Capricorn Handmade Steel Bicycles

New Website's Up

2011-07-31T15:43:00.005-05:00

Click on the page to go to capricornbicycles.com.

I'm discontinuing the blog at this address, but picking it up on the new website. Update your bookmarks so you can keep updated on my projects. Click here to read the blog at the new website, or click on the above picture to visit the new Capricorn website!

Sturmey-Archer Goodies

2011-07-22T11:01:00.002-05:00

New parts for Amber's Selavy. S/A's new 5-speed bar-end shifter with front and rear hubs with drum brakes and internal gears. I love these hubs-- I love that within these two contained units are enough moving parts to replace front and rear calipers or cantilever brakes, front derailleur, rear derailleur, freehub body, cassette, left-hand shifter, one or two chainrings, and the extra length of chain required to thread through the rear derailleur and still hit the big/big combo.

There's a simplicity that they impart when designing a frame around them. I don't have to worry about brake boss placements because that's in the hub. I don't have to worry that the rack will hit the front brake because it's in the hub. No need to tap STI bosses, all adjusting bosses are on the hub. All that stuff that hangs on a bicycle is in the hubs. If only they can make the shift cable to hub transition a little more elegant.

They are heavy, and it is rotational, but the weight's focused in the center of the wheel where it's effect is minimal. The hubs are not high-performance, the internal gears will never have the efficiency of a hub without them. They will however last 20 years easy with minimal maintenance. Time to get this frame finished.

Peter's Pack-able Rack

2011-07-11T10:27:00.000-05:00

Peter D. (COG Mag) got a hold of me about making a collapsable front rack that he can pack in his bike bag on an up-coming forray across the sea. Since all my adjustable front racks can be disassembled it was only a matter of slightly modifying an existing design (the "camper" rack) to make it a little more compact. In this case, replacing the tall "loop" in front of the head tube with a squat rail. Try getting even that kind of service from any manufacturer other than a custom builder.

Last Batch of the MPLS Head Badge

2011-07-11T09:47:00.000-05:00

It's official: a spanking-new Capricorn workshop out in Eugene, OR this September. We're starting to pack already. I've run out of the MPLS badges, and before the casting changes I'm going to have some more made. They will be available for custom orders to the TC's after I move (as supply lasts) because we all need time to transition.

For Sale

2011-07-07T11:01:00.001-05:00

As an experiment I built this frame alongside a similar, custom order. The custom frame is off for a $500 paint job, this frame's coated and ready to roll. The experiment was simply to see if it makes sense for me to make an extra frame per custom order, one which might allow this humble builder some economy of scale and the ability to offer custom-quality work at un-custom prices.

Pictured here is a 54cm Con Brio lugged road frameset. It has a 53cm top tube, 72 deg head angle, 73 deg seat angle, and 42cm chainstays. The frame is built with additional clearance for medium reach (~55mm) brake calipers and includes fender eyelets. This frame is also built with a front derailleur boss and STI stops. A brass or silver head badge can be ordered, but this is not included.

Tubing is internally treated against oxidation and all the interfaces are tapped, reamed, faced, ready to roll. Frame and fork: $1700. For more pictures of the frame visit the Flickr page.

Stephen's Frame Arrives

2011-07-01T17:14:00.001-05:00

Fresh from Colorado. Spectrum Powder Works finish on a decked-out Capricorn Doper. More pics as the build progresses-- even scheduling some time with a photographer.

Bettilou Kettle

2011-06-16T12:36:00.000-05:00

Soon after my friends and I got our licenses to drive we were heading out to Kettle Moraine State Forest to ride one of the Midwest's finest trail systems. I was there practically weekly when I worked in Waterford; driving west in my third Subaru with the windows down after a day in the factory, tired but looking forward to an evening workout.

I feel an abiding affinity for this trail; for the road trips and camp-outs it inspired, for the injuries inflicted, ride partners, and the sense of freedom and adventure.

This is my version of an almost ideal Kettle Moraine bike-- fast, light, simple, and perfect for the mild trails of the Midwest. Some might view it as a throwback to a time when mountain biking was fringe sport and mountain bikes were more influenced by bicycles than by motorcycles.

The Kettle features a rigid fork because, though they don't make you a faster rider, they make you a better rider. 26" wheels stock because it's the easier size to build a bike around (also available in 29"), and a stronger wheel besides. Paul Components cantilever brakes because they work, feel, and sound the way good brakes should. The frame is solid in the climbs, fast and lively in the descents.

Most mountain bikers wouldn't view this as a racing bike, though bikes like it certainly have been raced since the early 90's. To me this bike represents the best features of the mountain bike while it was a fringe sport-- before the simple pleasures of riding off-road were engulfed by an insatiable marketing campaign that brought the sport into the mainstream.

Patrick's Custom Cappy via The Angry Catfish

2011-06-14T07:41:00.001-05:00

I like when custom builds go well and get done quick, like this one did. Helps to have a bike shop bring a customer, frame-builder, and mechanics together sometimes. More pics over at Patrick's Picasa page.

Amber's Bags Featured in Florence

2011-06-14T07:12:00.001-05:00

Though the project's been keeping her extra anxious, Amber sold a dozen of these custom wool "crates" (based on the bag she made for my Cappy) to Italy for Woolmark to stuff with samples, swatches, and schwag. It's her biggest and probably most trying order, but this seems like a fairly big deal, and a solid addition to her resume.

If you'd like to see more of her work visit her Etsy store.

54cm Con Brio "Plussed" For Sale

2011-06-10T19:39:00.001-05:00

I'm building this frame in conjunction with a similar custom project. It's not custom, but it's still awesome, and for $1600 it's yours. 54cm seat tube with a 53cm top tube. Fully lugged with fender bosses and room for 28mm tires at least. "Plussed" is my way of saying that it's better than your typical racing frame, in that it's designed for a little more comfort and added versatility. This could be your daily ride, year 'round.

The $1600 price tag includes a basic powdercoat with clearcoat. Once the frame is finished I'm getting it powdercoated a color of my choosing. Fancy paint is optional, but you have to be willing to pay extra, and get in touch with me ASAP.

This Guy

2011-06-10T19:20:00.001-05:00

Andrew came by my workshop last week. He's on his way to Seattle, and maybe points beyond, on a bicycle that he built himself. It reminded me of my trip out west back in 2005, and how I don't do anything nearly as cool these days. Live vicariously with me through his adventure-- he's said he'll be posting pics as he gets the chance on his flickr page.

Mock-Up for Final Concept

2011-05-02T12:08:00.001-05:00

Traced image, pencil on mylar with acrylic on reverse side.
Prepared for Stephen V. and Spectrum Powder Works.

Mark's Moto

2011-04-30T23:28:00.002-05:00

Since I modified Mark's frame he added this Bionx electric assist system to his bike, making it heavy enough to warrant adding further structural elements to it. Here's the finished product.

I did have the chance to ride the bike and it seems like a smart system, as they go. You can control the amount of assist the motor provides from a handlebar control panel. And if you have a long downhill you can use the motor to resist gravity, saving your brake pads and charging the battery in the process. Could be sweet for touring in hilly areas if you don't mind adding another 40 pounds to your touring bike.

"Finger Cots," They're Called

2011-04-29T10:58:00.000-05:00

Stainless Steel on Titanium

2011-04-26T18:04:00.000-05:00

Stainless steel tubing brazed together with about $20 worth of silver, paired up with a titanium mountain bike set up as a winter beater. Mounts to a conveniently unused set of bosses on each seat stay.

