User Tag List

Page 1 of 9 123456789 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 436

Thread: Zanconato

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Sutton, MA USA
    Posts
    4,548
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default Zanconato

    First off, a big thank you to Josh and Richard for allowing me the honor and privilege to kick things off here.

    I suppose I can trace my desire to build bicycle frames back to the 1993 Philadelphia Interbike show. I was a senior in high school and the bike shop I had grown up in and spent every dime of paper route money at invited me to attend with them. I had been riding a sweet 1981 Benotto that was handed down to me from my cousin in 1990, but walking into the hall and seeing all of the glitz and gleam was too much. Cliff, the shop owner and my teacher of all things cycling-tradition, directed me to the Carrera booth. He knew Claudio was my hero and the bikes were what he considered everything I would want and need. He was right. I ordered a Cassiopeia at the show. I loved that bike. I scrutinized every aspect of it, trying to figure out why Podium did what they did when making it. What I didn’t know at the time was that bike would become my muse years later.

    Like every other high school senior, I had my path in life all figured out. I would get my bachelors in chemical engineering, work in industry for two years, go back for my PhD in polymer science, go back into industry for five more years and then finish my career as a professor. Life intervened and things started chipping away at that plan. Two important things happened in January 1998 during my first senior year; I met my wife to be and I bought my first set of tubes and lugs. The only things that really prompted me to buy them were I wanted a cyclocross bike and I wanted to figure out how bikes were put together (in classic engineer style, right?). My dad and I, with a little help and a borrowed jig from a local guy who made some frames in the mid-80s, built the frame that summer and it still hangs in my dad’s shop.

    Fast forward a bit. I married Rebecca. I never went to grad school in polymer science. I steadily moved up the ranks at GE Plastics, moving more and more away from technical roles and into business roles. I threw an 18 month stint at Seven Cycles in there for good measure before going back to GE as a field marketing manager. My last role in the plastics biz was as a regional account manager for PolyOne. All the while, I was building frames and really honing my style, which prompted me to write this about the Carrera. The order book for the frames was growing, but I was also working towards going back to school. In 2008, I had a choice. I could go back to school or go full time with the bikes. With Rebecca’s support, I chose the bikes. She rocks.

    I get the “why do you do this?” question a lot. It’s pretty simple really.
    I like the people. Throughout my career, all of my jobs have been about relationships, especially this one. Cyclists are a passionate and inquisitive bunch, which leads me to…
    I like to teach.
    I like to work with my hands. My time at the bench is sacred.
    I like to figure out ways to makes things more elegant.
    I like running my own business. It’s as much a creative endeavor as the frame building itself.

    I’m pretty open about everything. I enjoy debunking the junk. I’m happy to talk about anything that’s on your mind, from the craft to the business strategies and tactics. Don't hold back. The hard questions are usually the most fun. Fire away.
    Mike Zanconato
    Web
    | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Tumblr

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Laahndan town
    Posts
    2,408
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    The bikes I saw at NAHBS prove you made the right choice. They're something for us all to aspire to.... customers to attain and builders to build to.

    It must have been a hard decision though, looking at it dispassionately, a certain income against a very uncertain one, coupled with family responsibilities. I say this as someone who was always good with their hands but got suckered in by the lure of filthy lucre....

    One question though..... can we see Zancs built from other materials in the future?

    PS...You don't need good luck.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Sutton, MA USA
    Posts
    4,548
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Thank you for the kind words!

    Regarding materials...I hope so. There are a couple of other materials that appeal to me. I would only add another material choice if it worked into my philosophy of creating functional and elegant bicycles, and it won't be before I am proficient in the construction process. Adding additional material options won't be for me-too reasons. It will be because I think there will be a real benefit to my customers. In general (this goes for all industries and products I research and buy), I don't like overlap in product lines. I know clear delineation between models is not often possible. But when things are so fuzzy that it leaves customers scratching their heads, things have gotten off-track. Make sense?
    Mike Zanconato
    Web
    | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Tumblr

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    New England
    Posts
    3,448
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    4 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Mike,

    Hi, first of all, thanks for all the great pics (new shop, brazing, etc.) and your always informative posts. Two questions:

    1. I see that ATMO has the new Gaulzetti, so what other framebuilder's bike would YOU pay your own money for to own and ride and why? (which builder, what type of bike, what material, etc.)

