I'm going out on a limb here, gnome, and saying that the disc brakes may indicate that it's not designed to replicate 1930's brit bikes. Looking around the site, seems like a lot of their bikes are showing piles of post, which probably isn't a bad strategy, given the preponderance of such frames in the market today. If that's what ppl are buying, that's what these folks ought to make (lest the customer requests otherwise...)

-rob

Hey all, Sorry to chime in so late. I'm not yet into the forum thing.
Thanks for the kind remarks.

It seems that you all figured most of your questions out.
The frame with the Phil Wood BB is set up for many water and fuel bottles as it will soon travel the world on an open ended tour. The dual shifting cables for the Rolhoff hub also run down the side of the down tube through two sets of cable guides, which appear in the picture to possibly be more water bottle bosses. Also the fork crown has extra mounts, just in case. The frame is designed to be versatile, able to mount various racks depending on what's available as they travel.

Also the top tube on the brown bike with disc brakes is pretty low. The overly robust touring frame has ample stand over for rough and unstable conditions, and on top of the fact that the rider has short legs and long arms.

Thanks Tom, for drawing some attention our way!

Check in with our website for news about our upcoming Open House (Thursday Feb. 24, 6-9pm).

Ryan

cool stuff :thumb:

So cool. I'm definitely into craft/artisan things, and I resent that most manufacturing has been outsourced. I will never purchase a bike from companies like Trek, Cannondale, etc, those that have shipped jobs and productions overseas to "stay competitive". That keeps me buying exclusively vintage stuff. (Yes I know that all components are outsourced at this point, life's a series of compromises).

Once I have the scratch, though, I will be purchasing a bike from a hand-builder. Thanks for bringing these guys to our attention Tom.

No it doesn't. The spacing is off.

I have to admit that when I first saw the words "Folk Engineered" it made me think it was going to be one of those 'Lords of Logistics" posts like you see on DarkRoasted, but those are some pretty bikes, nice work!

I really like the web site. It evoked an emotional response to see the two of them working together on this endeavor. Is it really possible to make a reliable income building custom bicycle frames?

Best wishes to you both.

Was thinking more just the geometry of the frame, nothing else. But sinse they explained the purpose of the low top tube, I'd like to change my answer please.

you may change your answer, gnome.

I just might try to make it to that open house, even if i'm a bit off from ordering a frameset... I thought I was going to go with a brit bike, but the brick city is callin' me. And, what i lose in the cost of the frame, I'll almost make up by not needing to ship the thing (@$150 or so...)

-rob

Rob, where are you? I don't know if I will ever buy a custom frame, but I'll definitely be at the open house. I'm thinking of repairs that Ryan and Marie can do for me, since I have too many darned bikes here. Let's go, and let's bring some friends.

I think it's JUST SO COOL that they're in Newark, which was once the USA capital of bike racing. And such beauty is coming out of such a gritty building in a gritty city.

Yeah I've got a prospective frame repair for them.

I'd like to go to the open house as well. What part of Newark is it in? Can we bike there with out being run over or stabbed? (or both)

I've ridden through Newark. It's fine. The bad guys don't see guys on bikes. We're invisible to them.

Velognome, you should come, too.

I'll bring my coalition. My co-founder is gaining an appreciation for fine bikes, I think. She rides a boring Trek hybrid. I tell her she should be riding an English 3-speed.

here's a map http://maps.google.com/maps?q=407+Mu...ed=0CBMQ8gEwAA

You're right Tom, and its not even in a bad part of town. Its right by rt.21

Unfortunately I just realized that I'm out of town that week so I can't make it.

Come to think of it, I might be in Vermont then also.

Wow, thanks for the response! I eventually figured out that it was a cable guide, but I had to look at the larger sized photo to see it. I really do like that frame. I know it was built to be versatile and rugged and I am wondering was it powder coated? The black had a sort of flat-look to it and I assumed that was a powder coat thing.... but I really have no idea.

I enjoyed your photos, good luck to both of you.

i'd like to try making it to that open house as well - seems like it would be a blast

i'm in camden county; currently hang my hat in a town called haddonfield, which borders on cherry hill. so, slim chance i could ride there on a thursday. but, i could drive on up, and if i can confirm that my schedule is clear that night (i think it is), i'll try to go.

-rob

They really need to find a way to get to NAHBS. The exposure there is worth it.

Thanks again for all of your supportive words.

Marie has done everything on the website thus far. All the design, programing and content. We're glad that folks like it.

Also, we have yet to prove that a local frame building company can be successful, we a mere two years old and had the fortune of getting a modest loan(slow money/ not from a bank). But to this end, we, of course, would love your help in making this a true livelihood.

As for the Open House, we are getting quite excited, it seems we will need lots of wine and cheese!

Cheers

PS: the dark gray frame is powdered.

x2... really enjoyed reading the website and wish you both the best.

any chances you guys are gonna try your hands at a mixte?

mixte? bueller?...bueller?

email them? I bet they'd do a mixte custom, but i'm quite interested in the production frames...

-rob

very cool! nice to see!

Tom, Dan, Rob- I'll be at the open house. I'd like to ride in, only 14 miles from the house but snow + dark + Newark don't mix for me. Think I'll drive the tank that night, have room for 3.