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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

2361.0. "Other Frame Builders Out There?" by AKOCOA::FULLER () Thu Jul 23 1992 16:55

    I would like to start a note listing those of us who have built our
    own frames, our experiences and futures.  I would love to hear
    more detail on Norm's Tandem!  Talk about a challenge!
    
    Personally, I have built two frames. Back in 1976, during college
    semester break, I went to a frame building class at Tanguy Cycles
    in Somerville.  This location was later taken over by Chris Chance.
    My first attempt was certainly interesting, challenging, and even
    a bit painful (so much hand filing that I was bleeding in my
    fingertips)  My first frame was a 531 racing frame.  I used it for
    6 years before giving it to my brother.  One thing unique was I had
    a great sign painter paint my name in fancy letters.  Much more
    impressive than decals. Norm, this may give you a bit of uniqueness
    with your piece of art.
    
    I built my second frame, touring, in 1982 in the basement of O'neil's
    in Worcester.   Eric DeRivera, local cycling champ built a jig as his
    engineering project for Worcester Poly Tech.  This beautiful, but
    somewhat difficult to braze, jig produced a remarkably straight frame.
    No cold setting was needed.  Bike is still operating and has taken me
    on many centuries and tours.
    
    I would like to build a bike in a few years, just for fun, for my
    daughters.  A 20" racing bike.   If and when I have space in my house,
    I may just do it.
    
    Steve
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2361.1Never again...CTHQ1::JENIN::FREREEllas Danzan SolasFri Jul 24 1992 13:5715
I made my first and last FRERE bike in 1980.  I took a frame building course in 
Ottawa.  It was a lot of work (~80 hours - mostly filing lugs).  I used a combo
Reynolds 531 and Columbus tubing.  It turned out OK as some of you Europeans
can attest when borrowing it to ride while in MA.

Many mistakes were made (small ones).  I really enjoyed the planning, cutting 
and brazing (silver with brass dropouts).  It the filing that drove me crazy but 
then I was young and impatient.  Now, I'm old and impatient.

Still have it - don't think that I can ever part with it (just because it's
equipped with Nuevo Record...)

Eric

PS  Cut out a F from the head/down tube lug.
2361.2frame intrestDNEAST::ESCANDON_PHIFri Jul 31 1992 18:058
    I'M JEALOUS!!  I've never built a frame but would die to. 
    Question:
             Are there any books on the subject specifically on how to build
    frames?
             How do you get started?
    I"m a Math Major at the Univ. of Texas and will be leaving DEC in a few
    weeks so a timely reply would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
    Phil
2361.3Frame building book and classDECWET::BINGHAMJohn BinghamFri Jul 31 1992 18:3611
 The Manet Guild put out a frame building book.  It comes from somewhere
 near Boston; I have seen advertisements for it in the mags.
 
 United Bicycle Institute, Ashland, Oregon, has a frame building class. 
 The August class is being taught by Eisenstraut.
 
 I have not seen classes or books that cover other than steel alloy frames
 with lugs or fillet brazing.  Maybe a trade school that offers welding
 of alloys and nonferrous metals might be a good place to check.
 
 
2361.4WMOIS::FLYE_NTue Aug 04 1992 00:0813
    
      Paterek Frames
      715/425-9327
      925 Quarry Rd.
      River Falls, WI
    
    Tim Paterek works one on one with a student to build a lugged or lugless
    steel frame.  He only takes 12 students each summer though.  He has
    been building frames for 15 years.
    
    							Norm
    
      
2361.5THANKSDNEAST::ESCANDON_PHIFri Aug 14 1992 12:234
    Thanks alot fellas, I appreciate the help.  Next summer I'll try to be
    Wisconsin bound.  Thanks again.
                                      Phil