Large Fella on a Bike

Sorry for the lack of anything new...

Been uber-busy lately.  There is more of the FBQ to come, promise!

Stick around, stay tuned and hold tight!

All is well... knee is better but not perfect (puzzling).

-Me

FBQ #18 Mark Nobilette

Coming up under the watchful eye of a legend, today's featured builder, Mark Nobilette, has achieved Master Status in his own right.

Nobilette turns out cycles that flare with Zen-like "Simplexity" (the ability to bring forth in one's craft functional Simplicity but only first through years of Complex work/thought/study).  Mark Nobilette in his own words...

1.  How old are you?

I am 51.

2.  Where were you born?

Detroit, Mich.

3.  What's your earliest memory of a bicycle or something bicycle related?

Picking up my first bike.

4.  What was your first cycle?

20" wheel balloon-tire bike.

5.  How about first "high-end" cycle?

Raleigh International when I was 18.

6.  Did (does) your family (parents, siblings, etc) ride also?

My younger brother got into cycling at the same time.

7.  Did you like to tinker with bikes back then?

Yes, just mechanics.

8.  Did you ever work in a Bike Shop... if so, where/how long?

Worked at three shops before getting into frame building.

9.  Have you ever done any organized racing?

Yes, road racing in the Seventies and ATB racing in the Eighties.

10.  How about cyclo-touring?

Did a couple tours in the Seventies.

11.  What job(s) did you have before frame building and also-do you have any other job currently besides frame building?

Warehouse work, paper delivery, and bike shops.

12.  When did you start building?

Started building frames in 1973, Eisentraut frame class.

13.  Who would you say is your greatest influence in designing & frame building?

Albert Eisentraut.

14.  Did you apprentice... if so, with who?

Yes, with Albert Eisentraut.

15.  What's your idea of the "perfect cycle" regardless if you built it or not?

One that you want to look at, and rides great.

16.  Shooting a guess... how many frames would you say you've built?

Around 2000.

17.  Any cycles out there that you secretly wished, "Darn, I wish I'd built that!"?

Not really, maybe some components though.

18.  Your idea of the perfect client?

A happy one that only calls or comes by a couple times for each frame ordered.

19.  What defines a nightmare client in your experience?

Any unhappy customer, very rare.

20.  Any words of advice to up & coming frame builders?

Yeah, don't quit your day job.

21.  What do you find most funny or peculiar (in a kind way-not brutal) about the cycle-buying public... what don't they get or aren't they seeing?

Most don't appreciate quality.  Still too hung up on weight.

22.  What do you think of mass-produced bikes (without naming names)?

They're great if they get people riding.

23.  What cycle don't you have anymore that you wished you did?

The Eisentraut I built when I was with him.

24.  What cycle do you currently ride most, even if it wasn't built by you?

I ride my current Nobilette road bike.

25.  When did you last ride your bike and for how far?

Two days ago, 30 miles.

26.  What's your idea of the perfect ride?

Lots of tree-lined winding roads, no traffic or wind (maybe tailwind), in the mountains with no sore ass.

27.  Could you ever see yourself being Car Free... just using mass-transportation and your bike to get around?

Did it for a couple years in my early Twenties.  I could do it again.  Might have to if gas keeps going up.

28.  Why do you think so many folks have romanticized bicycles & bicycling?

Because it’s the best sport/recreation there is.

29.  Any (other) passions or hobbies in your life?

Jazz and machinery.

30.  If you could say one thing to Lance Armstrong what would it be?

Thanks for doing a lot for Cancer research.

31.  In a pinch... McDonalds or Burger King?

King over the club.

32.  What kind of shampoo did you last use?

The soapy kind.

33.  Favorite libation: wine, beer or fire water?

Suds.

34.  Even though there seems to be a real tradition to it-what do you think of folks who spend more time setting up their cycle with just the right color saddle, bar tape, bags, hoods, etc than actually riding or at least commenting on the ride?

I have to wonder if they like to ride.

35.  Did you go to college... if so, what was your major?

Yes, Engineering.

36.  Your favorite music while working (if any)?

Jazz and Jazz Fusion.

37.  If you had it to do all over again... would you be building cycles?

Probably.  At least part time.  I love building.  It would be nice to make some real money though.

38.  What's your favorite lunch food during a work day in the shop?

Mexican or Thai.  Dosen't happen very often though.

39.  When it's all said & done-what kind of legacy will you hope to have left behind?

The legacy of long lasting, well designed and beautiful bikes.

40.  How can folks get in touch with you to order a custom cycle?

I can be reached at
303.772.8139
or
www.nobilettecycles.com
[email protected]

Knee, did something=Agony

Open Transmission.

Start.

FBQ is on hold...

turned, twisted, did something weird (I guess... I don't recall it however-could have been doing some karate-stuff-crouching jonestown/hidden tigger-style leg kicks with chloe whilst cracking up laughing last week) and my right knee is screaming.  Screams sorta improved to aching agony over the last few days... however as of last night it's back to screaming + agony.

Must seek help.

Anyone out there know (or might be) an Orthopod?  If so, it's directly below knee cap and extends down about 4 inches directly on shin bone.  Extremely sore to the touch directly below knee cap area... less so as I touch further down.

