Over the years I’ve built frames in large numbers and small enabling the purchase of machinery that is out of the reach of most small builders. All of my machinery, jigs, and fixtures adjust to work with virtually any size and shape of tubing that is available for bicycles. Steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon, round or shaped, road, mountain, cross, etc. My specialty is steel and titanium but I will use other materials if that is what is needed to accomplish your goals.
When I build your frame attention is focused on every element from the miter and joining to the final alignment. When I begin fabrication, I adjust the tooling and jigs specifically for your bike. I give your bike my full attention from start to finish to ensure its perfection. I machine miter all tubes to a high tolerance using lathes and milling machines. These miters create stronger, more attractive joints that require less cold setting. I check all specifications repeatedly to make sure the miters are flawless.
No matter how accurate the miters are and how straight and rigid the frame jig is, heat from welding or brazing causes frames to deform. In the past it was possible to correct frame deformation after welding in a single step, using nothing more than a long steel lever bar. Modern ultra light tubing with its' thin walls and short butts makes single step alignment impossible. Because of this, I have developed an intensive weld sequencing and aligning process. I begin by tacking each frame in a jig and misaligning it a predetermined amount. Frames are then welded one step at a time in a special sequence. In between each step, alignment is checked to verify that the frame is behaving as expected. Any necessary corrections are easily made at this point. As the frame nears completion, the heat deformation from welding combined with our systematic misalignment brings the frame closer and closer to alignment. Once fully welded, Strong Frames are straight to within +/- 0.005", and are free of residual stresses that single step alignment can induce.
All these steps are taken to ensure that your frame is as perfect as it can physically be. To back this up, all Strong Frames come with a satisfaction guarantee that covers materials and craftsmanship. In addition, fit on all custom frames is guaranteed!
Although I can offer other joining methods I specializes in, and am known for TIG welding. There are very few small custom builders that have the experience it takes to produce a beautiful TIG bead. I have, over the years, built thousands of frames and as a result can offer the aesthetic weld quality you won’t find in many other shops. If you are looking for a lugged or fillet brazed frame, I suggest you visit with Dave Kirk at www.kirkframeworks.com he’s one of the best in the business.
In the past I’ve have done the powder coating in-house but I’ve decided to focus on what I do best; building frames and leave the finishes up to the pro’s at Spectrum Powder Works.
Warranty:
I want you to be completely satisfied. Because I believe in the quality of my work, I warranty the materials and craftsmanship of your frame as well as guarantee the fit.
Standard Steel or Titanium – Life
Ultralite Steel and Standard Aluminum – 3 Years
Ultralite Aluminum – 1 Year