Swank.

2011-04-21T07:54:00.000-05:00

Here's Peter's new Capricorn Roamer, freshly built-up with a nice selection of parts from Portland (Maine) Velocipede. Green Brooks leather to match the green in the frame, brown Chris King hubs and brown sidewalls too. Nice.

Bicycle Steering Physics on NPR's Sci Fri

2011-04-15T20:35:00.000-05:00

New Workshop!

2011-04-03T09:23:00.001-05:00

Not really-- but it feels like new. Spring cleaning this last week at the shop (next stop, the basement). Gutted the shop, threw out the detritus, discovered a whole highway of gypsum footprints and mouse turds, found some drawers, put things in those drawers. The fixture's up higher, and so is the alignment bar. There's even some floor space. Stop by for a visit if you're in the area of 36th St and 5th Ave (Purity Bakery Bldg). Give me a call first to make sure I'm there, 612 963 3993.

Matte Green-- Finale

2011-03-29T19:13:00.000-05:00

Matte Green Preview

2011-03-20T18:44:00.000-05:00

Mark's Modified Mixte

2011-03-14T11:57:00.000-05:00

It wasn't a big project, but it allowed Mark the chance to ride his bike again. With two bum hips he wasn't able to lift his feet over the top tube on his Specialized Rock Hopper. I cut out the original top tube and made a mixte, or step-through frame that he can use. He's currently awaiting a Bionx electric assist drive system to finish out the project.

A Pause for Graphite Opus 2

2011-02-21T09:35:00.001-06:00

Forgot to add the left crankarm. Traced image.

Metamorphose

2011-02-17T17:21:00.000-06:00

Step-through frames aren't just for the ladies. In this case I modified Mark's Rock Hopper because he could no longer get his leg over his bike due to hip dysplasia, and because he wasn't going to let that stop him come Spring. There's no other frame material but steel that could handle this kind of modification in only a few billable hours. And it's the small victories, like Mark riding safely and comfortably on his trusted steed again, that makes me glad to be behind a torch.

"Errand" Rack Spring Sale

2011-02-13T17:06:00.003-06:00

We're getting our first taste of sweet Spring weather up here in Minnesota and I noticed a few cyclists braving the asphalt swamps of a thawing city. It reminded me that Spring heralds the advent of a new season of enjoyable pleasure rides, and that an "errand" rack will make any bike prettier and more useful. I currently have four racks in stock, and they need to be out in the world. Regularly $275, now on sale for $225.

Improvisation

2011-02-06T10:42:00.002-06:00

Part of having a distinctive product is the ability to make a product distinctively.

This brake stop bridge was made from a section of tube, angle iron, and a fender eyelet. These can be bought prefab, but I like a challenge, I like to make things, to be creative, to MacGyver. I prefer the idea that handmade frames should have something unique or distinctive to them-- something more than a water-jet cut logo or fancy paint covering up otherwise underwhelming or cookie-cutter work, and something less than spending hours carving lugs or using the .001" scale on the Mitutoyo.

This whole piece took 15 minutes to make. It's square, clever, solid, and truly made by hand. The brake bridges are interesting little pieces that can be made in a lot of unique ways. {Click here to see a collection of some from other Cappys} Since they are located near the seat cluster and in this case, above a set of sweet Paul brakes it's a part of the frame that gets noticed. The shiny stainless steel adjuster helps too.

Aw Shucks, Dave

2011-01-28T17:09:00.003-06:00

"Thanks for the insane amount of work you put into this bike. I'm sure it wasn't one of your easier builds, but the results are just stunning. It's hard to even describe the thing without lapsing into clichés or silly superlatives. It fits perfectly and it looks (for all its crazy geometry) just outright gorgeous. Far more important, it's just amazing to ride. You'd think a bike that huge would be a bit unwieldy, but it handles just perfectly, even on packed snow. This build really was a unique challenge, and your craftsmanship was more than up to it."

-Dave Kormann

Morristown, NJ

Second Chances

2011-01-22T23:18:00.003-06:00

You know that feeling after a long drive, when you're just relieved to have gotten home? You're looking forward to something-- a beer, maybe a snooze on the couch. Just as you're driving into the garage there's a crack and the car jolts to a stop. Oh yeah, there's a bike on the rack.

In this case Brad's (a different Brad) bullhorn handlebars took a square hit from the door frame and absorbed most of the blow by rotating in the stem. This most likely spared the frame from ruin.

The force of the blow was focused on the top tube right behind the head tube where there was a conspicuous ripple. I managed to flatten that out a little with a little brute force, then created a small gusset from a cut-off. I silver-brazed this over the damaged section and we can all pretend it never happened.

I seized this opportunity to make some improvements to one of my earlier frames. There's now a proper 26.4mm fork crown race seat. The fillets are even, clean, and smooth. I added a rear brake bridge, per request, and a brass serial number tab. The powdercoaters have gotten very good with my frames, and this job is one of their best. We picked a great color and even splurged on a clearcoat. How great and rare is that experience where you think you've destroyed something, but you actually made it better?

Unlike other frame materials steel frames have an extraordinary capacity to be repaired easily-- all the more so if they are lugged and brazed with silver. This frame here demonstrates that a steel frame never really has to be finished. It's initial form will stay the same but it's always open to different iterations through simple tools, technique, and creativity. These are skills unique to frame builders, who continue to be inspired by the simple, extraordinary materials they work with and the possibilities at their fingertips.

The Winter Beater

2011-01-18T16:00:00.005-06:00

When most people think winter beater the beater implies a heap, a jalopy, a thing allowed to fester and rust. When I first heard the term I inferred that it was a weapon or tool of sorts to defeat the malaise of the deep winter. I like this concept-- I've adopted it in my life by riding my newest, tricked-out Capricorn for the season.

Because this is a great-riding bike, and the newest of my stable, it's still a luxurious feeling to get out and ride-- even if I'm just coming home. One of the perks of being a frame builder, I guess. One of the perks of having a basement where it can thaw, and where I can wipe it down once in a while.

Some of the drivetrain came off last week and it's pared down to a single-speed. Still have the Paul cantilever brakes-- they've worked great through it all. All the bolts have been treated with Boeshield T-9 to keep them from rusting. The inside of the frame is coated with Frame Saver to provide a barrier against salt and water. Basically, it's covered.

The only real maintenance it's getting right now is a liberal dousing of the chain with the aforementioned T-9, with subsequent application of Phil Wood Tenacious Oil to the bushings. In the spring it may need new pads, maybe a chain if I'm feeling flush. The Winter Beater will move on to longer, better rides and will get a new nickname. The Winter Beater can't wait.

The Wilder Roamer (The Legend of)

2011-01-17T10:48:00.002-06:00

Originally I thought to call this template the Almanzo, after the 100 mile gravel-road race in southern Minnesota. But the race itself is named after Almanzo Wilder, and the Wilder Roamer is by far a more thrilling name. Above is a picture of my own bike post-race last spring. The premise of this design is to combine the stable ride and some of the ruggedness of touring frames with a lighter fork and a thinner-walled top tube and chain stays. The resulting bike just happens to shine on the paved and sorta-paved back-roads wherever you may be.