Doesn't hurt when sitting.  Kinda hurts standing.  Brutal pain when sitting down or standing up... painful to tender when walking... stairs-impossible.

Been sucking down Motrin, Ace-wrapped area with alternating between hot/cold treatments and occasional good-boy treats from wife in form of codine and/or morphine shots.

No swelling noticed.

No discoloration.

Hyper-extension maybe?

Tendon-ripped/torn/strained/sprained?

Fracture 2 bone?

Cannot concentrate... no work can be accompished in current state.

Advise please?

Out.

End Transmission.

S'up??

With all the FBQ'ing lately I've hardly had a chance to do any straight up posting.  Being that the FBQ takes weekends off, I'll squeeze a little posting in while I can...

First off... Thanks to everyone-frame builders & readers alike-for the success of the FBQ.  I've received hundreds of positive emails regarding it and even a few claiming that they were going to contact "so & so" builder later that day to place an order... I hope that's true because that was part of my motivation in starting the series in the first place, to help get these names out there and into our day to day consciousness.

I've also received a few other odd, curious and downright strange things since starting this series-

1.  Two death threats.

2.  Multiple offers to help me formulate better questionnaire questions because -as they deeply implied-mine suck.

3.  A proposal for marriage from a Japanese woman.

4.   An offer to appear in Iceland to give a "speech" on frame building.

5.  Two very long strings of hate mail from some folks at Road Bike Review.

6.  A couple people who are concerned that I am "damaging" the reputations of custom frame builders worldwide.

7.  Three offers to write "freelance" pieces for national magazines.

8.  A request to be interviewed myself.

9.  Three death threats against my family.

10.  Numerous offers to write for "online/internet"-based e'Zine's.

11.  An offer to write "full-time" for a very well-known publication with offices in NYC, SF, London, Madrid and Tokyo.

12.   "Backing money" from a bisexual couple in Buffalo, NY to take Large Fella On A Bike into print format.

13.  A request to meet with a publisher.

14.  Four different offers for "representation" from agents to "shop me" to book publishers.

Gotta love the 'Net... 99.9% insane bullshit and the other .01% usually goes by the wayside.

In other news, Bob Brown sent me an email saying that a client bagged on a build so Amy's Anniversary cycle is getting bumped up.  Very cool!  I told her and she's psyched.

In closing... a photo from Chloe's recital for Ballet class in New York City-

Peace & Caffeine until next time...

 

FBQ #17 Peter Mooney

For our 17th installment of the FBQ we travel to Belmont, Mass. and Peter Mooney.  Peter, to my mind, is often not mentioned nearly enough when the topic turns to gorgeous, lugged, hand-crafted cycles.

Mooney's work drips with classic sophistication.  Fantastic riding, detailed lugwork that says "Crouch down and look again", and paint that warrants serious Velo-Coveting.  His creations are of the highest evolution.  This is what Peter Mooney had to say...

1.  How old are you?

50.

2.  Where were you born?    

London, England.

3.  What's your earliest memory of a bicycle or something bicycle related? 

Riding into a ditch.

4.  What was your first cycle?    

A blue BSA.

5.  How about first "high-end" cycle?   

A Holdsworth.

6.  Did (does) your family (parents, siblings, etc) ride also?    

No.

7.  Did you like to tinker with bikes back then?   

My Dad showed me how to oil a chain and fix a flat.

8.  Did you ever work in a Bike Shop... if so, where/how long?    

Did, I still do.  I have been working in bike shops since 1969.

9.  Have you ever done any organized racing?

In 1969 I also got my 1st ABLA (now USCF) license.  I raced thru the 70's and on and off thru the 80's.  Not in the 90's, but started doing 10 mile time trails again last year.

10.  How about cyclo-touring?

Probably 6-8 trips in England + Europe lasting 5 to 10 days each, and about as many in the Northeast US.

11.  What job(s) did you have before frame building and also-do you have any other job currently besides frame building?

I am a partner in Wheelworks, a Boston area bike shop.

12.  When did you start building?

In 1974.

13.  Who would you say is your greatest influence in designing & frame building?      

Ron Cooper.

14.  Did you apprentice... if so, with who?      

I worked in Ron Cooper's shop in London.

15.  What's your idea of the "perfect cycle" regardless if you built it or not?     

The one that makes you smile when you ride it...

16.  Shooting a guess... how many frames would you say you've built?   

1000

17.  Any cycles out there that you secretly wished, "Darn, I wish I'd built that!"?    

Not really.

18.  Your idea of the perfect client?    

The one who loves the 1st one so much, they buy a second.

19.  What defines a nightmare client in your experience?   

The one who doesn't know what they want but won't trust my advice.

20.  Any words of advice to up & coming frame builders?

Don't quit your day job.

21.  What do you find most funny or peculiar (in a kind way-not brutal) about the cycle-buying public... what don't they get or aren't they seeing?

People who buy (and ride) bikes are all OK with me.

22.  What do you think of mass-produced bikes (without naming names)?      

They are a lot better than they used to be.

23.  What cycle don't you have anymore that you wished you did?      

That little blue BSA.

24.  What cycle do you currently ride most, even if it wasn't built by you?    

I have a work bike with fenders and rack and a go fast road bike.  I built them both and wouldn't be without either of them.

25.  When did you last ride your bike and for how far?

To work this morning... approx. 6 miles.

