ericbaker

Perhaps it is specifically the allen head bolt that shoots though the chainstays.... what Ive always refered to as a fastback. I do agree that similar designs were used in the 1890s but always used a big old bolt to bind it all together.



And to elaborate on his beginnings... a quick snip from classiclightweights.co.uk

"Bill Hurlow was born in 1921 and at the age of 14 joined F H Grubb cycles to train as a frame builder."

Between 1935 and 1942, the article goes on to say, he worked for Grubb, Holdsworth (twice), and a short stint w/ Claud Butler.

Sixty Fiver

Cooper seat stay...



This is where the rubber meets the road... and when it does it is nothing short of perfection in every respect.

ftwelder

I think the stays shot in wide like Coopers frames is the best method for effective use of material/strength but I don't care for the look as much as where the stays are completely on the outside of the seat cluster.

I like all the doo-dads you can stick on the end of the seat stay tubes!

tuz

That sort of stay attachment is also ideal when using Mafac brakes with brazed bosses. The seat stay spacing is just right. But it's hard to mitre! Especially when it's half on the seat tube, half on the lug and you try to wrap it around the top... pheew

gomango

I'm biased, but Chris Kvale is always right on the money for me.

[IMG] DSCN3770 by gomango1849, on Flickr[/IMG]

toytech

I am not qualified to judge, but Bernie Mikkelsen certainly deserves more fame than he has ever gotten.

Andrew R Stewart 

A Milkkelsen jig was the second REAL jig i ever saw. The besy man from my first wedding still has it. Andy.

Sixty Fiver

On Ron Cooper's signature seat stay ... I believe it was Llewellyn that said this was among one of the most difficult things he has ever attempted as it looks so simple and elegant but requires a master's skill to do right and exact mitering.

This is some of Llewellyn's craftsmanship...

Andrew R Stewart 

I really like the "Llewellyn" seat cluster, although I first learned of this partial off set style from ProteusDesign (any one remember them?) Agreed that it is hard to make look easy. Andy.

ftwelder

uh,





speechless.

Sixty Fiver

Frank... has your name been added to this list yet ?

georges1

richard sachs makes also some fery fine frames

ftwelder

He does. May be Richard will show us his bike. His name comes up a lot.

georges1

found this, it may interest you https://www.cycleexif.com/richard-sachs-cx https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/...lo-cross/99094

dwmckee

I can only speak about the ones I am familiar with, but Bruce Gordon here in the US has had my attention for quite some time now... Bruce, what do you think?

paulkal

I like Nagasawa frames, very understated but nice made. Richard Sachs bought one a few years ago.

ftwelder

I love Bruce Gordon. I have to admit I haven't seen enough of his work, I know him mostly from seeing him at trade shows. He gave me a set of Rock and Road tires in the early 90's, they were awesome . I should have rolled out and spliced some RM 20's and invented the first 29'r and I think Richard Storino (campy VP) even suggested it but I missed it.

Thanks for the link Georges1. That is a beautiful bike. I have an interest in vintage bikes and don't have a CX bike in my collection. I think I have now have an objective, a 57cm Sachs with 126 spacing. I already have the wheels.

rpenmanparker 

The framebuilding is superb, but I am blown away by the paint. It looks like it is still liquid! I have never seen anything like it. Magnificent.!

Mark Kelly 

The paint will be by Joe Cosgrove at cycle design Australia. He exhibited at the recent ACBS, his work is even better "in the flesh".

Sixty Fiver

It makes one feel like a hack... and inspires me to greater things.

It is much like listening to Ry Cooder play the guitar... either I put it down and walk away or practice playing even more.

ftwelder

I had this same conversation with my son and the others at the shop yesterday at lunch. I really don't like result of much of what I do. I enjoy the "toil" and the evolution from excitement to exhaustion that follows me through the day and I love my bikes but I am not really ever satisfied with my workmanship.

Cassave

That's because you know where the bodies are buried so to speak. I can always find a flaw in everything I make even if I need to break out a magnifier (usually NOT required).
Been teaching myself to braze aluminum lately and I've never been so humbled in front of a workbench in my entire life!!

Italuminium

Frank, incredible how much this sounds like the conversation i just had with my dad over dinner - though I'm obviously the son in this case he works day and night to perfect his craft and vision (music, though, nothing material) but always walks away from the stage with the feeling he isn't there yet.

ftwelder

I could tell by the expressions on listeners faces that it wasn't what anyone expected to hear.

I want to try that. I have gas welded aluminum and also DC welded it (very difficult). Aluminum can also be "dip brazed" which is a very interesting process.

Live Wire 

Mine too.