The recent J.P. Weigle (and it's many beautiful bikes) got me thinking, who is your favorite currently working frame builder, and why? Even if you don't own one or could never afford one (like me), what small shop do you lust after?

I'll start. My dream frame is a custom Mercian. I love the classic lines, the lugs that are beautiful in their restraint, never gaudy, and that barber pole paint schemes that seems both wildly distinctive and inventive while also incredibly old-fashioned. How about you?

But that is a brand, not a frame builder.

For a builder, I think Dave Wages.

One of these days, i hope it will be me!

Andy Gilmour Makes some gorgeous bikes.
Ive seen some gorgeous work from Andy Newland as well.

Chris Kvale, but I am sure there are many close seconds if I think for a bit.

Chris Kvale Cycles

biciak: Chris Kvale

These two are not just frame builders and bike assemblers. They are metal guys, and understand cycling as riders, coaches, as well as frame builders. They understand the synergy of the total bike build, what a bike can mean to it's rider, and what it can do. They strive to make bikes that disappear when ridden. As attractive as their frames are, they are meant to get dirty.

1) Adam Eldridge, probably one of the best young minds in US frame building. (Stanridge Speed and Wraith Fabrications)

https://stanridgespeed.com/

https://wraithfabrication.com/


2) Toby Stanton, excellent frames and one of the best painters I've ever seen. (Toby Stanton Cycles and Hot Tubes)

*not to be confused with the midwestern Stanton Cycles

He also is heavily involved in the sport of cycling, and the development of young riders.

https://www.hottubescycling.com/team

I follow J.P. Weigle's work, and kind of lust after his frames. Mitch Pryor's MAP bikes are intriguing as well. Ocean Air is really more of a boutique brand, but his philosophy matches my own. Already mentioned is Chris Kvale, and the two bikes of his I've seen were pretty terrific.

Yeah, but I included boutique shops with a very specific design/production process in my thinking.

Zanconato, Dario Pegoretti

My personal short list for KOF/steel builders (in no particular order):

Peter Weigle (CT)
Brian Chapman (RI)
Mitch Pryor(CA)
Nao Tomii (TX, formerly MA)
Jeff Lyon (OR)
Bruce Gordon (CA)
Hubert D'Autremont (VT)
Johnny Coast (NY)

I've done custom lighting work for Weigle and Pryor, they're both great guys to chat and work with. Jeff Lyon is also a very nice person to deal with. I took delivery of a Lyon frame earlier this year. Still haven't finished building it up! Also, Nao Tomii is a personal friend and an AMAZING young builder. His background is in sculpture, and it shows in his work. His fillet brazing is exceptionally smooth.

Great ideas guys.

Wonderful builders, for sure.

There are so many quality builders in the United States, it almost makes me dizzy with choices.

I must say I am hankering for a steel cross/adventure bike next season and that Zanconato idea is tempting.

That or a Della Santa if I could politely ask him to build one for me......

I lust after a Dave Kirk frame Kirk Frameworks Custom Bicycles

it is the made in montana stick that seals it for me

Arvon Stacey.

My partner just turned 80 and is still working although he keeps threatening to retire.

Dave Kirk.

He is an artist. I'll be picking up my bike in February, making the trip from Ohio to Austin, TX.

I'll own the first Tomii Cycles full touring bike

He really put a lot of thought into the geometry and tubing choices and of course the details.

Yes, I've been following that thread and that build. I'm jealous! It's going to be a special one...

I hope that by my sharing his work, he'll gain some customers from here at bikeforums.

There are several whose work I really admire, but my favorite working builder is Dave Wages (Ellis Cycles).

+1

EDIT: Oops, I see scooper agrees, so +2

Along with a couple of guys up top, I'd add Peter Mooney and Bill Davidson to my short list.

My list

Richard Sachs
Bruce Gordon
Jp Weigle
Dave Kirk
Chris Bishop
Kvale

You mean us cheap people? Good luck with that.

I've been very satisfied with Dave Anderson. Tempted to have him build me another.

^^ [MENTION=286310]Chrome Molly[/MENTION], I'd take one of those in a heartbeat.

He's high on my list, too. Dave was one of the early builders to begin working with stainless and is a real craftsman.