Star bicycle circa 1883-1890
The earliest known production of steel dates back to about 4,000 years ago and has been the forerunner of metals used in production ever since. Anything that has been made out of metal in the last 100 years, first used steel as it’s staple material. Ranging from frames for skyscrapers to boat hulls, steel has been used in just about every industry across the globe. Steel was first used on bicycle frames in the mid 1800’s, only in small portions, and gradually over the decades steel was used to construct whole frames. Bicycle frames made from steel dominated the market for the next 100 years or so until the introduction of Aluminum into the bicycle industry in the 1980’s.
Today steel frames are a major staple in the bicycle industry. Modern road race frames are constructed from steel alloys, and with new advancements being made frequently in the process of manufacturing steel tubing and
Custom steel MTB frame made by FTW
heat treating, the use and effectiveness for steel tubing in a bicycle frame becomes more and more apparent as the years go on.
People see labeled production frames, but don’t feel that the particular design is suited for them. So instead of getting a high quality product they settle for something much less.
FTW has been making steel frames throughout his career and is well versed in it’s characteristics and applications in today’s world of bicycle frames and will collaborate with the customer on specific details regarding what they are looking to get out of their bicycle, whether they be a professional racer or first time cyclists. As for the composition of the alloys used in building a custom frame, we use varying suppliers of steel tubing to match the needs or wants of a customer getting a frame built. Our most commonly used steel tubes are made by Peggo-Richie and we get the material from Richard Sachs directly. Columbus Tubing has been supplying material in our frame designs as well and based off what they offer, we have a wide variety of materials to be used in the manufacture of custom, light weight, steel frames.
Custom made steel bicycle stem
FTW is well versed in the drafting, designing and manufacturing other steel bicycle parts such as forks, stems, handlebars, dropouts, etc…
If you have any interest in custom steel frame work or any questions about our process, shoot us an email at: frankthewelder@comcast.net or check out the Frank The Welder Facebook page by clicking on the link.
Dear Frank the Welder,
I recently purchased a pair of motorcycle handlebars, with the idea to mount them on my 26” inch Mountain bike. Two things are difficult about this. 1.) The handlebars measure 25mm in diameter, ( I was told standard bars are 22.6mm? And… 2.) The motorcycle bars have 3” inch gaps for electronics.
So.. I have contacted as many bike fabrication companies as I could, using a Google search. I didn’t hear back from most, and a few said they don’t do prototype work.
I am really excited about these style bars. Is there any way to get a 1-part custom welding job.
Richard
Hi, shoot me an email “frankthewelder@comcast.net” we may be able to help.
Frank
Do you build Titanium Bikes?
Hi Frank! I am curious if you could weld/or make a new aluminum triangle for a FS 2013 specialized. The triangle has a hairline fracture.. 🙁
Thanks!
Dear “Frankthewelder”.
My name is Robert LoBue, and I represent “Tract Technologies Inc.” My partner John Place and I have developed a Prototype “All Wheel Drive” bicycle. We are looking for a bicycle builder, located here in the USA, that could build this AWD bicycle in large numbers.
This is a full functioning bicycle that has a front and rear drive train system. This AWD bicycle is made with a “rigid” mountain bike steel frame and fork system. This AWD bicycle is chain driven and is a single speed, at both front drive and rear drive. This AWD bicycle is not an E-bike. This AWD bicycle is a fantastic peddle bike with great traction.
If you are interested in this AWD bike, and wish to discuss this further please contact me.
Sincerely,
Robert LoBue
Sounds like something that Herrington cycles had in the 90s with their crusaider bmx bike .
I have a custom Gunnar/Waterford frame; OS platinum? Looking to shorten the rear stays. and fork. It is a road sport, utilizing longer pull brakes; would short pull, for better stopping…Maybe direct mount. I have all measurements. Trying to go from a Road Sport to more of a Roadie.
Maybe this is something you can do?
Thanx, Vincent
Would you be able to weld disc break mounts onto a vintage mtb?