Photo Documentary: Oregon Custom Bicycle Framebuilders Video Slideshow

Here is the video slideshow of the builders I've photographed to date for the Oregon Custom Bicycle Framebuilders Project (there are more images in each builder's section of this video slideshow than I've already posted in previous blog entries). So there'll be some new images here for you to see!

I've had a great time with the project so far, and plan to continue adding to the project with visits to other builders in Oregon. A big thank you to all of the builders who are pictured here and to those I'm still working with to schedule a shoot time. You are all amazing, talented artisans and I'm so pleased to have the opportunity to work with you!

And finally I'd like to say how jealous I am of all of you that are able to take your pets to work. How lucky are you to share your work day with your pets--they are all so sweet and cuddly!

If you'd like to learn more about the builders featured here, please feel free to check out their websites listed below the video. Also, to find out more about other Oregon framebuilders, see the Oregon Bicycle Constructors Association website at: www.oregonbca.org.

Featured Framebuilders
Argonaut Cycles: www.argonautcycles.com
Belladonna Cycles: www.belladonnacycles.com
Courage Bicycles: www.ridecourage.com
DeSalvo Custom Cycles: www.desalvocycles.com
English Cycles: www.englishcycles.com
Strawberry Bicycle: www.strawberrybicycle.com
Vendetta Cycles: www.vendettacycles.com
Vertigo Cycles: www.vertigocycles.com
Wolfhound Cycles: www.wolfhoundcycles.com

And some others you might like to check out...
Hufnagel Cycles: www.hufnagelcycles.com
Renovo Hardwood Bicycles: www.renovobikes.com
Vulture Cycles: www.vulturecycles.com
Winter Bicycles: www.winterbicycles.com

Photo Documentary: Vendetta Cycles in Corvallis, Oregon

Here's a shoot that seems it'd be pretty easy from the outside (since I'm married to one of the builders, Conor, one would think I'd have an all-access pass!). But it's hard to get a portrait where they're both being serious at the same time! It's all good fun, though.

For more info about Vendetta Cycles in Corvallis, Oregon, you can go to Conor and Garrett's site at www.vendettacycles.com.





These two are always cracking jokes, even when they label their parts cabinet (I don't think there are really any "BB King Cups" or "Jeff Bridges.")





And one last shot of Garrett on his bike, the very first Vendetta built.

Photo Documentary: Belladonna Cycles in Portland, Oregon

Here is one of my favorite portraits from the Oregon Bicycle Framebuilders Project (so far), Mark Simmons of Belladonna Cycles in Portland, Oregon.

Every woman I've shown Belladonna images to has loved his frames. Mark uses antique flatware to add a decorative detail to the seat cluster of the frame, beautiful!

To find out more about Belladonna Cycles, you can go to Mark's website at www.belladonnacycles.com.

Photo Documentary: Vertigo Cycles in Portland, Oregon

Sean Chaney of Vertigo Cycles in Portland, Oregon, builds beautiful frames in titanium. I love this quote from his website:

"It was only a matter of time before all my obsessive tinkering, modification and design brought me to the logical point of building titanium bicycle frames. Now I'm trying harder than ever to give my inner nerd free reign to create great riding and aesthetically pleasing bicycles."

All hail Sean's inner nerd!

For more information about Vertigo Cycles, you can visit Sean's site at www.vertigocycles.com.








tinabuescher.blogspot.com

Photo Documentary: DeSalvo Custom Cycles in Ashland, Oregon

So far, the main build method I've seen performed has been brazing, but here at Mike DeSalvo's DeSalvo Custom Cycles in Ashland, Oregon, I got to see my first welding session. Very interesting indeed.

To learn more about DeSlavo Custom Cycles, you can visit Mike's site at www.deslavocycles.com.

Photo Documentary: Wolfhound Cycles in Talent, Oregon

And speaking of shop pets, Fred Cuthbert of Wolfhound Cycles in Talent, Oregon, says this on his website of his company's namesake:

"The Wolfhound head badge was designed in the likeness of the factory mascot, Duncan. After nine years of loyal friendship I recently lost him to bone cancer. My fondness for him was (and is) strong enough to inspire the name of the company. Like the Irish Wolfhound breed, Wolfhound Cycles are strong and fast. Being the tallest breed, the name also reflects my affinity for 29” wheels. Another reason I knew the name was perfect is the fact that Wolfhounds are one of the oldest breeds, having left their footprints in the history of royalty and heroics."

His dedication to the Wolfhound (Katie is pictured below with Fred) is rivaled only by his dedication to creating the best ride of his customer's life!

To find out more about Wolfhound Cycles, you can visit Fred's website at www.wolfhoundcycles.com.

Photo Documentary: English Cycles in Eugene, Oregon

In the Oregon bicycle framebuilders project, Rob English of English Cycles in Euguene, Oregon, wins the prize for "most unusual shop pet." Horsie might not actually fit well in the shop, but often joins Rob none the less.

Rob doesn't specialize in any one particular bike build--he builds recumbants, racing frames, even a kid's first bike (that's what he's building here). His favorite build material is steel, and the racing frame he built for himself comes in at a remarkable 12 pounds!

To find out more about English Cycles, you can visit Rob's site at www.englishcycles.com.

Photo Documentary: Courage Bicycles in Portland, Oregon

Here's another builder featured in the Oregon bicycle framebuilders project, Aaron Hayes of Courage Bicycles in Portland, Oregon. I particularly love Aaron's custom detail for dropouts (see fourth image below).

For more info about Courage Bicyles, you can visit Aaron's website at www.ridecourage.com.

Photo Documentary: Vendetta Cycles Delivery in Corvallis, Oregon

A little departure from the usual shoot for the Oregon Bicycle Framebuilders Project with this studio shoot of a frame delivery to a Vendetta Cycles customer, Sally. Sally came down from Portland to Vendetta Cycles in Corvallis, Oregon, to pick up her frame from the builders Conor Buescher (last photo, left) and Garrett Clark (last photo, right).






www.vendettacycles.com

Photo Documentary: Argonaut Cycles in Portland, Oregon

For my second subject in the Oregon Framebuilders project, I went to visit Ben Farver of Argonaut Cycles in Portland, Oregon. He has a beautiful shop; it must be a true joy to come to work everyday. Particularly when you can bring a four-legged friend!

For more info about Argonaut Cycles, you can can visit Ben's website at www.argonautcycles.com.