Champagne tastes on a beer budget!
My uncle went the full custom route. The bike was supposed to be black with a green metallic flake that would sparkle in the sun. The bike turned out green!
My uncle’s story is not the first custom paint story I’ve heard that didn’t come out quite right.
(My uncle kept it and it was an superbly built bike, made to measure, but it was never even close to black.)
oh I wouldn’t say that, I’m not looking for champagne here, and don’t really consider £3000 to be beer budget, simply I want to get the best for my money is all.
The main reason for the budget being what it is, is because I feel that’s an acceptable value. Beyond that it stops being something i’d really enjoy or “need”. Sure, the £10k super bikes are lovely to look at and i’m sure they’re amazing to ride, but not somthing I could really justify or really get the most out of.
With regards to a custom frame builder - there’s no one local that does that really, I could of course head to London, get a decent fit and then explore options but I assumed that would definitely come into champagne territory! and once i’ve factored in good wheels and groupset I’d have very little left for a custom frame. I’ll see what’s there though certainly. With regards to style, I think I have a rough idea of what i’m after - generally, light but comfy. I’ll likely just end up getting a cube attain or similar. The value off the shelf is hard to ignore.
I was responding to the post above’s “full custom build”. Full custom is champagne, and the good stuff on top of it.
Cubes are great value and they have some at the moment with a pigeon blue and art paint scheme made in c62 carbon. Take a look.
On the custom paint front I bought some spray bike cans and painted my carbon all road bike with one of our daughters as a bit of a project for fun. Still my fave bike in the garage and totally unique. I also dont care if people think its tatty as at the end of the day its more about the rider and less the bike. There will always be someone faster and on a cooler looking bike.
Hope you’re happy whichever route you decide.
You could get a Ti frame - no painting required. Check out Gloria bikes, UK based and pretty good value. 
Man, I’ve been staring at that color Secan since it came out. Of course now I’ve waited and they’re not available until November…
Super pretty color.