I have mixed emotions regarding this subject. I learned to build frames through what could be called a traditional apprenticeship. I worked at shops where I'd did nothing but grunt work and got to do more varied jobs after learning how to do them. Through a series of jobs, I ended up working for a shop where I was the lead builder and in charge of training people. I hated it. The control freak in me reared it's ugly head. I don't like handing off tasks. Now that I'm a one man shop, I don't have to and like it that way. What I sell is me building your bike, not me and some other folks. I think this is what most customers like. When they see my initials stamped on the BB, they know that I did everything.
Curt Goodrich Minneapolis, MN
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org]On Behalf Of Chuck Schmidt Sent: Saturday, June 29, 2002 3:47 PM To: Classics Subject: Re: [CR]Frame builders
Dennis Stover wrote:
>
> I guess I was not exactly to the point with my previous question, so here
> goes again.
>
> We have a few frame builders here on this list turning out works of art
> worthy of all the praise that is heaped on them. My question is what are
> the builders on this list doing (if anything) to pass on their skill? I
am
> not saying that they have an obligation to do so. Let's face facts: you
> gotta pay the bills. I am just curious (and wanted to start up a new
> thread). I fully understand that most (if not all) are one man shops and
do
> not have the time to train an apprentice. If I crash my Gios Torino and
> need some frame repair done, who will I turn to when the current crop of
> masters have retired? I know that there are frame building classes out
> there and I am sure there will be other frame builders around, but this
> question is directed to the frame builders on this list.
I'm not a frame builder and 'don't play on on television either' but here's what I'm doing to pass on the info. It is a gathering of frame builders who currently use lugged steel construction.
There is going to be a frame builder's symposium at Velo Rendezvous in Pasadena, October 4,5 & 6. It will be held on Friday, the first day of the three day event. Tentative list of frame building attendees so far: Phil Brown, Dale Brown, Richie Sachs, Bryan Baylis, Dave Bohm, etc. This is still in the planning stage and I'd like to hear from other frame builders on the list (or even not on the list) who are interested in attending.
Here's the info on the Velo Rendezvous so far: http://www.velo-retro.com
Chuck Schmidt SoPas, SoCal _______________________________________________
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