Framebuilding Class
If you have a inquisitive mind and would like to lean how frames are made and craft your own frame, I am now offering a two week frame class individualized to your needs. I will be offering this one on one instruction two to three times a year in the fall, winter and spring.
The course is 10 full days. Monday through Friday with a weekend off in between to recuperate. We start with key areas of fit, design and theory and progress into brazing/welding practice and then to frame fabrication. I can work with and modify the frame course to suit individual needs. Since this class is one on one we can spend more time, if necessary on processes that need a little more individual attention and move through others at a faster pace based on individual needs. Lugged construction, fillet brazing, and TIG welding are all possible. Road, MTB, Touring can all be addressed.
There are three other main avenues of framebuilding instruction in the U.S. United Bicycle Institute in Ashland Oregon. Doug Fattic in Niles Michigan and Koichi Yamaguchi in Rifle Colorado. Any one of these entities will give you a great educational experience, but here is what I offer:
First, this is individualized instruction, you have my undivided attention the entire period.
Second, You have full use of my facilities, that although small in size are extremely extensive. I have the absolute finest in fixtures, welding equipment, machine tools and painting facilities.
Third. I bring 15 years of framebuilding experience and 25 years of fabrication experience to bear in helping your to realize your vision.
Fourth, Because it is just you, I can modify the class to concentrate on your specific goals and keep the pace perfect for you. This cannot be done with classes which have multiple students. I also can work with people who wish to further their skills in either welding or specialty frame fabrication.
Fifth, Tucson is a beautiful place for a trip in spring, winter or fall. A riding paradise and also wonderful for a family vacation.
Lastly, I build a demonstration frame along with you that showcases the techniques and this frame will be donated to a local youth riding organization that I help with. Eventually these frames will form a fleet of bicycles that will be used for years to develop youth cycling in Tucson. (El Grupo Youth cycling club).
O. K. Dave. I love the idea, when it is?
I can work around your schedule. There is no set date for the frame class, except that I won't be giving classes in the thick of summer. Tucson is one place you don't want to be then. I realize that people have to get vacation time from work and such. Contact me and we can find a time that works best for both of us. Realize that only two or three individuals a year will be able to take advantage of this depending on my frame backlog. I expect to be booked well in advance so please make your arrangements as soon as possible.
Awesome! How much does it cost!
Your course costs what one of my average frames cost which is $3400.00.
This course costs 1k more than the any of the other alternatives. Before any of you cry out that I am on par with Bernie Madoff, please consider the benefits.
First, the course includes the paint job when you are done. This is a $425.00 value. If you wish to have your frame painted else ware, that is fine and I will credit the cost but unlike some framebuilding educational sources where you have to source a painter after constructing your frame, all you have to do here is leave your finished frame. I will paint it and you will receive a beautifully painted, shiny new frame a few weeks later. Included with the price.
This course is one on one. Some other alternatives are $2350.00 and have up to eight students. You have to share equipment, instructors, and tools. Not here. The shop and myself are at your service.
All practice and frame materials are included based on your need. No need to bring any items or pay for extras, when you are here.
Parts to complete your frame will be provided to frame students at a reduced costs.
Lastly, your tuition affords me the ability to take the time to teach you and in the process build a demonstration frame that will help youth discover cycling for a long time to come, so you are in a way, being philanthropic at the same time you learn.
Whether your goal is to just build a wonderful bike for yourself and have great feeling of satisfaction or build a base which will help you to replicate the results for yourself. I can help.
I have been building a FAQ and fine print page on my blog. Please review this if you have more questions.
Examples of previous students work:
Bohemian Bicycles | 5618 E Linden St. Tucson, AZ 85712 | 520-440-3094 | davebohm@bohemianbicycles.com