Photoessay: Building A Métier Vélo frame

19/1/2016

5 Comments

OVERVIEW

Layout in BikeCad from rider measurements or fit system.
3D model in Fusion 360 to sculpt lugs, dropouts and accessories.
Prototype in ABS plastic with in-shop Makerbot 2x.
Print lugs in 6/4 titanium at GPI Prototypes in Illinois.
Face & ream bearing surfaces, chase threads.
Dry fit carbon-fiber tubes and lugs in JT4 jig.
Bond with West System 105/209 Epoxy, jig cure.
Press bearings.
Assemble components.
Ride.

PHOTOS

Pictures are below. More written info is on the Production page.

5 Comments

Colton Rice link

21/11/2017 13:49:29

Beautiful work. Just submitting my email for updates!

John

9/12/2017 21:10:16

Your frames are really interesting and super COOL! With all due respect to the obvious talent and technical skills that your biked exhibit -- I thought 3d printing is suppised to make stuff LESS expensive!!! ; ) Im sitting here DROOLING over this thing. Unfortunately, there is no way that thing could cross my threshold. Man, you have built a great bike. I love it. Figure out some off the rack, non custom, sonething geometries...id be all over it. Bet they be gone instantly!!
Anyway keep US posted. WOW.

Jamie White link

10/12/2017 15:04:47

Thanks for the complements and comments! The Ti-carbon build technique results in a phenomenal ride. I'll never go back to full carbon. 3D printing and filament winding has made it possible to offer a full, deep-custom frame for same price or less than a mass-produced manufactured frame (price out a Colnago C60, a Trek Madone, a Cannondale Super6 Evo, or a Scott Addict with full SRAM eTAP, a Quarq, and a set of Reynolds RZRs). As it happens, I'm in the midst of reviewing prices and strategies for 2018. I'd be interested to hear what it would take to get you on a Métier Vélo. Send me an email and I'll see what I can do.

Art

30/10/2018 19:24:21

Hi, Jamie.
An exceptionally beautiful bike! I'd say with confidence, among the most beautiful ones I've seen to date, along with the Bastion Bikes' counterparts. My compliments! Keep designing and manufacturing these exclusive beauties!
Since the Gravel / Adventure segment is becoming increasingly popular, I think producing a gravel bike using, obviously, the same design protocol and manufacturing process as the road beauty you showcase on your website, but with a rack and full fender mounts (front and back), a bento box mount on the top tube, a headlight mount on the fork crown, greater fork and stay clearances for wider tyres, maybe a tad more sloping and somewhat flatter top tube, and, of course, just like the beauty in the images above, with disc brakes - and so forth - might make a business sense.
Also, check the last year's top -tier Specialized Diverge frame colour - a fine gradient of pearly blue, teal and silver tones Specialized calls "Satin Gloss Oil / Light Silver". A bit like some Klein's, but even more gorgeous (if possible at all). Of course, your bikes are so delightful as they are that a paint job, or even colour accents, howsoever beautiful, might be a tad redundant - but Goodness knows they might work.

You wrote your bikes are more affordable than some of mass-produced full-carbon competition. That is remarkable! I don't foresee affording one in the near future (right now, I'm planning to buy an Accent Feral for ca. €2600), but out of curiosity - how much do your frames cost? Also, do you build Gates drive -compatible frames, too?

Cordially,
Art

Jamie White link

31/10/2018 14:34:58

Thanks for the compliments! Métier Vélo frames are completely custom, so all of the features you mention are available, including a Gates Carbon Drive or Pinion gearbox. Shaped tubes require custom molds and cost extra, but are certainly possible. I don’t paint frames myself, but I am happy to prep your frame for the custom painter of your choice, or you have the option of Cerakote ceramic coating applied locally. Current prices are on the Métier Vélo site at métier-vélo.com/prices.html. The best value is a complete, ready-to-ride bicycle.

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