that is equal to and maybe a bit greater than a Corima..tracks as if it is on rails....not too heavy....and looks awesome!!!! I realize that creating this was a huge pain in the ass....but I thank you both!!!!
Alot of interest in you making more.....have told all of 'em to call Tom..and have your check book out..!!!! :-)
At the nationals(masters)....only rode the olympic sprint...we placed a very close second to EDS.... In Manchester.England....World Championships.....I rode a 11.4 200m TT...3rd seed...then proceeded to go brain dead and finished 5th...although Gibby was unbeatable...at least on the track...officials robbed him of title....
Later in the olympic sprint....qualifying...my team broke existing world record by 1.125 sec.....then Gibby and EDS...eclipsed that by 0.09 of sec....damn... We ended up finishing 3rd....disappointing....due to the fact we should have won this damn event....but that's racing..
Anyway....the frameset is tremendous....thanks again....we will bring another rainbow jersey back to the Spectrum brand.....next year....guaranteed!!!! (i hope)
Take care....and my best goes to you and your family.....how is your shoulder doing???
Talk to you soon......Grant

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Dear Tom:
Here is the handlebar tape to replace the tape you put on my bike. Thanks for the help in setting up my position. I went out for a 90 mile ride on Sunday with Rick and the rest of the crew the bike was awesome! I really like the way it handles in the descents (there are some great ones in Oley) and the climbs. Thanks again for all of the evenings you spent working with me.
Sincerely,
Cliff

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Dear Tom:
Thank you - received the bicycle and have spent the last couple weeks adjusting. It's a beautiful piece of equipment and, it may be my imagination, but it seems to go faster - did you include a new motor?
Sincerely,
Catherine

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Tom:
Here's the check for the wind vest. I also wanted to thank you for the great job you did on my track frame. I couldn't be more satisfied with the decision I made to have you build it. You do excellent work. Once again, thanks for everything.
Sincerely,
Brandon

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Tom;
Just wanted you to know how much I have enjoyed my Spectrum bicycle. Yesterday was its 3rd birthday and it keeps getting and better. I took it across Georgia this summer in BRAG and if they had had a beauty contest among the 2700 bikes there I would have won hands down. Keep up the good work.
Allen

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Tom,
Thought I would drop you a line and let you know of my first thoughts on the bike. Fantastico. It's just how you described the difference to me. Over rough surfaces the old Canondale had a clanging sound to it as it went over the bumps while the Ti has a dull thud. I can sense the frame absorbing the vibrations. What I really like, however, is its performance on the hills. It seems quicker and I have more control over the bike. When I am out of the saddle and standing up I just feel like the bike fits me. I had my first ride of what I would call any distance yesterday. Went 50 miles with some guys from the club. I was a little stiff in the shoulder area but that is from a lack of any long rides in a while and some seat/handle bar adjustments. Overall, I am very satisfied. Thanks for a great job. I received your check on Friday. Thanks for the adjustment. I appreciate your obvious concern with customer satisfaction. And believe me, I am one satisfied customer.
Arnie

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Tom,
You guys did a beautiful job. It was worth the wait! I may not go faster but I'll feel faster.
Lou

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Tom:
I hope all is well. If you remember, I purchased a custom titanium frame which I received in February. I can not describe the joy I have had riding this year. To put it in a word, "SPECTACULAR."
As we discussed, my lest leg is 1.25" shorter than my left leg. To compensate, I use a left crank that is 20mm shorter than the right side. When I built my bike, someone talked me into using a custom crank set/BB system by Bullseye. However I have had all sorts of problems with it. I have ordered a set of custom cranks from Boone Technologies. The only questions I have is if you could tell me what spindle length I will need for the bottom bracket.
Finally, I love my bike so much, I am trying to talk myself into getting a Super Custom built. I ride about 100 miles per week which includes riding at my office during lunch and weekends at home. I would like to keep a bike at my office Am I addicted to bicycles or what. Maybe a steel frame would be suitable for my needs. What do you think? Thanks for your help.
Andy

