Who is your favorite working frame builder?
#1
Aspiring curmudgeon
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Saint Louis
Posts: 2,486
Bikes: Guerciotti, Serotta, Gaulzetti
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 111 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 26 Times
in
13 Posts
Who is your favorite working frame builder?
The recent J.P. Weigle (and it's many beautiful bikes) got me thinking, who is your favorite currently working frame builder, and why? Even if you don't own one or could never afford one (like me), what small shop do you lust after?
I'll start. My dream frame is a custom Mercian. I love the classic lines, the lugs that are beautiful in their restraint, never gaudy, and that barber pole paint schemes that seems both wildly distinctive and inventive while also incredibly old-fashioned. How about you?
I'll start. My dream frame is a custom Mercian. I love the classic lines, the lugs that are beautiful in their restraint, never gaudy, and that barber pole paint schemes that seems both wildly distinctive and inventive while also incredibly old-fashioned. How about you?
__________________
"Party on comrades" -- Lenin, probably
"Party on comrades" -- Lenin, probably
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,831 Times
in
1,997 Posts
But that is a brand, not a frame builder.
For a builder, I think Dave Wages.
For a builder, I think Dave Wages.
#3
Senior Member
One of these days, i hope it will be me!
__________________
Semper fi
Semper fi
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: STP
Posts: 14,491
Mentioned: 74 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 821 Post(s)
Liked 256 Times
in
142 Posts
Chris Kvale, but I am sure there are many close seconds if I think for a bit.
Chris Kvale Cycles
biciak: Chris Kvale
Chris Kvale Cycles
biciak: Chris Kvale
#6
Banned.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,199
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 378 Post(s)
Liked 1,410 Times
in
910 Posts
These two are not just frame builders and bike assemblers. They are metal guys, and understand cycling as riders, coaches, as well as frame builders. They understand the synergy of the total bike build, what a bike can mean to it's rider, and what it can do. They strive to make bikes that disappear when ridden. As attractive as their frames are, they are meant to get dirty.
1) Adam Eldridge, probably one of the best young minds in US frame building. (Stanridge Speed and Wraith Fabrications)
https://stanridgespeed.com/
https://wraithfabrication.com/
2) Toby Stanton, excellent frames and one of the best painters I've ever seen. (Toby Stanton Cycles and Hot Tubes)
*not to be confused with the midwestern Stanton Cycles
He also is heavily involved in the sport of cycling, and the development of young riders.
https://www.hottubescycling.com/team
1) Adam Eldridge, probably one of the best young minds in US frame building. (Stanridge Speed and Wraith Fabrications)
https://stanridgespeed.com/
https://wraithfabrication.com/
2) Toby Stanton, excellent frames and one of the best painters I've ever seen. (Toby Stanton Cycles and Hot Tubes)
*not to be confused with the midwestern Stanton Cycles
He also is heavily involved in the sport of cycling, and the development of young riders.
https://www.hottubescycling.com/team
Last edited by RobbieTunes; 02-29-16 at 04:53 PM.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Liberty, Missouri
Posts: 3,120
Bikes: 1966 Paramount | 1971 Raleigh International | ca. 1970 Bernard Carre | 1989 Waterford Paramount | 2012 Boulder Brevet | 2019 Specialized Diverge
Mentioned: 23 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 129 Post(s)
Liked 77 Times
in
40 Posts
I follow J.P. Weigle's work, and kind of lust after his frames. Mitch Pryor's MAP bikes are intriguing as well. Ocean Air is really more of a boutique brand, but his philosophy matches my own. Already mentioned is Chris Kvale, and the two bikes of his I've seen were pretty terrific.
#10
Senior Member
My personal short list for KOF/steel builders (in no particular order):
Peter Weigle (CT)
Brian Chapman (RI)
Mitch Pryor(CA)
Nao Tomii (TX, formerly MA)
Jeff Lyon (OR)
Bruce Gordon (CA)
Hubert D'Autremont (VT)
Johnny Coast (NY)
I've done custom lighting work for Weigle and Pryor, they're both great guys to chat and work with. Jeff Lyon is also a very nice person to deal with. I took delivery of a Lyon frame earlier this year. Still haven't finished building it up! Also, Nao Tomii is a personal friend and an AMAZING young builder. His background is in sculpture, and it shows in his work. His fillet brazing is exceptionally smooth.
Peter Weigle (CT)
Brian Chapman (RI)
Mitch Pryor(CA)
Nao Tomii (TX, formerly MA)
Jeff Lyon (OR)
Bruce Gordon (CA)
Hubert D'Autremont (VT)
Johnny Coast (NY)
I've done custom lighting work for Weigle and Pryor, they're both great guys to chat and work with. Jeff Lyon is also a very nice person to deal with. I took delivery of a Lyon frame earlier this year. Still haven't finished building it up! Also, Nao Tomii is a personal friend and an AMAZING young builder. His background is in sculpture, and it shows in his work. His fillet brazing is exceptionally smooth.
Last edited by southpawboston; 11-05-14 at 07:16 PM.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: STP
Posts: 14,491
Mentioned: 74 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 821 Post(s)
Liked 256 Times
in
142 Posts
Great ideas guys.
Wonderful builders, for sure.
There are so many quality builders in the United States, it almost makes me dizzy with choices.
I must say I am hankering for a steel cross/adventure bike next season and that Zanconato idea is tempting.
That or a Della Santa if I could politely ask him to build one for me......
Wonderful builders, for sure.
There are so many quality builders in the United States, it almost makes me dizzy with choices.
I must say I am hankering for a steel cross/adventure bike next season and that Zanconato idea is tempting.
That or a Della Santa if I could politely ask him to build one for me......
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Posts: 9,849
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2339 Post(s)
Liked 2,831 Times
in
1,545 Posts
I lust after a Dave Kirk frame Kirk Frameworks Custom Bicycles
it is the made in montana stick that seals it for me
it is the made in montana stick that seals it for me
__________________
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can
(looking for Torpado Super light frame/fork or for Raleigh International frame fork 58cm)
#13
Bicycle Repair Man !!!
Arvon Stacey.
My partner just turned 80 and is still working although he keeps threatening to retire.
My partner just turned 80 and is still working although he keeps threatening to retire.
#15
Senior Member
I'll own the first Tomii Cycles full touring bike
He really put a lot of thought into the geometry and tubing choices and of course the details.
#16
Senior Member
#17
Senior Member
I hope that by my sharing his work, he'll gain some customers from here at bikeforums.
#18
Decrepit Member
There are several whose work I really admire, but my favorite working builder is Dave Wages (Ellis Cycles).
Last edited by Scooper; 11-05-14 at 08:06 PM.
#22
Senior Member
#24
Senior Member
^^ @Chrome Molly, I'd take one of those in a heartbeat.
#25
Decrepit Member
He's high on my list, too. Dave was one of the early builders to begin working with stainless and is a real craftsman.