26.  What's your idea of the perfect ride?   

I have been riding my bike in eastern Mass. for 35 years.  It's quite beautiful.  I just wish they'd fix the roads.

27.  Could you ever see yourself being Car Free... just using mass-transportation and your bike to get around? 

I find myself wanting a car 1 or 2 times a week.

28.  Why do you think so many folks have romanticized bicycles & bicycling?    

People romanticize about all sorts of things.  Bicycles and bike history seems more worthy (at least to me ) than Zippo lighters and nickle Cokes.

29.  Any (other) passions or hobbies in your life?      

I like to cross country ski and hike.

30.  If you could say one thing to Lance Armstrong what would it be?       

Congratulations.

31.  In a pinch... McDonalds or Burger King?      

No.

32.  What kind of shampoo did you last use?      

Whatever my teenage daughter happens to leave in the shower.

33.  Favorite libation: wine, beer or fire water?      

It's all good.

34.  Even though there seems to be a real tradition to it-what do you think of folks who spend more time setting up their cycle with just the right color saddle, bar tape, bags, hoods, etc than actually riding or at least commenting on the ride?      

Whatever floats your boat, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone.

35.  Did you go to college... if so, what was your major?      

No.

36.  Your favorite music while working (if any)?      

Jazz, Opera, Van Morrison, NPR news.

37.  If you had it to do all over again... would you be building cycles?      

Yes... I still enjoy the work.

38.  What's your favorite lunch food during a work day in the shop?    

A ham and cheese sandwich with a cup of tea.

39.  When it's all said & done-what kind of legacy will you hope to have left behind?     

Fond memories for lots of crusty old bike riders.

40.  How can folks get in touch with you to order a custom cycle?   

Peter Mooney     
Belmont Wheelworks     
480 Trapelo RD.     
Belmont Ma. 02478   
617.489.3577
www.wheelworks.com    
[email protected]
www.peter-mooney.com

FBQ #16 Carl Strong

Today's installment takes us to the Big Sky Country of Bozeman, Montana and Carl Strong of Strong Frames.

Carl specializes in steel and titanium custom cycles but also builds in aluminum and carbon.  From racing to mountain bikes, 'cross to full blown commuter cycles, Strong has experience with a myriad of materials and styles.  Carl Strong, in his own words...

1.  How old are you?

40.

2.  Where were you born?

Seattle.

3.  What's your earliest memory of a bicycle or something bicycle related?

Learning how to ride. 

4.  What was your first cycle?

I don't know what it was called but my grandparents gave it to me.  It was a gold and red thing with training wheels and I loved it.

5.  How about first "high-end" cycle?

I guess there are two ways to look at that.  One is when I was eight and I got my first BMX race bike, a Dan Gurney Eagle, the second when I was in junior high and my dad gave me one of his old English race frames from his racing career in the 50's.  It was an old handmade frame and I don't know who the builder was.

6.  Did (does) your family (parents, siblings, etc) ride also?

My dad raced in the 50's otherwise my cousin Michael and I are the only cyclists in the family.

7.  Did you like to tinker with bikes back then?

Heck Ya!

8.  Did you ever work in a Bike Shop... if so, where/how long?

Only when I opened my own about three years ago.  I hated it.  It distracted me from building so I closed it and rented the space to a salon.

9.  Have you ever done any organized racing?

Yes, I started racing BMX at eight, road racing at eighteen, MTB at twenty-four.  I've also raced cars, motorcycles and karts.  I'll race just about anything with tires.

10.  How about cyclo-touring?

Just a little, I get bored.  I think I'm in it more for the competition.

11.  What job(s) did you have before frame building and also-do you have any other job currently besides frame building?

Frame building is how I earn my living, no other job.  The last job I had was as a project manager for the implementation of a computer inventory management system in a chain of sporting goods stores.

12.  When did you start building?

1993.

13.  Who would you say is your greatest influence in designing & frame building?

When I first became aware of custom frames, builders like Davidson, Sachs and Erickson were the Kings in my eyes.  Later when I decided to do it myself I was really inspired by TIG builders like Scot Nicol of Ibis and Brent Steelman.

14.  Did you apprentice... if so, with who?

Not really although when I grew to a certain size I hired builders like Dave Kirk and the lesser known Jason Grove (of El Camino Fab) and learned tons from them.

15.  What's your idea of the "perfect cycle" regardless if you built it or not?

One that you wouldn't change a thing on.

16.  Shooting a guess... how many frames would you say you've built?

About 3500.

17.  Any cycles out there that you secretly wished, "Darn, I wish I'd built that!"?

Not really. 

18.  Your idea of the perfect client?

A client that understands their priorities and the trade-off's that the laws of physics enforce on reality.

19.  What defines a nightmare client in your experience?

One that thinks they know what they want until they get exactly what they asked for and find out it's not what they wanted after all.

20.  Any words of advice to up & coming frame builders?

Assuming they already know how to build a frame well, I'd say when you go into business keep your overhead low, your prices high.  Don't be surprised if demand builds a lot more slowly than you thought.  Don't waste your money on magazine adds and don't fall into the traps of stocking tubes, selling through bike shops or sponsoring racers.

21.  What do you find most funny or peculiar (in a kind way-not brutal) about the cycle-buying public... what don't they get or aren't they seeing?