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Tom,
I have received my frame and had it assembled. It is an awesome machine! It handles well, climbing, sprinting and is very comfortable. Tom a job well done and another very satisfied customer. Congratulations to you and Jeff for some really nice articles about you and your program for the juniors and about your steel bikes. I am more than convinced now that it is the design and fit of the bike than the material and a name. There have been several riders who have ordered a custom Merlin through a local dealer and they are happy but not truly satisfied with their bikes. Cherie and I are totally satisfied with their bikes. I've taken my bike out on an 80 mile ride and it was pure comfort and fun, you've done a great job. I would like to thank you very much for expertise in producing a fun and exciting machine. Enjoy the coffee and continue the tradition.
Rodney

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Tom,
Here's the balance for Bob's bike. It is beautiful! He loves it as I do mine. We're going to have Steve Harlan take a picture of the "Spectrum Team" of Hickory - Katherine, Bob and I and send you a copy. Thanks ever so much. Hope you are healing fast!
Peggy

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Hi Tom,
I was wondering if you could fax me the specs on my bike. I would like to be able to answer the questions like geometry of the frame. I have a guy with a custom Waterford and he has had trouble at speed in the corners when motor pacing. We are just about the same size so I let him try my bike to ride something real. Then he rode two laps, one to wind up and the other for the effort. He came in and offered to buy me bike or wrestle me for it. He said that he absolutely loved it. This is a true story. As usual I will try to steer him in your direction. I have come to the conclusion that the mark of a good bike is to ride it fir an effort like above and have an instant rapport with it. To be able to take a bike and ride 42 mph with it in only tow laps of getting used to it. Come across the line without fear and total confidence shows a great bike. By the way, Jill Gianatonni can not get over how much she likes her bike. I am looking forward to seeing you and Jeff at the nationals. I will be arriving the 31st of May. Can I take you and Jeff out to dinner? If I could get the specs as soon as possible, that would make my day. I hope all is well and business is booming.
Christopher Campbell / Team One Training

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Tom

Wow! What a super frameset! The paint is unbelievable. It looks different every time you look at it! Thanks! Thanks to Jeff also! You guys are the Best! Are you coming to San Diego for the nationals? If so, See you there.
Grant

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Electronically Forwarded letter: ...
Now for my brief confession, if you care to hear it. I now have both a Serotta Ti and a Spectrum. The Serotta is a custom, but curiously not to me. It was Roberto Gaggioli's old Coors Light team bike from '94. It is a 54cm seat tube but a slightly shorter than standard 54.5 top tube. It seems that Roberto and I are nearly exactly the same size both n inseam and torso, so it fits me like a glove. I don't think I have any of the particular issues you do regarding my stumpy little body. I have now had only one real ride on this bike and will confirm that it is very much like my Serotta CSI, the steel bike though the longer top tube makes it a bit more stretched out. I find both comfortable, but different. The more significant difference is with my Spectrum which is not the "Super" but a stock "regular" 53. I agree entirely that the tubing aesthetics of the Serotta are superior but not the finish. There is NOTHING like the finish on the Spectrum anywhere, plus all the added features that you mentioned like the cable routing, burnished welds, etc. Truly it is incomparably made. The Spectrum's ride is "tighter" than that of the Serotta but not as stiff, though I think this sensation is likely as much geometry as it is materials. I also have not yet changed the Spectrum's stock SR fork and agree with you that I am "swimming without fins," especially because that Serotta has a Time fork that is wonderful and very different from the aluminum one. My plan is to replace the Spectrum's fork with a Kestrel EMS, probably this summer if I can afford it. Gosh, we even completely concur on components! My Spectrum is DA STI, the Serotta is Campy Record. Who needs this many (or this "much") bikes? It is something of an embarrassment of riches, I must admit. But to have such a choice, along with a few others:), is nothing short of paradise. Now if only the weather would change... My longish term hope is to get a custom steel bike from Spectrum. Tom Kellogg is a gem of a person and a real design genius who seems willing to make the effort to really deal with people. My personal experience with Serotta match yours and I too am disappointed that one can spend all that money and get to Ben Serotta. Perhaps in a few years I will make the custom plunge, likely into steel... Take care and thanks so much for your insight and your input,
Douglas

