Recommend me an under-rated frame/frame builder.

[Kerplunk]

Take a look at Hilary Stone's website, he often has some decent frames for fair money:
http://hilarystone.com/index.html

Thanks for the tip monty dog. Its thrown up this Roberts 531Pro frame but with an issue with a dent on the down tube. IS this 'easily' repairable or is a new downtube likely to be needed?

 

[Slimtim]

Probably a straightforward repair as the frame is lugged but add the cost of a rtespray and new decals and you could have a big bill.

If you love the frame and you feel it is uniquely right for you then consider it, otherwise wait.

 

[orbeas]

Frames

Other under-rated builders being Brian Rourke (look for trademark wrapover seatstays), Venom (built by Matt Norman but no longer around), Dave Marsh, Aende (run but a man called Pungo - if ever there was a reason to buy then that is it!!) and Roberts.

The late Alan 'Pongo' Braithwaite not only had a memorable name, he also built some fab frames. My one is in Reynolds 653, rides like a dream. But be quick, prices are going up ...

How do you ride it with the saddle pointed down so much ????

 

[monty dog]

In terms of the damage to the Roberts, steel is pretty resilient so you could probably ride around with few concerns for it's reliability.
Argos quote £100 for a replacement downtube plus there'll be the cost of a respray.

 

[Kerplunk]

I'm factoring in the cost of a respray in my budget anyway for whatever frame I end up with. Just didn't know whether its possible to repair a dent without just replacing the tube completely.

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

Mike Kowall built good honest frames. Mine is 853 and lugged.

 

[Slimtim]

You can have a dent filled or lead loaded depending on size. Most repairers can quote.

 

[Kerplunk]

Have asked for a more detailed pic of the dent so I can decide whether its worth getting or not.

 

[Kerplunk]

Thanks for everyones input, much appreciated. As I was looking for an English built frame from a small builder I've obviously ended up taking an ebay punt on a 1990 Peugeot Athena 653... Sadly looks like a lot of the original groupset has been replaced with lesser items over the years but not that bothered as its a frame I was after. Will see how it cleans up before deciding if the pink and purple colour scheme is one I can live with.