I prefer to build complete bicycles so that I can make sure everything fits just right.  I can build to specifications, but there is nothing like having a part in your hand. Quality Bicycle Products is a national distributor of bicycle components and bike related products.  QBP is based in Minnesota, and supplies bicycle shops all over the US with regional  distribution centers. QBP is great about supporting small builders; even though Métier Vélo is a small volume operation, QBP was very generous in providing an OEM  account. QBP's support is the reason I can equip your Métier Vélo frame with components at competitive prices. QBP supplies Métier Vélo with almost all parts:  SRAM and Campagnolo component groups,  forks, cockpit components, wheels, and most everything else you can put on your frame. When you order a complete Métier Vélo bicycle, one of the first things I do is order your components so that I have them in-hand while I am designing your frame.

Rolf Prima Wheel Systems hand builds wheels one-at-a time in Eugene Oregon.  Rolf  Prima fits with the Métier Vélo ethos of building by hand, one-at-a time, using US-sourced parts.   You can recognize Rolf Prima wheels by their distinctive paired spoke design.  The company, owned by Brian Roddy,  is a reincarnation of the original Rolf Prima , which died  due to the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent  retirement of founder Rolf Dietrich.  Each Rolf Prima wheel comes with a card signed by the individual who built it.  Rolf Prima  wheels are built around their proprietary hubs,  most of which are manufactured  in the US.  The rear hubs feature Differential Flange Diameter to transfer driving forces and a Dish-Reducing Design to further strengthen the rear wheel.  Rolf Prima wheelsets have a number of innovative technical features, look great, and have a 2-year warranty.  Rolf Prima also has a lifetime crash-replacement program. Rolf Prima has been great to work with and is very supportive of small builders; many of the complete bikes at NAHBS feature Rolf Prima wheels.  Métier Vélo has an OEM agreement with Rolf Prima, so you can have really great wheels on your Métier Vélo bicycle at a great price.  Two forthcoming Métier Vélo bicycles will feature Rolf Prima wheels: Cross CX thru-axle tubulars on one and another with  a set of Ares 4 clinchers built up with thru-axle hub front & rear.

For much of 2015, I’ve been working with GPI Prototype & Manufacturing Services, Inc. to optimize lug design for  titanium 3D printing.  Designs needed to be optimized for shape, amount of material, and build orientation;  GPI was very generous with time and expertise in helping come up with the final lug shapes and other designs.   They have been excellent to work with and the quality of the titanium prints continues to exceed my expectations.  Titanium printing is pricey, and GPI has worked hard to help reduce the cost of a set of parts by approximately 40%,  putting Métier Vélo bicycles in the same price bracket as a top-end manufactured bike from Trek or Cannondale. 

Here are some of the final lugs after printing and cleanup: