I want to make bicycles, am I crazy?
After a trip through Europe I decided I wanted to make bicycles.
I would like to make them customized for individuals. How difficult do you think it will be to get started and become successful at making lots of hand made frames, on a shoestring budget.
Prohibitive?
I see the cost of the welding machine, the materials, some scaffolding, a basic set of machining equipment, and the ordering of some parts that will be premade (Like wheels, tires, seats)
This is not an exhaustive list! What do you think, am I dreaming and could never pay bills like this?
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22 Answers
Why crazy? I think it’s a terrific idea. Romantic, ambitious, charming, smart. You should do it.
Agreed. Couldn’t have said it any better. Good luck.
Great idea, and i think there could even be a market for custom built bikes (in Europe for sure).
I have always dreamt about building my own bicycle, from scratch would be ideal but i lack the skills and the means, but starting with an existing frame and from there built it up i think can be rewarding too.
And my ultimate dream and something that i definitely will try once is building one from wood, in the style of some time trial bikes.
I would say, go for it!
Sounds like a cool (and possibly profitable) hobby to me.
This question from a while back might be helpful. While it’s not about making bicycles per se, it’s full of good advice for people who want to make a living crafting something. See especially @Harp’s answer.
Man, you are looking at a good grip of cash and trial and error to make this happen. I have friends who work for some crazy good bike builders and one that has been building a frame on a shoestring budget and another who is working with bamboo.
Why don’t you try one of the million bike builders in Portland, Oregon? Drop them an email and ask some questions. Perhaps they can tell you what is needed and what you can do without while you are getting started.
My Grandfather made ‘em and repaired them. And He lived a sane as any I guess!
eric in Lux
When I have some extra $$ I want to get a custom Waterford bicycle and have Richard Schwinn hand it to me (Waterford evolved from the Schwinn Paramount shop).
God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
I’ll go anywhere with you as long as it’s forward.
Churchill: never give up!
Why would you think this would make you crazy?
I want to be a gooseherd, and I am..with my own little ‘flock’ of two. lol
Whatever floats your boat..creaitve expression is the most subjective thing there is.
Figure out all the specs, figure out just how much money you’d be spending to get started, and then somehow figure out how much money you’d be making, and figure it out! What are you worried about? Find somebody who knows about it, and ask them everything. Do all the research you can. Find somebody who does it and has made a go of it, and spend time with them. If, after all that, you still want to do it, do it!
If you make a good product and MARKET AND PROMOTE the shit out of it, you will be fine. Look at that Australian guy that makes the wierd vacuum cleaners. NIce vacuum cleaner, great sales pitch.
Anyway, you should always pursue a career that inspires you. A satisfying career is like playing all your life, a job is like being in prison.
Go for it, Ltryptophan, and good luck. The only thing that might make you crazy is listening to naysayers.
thanks for the support! :)
A lot of serious triathletes have custom made bikes. I would think it could be an excellent niche. If you’re on or near the west coast, perhaps a visit to Courage would be inspirational, or a good place to do an unpaid internship to see if it fits you.
Love, love, love, this idea!!
I don’t know where you are located. Are you in Europe or the US? Or elsewhere? You should contact Pashley which is England’s premier and oldest handmade bicycle manufacturer. You probably could not work for money if you are American——EU er’s can. However, even if you are American (and could afford it) call them and tell them you want to learn how to make good bicycles and maybe they will let you intern for a month or so to learn the ropes. Then, take your expertise and go home and build your own bikes using ideas from that venerable company together with your new ideas!
Good luck!
Sounds like a great idea. Now you just have to get qualified to do it; an apprenticeship of some kind?
Oh, @stranger_in_a_strange_land you just beat me to it. I think the suggestion to work with a reputable bike maker until you learn the trade is very good.
The Wright brothers made bicycles…....and so did schwinn. Do it.
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