heron frames

[tomykay]

Hello there.New to this forum,and wondering if anyone has experience with the Heron framesets.I am looking to build a light,sporty ,somewhat toury quality bike,and their newer Wayfarer seems to have many attributes.Website is heron cycles.com,or therabouts.Enjoying the knowledgeable disscussions,and information here,as I have been out of cycling for manymany moons.Things have changed.Best regards,tomas

[driftlessregion]

I can only tell you that since Waterford is making the frames that part of it will be first rate. I speak as a Waterford owner. Rivendell didn't have just anyone built their frames. Remember too that Grant Peterson (Rivendell) designed them originally so the geometry should also be fantastic if they have not messed with it during the change of ownership.

[tomykay]

Happy thanksgiving and thanx for the reply.Waterford quality is drawing me toward the Heron frameset,even though they are built in a production manner(batches by size I am told).I'm also looking at some lesser valued options,but function is more important than cost.Seems a few hundred bucks here or there will not matter much over the life of a great bike.Anyone have other suggestions for a light,sporty touring frame?

[DaveB]

Anyone have other suggestions for a light,sporty touring frame?

Light and  sporty usually don't go together with touring but check out the Co-Motion Nor'Wester or Nor'Wester Tour.  They are reasonably light Reynolds 853 frames set up for light to middle-weight touring.  Very well made too.  

[ragincajun]

Just a suggestion.  Contact Troy Courtney at www.cccycles.com  He can build you a lugged steel  touring cycle much more Custom than Heron (which is very good I will admit)for several hundred dollars less than a Wayfarer.  Also if you are looking at something light and sporty suitable for light touring, consider Heron's Rally over the Wayfarer.

Cheers!

Ron

[ragincajun]

I found something else for you that may take a little time but you can look at a lot of custom steel frames for touring and see the pricing.  It is the web addresses of most of the US and foreign custom frame builders. http://www.sandsmachine.com/fbplist.htm
Good Luck!

[allir]

Did you purchase one? I am curious what you think because I am also considering one.

[tomykay]

Hello allir.I didnot buy a Heron frame,only because during the "hunt",I came across a Cannondale 2006 t2000,new,that I thought would fill my heavy bike need.Entire bike,ultegra,xt,other mixed but acceptable parts cupla hundred less than Heron frame and fork.Purchased during the holidays,this bike has proven itself a wonderful fitness rider,solid,smooth,and responsive.When the touring bug bites again,this bike will work fine for me.I probably will buy a Heron frame,likely a Rally now,as I am a lugged steel kinda guy,and found these frames to be correctly priced,reported excellent quality,USA made,and pretty easy to look at,at least in pictures.Bob Jackson also should be considered,along with other wonderful recommendations found here.Enjoy the hunt,tomas

[tomykay]

Ps,thanx for the Troy Courtney tip,Rajincajun.Bestly,tomas