Custom frames are more than size.  They are also built with more care than production frames and you can buy a handmade for less then you can get a top-of-the-line you name it.

22.  What do you think of mass-produced bikes (without naming names)?

They're fine.

23.  What cycle don't you have anymore that you wished you did?

The old race bike my dad gave me when I was in Jr. High.

24.  What cycle do you currently ride most, even if it wasn't built by you?

A 29" MTB reject with a BoB trailer.

25.  When did you last ride your bike and for how far?

This morning to work about a mile.

26.  What's your idea of the perfect ride?

Not too hot, not too cold, not too far but just far enough, but most importantly with good friends.

27.  Could you ever see yourself being Car Free... just using mass-transportation and your bike to get around?

Heck ya, I have been off and on for as long as I can remember and I rarely drive now.

28.  Why do you think so many folks have romanticized bicycles & bicycling?

Because it's romantic.

29.  Any (other) passions or hobbies in your life?

My wife, house and shifter kart racing.

30.  If you could say one thing to Lance Armstrong what would it be?

How's it goin?

31.  In a pinch... McDonalds or Burger King?

Burger King.

32.  What kind of shampoo did you last use?

My wife's, I don't know what it's called.

33.  Favorite libation: wine, beer or fire water?

Beer.

34.  Even though there seems to be a real tradition to it-what do you think of folks who spend more time setting up their cycle with just the right color saddle, bar tape, bags, hoods, etc than actually riding or at least commenting on the ride?

Whatever makes them happy.

35.  Did you go to college... if so, what was your major?

Yes for 10 years before I left temporarily and never returned.  I majored over the years in business management, finance, sociology and psychology.

36.  Your favorite music while working (if any)?

Anything, even country. 

37.  If you had it to do all over again... would you be building cycles?

Without a doubt, quitting my "real" job and building frames was the best thing I ever did. 

38.  What's your favorite lunch food during a work day in the shop?

Bananas, yogurt, cottage cheese and fried chicken. 

39.  When it's all said & done-what kind of legacy will you hope to have left behind?

Positive net worth.

40.  How can folks get in touch with you to order a custom cycle?

Carl Strong
Strong Frames Inc.
701 E Mendenhall
Bozeman MT 59715
Phone 406.586.6264
Toll Free 800.586.1105
Fax 406.587.1134
www.strongframes.com 
[email protected]

FBQ #15 Robin Mather

Robin Mather builds cycles just north of the idyllic village of Bath in England.  Working alone in a small stone shop he crafts his cycles using the tried & true methods of lugs & fillet brazing for joining techniques.

Mather constructs for all styles of riding but like so many English builders before him he holds a fondness for touring and all-rounders.  Like Jackson, Yates and Mercian, there is something unmistakably English to his end-game, and justifiably so.  Robin Mather, in his own words...

1.  How old are you?

30

2.  Where were you born?

Luton, UK

3.  What's your earliest memory of a bicycle or something bicycle related?

I used to spend hours doing laps of the garden on my Raleigh Grifter.  It had a stumpy little front mudguard with a rubber flap that you could tuck into the tyre to make a noise like a motorbike.

4.  What was your first cycle?

See 3

5.  How about first "high-end" cycle?

Kona Fire Mountain, the year after they stopped doing the splatter paint jobs.  I really wanted one of those but it took me a year to save the money.

6.  Did (does) your family (parents, siblings, etc) ride also?

No.

7.  Did you like to tinker with bikes back then?

Yes, not just bikes.  I would always take stuff apart to see how it worked and put it together badly.

8.  Did you ever work in a Bike Shop... if so, where/how long?

On and off for about five years.  Avon Valley Cyclery and John's Bikes, both in Bath.

9.  Have you ever done any organized racing?

I used to race cross country quite a bit.  Also, done a few sessions at the velodrome in Newport.  I'm not really that competitive.  I like to ride to relax and think about stuff and look at the scenery.

10.  How about cyclo-touring?

I've done a couple of 4-5 week tours around France, Italy and northern Spain.  I'm sure France is the best place in the world for bicycle touring.  Two years ago a friend and I spent seven weeks touring in northern Ethiopia.  That was hard work, but amazing and enlightening.  This summer I'm off to Iceland and hopefully a few days in France as well.

11.  What job(s) did you have before frame building and also-do you have any other job currently besides frame building?

The bike shops mainly.  Also some house building and other odds and ends.  I currently work 1 or 2 days each week in an outdoor equipment/travel shop in Bath called Itchy Feet.  Apart from the money, it's good for the social side.

12.  When did you start building?

'92.

13.  Who would you say is your greatest influence in designing & frame building?

Initially it was Tony Oliver and his book, "Touring Bikes: A Practical Guide".

14.  Did you apprentice... if so, with who?

I worked for Dave Yates at M Steel for a short while.

15.  What's your idea of the "perfect cycle" regardless if you built it or not?

Perfect for what?  What kind of compromise do you want?  I don't mean compromise in a negative way, bikes can and should be versatile but this usually means they aren't 'perfect' for any one situation.

16.  Shooting a guess... how many frames would you say you've built?

I only started numbering them 45 bikes ago.

17.  Any cycles out there that you secretly wished, "Darn, I wish I'd built that!"?

I really admire what Sacha White does.

18.  Your idea of the perfect client?

Patient!

