Building Frames
 

Hey Guys,

I normally hang out on the road forum, but since most vintage bikes are steel, my question would be better suited for you guys. I race road bikes, and I want to build a steel lugged fixed gear to train on. I was wondering how hard this would be, and if I could do it with no previous brazing experience. I read on a builders website the burnzomatic makes a brazing kit that is actually decent(and it is only $60), and works well on frame building. Any other information on building and where to get supplies(tubing, lugs, etc.) would be great!

Thanks a lot,
Jake

Yeah, you can build your own - it isn't trivial though...you can often find tubesets and lugsets on eBay that go reasonably. I used a bernzomatic brazing kit once upon a time to affix some cantilever brake bosses and it worked splendidly (like, the brakes never failed in traffic or a steep downhill or anything - success, IMHO). Brazing attachments onto an existing frame is immensely easier than building your own frame from scratch, however. We have several frame builders who often monitor this forum; maybe they'll give you their advice - you have to post pictures when you are done!

This is an excellent source for info on framebuilding:

http://frameforum.net/

Also, the Paterek Frame Building Manual is a good step-by-step guide to frame building and the all important design of frames. It is occasionally available on ebay or by searching the online used book sellers.

United Bicycle Institute also offers a framebuilding course you could take and build your own frame during the course. I believe the frame is included in the cost of the course.

http://www.bikeschool.com/

You could probably do the frame with the bunzo, but the design and prep work are all critical to the success of the frame. Do some thorough research b4 you do it.

Brazing is an art and a developed skill. Most "silver brazing" is done with an oxy-acetylene and takes practice to perfect the skill. Proper fixturing is also a major component to sucess.
You most likely could save yourself money by picking up a nice older lugged frame and refinishing it and building it up to your liking. You would still have the satisfaction of doing it yourself.