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Dear Tom:
I received the bike which you had sent me. It is everything and more than what I had expected. I have been able to get a few hundred miles of riding in and it is like taking up a whole new sport. I just wish that I had done this five hears ago. Thank you again for making such excellent bikes.
Very Truly Yours,
Leonard

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Dear Tom,
I wanted to pass along my congratulations to you on having one of your frames ridden to a National Sprint Championships last month. I was reading my latest Cycling USA and noticed the picture of Bill Clay. My eyes were immediately drawn to the beautiful bike he was riding. Good job!! I also wanted to tell you again how very much I LOVE MY BIKE! I can only tell you that it is everything I had hoped it would be. I had an opportunity to take it to Vermont this summer and ride some hills. It was great. The real test, however, was in the middle of this month when I took it to Ashville, NC to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway. One day we ride from Ashville northeast to the top of Mt. Mitchell and the next day southwest from Ashville to the top of Mt. Pisgah. The bike performed! I was never second to the top. But, just as important, it descends so smoothly. Never a shake or a quiver, even at 50 mph. Thanks again,
Sincerely,
Jim

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Dear Tom,
I just got back from the Carpenter/Phinney Camp n Colorado and I love my bike! Davis, Connie, Ed Pavelka and Pete Pensyeres say hello. While I was there, Dr. Andy Pruit checked me out on the bike and said it fit perfectly. I couldn't be happier. Thank you for sending the water bottles and the pump. I have enclosed a check for $13. Small problem, the pump you sent me is the same size as the one I sent back. I needed the next size larger. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Nelson

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Tom,
Love it! Love it! Love it! Terrific paint scheme! The beautiful pink/red on the top tube is a clear winner! I love the way it turns to "orangish" where it blends in with the yellow. The little green spot, I don't particularly care for. These Spectrum colors are reminiscent of Mantrian's works. My all time favorite logo happens to be the LOOK logo with the bold, Mantrian inspired squares - worn by Hinault and Lemond on team La Vie Claire. This frameset reminds me of that color scheme! A beaut! As much as I love the Zed colors, I really like this one's originality. Its clearly a one of a kind. I'll let you know what the photographer's reactions are... Thanks for your support!!
Don

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Dear Tom:
Thank you for sending the rebate check for the Blue Label shipping. I think that UPS now needs to be extra nice to me for scaring me like that! I was afraid that the frame had disappeared for sure. I wanted to tell you about the bike now that I have had it built up and ridden for several hundred miles. I am sure that you get letters like this all the time and from more famous riders than I. However, I believe that excellent work always deserves praise. I have never ridden a bike that is anywhere near as comfortable as this one. The fit is perfect. I can ride further faster than on my previous bike. I can corner faster. I climb better. I love the bike. It was a long wait (many years of riding) for my first custom frame. and the results are well worth it. I am glad I didn't settle for a lesser frame. Would you please send me another copy of your price list? I don't think that I will be ordering another frame immediately, but the clothes and other small items make good suggested birthday presents and such! Sincerely,
Al

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Dear Tom:
I wanted to let you know that the frame arrived in good condition, and I received your letter of June 10th a few days later. I want to commend you and Jeff for he excellent restorative work you did on the frame. It does look better than new. I'm beginning to rebuild it into a functional bike. and I hope to have it on the road in a few weeks. Is there any special cleaning process I should use after it gets dirty? Should I use polish? I want to maintain the frame in better condition than I did before. Thanks for he note about visiting your shop. I'll be traveling up north around labor day. My #1 son is starting college in Boston, ad I'm going to visit him around that time. I'll get in touch when I have the exact dates in mind. Jim Tom, Greetings from the Rockies! In terms of fit, form & function, your frame is a work of art! Thanks for your support!
Don

