I love classic road and cyclocross bicycles for their elegant style, and French porteur and randonee bicycles for their focus on utility. I blend these timeless elements with current technology to create functional, modern bicycles. A great bicycle is balanced in fit, proportions, style, and function. I have decades of experience building race-winning road, gravel, and cyclocross bikes, complex randonneuring bicycles, utility-focused city commuting machines, and rugged adventure camping bikes, all with modern details in mind.
Information about the process, design, materials and my fit philosophy.
Thank you for your interest in my custom steel bicycles!
I build most of my frames using Columbus steel tubing with wet paint by ColorWorks in Oregon. I design and build completely custom frames, forks, stems, and racks, and prefer to sell complete bicycles to ensure every detail is dialed before it leaves my workshop. Every bicycle must work as a whole and it’s important to consider each detail and part together. You can see some examples of my bikes below. My current delivery time for a bicycle is 7 months from the deposit date.
Every bike starts with a conversation about what you’re looking for and how to construct your dream bike.
Process
1. Consultation, Fit and Deposit
Every bike starts with a conversation about what you’re looking for and how I can build your dream bike. Email is the best way to start a new bike discussion. I will answer any questions you have and listen to your needs as a rider. If you’d like to arrange a shop visit and fitting session, we can schedule a time. If you’re not local, there are other ways to get the necessary information.
I ask for a non-refundable $500 deposit to secure your spot in the builder queue. Once the deposit is received, we can proceed with next steps.
2. Frame Design and Paint Proof
When your spot in the build queue is up, the exciting process of building your dream bicycle begins. With each design, I take great care to look at all the details including fit, parts, intended use, and aesthetic style. With almost 20 years as a professional builder and rider, I have a keen understanding of blending each detail to make a great handling and beautiful bicycle. You will receive a complete frame design proof to ensure all details are approved before any tubing is cut. A paint mock-up and quote for the final price including frameset, parts, accessories, paint, and shipping are provided at this time. A 50% payment is required at this stage in the process.
3. Build and Paint
I measure, cut, file, braze, and finish each frame I build. The time it takes to construct a frameset varies depending on details and options. Paint takes 3-4 weeks before it comes back to the shop where I prep the frame for final assembly. I will invoice you the remaining balance for the bicycle at this time.
4. Assembly and shipping
Once the frameset and all components arrive in the shop, your bicycle is professionally assembled, photographed, and shipped to you. I prefer to use BikeFlights for shipping since they provide professional tracking and insurance.
Pricing
Fillet brazed framesets (frame and fork) start at $3700. This includes braze-ons such as bottles, fenders and a beautiful base-level paint from Colorworks.
Lugged framesets (frame and fork) start at $4050. This includes braze-ons such as bottles, fenders and a beautiful base-level paint from Colorworks.
Custom fillet brazed and painted stems start at $320.
Custom Chromoly rando or porteur racks start at $550.
Details such as ornate lug shaping, polished stainless bits, and complex details add cost.
Parts cost approximately what you’d pay at a bike shop (MSRP) and I have access to all major parts suppliers (Campagnolo, Sram, and Shimano) and many boutique brands like Paul Components, Chris King, and White Industries. I prefer to source directly from vendors to ensure each part is considered for the fit and performance of your new bicycle.
Each bike is assembled by a professional mechanic which takes a full day. There is a $175 assembly charge for complete builds. Full fenders, racks, and internally wired lights are an additional charge.
I source parts made in the USA whenever possible, and value companies who act with environmental and cultural awareness.
If you have interest in working together to create your dream bike, get in touch to secure your build spot.
Reach out via email, phone, or my contact form. If you are in Portland, OR and want to stop by my workshop, please get in touch and we can schedule a time and day that works best.
