Beldar77

I went over to the handmade bike show in San Jose this afternoon. Virtually all of the famous name builders were there. This was nothing like a big trade show that I have attended. Pretty low key but that is what was cool about it. Only uptight part of the show is that taking photos is prohibited . That shot down my plan to share some fascinating bikes. Three Bamboo Calfees were on display as were about a half dozen Vanillas (sacha white) and Richard Sachs. Both gentlemen were there, as was Richard Schwinn from Waterford. I wish he had brought a couple of more Gunnars with him.

I got to over hear Bruce Gordon warning a kid not to take up framebuilding to make a living. He claims that last year he made about $6 per hour. Brett Steelman was running a little late so I volunteered to help him hang a frame or two in his booth. I wonder why he declined my offer?

Two guys from True Temper were there and said there is no weight limit on their S3 tubing, contrary to some stuff overheard in some forums. This was a position backed up by Claude Rex from Steve Rex cycles. Although he said they would never make a really big frame ( he said above 64 CMs with S3). He was very willing to talk. So was the duo from local San Jose builder Patrick Cycles who had some understated but classic looking bikes. Does anyone have any feedback on their bikes?

Independant Fabrications had an unpainted bike made from 953. The booth person actually took his two hands in a very concentrated spot and flexed the tube but still said it was stronger than 6/4 titanium. He went on to say that it was slighly harder to work with than 853 but not too much. Of course the bike was not yet for sale. Although they said the frame weighed about 2.7 pounds with walls that were not as thick as "two pieces of paper" ( Edit - I just remembered the chainstays were not 953 yet. I think they were 725 (?) but eventually they will be 953)

All in all it took about an hour to walk around the floor. I didn't want to take up too much of anyone's time since I am sure they were hoping to talk to more shop guys than someone drooling over their bikes.

Again sorry you only have my narrative instead of pictures.

55/Rad

Great report - I was hoping to have gone bet alas....

Looking forward to seeing who wins the awards - didn't Sacha win best in show last year?

55/Rad

metal_cowboy

https://www.handmadebicycleshow.com/index.lasso