Chapter2 produces art but they call it a bike frame
Chapter2 is a wonderfully progressive company in terms of beautiful products (art as bicycle) at a fair price, a group of people (owner, regional representatives) who clearly care about what they are producing and selling, and an inviting website. US representative Clive de Sousa provided an exceptional purchasing experience of a white+gold TOA. Based on published frame geometry, I strongly considered size L as good for me, but Clive insisted that the L would have various problems in fit -- which he described in excellent detail; I followed his recommendation for the XL, and he was correct on every detail. Other decisions (handlebar, stem, wheels, tires, crank length, pedals, and drive train) were approached in the same way. We used email-based discussion and voice when needed to clarify or further explore. Clive knew that I was not fully happy with the originally available TOA frame in terms of the colorway; a different color became available and although the unhappy frame had already arrived from the company, he happily facilitated the switch. Clive's knowledge of the bicycle industry, product comparisons, riders, and bike fit perspectives made for an excellent purchase process, an excellent further education for me into bicycle details, and of course an incredibly beautiful bicycle that performs in exactly the way I was looking for.
ONE DAY LATER AFTER THE ABOVE: I want to add that I would readily and eagerly buy another complete bike through Clive as a knowledgeable guide, and I would without reservation also recommend a C2 frameset. Online reviewers of C2 framesets have stated that the paint quality has to be seen to be fully appreciated; these are understatements. It is artwork.