19.  What defines a nightmare client in your experience?

No proper nightmares yet.  Every customer is different and looks at things differently, so it can be challenging to figure out what they want.  I think that's part of the fun, it's interesting.

20.  Any words of advice to up & coming frame builders?

I think I still am one.

21.  What do you find most funny or peculiar (in a kind way-not brutal) about the cycle-buying public... what don't they get or aren't they seeing?

They don't need the bike that pro's are riding.  Their circumstances are entirely different and require a different kind of bike.

22.  What do you think of mass-produced bikes (without naming names)?

Generally pretty good.  I don't have much first hand experience of owning/riding one so probably am not a good judge.

23.  What cycle don't you have anymore that you wished you did?

Nothing I miss.

24.  What cycle do you currently ride most, even if it wasn't built by you?

A 26" wheel, straight bar tourer with guards, rack and a SON dynohub.  It's heavy and gets badly neglected but does the job without fuss.  The SON totally transformed winter commuting, I love it!

25.  When did you last ride your bike and for how far?

Went out for a few miles this evening on my fixed gear, which I'm really loving at the moment.

26.  What's your idea of the perfect ride?

A day in the Alps.  The Cormet de Roselend and the weather on the day we climbed it was about as close to perfect as I've had.

27.  Could you ever see yourself being Car Free... just using mass-transportation and your bike to get around?

I am and always have been.  I'm lucky that my circumstances allow it and it won't always be possible.  I use public transport and have to beg lifts sometimes but 90% of my journeys are on the bike.

28.  Why do you think so many folks have romanticized bicycles & bicycling?

Folks romanticise about lots of things.  They've probably got too much time on their hands.

29.  Any (other) passions or hobbies in your life?

Not really.  Is that bad?

30.  If you could say one thing to Lance Armstrong what would it be?

"Ride this."

31.  In a pinch... McDonalds or Burger King?

That's quite a pinch.

32.  What kind of shampoo did you last use?

Don't know, it smelt of peaches.

33.  Favorite libation: wine, beer or fire water?

Beer, as long as it's not American, or red wine.

34.  Even though there seems to be a real tradition to it-what do you think of folks who spend more time setting up their cycle with just the right color saddle, bar tape, bags, hoods, etc than actually riding or at least commenting on the ride?

I doesn't really bother me that much.  I appreciate the importance of choosing the right bar tape, but bikes are meant to be ridden.

35.  Did you go to college... if so, what was your major?

Yes, I studied a bit of aeronautics and some civil engineering but wasn't very good at it.

36.  Your favorite music while working (if any)?

BBC Radio 3.  Occasional Smashing Pumpkins if productivity dips.

37.  If you had it to do all over again... would you be building cycles?

No, I'd be an astronaut.  Or a rock star.  I can't decide which.  That's not an option though and I am very happy building bikes.

38.  What's your favorite lunch food during a work day in the shop?

Bread and cheese.

39.  When it's all said & done-what kind of legacy will you hope to have left behind?

A few nice bikes and a pleasant place for the next generation to live in.

40.  How can folks get in touch with you to order a custom cycle?

www.robinmathercycles.co.uk
[email protected]

FBQ #14 Sacha White

Today's installment checks in from Stumptown (Portland, Oregon), land of coffee beans and bikes.  And when it comes to cycles most talk turns to Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles.

Spreading faster than a fire through old growth PNW forest, White has stood the custom cycle world on its ear.  Sacha blends function with jewel-like ornate detail, eye candy with time-tested practicality.  They say God is in the details... one then could only presume God would more than likely ride a Vanilla.  Sacha White in his own words...

1.  How old are you?

I'm 28

2.  Where were you born?

I was born in Longmont, Colorado (outside of Boulder)

3.  What's your earliest memory of a bicycle or something bicycle related?

Crashes!  I remember it was a Sunday and my family had friends over for brunch.  My dad decided to teach me to ride.  He started me on a down hill, and I kept crashing into the same pile of branches.  I ran home so pissed.  I also remember riding home from swim team practice on my new bike with hand brakes.  I was going fast down hill and pulled the front brake instead of the rear, was catapulted and slid on my chest.  There was tons of blood.  Another time I was riding with my brother.  He was pulling wheelies and his front wheel dropped out and...

4.  What was your first cycle?

A small red Schwinn cruiser.

5.  How about first "high-end" cycle?

Well I had a Schwinn Le Tour or something which was not high end, but my dad had a Record equipped Paramount from the sixties in the shed.  One by one I took every part off of the Paramount and had the LBS install it on my Le Tour (I'm sitting here shaking my head and laughing right now)

6.  Did (does) your family (parents, siblings, etc) ride also?

My dad rides a couple hundred miles a week.  My brother rides some.  My mom would ride to the farmers market and to dance class if I built a bike for her.

7.  Did you like to tinker with bikes back then?

Yes, and I liked to hang around the bike shop.  I loved the smell of Tri Flow and inner tubes and I still do.

8.  Did you ever work in a Bike Shop... if so, where/how long?

Not really.  I helped out at friend's shop, but never for money.

9.  Have you ever done any organized racing?

Yes.  I did some road racing when I was younger (like nine) then more road racing in the past eight years and lots of 'Cross.

