My 19-year-old daughter Julia and I visited Folk Engineered Custom Hand Made Bicycles on Thursday. The two owners (and only two workers) of the company graciously showed us around and chatted with us for a long time. I didn't time it, but I think it was over two hours. I would have bought something from them to return the favor, but all they do is build and repair frames. I might like to write a magazine article about them.

We had an incredible time. They work and live in a converted factory building. Well, it's not very converted, to be honest. It's a huge open space with a few walls put up for bedrooms.

Marie and Ryan are married. They're a lovely young couple. They produce steel frames the old fashioned way, using silver soldering or brass brazing. Each one is unique and gorgeous. They're about to build stock models, which seems like a good idea, too.

They are a 5.5 mile bike ride from my house, through all urban streets. I'm excited to have them so close, but I wish there were more I could do for them and more I could use them for.

http://www.folkengineered.com