I just returned from the UK for another great Bespoked show! Huge thanks to Bespoked’s Phil and Tessa, all of the show sponsors, and my amazing (as in earth shatteringly gracious) hosts John and Mel. It all started with a few flights- Once in Bristol I set up my bikes and rolled them down the Brunell’s Old Station. Quite the room! Inside I was the first set up with my modest booth displaying both my Tenga

I brought a couple of new bikes to NAHBS this year, road frames I dubbed my “Tool Series“. These are a new item for me- set configurations made to order and built to measure. For folks looking for the convenience of a straight forward road frame, but with the benefits of custom sizing, the Tool Series offers a great addition to my existing full Custom Series bikes. These road frames start with a custom si

Phew- back from NAHBS! It was a fun show, and a great chance to meet up with friends and colleagues. To my pleasant surprise I was awarded “Best Finish” for my city bike. Big thanks to the folks at NAHBS, Keith Anderson, my chrome guys and all my vendors. HUGE thanks to all of my clients for their support and willingness to let me go for it. (Photo credit to NAHBS) I brought 4 bikes this year- a city and

Joe really liked the look of Canten’s Mix N’MAX- a rough and tumble race bike, but with some practical design features to make it an all day ride capable of taking fenders for some wet weather and heavy training, or room for some medium gravel rubber. After discussing his needs we decided to go for something very similar with a few tweaks for his fit and riding style. This week I wrapped up a few of the f

Another installment in the great “what’s been going on” round up. First up, a new stem for Mr. Joly- he was looking for something with a classic feel and a rise to meet his position. Start with some clean fillets: Shine them up: Work on the details: Wrap up the finish work, and send it off to the plater! Next up is a quick repair for Kevin’s (non Winter) bike. This bike had served him well for

Wow- it’s been almost three weeks since last posting! I’ve been cranking along in the shop, but with some old injuries flaring up I’ve let the blog fall behind some. Time to play a little catch up! Last I left off I was working on Mark’s Flecha- a sport oriented road frame. Well, the metal work was finished off and the bike sent out to Keith for some liquid love. With any luck I’ll be br

A bit ago Noah contacted me about building a stem for his Kvale.  Not only did he want to have a visual compliment to tie together the bike, but he also need a fairly long (135mm) stem- something there just are not many options for anymore. Start by mitering things up and laying down some sweet fillets: File to buttery smoothness: Add some details that tie together the look (in this case complimenting the short lug p

Every now and again I get an itch to build a certain bike. In some cases it’s to work out some ideas, some times to try out a new material or process, or, like in this case, just because I think the bike should be out there in the world. These after hours specials are built after work and are usually picked away at over a number of months as time, inclination and inspiration hit. In this case I’ve been wo

Last week I received a note from Diane Lees, host of the Outspoken Cyclist radio program inviting me to be a guest for her program. The Outspoken Cyclist is a community radio show on WJCU 88.7, a noncommercial FM broadcast station owned and operated by John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio. The show covers a wide range of topics including fitness, advocacy and industry developments, as well as many stor

Here is Mark’s front end- tacked from the jig: In the jig I tack the tubes to hold the basic shape. Note the tight miters- close coping allows for a precise fit up, and tacking the frame “locks” these positions. From the jig the front end goes to the alignment table to check the position. I use the info I find here to plan the brazing sequence and use the heat and brass to straighten the frame. Here