Smokin!

So somehow I've been convinced to go on Smoked Out on the Velocipede Salon. It's chock full of my endless rambling but there's lots of other more interesting builders there.
Check them out.

velocipedesalon Smoked out
Townsend Cycles
Dave Kirk Frameworks
Richard Sachs
Steve Garro
Tom Kellogg Spectrum Cycles
Carl Strong
Eric Estland Winter Cycles
Don Walker Cycles
Mike Zancanato
LLewellyn Darrell McCulloch

Updates

I've been lax here and need to decide if I have the time to dedicate to keeping a blog or if the web & Flickr sites are sufficient. I do have some fun projects in the works with a Bi Lam project and a Randonneur bike that would be nice to document.

The Bi Laminate project will most likely be a fixed gear with a threaded steerer and a plate crown. I'm working on various patterns for the crown but haven't decided what to use.


The lugs are patterned after a Prugnat I style with a point added on the center of the head tube. All the lugs start as thick chrome moly aircraft tubing that's been turned on the lathe. The tubes are chosen for their inside diameter and must be significantly reduced for the right look.

Testimonials

I love testimonials, but this is greatest. I recently received this list to put on my propoganda and had to share them.

Dear Mr Townsend: Riding a Townsend Bike not only has given me street creds, but I now have a flock of the hottest groupies you've ever seen. I call them the Mellow Yellow Bunnies

My new Townsend bike attracts so much attention I'm expecting Phil and Paul to visit for an interview any day

My new Townsend bike climbs so well that Marco Pantani came to me in a dream asking to borrow it.

My new Townsend bike rides so comfy that I've taken to riding without shorts.

Did a Cross race the other day. My new Townsend bike carried ME up the rocky hill.

My new Townsend track bike is so fast that they had to call the fire department to hose down the boards after my last training session.

My new Townsend Commuter is so cool that all the neighborhood dogs and cats escort me to the grocery store. And each marks his special place on the machine.

The only problem with my Townsend bike is that she wants a kiss each time I ride her. I don't mind.


Your most loyal customer

Sparky

Bike Week Pasadena

Last month we had the oportunity to display at the 2nd Bike Week Pasadena. LA has a long way to go with bike advocacy but we do have hope. It was well attended even with the incredible heat.

Nuovo Richie

Just completed this road frame and fork with Columbus Life tubing and the excellent Nuovo Richie lugs and Pacenti bottom bracket and crown. I only did a bit of work on the lugs and crown. I chopped off the bits around the head tube and just filed them down a bit after brazing up the frame.
Next up is a full on track racing frame with Kalavinka lugs, bb and crown.

Finally an update

OK I've been a bit of a slacker here lately but have actually been quite busy building frames when I get a chance. Here are some photos of a fixed gear road bike I'm just finishing up on. I love riding fixed gear and am quite pleased that a good portion of upcoming builds are either road fixed or full on track racers.











The stem is my first for oversize bars and is mostly just design practice.


Next up on the drawing board is a classic road bike with slightly modified Richard Sachs lugs, Pacenti crown with Columbus Life tubes so stay tuned.

NAHBS Update

Here are a few links with photos of the Handmade Bike Show. The craftsmanship displayed was incredible and I recommend making plans for Portland Feb 8-10 2008.

http://jonnycycles.blogspot.com/

http://alexandchristine.smugmug.com/Bicycles/290675

http://www.vendettacycles.com/vendettacycles/gallery/nahbs2007/index.html