Here is the first of the pro photos of bicycle number one done by Mark from Mark Mortensen Photography It sure is amazing what a real photog can do with some light and a lens. He made some amazing photos of the bike and I will be hanging a few of them on my wall. You can too by purchasing them from him.
I have ideas for several new bikes, bamboo and steel; I’m just awaiting the release of funds from the wife. I’m intending to make a debut at the Rocky Mountain Bicycle Show in August but we’ll see how that goes with a new little man coming into the world in the next few weeks (hopefully soon…I can’t wait to meet this dude!)
Till then I’ll keep you posted with bits and pieces and I promise not to make so many poor pictures of each bike, just the good ones.

Cheers

Bamboo Miter #1, originally uploaded by Xvelo Designs.

Had to take a break from the real job this evening and vent some frustration/creativity on some poor grass. I’m feeling quite confident that these rigs will be as strong as a brazed steel bike with hopefully cool characteristics. Weight will be similar to steel but the ride will be similar to carbon. Shall be cool…
R&D of bamboo. First miter of the 2″ down tube to 2″ bb shell. I did this one freestyle with the big drill and hole saw. It came out pretty good without files; for the first joint that won’t be attached it will be fine. I’m going to get a joint tool for the real bikes.
I’ll wrap this and a few more joints this weekend as I get some West System and fibers. I’ll give more pics then.

Cheers.

New tubes, originally uploaded by Xvelo Designs.

This is more exciting to me than getting a fresh load of steel pipes. Everyone and their pet monkey is a custom steel builder, it takes real freaks and geeks to make a vehicular conveyance out of some grass and carbon fibers.
These overgrown lawn pieces come to me from South Carolina where it apparently grows like Kentucky blue grass. All the tubes are straight and the price was fantastic, the pile in this picture should build 3-5 frames depending on waste and cost about as much as a mid-level True Temper kit. The carbon and finishing bits will cost more, I’m going to shoot for more of a refined look such as a Calfee rather than some of the hemp fiber stuff you can find elsewhere. Not that I’m dissing it, just I would like the thing to look nice and have measurable strength.

Front view of bike #1, originally uploaded by Xvelo Designs.

Bike #1 is done! Not the prettiest bike on the block (well maybe my block) but it still rocks. The entire process was awesome, I’m not a painter and I understand that but for the first bike it’s alright. Next bike goes to the real painter and I have a whole lot of lessons learned.
Photo is highlighting the Brooks tape, courtesy of Scott, installed, all is straight and braking properly. The English(made in China) tape matches the French(made in France 1950’s) so it must be good.

Paragon Dropouts for Bike#3 Monster Cross, originally uploaded by Xvelo Designs.

Bike one is barely done and number two has not started but thoughts and bits for bike 3 are beginning to arrive.

Bike #1 with the wheels on, originally uploaded by Xvelo Designs.

So today my stickers arrived from the local sign shop who rocks. I was shooting for a bit old school with a bit of deco added for flavor. I hope i got there. I installed the head set and hung a few parts on for visuals and now i’m posting about it.
I’ll be building the rig tomorrow and Thursday. Michelle’s 650b tubes are on the way and I get to use my new torch, boy am i stoked for the next frame and I haven’t even got to ride this one finished. For now it’s all but I’m sure I’ll post as many photos for bike number 2 as I have for this one.

Cheers

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