Renovation of a relatively unknown brand of top-of-the-line, high-quality steel frame from the 1980s: SR Maxima. Modified and refitted with relatively modern components. A “resto-mod” in the contemporary idiom, but I prefer the label “neo-retro” (to wit: revived nostalgia). This is a long-winded, in-depth account of my first effort at renovating an old, second-hand, production …
Alteration and renovation of a one-owner 1976 Schwinn Super LeTour (model SL-3) mid-range leisure bicycle, adapted to fully embrace leisurely riding on varied road surfaces. The frame was manufactured (1975) by Panasonic, Japan, for Schwinn. Description The Schwinn Super LeTour (12.2) was a mid-level recreational bicycle imported by Schwinn under their “Schwinn-Approved” label. The frame …
A custom bicycle built in the style of road bicycles from the “neo-classical” period, as I define it (1984-2008). Background The construction of this Rogue Rabbit was begun in 2003 for the purpose of honing my silver-brazing skills. Started as a practice frame that got as far as a partial main triangle (seat, down, and …
Repair and restoration of a crash-damaged Paletti SLX road racing frame equipped with Campagnolo Record components (ca. 2004). Background This bicycle had been awaiting restoration since the owner was rear-ended and injured by a car more than ten years earlier. The subject of the repair is a handmade production frame (ca. 1990) from builder Luciano …
A custom bicycle built for long-distance riding adventures on all types of roads; an “all-road” or “randonneuring” bicycle. This bicycle was built for my friend and sister-from-different-parents, sometimes known as Road Pixie. Background This bicycle was built following Road Pixie’s completion of her first Paris-Brest-Paris ride in 2011 on a custom-built Waterford. The construction of …
Domínguez Cycles was awarded “Best Fillet-Brazed” at the 2011 North American Handmade Bicycle Show held in Austin, Texas. What a surprise that was! The award was given for the first frameset I ever built (2002): Thanks to all the nice people who made their ways to Austin and stopped by my booth for a chat. You’re …
A custom bicycle built to see whether I could recreate the handling, road feel, and climbing ability of a 1985 3Rensho Super Record. It is built for practice, learning, and quite a lot of fun. Background After riding fixed-gear almost exclusively for the last ten years or so, I decided to build up a bicycle …
This is the first bicycle frame I built – the frame that started me on the long road of frame-building. It was built under the tutelage and watchful eye of Paul Wyganowski during the winter of 2001-2002. It was finished in June of 2002, but didn’t come back from paint until March of 2003. Background …