I'm currently working on one of these now. Custom geometry, custom specs, custom rack, custom brakes, custom fork. It's giving me a pretty good idea of how to approach some of the options I will need to offer as a custom builder in order to provide the best service for the money. Funny, it looks surprisingly similar to the published pricing scheme I had on my website years ago. These options will not necessarily apply to the entire line-up:

Stock Wilder Roamer $1600 frame (lugged, options left to builder, pending customer approval)
Choice from a limited palette of powdercoat colors (To be determined) with clearcoat.
Custom Geometry: Borrowing a lesson from Waterford here and offering Top Tube Short (stock minus 1cm) and Top Tube Long (stock plus 1cm). I don't charge to make these changes, nor do I charge to render a CAD model based on your measurements.
Fork Options: Straight-blade $300 (1" only), Curved $350(1.125" only), Low-Trail Geometry $25
Rear Dropouts: Single-speed optional $25 (this is an option on all models)
Paul Racer Brakes $240 (includes brakes and frame modifications)
Racks: Custom racks are available for all models of Capricorns. The prices vary from $250 to $400 each. I build these to suit.

The price has gone up, but I think this reflects that I'm feeling more confident about building and that I'm more consistently pleased with the work I do. Having a choice at all in the creation of your purchase is more than most people can expect. The above options I feel nicely sum up the more important details of the frame building experience.

A Pause for Graphite

2011-01-12T07:20:00.001-06:00

Once something so simple becomes so ordinary we essentially forget it, or take it entirely for granted. Pencils, despite our best efforts, still exist.

Spiral-Bound

2011-01-08T09:22:00.001-06:00

Amber bought new sketchbooks for us this New Year. She's off to a strong start in hers (click here to see her pages), which isn't too surprising as this is what she does. Me? It's shaky-- tentative. But I'm resolute to work in mine, maybe post some of the better ones for you all to see.

It's not often lately that I draw something, write free form, or brainstorm on blank pages. I used to do this habitually and some of my pages are still listed on mnartists.org. Take a look-- while some of the sentiment seems a little trite and juvenile now I still think it's some of my more interesting and experimental visual work.

By giving me a sketchbook I think Amber might be telling me something. A sketchbook is a clean slate, a tabula rasa-- each page void of an imprint of the prior, each page a new opportunity to set your tools and imagination. The sketchbook suggests potential, and only optimism will fill it in. Damn, that's a good gift.

Future, Capricorn!

2010-12-31T18:52:00.002-06:00

I don't really think of these as "models," but as something more like "templates." When a customer tells me straight-up one or two things they need from their new frame I can turn that around in a month. In allowing some of my customers the freedom to design their frame through me, the process can stretch across months. In short, by referring to the templates (eventually to be photo'd and presented on the Capricorn website) the choices are already made and we can move on with our lives. So here's the list presently:

Fastie: includes fixie, city fixie, city ss (pictured), and cross. Fasties are designed to be versatile enough for commuting, with a penchant for speed.

Roamer: includes wilder, rando, and el burro (pictured). You'll put some miles on a Roamer. Each template has the best features for the type of distance riding you intend to do.

Con Brio: includes classic, doper (pictured), and plussed. Steel: taking the edge off bad roads for over a hundred years. The Con Brios represent the best of what we've come to know about efficient use of materials and effective design in that time.

Duchamp: named after the French avant-garde artist. Classic city bicycle, vaguely European. Can be ordered with Paul Component's Racer brakes. Wheel-size and rack options.

Selavy: named for Duchamp's feminine alter-ego. Step-through frames. Womens' frames. Mixtes. Wear dresses again! Bad hip? No sweat. Twin-lateral stays, unique seat stay design. Straight stays optional for a fair bit less cost.

Bettilou: here's a pretty thing covered in dirt. Trail bikes heretofore built without suspension-corrected geometry. What can I say? It looks better.

Talls/Smalls: a service provided to riders at either end of the sizing spectrum who often settle for poor-fitting bicycles. You'll get measured and a frame can be tailored to your proportions. Pictured here is a 67cm and a 43cm.

Obviously there's more to present and that's all coming in its sweet time. The outline of templates is a good start, and represents what I feel Capricorn can do well. I'm also pretty proud of the broad range of styles that I've tackled in the past few years-- no pigeon holes yet. But it will be nice to offer the same broad sweep of variety with a little more efficiency, with most of the decisions already having been made.

Thought-Process Interlude

2010-12-25T18:27:00.003-06:00

"The satisfactions of manifesting oneself concretely in the world through manual competence have been known to make a man quiet and easy. They seem to relieve him of the felt need to offer chattering interpretations of himself to vindicate his worth. He can simply point: the building stands, the car now runs, the lights are on. Boasting is what a boy does, because he has no real effect in the world. But the tradesman must reckon with the infallible judgment of reality, where one's failures or shortcomings cannot be interpreted away."
--from Shop Class as Soulcraft, by Matthew Crawford

Years ago I was taking art classes at U of M. It's where I met Amber-- art classes are great for meeting the ladies. Anyway, we used to have a running joke (and still do) about how there's a direct link between how much an artist has to talk up their piece and the impact/quality of that piece. Invariably the art with the weakest premises or execution were explained and justified at length. The successful works were the ones with an immediate resonance in others, and the artist could stand back and let the class discover the piece for themselves.

This is an approach that I have applied to Capricorn. I do my work, the blog, Flickr and let it be found by the wider readership without a bunch of marketing and advertising. NAHBS last year was a good experience, but ultimately it didn't feel right to me, for Capricorn. I want my work out in the world and to have an impact without the showroom. Or, I'd prefer the showroom to be the ambiance of where the bicycle is. Sometimes when I'm at my favorite Vietnamese restaurant I watch pedestrians slow down and take a second to look over my bicycle. Then I know, even with all the distractions of Nicollet Ave, that my work is worth noticing. That act turns it into something like public art.

Over the course of 2011 I would like to be in a position to return to building frames and racks again full-time. Capricorn framesets may actually get powder coated by yours truly, with stenciled graphics. I have a new spirit animal, a new head badge in the works, and an easier way to order a frame. I want Capricorn to be a real business in a year's time, self-sustained and profitable. To do this I need to have work, and to be in the shop making product.

To do that I need you-- yes you, gentle reader, to help me make 50 frames in 12 months. This is roughly a frame a week and it represents what I need to have happen if I'm going to have enough money after expenses to live and own things. The prices will be higher-- more on that in a couple weeks. Prices will be more in line with comparable, handmade, American-made framesets. This of course is a transition that will take some time. I will be making some demo frames for website photos, possibly some R&D, and simply to have them in the world. I'd like to offer these for sale at a discount once they're no longer needed. More info on what I need to make, and what you could be the first on your block to own, again in a couple weeks.

Poet's Interlude

2010-12-23T07:49:00.004-06:00

Snow

Walking through a field with my little brother Seth

I pointed to a place where kids had made angels in the snow.
For some reason, I told him that a troop of angels
had been shot and dissolved when they hit the ground.

He asked who had shot them and I said a farmer.

Then we were on the roof of the lake.
The ice looked like a photograph of water.

Why he asked. Why did he shoot them.

I didn't know where I was going with this.

They were on his property, I said.

When it's snowing, the outdoors seem like a room.

Today I traded hellos with my neighbor.
Our voices hung close in the new acoustics.
A room with the walls blasted to shreds and falling.

We returned to our shoveling, working side by side in silence.

But why were they on his property, he asked.

-David Berman

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-20T07:43:00.000-06:00

Every Kiss Begins with "C."