10.  How about cyclo-touring?

Some

11.  What job(s) did you have before frame building and also-do you have any other job currently besides frame building?

I build full time.  Before that I was a messenger for four years.  Before that I was a baker, Barista and cook.

12.  When did you start building?

In '99

13.  Who would you say is your greatest influence in designing & frame building?

Hmmm... From a design aspect, I don't know.  From a craft aspect, I am influenced by the standard for "great" that some builders have set.  Mark Dinucci is one.  He was building in the Northwest in the 70's.  I have seen a few of his frames and one without paint.  Every last detail was super tight.  I would say perfect.  Tom Kellogg and J P Weigle come to mind and some of the Japanese builders too when I think of setting a standard for me to aspire to.

14.  Did you apprentice... if so, with who?

I did not apprentice, but I did build my first frame with Tim Paterek.  It was a great starting point.

15.  What's your idea of the "perfect cycle" regardless if you built it or not?

I think single speed cross bike (maybe with couplers).  Simple, efficient, durable, goes anywhere...

16.  Shooting a guess... how many frames would you say you've built?

200-250

17.  Any cycles out there that you secretly wished, "Darn, I wish I'd built that!"?

Not that I wish I had built it, but Weigle's stuff has made my jaw drop.  Dinucci too.

18.  Your idea of the perfect client?

My perfect customer is someone who knows what they like, will talk to me about it and then cut me loose.  I really love building for real people too.  People who are going to ride and love the hell out of their bike.  The working class of bike riders.  It is special to me when a customer is having me build a sort of companion for them.  That makes me want to build a bike with my heart and soul.

19.  What defines a nightmare client in your experience?

Errr... I don't think I want to go there :)

20.  Any words of advice to up & coming frame builders?

Make sure your tubes, etc are super clean.  Get a good preheat.  There is a lot of hard (detailed) work involved, but it is very satisfying.

21.  What do you find most funny or peculiar (in a kind way-not brutal) about the cycle-buying public... what don't they get or aren't they seeing?

Primal Wear.

22.  What do you think of mass-produced bikes (without naming names)?

I think the bar has been set pretty low.

23.  What cycle don't you have anymore that you wished you did?

I wish I had my dad's old Record equipped Paramount that I stole the parts from.

24.  What cycle do you currently ride most, even if it wasn't built by you?

I ride my one speed cross bike that I built with Tim Paterek.  My first bike.

25.  When did you last ride your bike and for how far?

This morning about 5 miles.

26.  What's your idea of the perfect ride?

Soft dirt trails on a road, cross or mountainbike.  Good climbs when I'm in shape.  I really like city riding too.

27.  Could you ever see yourself being Car Free... just using mass-transportation and your bike to get around?

My family has been car free since August of 04.  My shop is a mile away from home and my daughter's school is right there too.  Our lifestyle is set up so everything is within a couple of miles.  It was intimidating at first but it is cake now.

28.  Why do you think so many folks have romanticized bicycles & bicycling?

I don't feel like I do, so I guess I don't know.

29.  Any (other) passions or hobbies in your life?

When I quit messengering and started building fulltime (about four years ago) I was excited about finding another hobby, because building bikes was officially my occupation.  That hasn't happened though.  Bikes are still my passion.  I can see getting into wood working.  I would like to build a wooden boat.

30.  If you could say one thing to Lance Armstrong what would it be?

Richard isn't buying it ;)

31.  In a pinch... McDonalds or Burger King?

Neither

32.  What kind of shampoo did you last use?

Soap

33.  Favorite libation: wine, beer or fire water?

Good coffee first and foremost!  I also like Belgian Trappist-style Ales, and Stouts and Porters.  Even PBR sometimes.  It is down right refreshing.

34.  Even though there seems to be a real tradition to it-what do you think of folks who spend more time setting up their cycle with just the right color saddle, bar tape, bags, hoods, etc than actually riding or at least commenting on the ride?

I used to messenger on a 9 speed Dura Ace-equipped road bike.  My justification was essentially "ride what you will enjoy riding" as fancy or as crappy as it is.  I think the ultimate tragedy is a fantastic bike that doesn't get used.

35.  Did you go to college... if so, what was your major?

No I didn't, but I can see myself in school for industrial design some day.

36.  Your favorite music while working (if any)?

Oh, I have been listening to Journey's greatest hits, some other 80's music, good hip hop, Gypsy Kings, Elvis Costello, Modest Mouse...

37.  If you had it to do all over again... would you be building cycles?

Yes, if everything fell into place again.

38.  What's your favorite lunch food during a work day in the shop?

Burritos and espresso.

39.  When it's all said & done-what kind of legacy will you hope to have left behind?

I want for someone 40 years from now to see a Vanilla when all of the paint has fallen off, and to say "Oh my god that is TIGHT!" or whatever the kids are saying in forty years.

40.  How can folks get in touch with you to order a custom cycle?

www.vanillabicycles.com
[email protected]
971.570.3244

FBQ #13 Mike Barry

From Toronto, Canada, we have Mike Barry.  Barry, along with Tom Hinton, oversees every step of the process-from custom frame to custom racks-that results in the chrysalis of a Mariposa cycle.

