Originally Posted by
noglider
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
You just performed a very nice service for them, letting us know about another addition to the custom frame builder line up in the U.S.
If they have products that you feel strongly about, please continue bringing them to our attention.
I checked their site out, and they have some strong design elements.
Bring on the product!
I feel the custom market starting to pick up steam here in the Twin Cities, and it sounds like you are experiencing the same in your area.
Hand made products are so desirable in my opinion, that I am beginning to pay that extra amount for the exact features I covet.
Bye the way, I wish you and your family all the best Tom.