2010-12-14T19:09:00.000-06:00

Jewelry is a trade of oppression. Get your sweetie a different kind of crafted metals for the holidays. Get her a Capricorn! Like this guy->

Yowza.

2010-12-12T09:53:00.001-06:00

Minneapolis is a cold, sometimes volatile place in the winter. Given the temperature and wind extremes it's surprisingly rare that we experience blizzards like the one yesterday. 40-mile per hour sustained winds closed down interstates highways and airports. Snow fell at the rate of an inch an hour from the morning on, the flakes dry enough to get carried into waist-high drifts.

The city is quiet today. Not many people are coming to the church across the street this morning-- there's no place to park anyway. Even with a 4x4 with big tires and clearance I've managed to get stuck a few times. I have discovered that the compound-low on the truck is extraordinary. There's nothing quite like driving in 4th gear at 15mph, through deeply-rutted side streets, with the heaps of snow burying the cars of others on either side.

Bikes and Girls, All in One Calender!

2010-12-09T17:33:00.001-06:00

This works on so many levels. Not only can it adorn the walls of man-caves, but it serves to inspire all cyclists, really, to be themselves and that cycling is meant to be fun and liberating. The added benefit is that proceeds go to the Chicago Women's Health Center. My sister worked on it again-- even taking her turn as Miss August. Check it out-- buy some for Christmas. They're handy and dandy.

300,000

2010-12-05T10:20:00.000-06:00

According to my Flickr stats page Capricorn has just achieved its 300,000th photo viewing. That's in the past calender year (Dec 2nd, to be exact) alone! As much as I hate to admit it if the internet weren't here I wouldn't be in business. Most frame builders wouldn't.

So thanks to all of you out there that keep in touch with Capricorn online. I try to keep up with photos and posts, but since I don't hear from what is probably the majority of viewers sometimes it feels like a one-way street. It's these little mile-markers along the way though that make me understand just how effective it can be.

Tall Bikes

2010-11-28T22:02:00.002-06:00

Riders at either end of the sizing spectrum tend to have it pretty tough. The Salsa Casserolls don't come any bigger than 60cm. Surlys only get up to 62cm. Dave's frame, pictured here, has a 67cm seat tube.

Good fit is more than a long seat post. And providing that custom fit to the riders under-served by the bike importers is a service that frame builders are all too happy to provide.

There's more pictures of Dave's frame over at Flickr. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Fixed-Gear For Sale

2010-11-15T08:12:00.001-06:00

This bicycle is my own but I'd like to sell it to make room in the stable for my new mountain bike, and to put a little buffer into the coffers. The ride is smooth and fast plus it comes with some choice components:

Campagnolo Record Headset
Ultegra Front Brake
Nitto Stem
Hand-Built Wheels (Formula Hubs)
Surly Cog and Lockring
New Sram Chain
New All-City Cranks

Get all this for less than the price of a new Capricorn frameset!!! $1100 FIRM.

Seat tube measurement is 58cm center to top, top tube length is 56.5cm. Contact me if you have any questions.

Racks in Stock!

2010-11-14T18:11:00.000-06:00

Hey! Christmas is coming up and I made some racks just for the bicycle enthusiast on your list. Both rack styles are fully adjustable to fit on most forks.

"camper" rack: $200

(only one in stock!!)

"errand" rack: $275

Please contact me with questions, or if you'd like to make purchase.

Castle Point Trail-- Minnewaska SP

2010-11-12T07:09:00.000-06:00

Minnewaska State Park is located on a marble escarpment south of the Catskills. Several trails covering about 18 miles are open to mountain biking, in addition to horses and hikers. The elevation gain is half of the Overlook Trail in roughly the same distance so the climbs aren't nearly so strenuous. They're actually fun. Awesome views from the top-- and not many people around in mid-November though I can imagine this place would get pretty crowded in summer. Fun descents but a little tame and easy. Trail mainly follows the contour of a cliff towards the top so lots of twists and curves-- leaned into a couple fast and brake-less. Really couldn't have asked for a better ride.

Our First Summit

2010-11-10T07:33:00.000-06:00

We don't have summits in Minnesota. We have Summit EPA and the view of downtown from Prospect Park, but we don't do much better. Coming to a place with some terrain sets me to seeking out the vistas-- the best places upon which to see what there is to see. Overlook Mountain, above Woodstock, NY boasts the ruins of a Victorian lodge, a climbable fire tower, and an elevation of 3100 feet. I had to go.

The trail climbs from a parking lot at 1700 ft over 4 miles to the peak. It's about as relentless and long a climb as any I've ever done, and rivals the Top of the World in Moab for knee strain. Every curve in the road seemed to reveal another long, arduous stretch of gravel.

I climbed into a cloud as I neared the peak. The temperature seemed to instantly drop 10 degrees and the trail was properly coated with wet, heavy slush. My cleats and pedals were crammed with mud and ice by this point and no longer engaged. I was too winded anyway so I just walked the last portion to the top.

The cloud layer at the top was too thick to see out of. Showers of ice rained down from the fire tower made even approaching it dangerous-- not that it would've been much use anyway. Anticipating a wet decent, I got out rain pants and a jacket, and wrapped a rainfly over my backpack. With a nail found on the ground I cleaned out my pedals and cleats. Tried to take a picture, but didn't. I blew the joint.

The down hill required almost constant braking. Despite the icy, wet, and muddy conditions I still had plenty of friction from the Paul's to slow down as much as I needed when it was needed. The Capricorn rode beautifully-- very responsive and sure-footed. It's stiffer than what I'm used to, but it still had plenty of spring taking the edge off.

It would have been nice to take in the view from the summit and take a picture of the Cappy with the whole world behind it. The inclement weather makes it more of an adventure though, and I'm riding some more summits tomorrow. I should be able to get the picture then.

Road Trip.

2010-11-07T18:21:00.000-06:00

I'm on vacation in New York. I plan on taking some pictures and adding to the blog while out here, but please save stressful emails until next week.

The New Mountain Bike

2010-10-31T15:41:00.000-05:00

I think it turned out fairly well. Haven't had time to go for a ride yet, but I'm planning to make up for that next week. Take a look at the rest of the pictures I took today {Cappy ATB}.

Early Cyclocross from the Moors

2010-10-27T07:56:00.001-05:00

It looks a little sadistic, and it probably is. The course planner obviously was not worried over rider safety and the only "flow" he was concerned with was that of the many creeks they had to cross. But alas it is Cyclocross season here and everywhere north of the equator and everyone's making their comments as racers race through parks, daintily shuttling their 17-pound carbon race bike over foot-high plywood "obstacles". The sport has changed a lot-- everything does and I may as well be fine with it. But watching this video reminds me how ruggedly manly us guys used to be.

Above is a scene from this race season, pulled off a local bike blog. Artificial obstacle, freshly manicured race course, nary a natural thread on that man's body, helmet. While no doubt he's breathing hard and is obviously feeling a loosening of gravitational tethers, it feels boring to me-- under-inspired, undangerous. The genius of cyclocross was in the unerring: the Earth is not paved, the weather and conditions can't be controlled, men will drink and do stupid things. While there are some "underground" races that still remain true in spirit the race world at large is wholly content to race at ski hills and city parks, probably for the sake of spectators and insurance companies. Bicycle racing is what it is, and, like so much in my opinion it used to be genuine and it used to be cool. While I'd rather see guys racing on bikes than doing just about anything else, for the most part I'll continue to ignore it, fruitlessly hoping for the original.