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Dear Tom,
Took delivery of my Spectrum Custom Titanium November 17th, 1993. It was raining, naturally, but stopped at a roadside park on the way home and rode it anyway. First impression was like putting on a pair of old leather boots at the first sign of fall after being oiled and put away for the summer. We bonded right there in the rain.
Since that time I have put it to every test I was capable of... i.e. short fast rides, long rides, fast descents, long steep hills, past and slow curves etc. I concluded that its... "perfect." It is everything your brochure said it would be. You have a real talent in "fitting" a bike. Aside from the fit and ride it is the best looking bike I have ever seen bar none. The finish and workmanship are superb.
One thing I noticed in particular is the good feel when using the drops. First bike that I have ever ridden that felt that way. I use the brake hoods and drops almost exclusively now which is a change from my old bike.
Chris Hinds of Southside Bicycles outfitted it with a Cinelli stem and handlebars, Campagnolo/Wheelsmith/Continental wheels and tires (23mm), Dura-Ace STI, and a Terry Racing Saddle (my choice) and Shimano SPD pedals (which I had been practicing with on my old bike). He also included a little seat bag (black) with an extra tube and tire levers. Chris is an excellent bicycle mechanic and has it tuned to perfection. And when I take it by he shows it off like an only child.
The only drawback that I have noticed so far is that I am going to have to ride farther and longer to Get the same amount of exercise.
Look forward to riding it the rest of my life.
Sincerely yours,
Allen

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Once again I want to thank you for my Custom fit Spectrum. I realize I got it over a year ago now. Being 5' tall I'd never had a bike to fit.
I'm so glad I went titanium & only would have liked to have been able to afford it years earlier!
Thanks again for making it possible and for your pleasant business attitude,
Annie

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Dear Tom,
Sorry I haven't written sooner, but I was to busy riding my bike. I find riding on a titanium frame much more comfortable than my old steel frames bike. I particularly enjoy the "index-shifting" at the brake lever. Let me also say I have gotten many compliments on the paint job and the "candy apple purple" color. Thanks again for putting together a beautiful bike. yours etc.
Kenneth

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Dear Tom-
I love my bike! It is light, fast, light, pretty, stable, rigid, light comfortable, fast, light and it hardly weighs anything. 20.5 bounds w/ Shimano 600 sti... not bad for a 63cm! One I've recovered from the price in a couple years, I'll think about upgrading and paring more pounds w/ Mavic Zap. These Speedplay pedals are great! STI is fantastic, but I shift so much more often that the derailleur life expectancy must be half that of down tube shifters. The biggest frame advantages, other than how cool it look, are in climbing, accelerating, and powering over small rises without downshifting. I've set personal records on every one of my routine training routs already! Thanks for your careful and great work!
Jay

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Dear Tom,
I wanted to take the time to thank you for being a "scholar and a gentleman" in all of our dealings. The pedals are on the bike and they do make a difference.
I thought you also would like some feedback now that I've got some miles on my body and the bike. Sunday I did thirty-eight of the hilliest miles near me. My speed is getting up there - I completed the ride with an average speed of 17.5 mph. That's not bad. I wasn't pushing it.
I did push it enough to determine that the bike is an excellent hill climber; and that's what I had asked you to build. It feels like it has less lateral twist than the DeRosa and allows more direct force generated to the wheels. (It must be so or that thirty-eight miles would have burnt me out in this kind of shape.) One of the more surprising things is how much faster the bike is downhill! It is subject to more blowing around that I would like. And of course, right now I' just wearing out the brakes!
Great job, Tom! We'll talk about the paint job later!
Yours truly,
Don

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Dear Tom. I just want to tell you THANKS for an absolutely, terrifically cool bike frame! The colors are awesome, and I'll be certainly the envy of everyone in the bike races this summer. I want to thank you for putting up with all my questions & phone calls the past few weeks. I can't wait to tell you how the first race goes. I'll send a picture after it's all built. I have one last question - Do you know anything about a "bike wax" that's supposed to protect the frame paint? Would you suggest its use on my bike? Please let me know BK I really want to take care of this baby. Again, thanks a lot - and many great rides and races to you. Take care.
Kelly

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Dear Tom
Thanks a lot for building me a kick-ass frame! I can't wait till the next race! (July 11 in Colorado). I'm really glad that I got to meet you through this too! Good luck with your riding and take care of yourself!
Sincerely,
Kelly

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