Starting back in 1969, Mike has built beautiful, purpose-designed cycles for racing, touring as well as randonneuring.  His daughter-in-law Dede won the World Cup on one of his creations and his son, Michael, is currently a teammate of Lance Armstrong's on the Discovery Channel Pro Team.  Cycling is clearly in his blood.  This is what Mike Barry had to say...

1.  How old are you?

67

2.  Where were you born?

London, England

3.  What's your earliest memory of a bicycle or something bicycle related?

About 1945 when I got a small Hercules kid's bike.

4.  What was your first cycle?

As above.  First real bike was a Raleigh Lenton Sports with an SA FM 4 speed hub.  Date 1950

5.  How about first "high-end" cycle?

1952 I transferred parts from the Raleigh to a Claud Butler "New Allrounder" frame.

6.  Did (does) your family (parents, siblings, etc) ride also?

No.  Except my Mother for shopping etc.

7.  Did you like to tinker with bikes back then?

I've tinkered with bikes almost as long as I can remember.  Certainly since about 1948.

8.  Did you ever work in a Bike Shop... if so, where/how long?

No, well not for remuneration, but I "helped out' in the local racing bike store for a few years when I was in my teens.

9.  Have you ever done any organized racing?

I was a first category amateur in the UK until 1964 and then raced half-heartedly for a few years in Canada.

10.  How about cyclo-touring?

I've toured in the UK, Europe, the US and Canada.  I founded the Toronto Randonneurs and participated in numerous randonees.

11.  What job(s) did you have before frame building and also-do you have any other job currently besides frame building?   

I was an instrument engineer (electronics & optics) until I opened a bike shop in 1972.

12.  When did you start building?

1969

13.  Who would you say is your greatest influence in designing & frame building?

Ours, that is Mariposa Bicycles, are known for our complete touring and randonneur bikes which incorporate custom carriers, etc.

14.  Did you apprentice... if so, with who?

No.

15.  What's your idea of the "perfect cycle" regardless if you built it or not?

Richard Sachs frame work.  Mariposa custom carriers, etc.

16.  Shooting a guess... how many frames would you say you've built?

17.  Any cycles out there that you secretly wished, "Darn, I wish I'd built that!"?

Richard Sachs.

18.  Your idea of the perfect client?

The one that leaves it entirely up to us.

19.  What defines a nightmare client in your experience?

One that wants to specify every little thing about the bike.

20.  Any words of advice to up & coming frame builders?

There is no money in it.

21.  What do you find most funny or peculiar (in a kind way-not brutal) about the cycle-buying public... what don't they get or aren't they seeing?

Most cannot see behind the decal.  If there is a fancy Italian name then it must be good even if the frame had been made in China and is available much less expensively with a less reputable name on it.  Too many are caught up in the marketing hype.

22.  What do you think of mass-produced bikes (without naming names)?

Some are excellent.  Many are well made but poorly designed.

23.  What cycle don't you have anymore that you wished you did?

A Stuart Purves that I had custom made in 1953.  Stuart was a wonderful craftsman as good if not better than most in London and there were many of them at that time.

24.  What cycle do you currently ride most, even if it wasn't built by you?

A Bianchi on which I have a single freewheel and a Nexus dynohub which I use for commuting.  Otherwise I ride a Mariposa road bike or my Mariposa randonneur.

25.  When did you last ride your bike and for how far?

Half an hour ago for 45 minutes when I rode to work.

26.  What's your idea of the perfect ride?

Other than a ride in the Pyrenees which is probably my favorite area then it would be on the country roads north of Toronto.  Quiet rolling terrain with some hard packed gravel roads and some tarmac.

27.  Could you ever see yourself being Car Free... just using mass-transportation and your bike to get around?

No.

28.  Why do you think so many folks have romanticized bicycles & bicycling?

Because the bike is the most efficient way of getting around and the bike has basically remained unchanged for more than a century.  There are not many machines that you can say that about.

29.  Any (other) passions or hobbies in your life?

Photography.

30.  If you could say one thing to Lance Armstrong what would it be?

You are an inspiration to us all.

31.  In a pinch... McDonalds or Burger King?

I wouldn't know the difference.

32.  What kind of shampoo did you last use?

33.  Favorite libation: wine, beer or fire water?

Beer.

34.  Even though there seems to be a real tradition to it-what do you think of folks who spend more time setting up their cycle with just the right color saddle, bar tape, bags, hoods, etc than actually riding or at least commenting on the ride?

Well it is better to be doing that than doing so many other things but it is really a pity that that is the case.  Too many people spend too much time and too much money on their bikes rather than experiencing the joy of riding while fit.

35.  Did you go to college... if so, what was your major?

Electrical Engineering.

36.  Your favorite music while working (if any)?

Classical.

37.  If you had it to do all over again... would you be building cycles?

Yes.

38.  What's your favorite lunch food during a work day in the shop?

Homemade sandwich, yoghurt and an apple.

39.  When it's all said & done-what kind of legacy will you hope to have left behind?   
That down the road someone will say "Now that is a Mariposa, that is a very nice bike".

40.  How can folks get in touch with you to order a custom cycle?

www.bikespecialties.com
[email protected]
home: 416.423.0456
toll free: 877.423.0456
Fax; 416.423.3987

Happy Anniversary...

A few days back it was our (Amy's and my) wedding anniversary.  7 years of mostly great times, a few bumps and one or two all out hellish moments of abject insanity & ungodly agony.