Ali's 650B Commuter: Preview

2010-10-25T08:14:00.000-05:00

Autumn Tour

2010-10-25T08:11:00.000-05:00

Only a couple days after the bike is assembled and it's already getting used right. We all did our part to make this bucolic scene a reality.

Vince's Stock Commuter

2010-10-20T07:26:00.000-05:00

I used to work with Vince at Freewheel here in Mpls. He's since moved to Omaha and working at Greenstreet Cycles down there. He's the current steward of El Burro of the K-town Cappys, and apparently avid collector of 90's era parts and steel.

He just posted a couple pics of his stock Capricorn, built up proper commuter style. I'm glad to see the flat bars on there (90's Ritchey) clamped in that long Salsa (sunset years, northern California) stem, the Suntour XC Comp thumbie and brakes, and what appears to be a fairly pristine suede Vetta saddle.

It's cool to see these frames as they get pieced together, and just how differently each gets set up.

Eric Posted Pics!

2010-10-18T07:58:00.000-05:00

Here's a little bike porn for your Monday morning...(Eric's Flicker Page).

The frame is one that I made last summer. It was the "nudie" at the first Minnecycle. It was an interesting build-- I used Henry James' ATB lugs, their lugged/fillet-brazed bottom bracket shell, made a braze-on bottle opener, and improvised a front rack. Eric built it up well because in a sense everything on it is retro, and you know I'm down with Tektro brakes (you have to have the orange pads, then you'll understand).

Thanks to Eric G from Philadelphia.

Spy Shot from ACF

2010-10-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

Had the good fortune to be at Angry Catfish before this Capricorn rolled out the door. This is one of the stock framesets that kept me busy over the summer, built up and ready for winter. Sweet components (White Industries, Paul, Brooks, Thompson), simple and pleasant (someone give me a better adjective) color palette, an overall sporty little number. More pics at the Flickr page.

Gone Missing...

2010-10-16T07:36:00.001-05:00

I ran into Margaret last week at the Midtown Market and she mentioned that her Panasonic done got stole. I happen to have some pictures because of the rack, and I figure it's singularly unique enough that we should have no problem identifying it if it's out on the streets. Contact me if you see it, and I'll let her know.

Mike's Touring Frame Teaser

2010-10-13T21:07:00.001-05:00

See all the pictures I took while building the frame {Capricorn Flickr Page} and upcoming shots of the complete build.

Custom Touring Racks

2010-10-11T14:30:00.000-05:00

In the past month I brazed-up five racks, each of them completely different. There's different heights and widths, different mounting provisions, different materials; so many different ways to approach rack building that it's a wonder I still have my wits. As an example, Bear's rack (pictured) was made exactly to fit his custom Sycip wishbone rear triangle. The rack attaches to brake studs rather than rack bosses.

Custom rack prices start at $300 and range up to $500 based on the amount of time that goes into design and build. I do offer a bit of a break on custom racks fitted to new Capricorn frames, and I do tend to get a little more creative when the rack(s) and frame are made together. Just saying.

My First Stem

2010-10-11T13:53:00.001-05:00

Might never have to do this again now, but it's something I've been trying to get around to all summer. Make a stem, that is. It's not that I didn't enjoy the process, nor that it didn't turn out well-- as near as I can gauge it's pretty spot on. There's some projects which a handmade product is at a disadvantage, and this one is one of them.

In this case it's all the little parts that I had to make by hand (the pre-fab pieces are too blocky) as well as the clamping slots I cut with a hacksaw. I could have taken more time to think about the process, or allowed time for simpler or more precise solutions to arise. But like an improvisation I made it happen.

To me this stem is a little raw-- the slots are all at slightly non-right angles and the steerer clamp will be held using two stainless steel 6x1mm nuts (hardly low-profile). I'll like it though-- it's going on my new mountain bike. And, if I wanted to, I'd happily sell this with a straight face. But I don't want to offer these until I have a better way to make 'em. It's just nice to know I can.

Customized Errand Rack

2010-10-07T06:58:00.000-05:00

First, I made the rack. Then sent it off for powder-coat from Geekhouse in Boston. Once that was done, it was returned to me for the wooden deck, signature, and finishing touches. Finally the rack made it to Florida and was promptly affixed to Andy's custom Geekhouse. A few months of waiting, a lot of back-and-forth emails and calls, custom work happening at a leisurely pace; but he got just the bike(s) he's wanted all along. And he's pretty stoked on it.

Head Badges are In...

2010-10-01T07:15:00.000-05:00

I'll be getting in touch with all you that ordered one of these-- install party this weekend!

My New Mountain Bike

2010-09-29T18:04:00.000-05:00

I recently had the time to revisit the mountain bike trails at Kettle Moraine in Wisconsin. The trails wind through forests and prairies, offering up lots of hills, lots of rocks, and even some loose sand for good measure. Though I've been here many times, it's been about four years since I've been there and the trails seemed new and exhilarating again.

I rode my old Breezer Thunder and it handled it all. It was a little bittersweet though, knowing that I have a new Capricorn in the works that will take its place. The Cappy will feature similar geometry (only the head tube is longer) and all the parts will be a straight transfer from the Breezer (which is not yet for sale)-- it's so hard to improve on a good thing.

Photos will go up as progress is made. Keep up with that here.

My First Stainless Steel Rack

2010-09-05T17:22:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking about working with stainless steel as a viable option to powdercoated 4130 racks. What held me back was a notion that silver fillets aren't that strong, and stainless needs to be brazed with silver or TIG'd. I've done a couple destructive samples recently and found that modestly-sized silver fillets on stainless didn't fail despite being twisted, bent, hammered, and otherwise wrecked. This opens some doors for me.

This Weekend

2010-09-03T07:35:00.000-05:00

For Sale: 52cm Cross/Commuter

2010-08-11T17:21:00.000-05:00

52cm cross/commuter frameset. Damaged and subsequently repaired, builder-inflicted damage to the bottom bracket shell. Full money-back warranty if there are any repair-related frame issues. Retail: $1300 Sale Price: $900.
Local buyers to the front of the line. Email me with questions, etc.

Jinyeong's 43cm Classic Road Frame

2010-08-06T18:02:00.000-05:00

I like it. Check out the rest of the pictures of this new Capricorn here.

Hot Lap at Lebanon Hills

2010-08-02T20:44:00.000-05:00

Ben's been pretty insistent about getting me out for a ride on his custom Capricorn 29er. Since it spent the night in my basement, I figured that today was as good an opportunity as I would get to do a little personal R&D down at Lebanon Hills.

First off, I haven't ridden trails much in the last few years. Once on the bike and in the woods I was shaky and under-confident. The steering felt twitchy, the frame overly stiff. The humidity was making my hands clammy, and without gloves, I got nervous thinking they would slip from the grips. I wasn't feeling the flow, but little by little I could relax, point the front wheel where it needed to be and between the big wheels and bigger rubber it would get there.

Before long my sea legs were coming back. I became accustomed to the sensitive steering and found that it made easy work of tight turns and technical sections. I was impressed with how easy it was to bunny hop over logs, and the frame's rigidity through climbs. There is no doubt that the top notch components attached to the frame are just as responsible, but out on the trail it was on the frame specifically that I was keyed in.

By the end of the loop my hands were cramping and sweat stung my eyes, but the bicycle seemed to only be getting warmed up. No exaggerating, it felt like it could (and wanted to) go so much harder and faster than I was comfortable giving it, and that's why I should be out on the trail more than I am. It's awesome riding a bicycle that's as nice as this one is. I can hardly believe that I had a hand in it.

