Framebuilders near SF Bay area (California)
 

Hey all,
Looking for framebuilders close to the bay who aren't shy building a custom full suspension frame for my electric cargo scooter. I have a prototype already (built by awesome folks at CalPoly's bike club) but looking for folks who can help me build a v2 of this or fabricate parts of it (subframe / swing arm) to fix the issues im having. Every single frame builder I have contacted is sadly retired or can't handle full suspension since its too much engineering - so hopefully looking for engineers who like to dabble in complex projects (and make decent money!). This thing is a cross between a ultralight motorcycle and a long tail cargo bike.

Have you approached the motorcycle fab shops? Seems to me to be closer to their skill set then most bicycle frame builders'.

Next question might be how much per hour are you willing to pay (since you were the one to mention making money) the person who does this work for you? I could easily see $100/hr or more not including materials or expendables.

I can easily understand why many framebuilders (and the SF area has a lot of past and current builders) would pass this up. They likely know that the time spent will be greater than the amount that can be charged for. Andy

Not sure if this type of work is up his alley, but have you tried contacting Andrew Low of Low// Bicycles? He is based in SF.

Calfee wouldn't be considered bay area, but they have decades of experience maybe more in composites than metals. I believe they offer prototyping/engineering services and have experiece with motocycles. However, if the prices of their bikes are anything to go by, these services won't be cheap.