An interview with Chris

How did you get into the bike industry?

In 1984, I bought a Miyata 1000, and started to race. I focused on road tours, and learning how to ride and win.

Did you win?

Not at first. It was hard work and lots of fun. I haven't been racing that much lately. But, I have a great time when I do - its tough getting back to my race-ready self (30lbs and 10 years adds up!).

How did you start building frames?

It started with a 23" bike that didn't fit a friend. I had worked as a pipeline welder, working on "big steel" so I figured I had the torches and stuff and knew how to braze, so I just took it apart and cut the head and seat tubes down. That was my first repair.

Soon after that I began to learn what it was all about.

When did you begin manufacturing your own frames?

It was 1985. I set up shop in a shack behind my Grandmother's house in East Oakland. All I had when I opened my doors for business was a Craftsman Vice, a hacksaw file, a drawing table and a lot of ambition. The mill came a few months later.

Looking at the 2300 square ft. facility I have now, it's hard to imagine I did everything, even paint, in a 140 sq. foot shop for six years.

Do you do all your own paint now?

I still paint some of the frames - mostly prototypes. The wet paint is still done at D&D Cycles in San Lorenzo. I shared shop with Rick for a couple of years, so we built a good relationship together. He does awesome work, too.

I also powder coat. My production frames are powder coat, and I have a few vendor partners that do good work.

What material are your frames made of?

Steel. I like how it feels. I primarily use True Temper - it's US made.

What do you think has helped to develop and design products?

Many things. A good understanding of the sport. Repairing frames continues to give me important clues on how to build better frames. I think my background as a pipeline welder, and my architectural training gave me a great foundation to design and build. And, I guess just doing it 'cause I love to make stuff and I love to ride.

Do you till have a service and repair business?

Yup.

How do you find folks to work for you? Or better yet, what do you look for?

Good work ethic. Welding, fabricating, machining skills. Bike Mechanic skills. And, overall I like to hire and keep on folks that are well mannered and courteous, and like to work.

It is hard to find folks that are skilled. I wrote a curriculum and presented it to the Economic Development Office in Oakland to help leverage our local junior colleges existing programs. I hope it makes a difference one day as it is tough to find a good workforce in this area.

Created by

in association with Kelly Bike Co.