---

Bicycles [ Features | Configurations | Production | Prices | Order ]

---

Photos 

A Métier Vélo from start
to finish, in pictures

PHOTOESSAY | Making a Métier Vélo

• Here's a quick look.
• More pictures in the blog.
• Read on for more information.

---

Overview 

Ten steps in three phases
 to a finished Métier Vélo

Research

---

Wants, needs, 
measurements 
& expectations

---

1.  Contact
2.  Consult
3.  Fit

Development

---

Each frame designed from the ground up in 3D for you.

---

4.  Design
5.  Model
6.  Prototype
7.  Refine

Fabrication

---

We love it when...
a plan 
comes together

---

8.  Print
9.   Assemble
10. Finish

---

Research 

Wants, needs, 
measurements 
& expectations

Contact | Get in touch!

• A Métier Vélo bicycle starts when you decide I might be the right builder for you.  Email or call and we'll discuss your interests and expectations.

• I'll let you know more about the details, along with what you can expect from Métier Vélo in terms of cost, commitment, and timeframe.
•  After we talk, if you decide I'm not the right builder for you, I'd be happy to refer you to a builder or custom manufacturer who is. In the end, we're all riders.
• If you decide to go ahead, pay your Refundable Deposit to hold your production spot.

Consult | Discuss in detail your requirements, expectations, & desires

• Meet, discuss, ride. Power files from typical ride or race will help select the correct tubes.
• Plan components and custom parts.
• Design proposal: I'll provide an itemized design proposal to you at the end of the consultation, with a cost breakdown and an approximate timeline.

Fit | Get measured

• The Métier Vélo Measure. I can take your measurements either in person or from digital photos. This option is fine for many riders.
• The "Team Sky" Measure. If you prefer, I can use results from a fit session using the Shimano or Retül systems, or almost any professional fitter. If you choose this option, check with me so I can make sure your fitter provides the info I need in a suitable format.

---

Development 

 In the cloud, 
on paper 
& in plastic

Design | Initial frame design and layout

• Prior to beginning your design in 3D, you'll need to pay your Design Installment.
• Select carbon tubes appropriate for the purpose of the bicycle, your power profile, and your personal riding style.
• Determine frame layout and geometry based on your fit measurements.
• Order components, wheels, and fork.
• Check clearances in the computer (like tire width, chainline, heel and toe interference).  

Model | 3D model your lugs, dropouts & custom parts

• Each frame is modeled in 3D from the ground up: this is where Métier Vélo differs from many custom builders.

• Design and model lugs and dropouts. 
• Design and  model custom mounts, internal cable guides, internal lug structures, cosmetic features, and any other custom parts to be produced by 3D printing.
• Preview your virtual bicycle! So. Pretty.

Refine | Appearances and clearances

• You'll have an opportunity to check everything
• I can make minor changes to things like cable routing and mount placement.
• Major changes at this point are a redesign and will cost extra (Sorry, but you need to make up your mind. No more dithering!)

---

Fabrication 

The plan 
comes
together

Print

• Prior to printing, pay your Print Installment.
• Your lugs and titanium parts are printed in 6/4 Ti.

Fabricate

• Chase threaded parts.
• Ream and face bearing surfaces.
• Cut carbon tubes to length and miter to fit precisely into the lugs.
• Dry-fit carbon tubes & titanium lugs in the jig.
• Bond carbon tubes to Ti lugs (I use West System toughened epoxies).
• Jig-cure for optimal alignment.

Finish 

• Bond cosmetics and protection (cool bits like your chain guard, stone deflectors, head badge, & nameplate).
• If you chose paint, I'll prep your frame.  Otherwise, I'll apply a UV protective clearcoat.
• Hand-paint Ti bits.
  
• Press bearings: headset, bottom bracket,
  
• Install fork, components, and wheels.
• Prior to final delivery, you'll need to pay your Final Balance. 
• Ride!

---