CUSTOM FRAME SETS

95 Aermet 100 alloy frame
My primary material I build frames from are steel alloys and stainless steel alloys, being the first and only builder in Minnesota to build with aerospace grade stainless steel alloys. I was also preparing and polishing stainless lugs for years before I built my first frame with my predecessor. I have the capabilities to build with titanium but do not as to the superior characteristics of current stainless steel tubing available does not justify any effort for me to pursue doing titanium either in the near future or later time.
The manner in which I build frames is as custom as the frames I manufacture. Since my foundation and tutelage in this craft came from a custom builder (who’s predecessors were also custom builders) not a production shop my perception of building frames focuses on frames on a per frame/rider production. I do not offer models as those are red flags for production minded builders. Yes most custom builders are volume manufacturers and not what I would call a custom bicycle frame builder. Each of my frames are designed with the proper tubing and built for the individual rider based on their riding, fit and with all features needed to create their ultimate machine to carry them through a life time of riding. Hence why I offer an unconditional life time warranty on all my branded frames I build.
Each of my frames are 100% hand built, hand finished and constructed using a process that does not trap welding stresses into the completed frame set. Building frames free of residual stress is a primary requirement for any of my frames and is the foundation of what I do. This ensures a high quality finished frame set. I never sand blast my frames which allow other builders to make their frames look meticulously finished before the paint goes on, I prefer to put time into skillfully meticulous brazing of my lugged frames rather than using a clearly production process.
All of my lugged frames are 100% silver brazed. The foundations of what I was taught always revolved around silver. Many builders use bronze for drop outs and then would only silver braze the lugs and most braze ons. I am one of the few builders who has always brazed every part of lugged frames with silver. I only use bronze for the tube joints on fillet frames then silver all the rest. Only now with plug and socket type drop outs being so common have allowed builders now to have the confidence to use silver on their drop outs. I myself prefer to silver in traditional tab type drop outs due to the distinct look I can do to the end of the tube. A distinct sign of one of my builds plug and socket although giving a clean look with no extra work all look bland and non-distinct white washing any character or distinctness a frame can have. You do not want a frame if the name was removed to look like every other builders work which is common now.

G.P Wilson tab type dropout with my style of finish
Even though I am set up for machine cutting all my tubes with machine grade hole saws and I spent plenty of time machining tubes with my predecessor, I prefer to hand file and fit each tube. I simply prefer to do this as it gives me more satisfaction as a builder and it keeps my filing skills at an exceptional level.
A note on my frames all of my frames are built with 1″ steer tubes as this is the safest for the longevity of the frame. Over sized steel steer tubes are frame killers and should only be used with carbon forks and front suspension. Steel over sized steer tubes are too rigid and put too much stress on the front end and transfer more stress rather than absorb like a 1″ steer tube. This leads to premature joint failure which I see often on Tig welded frames and buckled down and top tubes that frequently happen from minor collisions.
FRAME PRICING
The cost of my frames vary with what I am building but generally the more braze-ons the higher price. There are many options available for builds. These cover a broad spectrum, but my minimal custom built frames will always have their shore lines filed and points made pointy, as well as cosmetic surface cleaning. Frames are all built with tab type drop outs and receive my truly custom scallops and filling with silver, a distinct feature from other builders. I have significant experience polishing stainless steel having been polishing stainless lugs before I had built my first frame. Virtually all options are available and are priced accordingly. Unlike many builders that offer a narrow selection of lugs, bottom brackets, drop outs and fork crowns I offer many options based on what is currently available and the large stock of vintage parts I have on hand.
The following prices are of standard straight tube builds. These builds include frames requiring bent tubes for tire clearances. If you are requiring a frame to take a larger than normal tires for standard applications these include road type frames fitting a 40 + tire size. These type of builds require you to provide me the specifications of the parts, tires, etc.. to me before the build. Since these are non standard builds pricing will be higher. Any quoted prices are only good for 1 month from the date of quote and can be secured at the original quoted price if a deposit is taken with in 30 days of original quote.
Basic cost included in frame price is a single color. But some colors cost more and certain colors require a protective clear coat. These color choices will increase the base cost of any quoted price. This due to the fact that your color choice often comes after my original quote and is additional cost due to you as the customer is adding the up charge when selecting the color. Some powders are glossy buy if you want a 100% gloss that will require and additional gloss coat which adds to the base cost too.
A basic track frame built with my stainless drop outs and classic tube dimensions would start at 1250.00 including fork. I also have special builds available based on tube stock I have. An OS lugged track frame and fork would start at 1650.00
Current pricing of a custom frame is 2300.00 for a OS frame and fork with a single color paint finish in powder. Rando/ touring models start at 2500.00. Stainless frames start at 3000.00 unfinished. Disc brake mounts are upgrade option if you feel the need for them. I stock a wide variety of lugs in both steel and stainless steel as well as over 15 different fork crowns. I have a standing stock of my personal preference in lugs Henry James in both classic and OS in steel and stainless. All of these frames are built with vertical or semi vertical drop outs which has been my standard since I began building frames in 1989.
The following frames are special priced builds that are build custom out of my older tubes drop outs, and lugs
Classic lugged road frame and fork made with Columbus tubing and horizontal drop outs with powder coat of a stocked powder 1400.00
Classic lugged road frame built with Tange no. 1 tubing with Cinelli MC crown horizontal drop outs with single color stocked powder color 1500.00
Classic lugged track frame with Columbus SP and C and C tube set no fork black or silver powder 1100.00
Classic lugged Reynolds 753 frame and fork call for options and price.
Classic lugged Reynolds/Columbus and Deddaciai SL+ tubed frame no fork unpainted 1550.00