    2. When are you and the other New England clan gonna sponsor a local framebuilder show in, say Springfield, MA or thereabouts ?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
    Posts
    2,983
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Good stuff, as always from you.
    My question is, do you build yourself new bikes frequently, or do you have one or two that are long term rides? Do you have any other bikes from other builders?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Sutton, MA USA
    Posts
    4,548
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Quote Originally Posted by edoz View Post
    Good stuff, as always from you.
    My question is, do you build yourself new bikes frequently, or do you have one or two that are long term rides? Do you have any other bikes from other builders?
    I try to build bikes for myself for the long haul, but I also try new things with my own bikes. Catch 22, right?

    At the moment, all of the bikes on the wall are zanks.
    Mike Zanconato
    Web
    | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Tumblr

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Sutton, MA USA
    Posts
    4,548
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Quote Originally Posted by riceburner View Post
    Mike,

    Hi, first of all, thanks for all the great pics (new shop, brazing, etc.) and your always informative posts. Two questions:

    1. I see that ATMO has the new Gaulzetti, so what other framebuilder's bike would YOU pay your own money for to own and ride and why? (which builder, what type of bike, what material, etc.)

    2. When are you and the other New England clan gonna sponsor a local framebuilder show in, say Springfield, MA or thereabouts ?
    Good questions!
    1. Yes! I am saving for an aluminum road bike from Dario. That probably gives away one of the materials I hope to work with some day!
    2. I have been talking to a few other like-minded individuals who want to see some type of event happen. But it wouldn't be exactly like what you are thinking. We hope to have some details fleshed out soon.
    Mike Zanconato
    Web
    | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Tumblr

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    1915 Foursquare
    Posts
    3,877
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    2 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Quote Originally Posted by zank View Post

    I suppose I can trace my desire to build bicycle frames back to the 1993 Philadelphia Interbike show. I was a senior in high school and the bike shop I had grown up in and spent every dime of paper route money at invited me to attend with them. I had been riding a sweet 1981 Benotto that was handed down to me from my cousin in 1990, but walking into the hall and seeing all of the glitz and gleam was too much. Cliff, the shop owner and my teacher of all things cycling-tradition, directed me to the Carrera booth. He knew Claudio was my hero and the bikes were what he considered everything I would want and need. He was right. I ordered a Cassiopeia at the show. I loved that bike. I scrutinized every aspect of it, trying to figure out why Podium did what they did when making it. What I didn’t know at the time was that bike would become my muse years later.

    .

    I knew you had good taste.....

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States
    Posts
    9,905
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    42 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Mike,

    I know you’ve got a few distinct frame genres in your repertoire already – Cross, Road, and the occasional Mountain.

    Do you see yourself sticking with these, or are you interested in other kinds of frame? If so, what?
    GO!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Sutton, MA USA
    Posts
    4,548
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Quote Originally Posted by davids View Post
    Mike,

    I know you’ve got a few distinct frame genres in your repertoire already – Cross, Road, and the occasional Mountain.

    Do you see yourself sticking with these, or are you interested in other kinds of frame? If so, what?
    Nah, not really. The bikes I build are the bikes I ride and know. For instance, I've never ridden on a track, so I have no business saying I can build a track bike. Yeah, I could build one if you told me what to build, but then it wouldn't really be a bike from me, would it? I've never been afraid to say leave it to the guys who are experts in that arena. It makes the most sense for everybody.

