Is frame building for pros only?
08-21-09 | 01:18 PM
#1
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Leeds
Is frame building for pros only?
Hi
I am quite handy with most things, but I dont have any welding equipment or any thing like that. I am just a beginner. I have used welding equipment 20 years ago.
I have seen the longer than standard bikes, are these specialist built. I would love to build my own.
Perhaps I should stick to looking on ebay?
G
I am quite handy with most things, but I dont have any welding equipment or any thing like that. I am just a beginner. I have used welding equipment 20 years ago.
I have seen the longer than standard bikes, are these specialist built. I would love to build my own.
Perhaps I should stick to looking on ebay?
G
08-21-09 | 02:07 PM
#2
Old fart
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,318
Likes: 5,226
From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
If you're willing to make the investment in tooling, it can be done. Frame building isn't rocket science. But you're also more likely to spend much more on tooling than you would just buying a frame.
Other things you might consider include a technical school shop class that would give you access to welding equipment and tools, or a dedicated frame building class such as those offered by United Bicycle Institute or Doug Fattic (among others).
Other things you might consider include a technical school shop class that would give you access to welding equipment and tools, or a dedicated frame building class such as those offered by United Bicycle Institute or Doug Fattic (among others).
08-21-09 | 06:00 PM
#4
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From: Leeds
08-21-09 | 06:19 PM
#5
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Santa Rosa, California
Bikes: Waterford 953 RS-22, several Paramounts
If you want some idea of what you might be getting into before spending any money, you may download an early version of Tim Paterek's Manual for Bicycle Framebuilders without charge from Tim's website HERE.
The most recent version of the manual is greatly improved, but it costs US$75.00. This way, you can get your feet wet without a financial commitment. He also has some excellent framebuilding "how to" videos.
The most recent version of the manual is greatly improved, but it costs US$75.00. This way, you can get your feet wet without a financial commitment. He also has some excellent framebuilding "how to" videos.
08-22-09 | 09:07 AM
#7
Decrepit Member
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Santa Rosa, California
Bikes: Waterford 953 RS-22, several Paramounts
Do you mean a single seat bike with a longer wheelbase?
The late Sheldon Brown has a "how-to" article on his website HERE about joining two frames to make a tandem.
08-22-09 | 12:46 PM
#8
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Leeds
Hi
[IMG]file:///C:/Users/Nigel/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]
https://stradasystems.com/mtb/images/IMG_6264.jpg
G
[IMG]file:///C:/Users/Nigel/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg[/IMG]
https://stradasystems.com/mtb/images/IMG_6264.jpg
G
08-22-09 | 01:05 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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Grumpy.
That is an Xtracycle.
https://www.xtracycle.com/
It's a bolt on kit.
There are lots of threads about them in the Utility Section as well as a thread about homebuilt longtails.
That is an Xtracycle.
https://www.xtracycle.com/
It's a bolt on kit.
There are lots of threads about them in the Utility Section as well as a thread about homebuilt longtails.
08-23-09 | 02:12 AM
#10
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Leeds
That is an Xtracycle.
There are lots of threads about them in the Utility Section as well as a thread about homebuilt longtails.
Thanks, I had not looked in that section, they look great.
A lot of work, the only thing is my living room would be full of bikes, I have no garage!
But its very tempting.
G