For Sale

2010-08-01T13:48:00.000-05:00

Complete bicycle (photo). Decent parts: Campy headset, nitto stem, ultegra brake, spanking new All-City crankset and sram chain. Fun and fast, but need to make room/cash for my next personal project. $1100. Click here to with questions, etc.

For Sale

2010-08-01T13:33:00.000-05:00

We Done Brung It.

2010-08-01T08:57:00.001-05:00

Minnecycle's done for another year. Turnout was pretty decent, though not quite what it was last summer. No matter, I thought the gallery was nicely filled in with all kinds of works, and the frames and bicycles shown displayed the varied talents and interests of thhe builders here. If you didn't make it, you missed something special, but here's a link to a few pictures that I took while things were slow.

This Weekend...

2010-07-27T18:41:00.000-05:00

Fresh from Hungary

2010-07-24T17:30:00.000-05:00

Amber just got home from three weeks of travels through Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. Here's a souvenir photo she took for my benefit. I've made, and will make the case once more for her to set up a Flickr page. If she does I'll include a link in this post so you can see some of what she saw.

Amber's Euro Photos

How Cool is This?

2010-07-19T19:42:00.001-05:00

I wish I new about this long ago, when he came through Minnesota. I would've joined him, even for a day. There's something like 1100 miles left in a walk that will take him clear across the continental US. Now that you know about it you can keep up with the journey on his blog:

I'm Just Walking

Be sure also to read why he's doing it. He's not raising money for obscure diseases, not for sport, nor for political reasons. No one needs to know why he's doing it, and that's the best kind of journey.

Fellow Capricorn, Will Oldham-- For Your Enjoyment

2010-07-19T12:44:00.000-05:00

I stole the title of my last post from him, so spend some time today with his music. You really can't go wrong once your video features a clarinet and fog machine.

Then The Letting Go.

2010-07-19T12:05:00.001-05:00

It's the bittersweet moment of making something special-- packing it into a box, knowing full well that it's time to move on to the next projects. Between designing, planning, and building Jinyeong's frame it's been on my mind since March. Each frame I make teaches me something about the craft: there's set-backs, there's experiments, and both triumphs and abject failures. Nothing leaves the shop that I'm not proud to call mine, and this frame and the bicycle it will become is no exception.

Headbadges

2010-07-17T19:13:00.001-05:00

I'm placing an order for Capricorn head tube badges this week. They are available in silver (~$80) or brass (~$60), and in 1" or 1 1/8" profiles. Two very small screws affix the headbadge to the frame, but foamy double-sided tape will work if you don't feel quite up to the challenge of drilling holes in your frame (trust me, it's a bit like standing on a high ledge). If you're in the Twin Cities however, I'd be more than willing to do the work. Get in touch with me ASAP if your Cappy is naked without one.

MIA Bike Night

2010-07-16T07:43:00.001-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Mpls Institute of Art for Bike Night! It was good to meet some new folks and see some that I haven't seen in awhile.

"Stock" Project Wrapping Up

2010-07-11T11:57:00.000-05:00

The first batch of stock Capricorns are rolling off the line. Two were done in red, the rest will be a cream color. Four will be in stock at the Angry Catfish-- the rest are spoken for, except for the aforementioned 52cm with the builder-inflicted damage.

Retail on this frameset is $1300 for frame, fork, and powder.

Paragon Brake Bosses

2010-07-10T08:48:00.001-05:00

Just about every Capricorn has a few pieces made by Paragon Machine Works built into it. Recently they revised their prices to better reflect the labor, time, and complexity of their products. Some prices increased, some didn't. One part in particular, their 3-piece brake boss, went from a bearable $6/per to $10/per. That's $40 for a bike's worth. I can buy nice-looking imported cantilever studs for $1.30/pair, and I will be for future projects.

The Paragons will still be an option on custom bikes. I like these studs for frames (like fixies or drum- or disc-brakes) where you might not run cantis but want that option.

Anyway, I can't blame Paragon for this price increase. It happens. Since I started building frames again prices have done nothing but gone up across the board. I'm pretty used to it.

Update

2010-06-30T17:24:00.001-05:00

Apologies for a lack of news/updates/photos during the last couple of weeks. I've been very focused on getting work done whenever possible and getting outside to enjoy some of the beautiful weather I waited for all winter. I'll keep this quick and orderly, in list form:

*For Sale...? I'm planning on selling my used 58cm fixed-gear frameset (possibly as a complete bicycle) soon. More info and price to come with some kind of official announcement. For now, contact me if you have questions.

*Damaged Merch I'll also have a 52cm Cross/Commuter that sustained some significant builder-inflicted damage. My bottom bracket tap shattered in the shell, which I had to cut to remove the fragments. I can back up the repair work that I made to the shell, but obviously I can't expect some one to pay full price for it. Current asking price is $800 (frame, fork, and powder). I'd prefer to sell this frame locally, so TC buyers to the front of the line.

*Bike Night The Minneapolis Institute of Arts will have a Capricorn on display (albeit for only an evening) on July 15th as part of their annual "Bike Night." Having spent more than my fair share at the MIA in my days as an art student, I'm very much looking forward to the privilege of showing my work in this august public forum.

*Minnecycle Seems like it will happen again this summer and it sounds like July 30th and 31st will be the dates. More info and event announcements as they come to me.

*Handlebars I've been thinking about making a batch of handlebars similar to the ones I made for this bike. Simple flat bars, with a generous curve, made from .875x.035" 4130 steel. 25.4 clamp diameter. Brass "C" near the middle, and probably brass ends. Custom widths? Sure. Let's all agree on a color. Might do a flat red oxide (which looks dope with brass), or matte black. Price will be in the $80-100 ballpark.

I think that's it for now. Get out and enjoy the good weather.

Lil' Bike

2010-06-09T21:43:00.000-05:00

It's a 43 cm "classic" road frame, 47 cm top tube, 26x1.25" tires. Smallest Cappy yet. Keep up with the process shots at the Flickr page.

"Camper" Racks

2010-05-30T08:33:00.000-05:00

Top: Scott's Waterford (with climbing gear, perfect!) in New York.
Bottom: d'Andre's Masi Soulville (super classy commuter) in Milwaukee

I've got a couple "campers" in stock. Get one while they're available!

Frame Repair

2010-05-27T21:44:00.000-05:00

Apparently this is one of the first iterations of Sycip's "Javaboy" frames. After years of solid (over)use the down tube began to tear, and, with only a fraction of an inch of steel holding the front end in place it was brought to me for a patch. I cut out the damaged area, up to but not including the weld, and used a 31.8x1.2mm cro-moly tube with an artistic shoreline to bridge the gap. It didn't take long, and with its new matte black powder coat it looks pretty great. For a couple-hundred bucks this bike looks good-as-new, and should last until another part of the frame begins to break.

Eric's Cappy

2010-05-26T20:53:00.001-05:00

I made this frameset and matching rack last summer. After some delays Eric got to build it up just in time for this summer. Custom takes time.

Click here to see my pictures of this frame throughout the build process.

New Wooden Fenders!

2010-05-20T18:55:00.001-05:00

I met Mark Koenigsfeld last weekend at the Almanzo. His fenders are amazing, and they're profiled to keep splashes from flying out the side. He has a website: MKfenders.com. There's not a bunch of info on there yet, but info@mkfenders.com should get you what you need.

