Pat Kane, Age Group Competitor:
"I have been racing bicycles in various competitions for 20 years.
I compete in road races, triathlons, and time trials. I have also competed
in two Senior Olympic Games representing Connecticut. Finally I found
a bike that does it all and does it well. The Strnad frame built specifically
for me by Frank Strnad is the best. I rode on Vitus and Colnalgo but
the Strnad is faster and handles perfectly in all my events. In 2003
my age group finishes were great. I won the Mossman Sprint Triathlon,
and the Tour de Greenwich Road Race. I was second in the North Atlantic
Time Trial Championship, Journey For Sight Triathlon, and the Jamestown
Classic Road Race. All events were on my Strnad. I just use clipons
for the triathlons and time trials with HED Alps wheels. If you want
to ride faster and have complete confidence with your bike you need
to be on a Strnad bicycle too. Call Frank today!"
Kathleen:
"The first ride on my custom Strnad road bicycle is something I
will never forget. Any hesitation I felt about giving up my old classic
Italian bike disappeared immediately. The acceleration and balance are
unbelieveable, and the fit is perfect. This bicycle has made me a better
rider and continues to do so. Frank and Draha's guidance was invaluable
in terms of the frame and in choosing the right components and they
continue to be there whenever I need anything. This bike has opened
up a whole arena of riding for me, and I'll never look back!"
Lee W., Ridgefield, CT:
"I've known and ridden with Frank and Draha for about 5 years.
I decided to have Frank build me a custom bike three years ago and it
is one of the most satisfying decisions I have ever made.Frank was there
to help me make all the component choices: his advice was right on and
he always made me feel comfortable...even with the most basic questions.
To this day, if I need advice,a tune up or an upgrade, Frank and Ridgefield
Cyclesports make me feel like they are right there for me...my own support
team! This bike has helped me bring my cycling to a much higher level;
I ride harder, longer distances and faster on my custom machine. My
advice to anyone remotely considering a Strnad is: Go for it...you'll
never look back!"
Ben S., Ridgefield, CT:
"I was introduced to Frank and Draha Strnad many years ago in Port
Chester, N.Y. At that time I needed to upgrade to a more efficient bicycle.
I was measured and decided to purchase a factory built bicycle. As my
biking experience increased I made a decision to have Frank Strnad build
me a custom made bike. The care and detail that went into my bicycle
was very professional. Everything was taken into consideration; my height,
weight, my experience as a rider, and the selection of a special color.
The end results were absolutely fantastic. I immediately noticed the
difference between my factory build bicycle and the custom model. The
dynamics of the frame and intricate components made my riding much more
comfortable and brought me much more pleasure. If you are contemplating
the purchase of a custom frame, I highly recommend a STRNAD bicycle.
You will never be disappointed. It is a dream of bicycle."
Bill W., Ridgefield, CT:
"I have been buying custom bikes from Frank Strnad for five years;
my wife Sharon, for eight. Sharon is a long distance tri-athlete; I’m
a serious recreational biker and have begun participating in road, criterium
and time trial racing over the past couple of years. To me, there are
two main considerations in deciding on a custom bike. First, is a custom
bike appropriate for you; and second, if so, who should build it for
you. I’m 53 years old, taller and heavier than the average biker, and
have been riding seriously for about ten years. Early on, an off the
shelf bike was perfectly fine, but as I became more accomplished and
interested in competing, a custom bike became more important for both
the comfort of a perfect fit and the challenge of getting the most out
of my riding. Whether or not one races, the comfort of a custom bike
fit is noticeably different, particularly if, like me, you are not a
standard size. If you compete, either in racing or simply in challenging
yourself to improve, a custom bike is even more important for that extra
performance. Custom bikes are expensive, so each person has to judge
if the additional comfort and performance are worth it, but having experienced
it, I would never go back. If you decide a custom bike is right for
you, the second question is who should build it. I went to Frank Strnad
for a variety of reasons that I think anyone looking for a custom bike
would want in a builder. Frank takes the time to understand the rider
and the rider’s goals, so the bike dimensions and components are perfect
for the job; he is an extremely able craftsman, so technically the bike
is beautifully built; he is always available to help in getting you
accustomed to the bike and in any adjustments; and is constantly there
for ongoing, general advice about everything from maintenance to racing
tactics. Their prices are fair and delivery is always as promised. Frank
and his wife and shop partner, Draha, are also simply great people;
they tell it like it is, and always make good on their word; I am privileged
to be able to call them friends. In addition, as evidence of Frank’s
full service approach, he is responsible for saving my marriage. Seven
years ago, exactly two weeks before Sharon and I were scheduled to leave
for France for her to do the Nice Triathlon – the European Ironman equivalent
– I managed to drive our car with Sharon’s STRNAD-built custom bike
on top into our garage. The resulting twisted metal was clearly not
going to make it through the Maritime Alps. Who else but Frank would
drop everything to build Sharon a new STRNAD custom bike in ten days,
and have it road tested and fine tuned in time for our departure. It’s
something I will never forget. You can always count on Frank; we would
not go anywhere else."
Bob P., Ridgefield, CT:
"I like to give you a report on the Columbus Thermacrom Alloy Foco
STRNAD frame Frank made for me during the winter. We’ve now had a few
decent weekends back to back and I’ve been able to give it a good test
on some of my favorite routes in Westchester and Fairfield counties.
I am still thrilled with Columbus stainless STRNAD frame Frank made
for me five years ago and I was probably a little skeptical that I would
notice much difference-especially since I’m not a fast rider. The smoothness,
stability and responsiveness are amazing-and the “fit” to my dimensions
and riding excentricities is excellent. I am retiring as a full time
executive at the end of this month and am really excited about the prospects
of near daily rides with these splendid machines."
