Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Sanner Bicycles [soon to be a photo thread]

I recently had a custom track frame built by Tim Sanner over at Sanner Cycles in Palo Alto, California. He has a website up now, but I believe is working out all the kinks. When I get some time tonight and this weekend, I want to take some pictures of the frame I bought so everyone can check out the quality. He seems pretty unknown right now, so I hope I can get him some recognition.

http://newwaybikes.com

Tim builds custom lugged track, road and touring frames from Dedacciai tubing [cro-mo], but can now do oversized and different brands depending on your specs. When I first contacted Tim, he was just started his business. Sanner was so new, he was offering a discount for me as a sort of test-run. His frames are now $570 w/ free shipping, but I may be able to get you a slight discount if you come recommended by me.


Here are some pictures of some frames he has built. Let me know what you think. Ill write more later when I get a chance. I will say, Tim is completely dedicated to customer satisfaction. Ill go into more detail later though...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/32029889@N07/

Looks pretty cool and the idea of supporting a new business is appealing. I'd be interested in hearing some reviews and seeing some complete build pics. Prices are great but the idea of Jig-less construction makes me a bit concerned, if he can pull it off its great and saves a ton of money but it seems to leave some room for error. If they turn out to be great bikes I'd think about replacing my beater kilo with one at that price point.

seems pretty cool. young guy which is cool too. what does jigless mean?

no, no, jiggles. it's like the opposite of twitchy. it's all about how the frame handles!

...Prices are great but the idea of Jig-less construction makes me a bit concerned, if he can pull it off its great and saves a ton of money but it seems to leave some room for error...

My only concern as well. I live 10 minutes from PA though, I'll have to go check this out as I want a new frame.

seems pretty cool. young guy which is cool too. what does jigless mean?

It means that typically a frame is constructed using a jig that the builder constructs to keep the frame straight and the angles accurate as the frame is welded/brazed, it takes time and some money to build one especially for each bike since they are custom. Going without saves him time and thus money but I'd be interested in seeing how ensures his frames are staying straight. Hope that answers your question.

actually, a jig is rarely something that's built on a case by case basis. you have one that allows for the measurements to be dialed in.

^it does thanks for the help. Does seem kind of iffy for a young frame builder like that to do it without a jig. quality might not be there...

There are established builders who do jigless lugged bikes. Frame alignment is done with a frame table.

There are established builders who do jigless lugged bikes. Frame alignment is done with a frame table.

Oh I'm well aware of this I'm just saying as an un proven builder it raises a yellow flag, not that it wont be quality just seems to demand a higher experience level that has yet to be seen, I'm not dogin' I'm just commenting on a possible sticking point

inexperienced and jigless does not instill confidence. also, did anyone see the headtube and seattube angle in that flickr account? 73/73 is pretty damn relaxed...

yeah but that was just one build he can do whatever, that's only a reflection of the customer and his/her preferences.

inexperienced and jigless does not instill confidence. also, did anyone see the headtube and seattube angle in that flickr account? 73/73 is pretty damn relaxed...

These angles are based on the choice of his customer. A fixed-gear bike does not automatically require track geometry.

There are established builders who do jigless lugged bikes. Frame alignment is done with a frame table.

Yes, frame alignment is done on a flat frame table.

I've been in contact with Tim several times and he has fast and friendly communication. My Cross frame will be built by him. I trust him because he seems passionate about bikes and his website information hints that he has studied frame building thoroughly... at least enough to build a decent frame for the average enthusiast. Most people buy custom made frames for regular use, but many insist on buying from top, well-known builders who mmight have once built frames for elite racers. Most people buying custom-crafted frames are not likely to ever get into high-level racing, where extreme frame specifics are exploited. The rest of us are not likely to get to that level. But we can enjoy a custom-crafted frame in our minds and appreciate that the fitting is speicifically for us.

Most people buying custom-crafted frames are not likely to ever get into high-level racing, where extreme frame specifics are exploited. The rest of us are not likely to get to that level. But we can enjoy a custom-crafted frame in our minds and appreciate that the fitting is speicifically for us.

Exactly. My track frame built by Tim has Dedacciai tubes, Long Shen lugs, and Columbus drop outs. Nice stuff with my geometry. It was a toss up against getting an Alien frame or getting a Sanner. I am glad I went for the Sanner. Dealing directly with Tim has assured that everything will come out just the way you want it. He is super friendly, and if he messes up, he will tell you and do everything to fix it. I rather deal with a dude like that then buy some mass produced Taiwanese thing.

My frame isn't build up yet, and needs a clear coat, so I can't comment on the ride, but it looks damn pretty =]

Just saw this guy's post on Craigslist. Any updates?

bmxt10 is no longer active on Flickr.

Here is his new Photobucket
http://s375.photobucket.com/albums/oo194/sannerbikes700/

Looks like his prices have gone up too.

I spoke to him on the phone a few times and he seems like a great guy. His website shows enough for me to have faith - I can't wait to pony up the money for one of his frames. I've been wanting custom geometry for a while now.

http://velospace.org/node/17856

This guy has a nice one (dunno if he's a board member).

this guys advertises all the time on craigslist here in the bay area. and he is only like 10 minutes south of where i live. from what i hear...he is iffy on pricing. he posts various prices on craigslist that are diff from the pricing on his website. i heard he takes the lowest price you saw it for.
i saw an ad for a custom fixed gear built for like 500. bikes look good...never seen them in person though.

anyone else have any experience with this guy's work? The prices are great...I'd love to put together a lugged steel roadie.

Sometime soon I'll be going down to see his workshop and talking about my frame. He said I'm welcome to check out the place and just talk.