But mostly great stuff.

She gifted me with an Xbox and a couple games... Splinter Cell, a classic arcade disc with titles like Asteroids, Space Invaders and my all-time favorite-Centipede, and a SpongeBob game that I suspect was more for our daughter, Chloe, than me.

I unpacked it, set it up, played it for an hour and promptly repackaged it, asked Amy if she had the receipt and announced that it needed returning or it was going on Ebay.  Chloe cried and Amy looked stunned.  I explained that while the gesture was sweet, kind, lovely and loving... it was not to be.  I didn't want more "stuff".  Especially "stuff" that would tempt sitting on my ass staring at a tv screen for endless hours (when I could be spending that same time staring into a computer screen haha!), be a major time suck, have expensive add-ons (a new game for Xbox costs a ridiculous $49.99) and possibly get Chloe into the whole, "My life revolves around video games" that Amy and me see (as a BIG pitfall) with other parents and their 5, 6 & 7 year olds.

I made sure Amy wasn't offended but in the end I won... the Xbox went back the next day and while Amy and Chloe sure were confused, I was all the happier for it as was our bank account too.

So that was my gift... the days use of an Xbox and that was fine by me truth be told as I was really excited by Amy's gift all along and really didn't care what I did or didn't get for me.

Some of you may (or may not) recall that I was going to have Bob Brown repaint Amy's Rivendell Atlantis in time for our anniversary.  After that I would add fenders, a dyno-hub, a good headlamp and some other sundries like a beautiful English, handmade wicker basket.  Well I bagged on all that and instead did this...

I sold my Atlantis as a down payment on a custom cycle to be built for Amy by Bob Brown.  Bob and I got together fairly regularly to discuss budget, plans, secrecy, design, style, look, etc.  It was difficult at times but ultimately Bob and me did good and kept the whole surprise away from Amy.

Most difficult was Bob working his day gig at 3M, building other customers bikes, redoing his kitchen and him having time for some semblence of a life with his new bride, Beth.  In between all that he made a ton of time for me so that we could "think tank" something truly special for Amy.  A One Off, One Of A Kind-work of art.

Of course there was no way it would be ready in time for our anniversary-Bob and me started on this in early March and the anniversary date was May 2nd.  But, what Bob did think was possible was to have a single lug, hand-carved and ready for me to give to my dear wife on our special day.

It was a great idea and a grand plan to say the least but we still had to think of a concept as well as plan out what it would mean for Amy to see it so early on in the build.  Bob finalized that part easily enough... he thought about it for like 2 seconds and said, "Scott, give her a lug on the anniversary.  It'll let her see and know what's to come BUT she'll have no idea about the rest of the cycle, the build... any of it.  So it's basically 2 gifts in 1."  True, very true!

Next was the concept... this would be more diffcult.  What does Amy dig?  What defines her or aspects of her and her life in images?  After much thought I had it and will keep it (sorry) until the end of the total build.

So on April 28th leaving on a Fedex plane from Minneapolis/Saint Paul bound for NYC for overnight delivery was a small cardboard box and insured for some large money at that.  The next day much to the relief of an exhausted frame builder and a nervous soon-to-be-married-7-years father of one, the box was handed to me at our door.  I called Bob and told him that the, "Eagle had landed"... he was as happy as me.

A few days later on May 2nd, a really beautiful, strong, amazing woman opened a gift on her anniversary... she looked confused at first, stunned then, and quickly "got it".  She cried and her jaw stayed on the floor for what seemed like hours that evening long after Chloe had fallen asleep in bed.  Mom & Dad (me and Amy that is) sat up, and held hands while I told her what she meant to me and the story of the lug... what Bob had done way beyond the call of duty and my sacrifice-which in selling the Atlantis... really wasn't a sacrifice at all.  I told Amy how much she always supports me and sits back and takes such great pleasure in what I'm doing or going through... or watching and sharing my excitement and enthusiasm when I was having my custom built by Bob.  I told her I owed her for all of that and much, much more.

The best moment was the next morning when I came out of the bedroom to hang out with her before she left for work... 5am, both her and me are exhausted (but of course I can go back to bed, she cannot)... as I walk out of the bedroom half asleep she's very carefully setting the lug onto a soft towel on the kitchen table next to her cup of coffee.  I stopped walking and just stood in the doorway quietly... she put her chin into her hands and smiled at the lug and then slowly traced her right index finger along the edges of the shapes that Bob had hand-cut and hand-filed.  The whole time she's doing this she's smiling.

I love her and she deserves this cycle...

From beginning to end-The Evolution of an Anniversary Lug for an Anniversary Cycle.

This was the image I found that started the whole process.  We had fears that it might present problems though.

Bob ran it through a photo editor and was worried about the straight edge as well as having the frog face in toward the lug.

I reshaped (rather crudely) and sent it back to Bob with the idea that the belly could be shaped as I had done and would look great when done by more experienced hands than I.  We also decided we could make this work if the frog faced away from the lug (what I was hoping for from the beginning anyway) and appeared to be jumping off & away from the lug.

When Bob sent me this, I knew we were onto something fantastic.  Bob loved it, I loved it... and I knew Amy would love it too.

The day Bob overnighted the lug to me for our anniversary I woke up and found these in my Inbox...

Bob is amazing.

Story to be continued...