I'm pretty happy with the way this one came out. It is bound for Shillington, Pa. and the owner of a bike shop there. I hope he likes it.
My trademark wavy gussetts are easy to see in this photo. They are a bit more work but they personalize the frame and extend the life at the same time . Tig welds are really tiny so any kind of re-distribution of stress away from critical areas of the frame seems like a good idea.
All the bends back here were done by me with my 22 year old bending forms , mostly used for raking forkblades but useful for rear stays as well. I have another set of forms for bridges.
I shoot details of the welds a lot but they seldom come out this clearly. You can see in intimate detail the bead and the heat affected zone. I hope they pass your inspection.
8 comments:
those are some tidy welds, paul!
I notice the downtube waterbottle bosses sit high up on the tube, closer to the head tube. Is that so the rider will have a clean spot to grasp when carrying the bike in races?
I've observed another builder, who has a 'cross following, builds his frames without bosses, and his customers tend to follow suit. I understand the logic behind this, but most of us can't afford a dedicated 'cross racing machine so that's left to the sponsored riders. Now the bossless rider owns a frame that is impractical for "regular" riding, because the ability to carry water is limited to your jersey pockets.
To each his own, I guess.
As far as bottle bosses go, I always give the customer the choice on that. This bike will be used year 'round so it is more than just a race machine although at 3 lb.s, 15 oz., it should build up pretty light.
did you weld that all by your self or help from other means? they look so professionally done.
Is it going to JB's?
I welded it all myself in my little messy shop and no, JB is the best but time and money are relevant here so the frame will go to Maas bro's and then to Allan Neymark for the clearcoat. I'm sure it will look nice.
HA! I meant JB's MTBs in Shillington! Didn't occur to me that it could mean the paint shop as well. The burbs of Reading, PA are my old stomping ground....if not JB's I'd guess Brad of Technocycle?
The frame is going to J.B. himself. Maybe we'll see him out on the race course.
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