The Métier Vélo website has been updated with the pricing and order info for 2017!
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For 2017, Métier Vélo frames will be available in two editions: Classic and Team.   Classic edition frames are US-sourced with lugs printed by GPI Prototypes on a 3D Systems DMP320 and tubes from RockWest Composites.  Team edition frames are global, and feature lugs printed by Kanfit3D on an EOS 290 and and full custom, filament-wound tubes from Tim Crossman Composites in Ukraine.
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Frames are available as part of a complete bicycle package (best value) or with a fork, headset, and bottom bracket installed (a fuselage).

Top reasons to consider a Métier Vélo:

• Custom fit - Métier Vélo frames are made to measure. Everything is in proper proportion. 
• Custom tube selection - I select tubes side and profile to suit your riding style and goals. 
• Custom tube layup - The carbon composition of your tubes matches your comfort, stiffness, and riding requirements.
• Custom design - Reflect your individual flair.
• Unique look - Matte, shot-peened titanium and raw carbon with bonded cosmetics.
• Light, tough, repairable - Métier Vélo frames early as light as pure carbon and very durable. Complete bicycles are around 6.3kg for a typical road frame. 
• Value - A completely custom Métier Vélo costs the same as a high-end mass-manufactured bicycle.  
• Individual attention - I build Métier Vélo frames one at a time for each individual rider.
• Lifetime repair or replacement - I can de-bond and replace damaged carbon tubes.

Métier Vélo LLC will have a new builder table at NAHBS 2016! The North American Handmade Bicycle show is the premier event for small builders to showcase their craftsmanship; this year it is in in Sacramento, California.  I’m excited to be showing a bike; it will be great to get feedback from some of the best bike builders around.  I hope we’re on the right track with Métier Vélo.  Thanks to Don Walker for the opportunity.  Red Kite Prayer has an interview with Don about the 2016 show that is worth reading. If you can make it to Sacramento (highly recommended), find us at New Builder Table 17.

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:

TRP Brakes are located right up the road from Métier Vélo  in Ogden, Utah.  TRP makes great OEM and aftermarket brakes.  This year TRP came out with a thoughtfully designed thru-axle disc brake front fork for cross and gravel bicycles, one of the first aftermarket thru-axle carbon forks.  TRP products often fill design gaps left by the Big Three component manufacturers (SRAM / Shimano / Campagnolo), and they have their own manufacturing facility in Taiwan, which lets TRP rapidly respond to market demands.  TRP is a reliable presence at NAHBS, and does a great job of supporting small builders.  You’ll find TRP carbon forks and TRP Hy/Rd hybrid cable-hydraulic brakes on upcoming Métier Vélo gravel bicycles.  TRP is an OEM supplier for Métier Vélo , so whenever you specify TRP parts on Métier Vélo frames, you’re getting great performance at the best possible price.

There are a lot of reasons to leave a career in neuroscience research; the main two problems are 1) a glut of highly trained, qualified research scientists (with a  Ph.D. and elite postdoctoral training) in the United States, and 2) chronic and severe underfunding of science and research in the U.S. (thanks, Congress). Clearly a bad combination.  I won’t go into these problems here because they are boring and I can’t solve them. 

The more interesting and relevant question is, why would I become a framebuilder?  Here’s some items from the list I made when considering the career switch:

Here I’ll post about

• Métier Vélo LLC company news.
• Progress in framebuilding and design.
• Personal experiences with starting a new business, and  my personal development as a framebuilder and business owner.
• General news of interest to small-scale custom builders.
• Occasional comments and opinions on bicycle riding, racing, and cycling advocacy.

I’ll try and keep the posts short and to the point with new posts once or twice a week.

I’d be glad to respond to your suggestions and questions, so please leave a comment! 

Thanks for reading.

-jamie