Crossing the Finish Line

2010-05-19T16:37:00.000-05:00

Never underestimate what a 100-mile ride can do for a person. Photo cred to Andy Lambert.

Almanzo 2010

2010-05-17T06:31:00.000-05:00

I really am not into bicycle racing, and seeing a crowd in Spandex gives me a mild panic attack. This is not a problem in the Almanzo 100. After about 5 miles you're pretty much on your own if you want to be. It's a little pity that the Almanzo is a "race" at all. The title urges us on as we roll past abandoned quarries, through forests and streams, past views that intimate at the years of erosion that created these hills over which we do our best to get through faster.

My ride time this year was about 7:40. Figuring in my stops brought the total time to 8:22, finishing 177th out of 267. Not great but considering my position on racing I'm pretty pleased. The winds were gentle this year, but with changes in the route, there seemed to be more climbs and more gravel (some one back this up).

I rode the same Capricorn as last year, this time equipped with a front rack and a big sack to carry what I needed. I used a 1x8 drivetrain with a 38t front and 11-26 spread in back. Everything held up to the constant rattling beautifully and I was really happy with the feel of the bike, and the big tires absorbing the roads, as I let it fly down some of the hills. I learned that my speedometer tops out at forty, and I should add that cruising down a twisty gravel road at that speed on a bicycle you made is a sublime and "giddying" leap of faith.

Two things I used along the course to keep me going were coconut water and Yerba Mate "Energy Shots." Coconut water is basically Nature's version of Gatorade. It provides a little sugar and the electrolytes your muscles need to keep functioning. The mate shots are a little bitter, but easy enough to slug back as it's only 2 oz. Each of these gives about a coffee's worth of caffeine (much needed by mile 70), a hearty dose of B12, and ginger to soothe the stomach cramping that always seems to accompany long rides like this. Each of these come in a form that's easy and durable enough to pack along, so keep an eye out for them at natural food stores.

Thanks as always to Chris Skogen for making it happen. Congrats to Brian and Kim Eppen, who each won a Capricorn "camper" rack!

Here's a link to a collection of pictures from the race. Check out the variety of bicycles out there: mountain bikes, road, cross, touring, even Pugsleys. How many races can boast such a diverse group?

New "Errand" Rack Feature

2010-05-07T18:28:00.000-05:00

The BaileyWorks "Errand Sack" holds a u-lock really close to the carefully urethaned decks of the "errand" rack because it's there or nowhere. I've decided to include a strip of neoprene rubber to protect the edge. It's only 1/32" thick but has the same density rating as a car tire, so it should hold up. The adhesive backing anchors down firmly and is rated for temps as low as -39F (I'm looking at you, Yellowknife). There are a couple more pics at the Flickr page.

Green Industry

2010-05-07T16:45:00.000-05:00

In addition to making Capricorns I also work at The Energy Conservatory, which makes diagnostic equipment to measure how effectively sealed or insulated a building is. There's a couple folks out there that are providing this service by bicycle, which is no easy feat considering that the equipment involved is bulky and heavy. But here's a Big Dummy geared up with all that's necessary to evaluate your home, including a 3/4 hp fan (round case on far side) and an infrared camera (hard case in front).

It's pretty interesting to think just how many businesses out there could shift from relying on vans and trucks to specially-equipped bicycles like the readily available and reasonably priced Big Dummy, or a bicycle trailer, to get to wherever they need to get. In the case of the bicycle above an investment of a few thousand dollars and this guy's making work for himself all-year long, he's showing home-owners where and how to save energy, and he's his own boss. That seems pretty smart to me, and an excellent example of a low-cost option to make meaningful and positive work during these tough economic times.

David's website is rightenvironments.com. Look him up if you're in Brooklyn.

Scott, I Borrowed Your Rack.

2010-05-02T13:29:00.000-05:00

In the pursuit of knowledge and experience I swapped my "errand" rack out for a "camper" today and hauled a forty-pound box box of True Temper tubes over to my workshop. As expected riding felt shaky at first, but once in motion this stabilized and I found I could signal turns with confidence. I probably didn't go much faster than 12 mph-- I could feel the fork flex and twist a little with each bump, though not enough for real concern.

In conclusion: it can do it, and I can see a stronger fork being of benefit. As a matter of rider safety I can't recommend it on a regular basis, as this weight really could throw-off handling in surprising ways and conceivably damage the fork or rack in a serious fall. I should also note that I didn't design this rack for 40 pounds-- a lot of frames this rack could go on are too flexible or have less-than-ideal steering geometry to make this sort of thing truly safe. But this rack will comfortably carry 20 pounds, which when you think about it, is eighty sticks of butter.

New Capricorn Pricing

2010-05-02T09:24:00.000-05:00

Now to attend to some business.

I've been rethinking an approach to pricing that allows Capricorn to balance production of racks, stock framesets, and custom framesets, without compromising quality or the level of service I can provide.

Stock "Camper" and "Errand" Racks: The "camper" will remain at $200. Because of all the additional work that goes into the "errand" rack's wooden deck I need to bump up the price to $275. I will continue to have sporadic availability outages, but know that a fresh batch will soon be ready to draw from and that I will continue to do my best to work a run of them into my production schedule.

Stock Framesets: This is complicated currently, as it's a new format still in development. I think for now though I'll say that the plan is to offer several different models: a "city" singlespeed/fixie, a lugged road bike, a versatile cross/commuter (currently in production), and probably a full-on touring rig. I think these styles have best described the Capricorn niche that's developed over the last few years; and I think these are the frames that both me and my workshop are adept at handling. Prices will vary from style to style, but I'd like to keep the range between $1200-1400. Wholesale pricing is available with a minimum order (please contact me for more information on placing wholesale orders).

Custom Framesets: These will now start at a minimum of $1600. Price includes a full description and BikeCAD Pro blueprint of the frame with rider dimensions (if you provide them), a handmade brass headbadge, and a pair of brass C's on the fork crown. Price will vary based on time and materials, but will be provided in the build description.

Repairs: $40 per hour, plus materials.

I've been trying to come up with model names for the stock frames to make things a little more straightforward. If you have any suggestions for names, or themes that might unite the lineup, please let me know.

Because I am still gainfully employed elsewhere and with benefits I haven't experienced in 4 years, the production schedule is admittedly slow these days. I have plenty to work on now and continue to make as much progress as I can. I am implementing this new scheme knowing full well that it might take awhile to fully adopt, so please bear with me. Thanks for the continued support and enthusiasm from all the bicyclers out there.

Spring Tweed Ride

2010-05-02T09:19:00.001-05:00

Amber and me, with our "serious" vintage photography mugs.

A Code for Craftspeople

2010-04-21T12:38:00.001-05:00

The Mission Statement from Swedish axe maker, Gransfors Bruks:

Responsibility for the total
What we take, how and what we make, what we waste, is in fact a question of ethics. We have an unlimited responsibility for the Total. A responsibility which we try to take, but do not always succeed in. One part of this responsibility is the quality of the products and how many years the product will maintain its durability.
To make a high quality product is a way to pay respect and responsibility to the customer and the user of the product. A high quality product, in the hands of those who have learned how to use it and how to look after it, will very likely be more durable. This is good for the owner, the user. But this is good as well as part of a greater whole: increased durability means that we take less (decreased consumption of material and energy), that we need to produce less (gives us more time to do other things we think are important or enjoyable), destroy less (less waste).

This is in regard to axes, but it should be the penultimate goal of anyone whose professional ambition is to make anything.

Email Issue

2010-04-12T07:19:00.000-05:00

Inexplicably, I am unable to write any out-going messages via brad@capricornbicycles.com. Please include your phone numbers or if you'd like to give me a call my number is 612 963 3993.

Jonathan's New Commuter

2010-04-11T16:09:00.000-05:00

When I worked at Waterford there were never enough purely custom orders to keep us busy, and keep the factory in full swing. When orders didn't come in, we built stock frames which were primed and tucked away to be sold and finally painted when needed.

The advantage to building stock frames is that it streamlines operations: a machine set to cut one tube can cut several then without readjustment, there's no need to change fixtures once initially set-up, and the process in general goes much faster when repeating a step again and again.

I am hoping to incorporate some of this into Capricorn, and the above frame is the first step. The frame is designed to serve a lot of purposes, and provides a solid foundation for a bicycle that is both a lot of fun and thoroughly practical. It features the same level of craftsmanship that goes into a custom build, the same steel, the same powdercoat. It is, in essence, the best of what I've learned that Capricorn can offer.

Price per frame is $1200, with wholesale pricing available to bike shops (multiple frames only, please inquire for more details). The first batch is in the works, please contact me if you are interested or have any questions. I'd also like to offer road and touring frames in the same vein by next year (I'm only one person).

New "Errand" Racks Available

2010-04-06T16:50:00.000-05:00

Next week the new batch of "errand" racks should be ready to ship. They are $250 each, not including tax (MN residents) or postage. Contact me if you're interested and please let me know if you need the struts drilled for a skewer or axle.

Another batch of the "camper" racks are in the works and will be ready by the end of the month. $200.

Capricorn Post and Pics

2010-04-05T20:07:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Tyler for chatting with me at the show, and his genuine appreciation of the craft!

NAHBS - Capricorn Bicycles’ Workhorse Commuters, Mixte, Mountain and Road Bikes

--BikeRumor.com

Selling Stock

2010-04-05T07:26:00.000-05:00

Pictured above is the "stock" all-purpose frame that I began working on with a local bike shop during the winter. It is the proto/demo for the first batch of stock frames that I am busting out for a couple shops here and one in Tokyo. I took it out for a 30-mile ride yesterday to see how it rides before I make ten more of them. This is a frame designed to accommodate many purposes: it could make a solid commuter, a trail-worthy cross bike, or even be loaded down with a little gear for weekend camping. Whatever mode you choose you'll also have a single speed option.

I've been riding my cushy 650b bicycle almost exclusively lately, so hopping on this was a bit jarring at first. Then, when I put on the gas, I realized that the trade-off is responsiveness and speed. Last Monday I climbed the hill alongside Ft. Snelling on the 650 bike, and barely made it too the top. By the end of the climb I was slaloming to take a little of the incline out. Yesterday I did the same climb, different bike. The stiffness of the frame, paired with the lightness of the wheels made it possible to go straight up the hill. It was still a workout, but the difference was startling.

This is the first real venture into offering stock Capricorns through bike shops. It's working so far, and if it continues to go alright I may shift the focus of Capricorn towards building more stock options. We'll see.

Head Badges... What Gives?

2010-03-29T19:48:00.000-05:00

These aren't really official yet. I've always thought that a fancy head badge is a cheap way to dress up an unimpressive frame. Having now seen this cast bronze head badge made by Jen Green may ultimately change my mind. Compared to the silver head badge the bronze has a muted, more antique-y character, which I think I like a lot. The one thing that doesn't change is that the most interesting, eye-fetching piece on the frame is something that I didn't make. It's a little detail, I guess. Maybe not. Anyway, if I make them available in the future they will add ~$75 per frame due to the delicate drilling and tapping of a brand new frame. And, as a courtesy to both Jen and myself, please request one for a new frame well in advance.*

*Unless I get a bunch made, which may happen.

Rethinking the Palette

2010-03-26T22:47:00.000-05:00

Time to order new decals. I'm thinking about reworking the palette a little, basically so they pop as much as an earth tone can and have more varied contrasts and effects with the base colors. Above is a little mock up with renditions of some of the colors I'd like to use more of. More tweaking to come I'm sure. Feel free to post any suggestions.

NYC Trip

2010-03-22T18:57:00.000-05:00

Last night I was riding a Waterford through a virtually empty Central Park. As we passed from under the Sycamores and Oaks the gaudy spectacle of Times Square lit the night sky bright as day. Manhattan is a wonder-- a straight crazed thing that really doesn't sleep and lost a functioning pause button long ago.

While there I had the pleasure and fortune to meet up with frame builder, Ezra Caldwell (Fast Boy Cycles), and his wife, Hillary. We played handball, had diner, and talked about life, bikes, and the business of making things.

It was the first sunny and warm weekend of Spring on the East Coast, and over the course of two days I believe I my gaze laid upon every Manhattan-ite as we took in the city. Fortunately we stayed in Brooklyn, which is a lot friendlier and a little quieter.

We stopped in at Bespoke Bicycles, a cool little shop with a friendly staff that took care of our mechanical promptly. The shop is so small that the workstand's in the middle of the showroom and a rope and pulley system is used to drop bikes through a trap door into the basement.

I always have a good time visiting New York. This was the first occasion that I rode a bike there and it was mostly a little more aggro than I was in the mood for (bear in mind I was a tourist and wanted to watch more than cross-traffic and side mirrors). Riding bikes, I will contend, is still the best way to learn about a city-- its noise, its smells, its side-streets, the immensity of the skyscrapers.

Thanks to New York and New Yorkers for the hospitality and fun times.

Spring...Perhaps?

2010-03-14T18:18:00.000-05:00

It may have been 50 degrees today, with full on sunshine. Amber and I set out for a leisurely ride this afternoon and each shed two layers before we were three miles into it. Everyone was out because most of the snow is gone. People were smiling, dogs were everywhere.

I spent yesterday in the basement, cleaning up after myself; purging the detritus, finding a place for everything else. The instinct for storing given way to a time to shed.

For the record it's still a little cold for a mango smoothie, but you can't know without trying.

My New 650b Commuter

2010-03-07T13:07:00.000-06:00

It took awhile but it's finally a bicycle. I've been thinking about this project since last summer, when I sold El Burro. After looking at some vintage Rene Herse bicycles I decided to make something in that vein of utility and style, updated for modern componentry and a slightly less plebeian mode of use.

The frame itself is fancier than what I'd normally make-- it was and is a show bike, and I thought I'd take the opportunity to display whatever technical proficiency I possess. We'll call it the "Ultra DeLux Model" or something, but there is a stately quality to the feel of the bicycle. The Nitto components, the brilliantly effective Roly-Polys, and White Industries freewheel all add their own spark; all topped off with the best factory-seconds Brooks saddle ever.

Geometry Info: 60 cm top tube, 58 cm seat tube, 73/73 seat & head angles, ~45 mm trail, 430-450 chain stays, 57mm BB Drop.

The BaileyWorks bag has come with some changes this time. A (sort of) permanent strap holds the bag in place, and makes install and removal very quick. The anchors for the removable shoulder strap are at the sides of the bag instead of at each of the handles so that it's balanced better and is more comfortable to wear. I'm really putting this one to use, making it my official commuting bag. So far I'm pleased with it's capacity, and the style it adds to the bicycle.