    That said, I want to do more experimenting with 29ers. I have this need for my mountain bike to feel more and more like my cross bike. So I'm not saying I don't want to keep learning, rather I want to learn more about what I am interested in.
    Mike Zanconato
    Web
    | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Tumblr

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States
    Posts
    9,905
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    42 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Quote Originally Posted by zank View Post
    Nah, not really. The bikes I build are the bikes I ride and know. For instance, I've never ridden on a track, so I have no business saying I can build a track bike. Yeah, I could build one if you told me what to build, but then it wouldn't really be a bike from me, would it? I've never been afraid to say leave it to the guys who are experts in that arena. It makes the most sense for everybody.

    That said, I want to do more experimenting with 29ers. I have this need for my mountain bike to feel more and more like my cross bike. So I'm not saying I don't want to keep learning, rather I want to learn more about what I am interested in.
    So, I was right to laugh when Cathryn asked me if you'd build us a tandem?
    GO!

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Sutton, MA USA
    Posts
    4,548
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Quote Originally Posted by davids View Post
    So, I was right to laugh when Cathryn asked me if you'd build us a tandem?
    Yes. Good instincts.
    Mike Zanconato
    Web
    | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Tumblr

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Middle of the mitten
    Posts
    2,644
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    4 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Quote Originally Posted by zank View Post
    That said, I want to do more experimenting with 29ers. I have this need for my mountain bike to feel more and more like my cross bike. So I'm not saying I don't want to keep learning, rather I want to learn more about what I am interested in.
    This is it, the Zanc CX is a party off road and for a 29er to ride like that off road would be ideal. If you sort that out for small frame sizes I'm in.
    Aiming to KICK cancer's butt this time around
    Dancing with NED, raising funds for METS research



  14. #14
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    south of Boston
    Posts
    9
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Quote Originally Posted by zank View Post
    Nah, not really. The bikes I build are the bikes I ride and know. For instance, I've never ridden on a track, so I have no business saying I can build a track bike. Yeah, I could build one if you told me what to build, but then it wouldn't really be a bike from me, would it? I've never been afraid to say leave it to the guys who are experts in that arena. It makes the most sense for everybody.

    That said, I want to do more experimenting with 29ers. I have this need for my mountain bike to feel more and more like my cross bike. So I'm not saying I don't want to keep learning, rather I want to learn more about what I am interested in.
    Hi Zank,

    Was admiring your handiwork at William's Ramble down in Ri a few weeks ago. A few freinds have started mountain biking to tide them over until snow flies and I am thinking I will to. But I want a better MT bike. Are a FS 29'r or 650B in any long term plans?

    Jack O

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Flagstaff, Arizona
    Posts
    11,224
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    11 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Hey, Zank - did you ever use those 29er tubes i sent you? - Garro.
    Steve Garro, Coconino Cycles.
    Frames & Bicycles built to measure and Custom wheels
    Hecho en Flagstaff, Arizona desde 2003
    www.coconinocycles.com
    www.coconinocycles.blogspot.com

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Sutton, MA USA
    Posts
    4,548
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Quote Originally Posted by steve garro View Post
    Hey, Zank - did you ever use those 29er tubes i sent you? - Garro.
    Yo Steve!
    You bet. I cobbled together some frames to try out different 29er geometry and different SS tensioning systems. I really like the way those tubes ride. Very point and shoot even with the long Reba fork. None of those frames saw paint though, so the tubes are somewhat unrecognizable at this point. I really appreciate the help!
    zank
    Mike Zanconato
    Web
    | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Tumblr

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    3,299
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Quote Originally Posted by DrZRM View Post
    Hey Mike,

    How's the baby? Or preparations for the baby, can't remember when you guys are due.

    I'll start saving my pennies for a geared HT 29er to match my CX frame. I see you have two SS frames in the pipeline, what's pricing going to look like on 29ers? I'll be in touch when the Mrs. Lets me spend money on bikes again.

    What tubes are you using? What would you use for a big fella like me?

    Zach
    Z - once I get mine back and painted, I'll let you check it out. It's set up SS now, but could be run with gears.

    Quote Originally Posted by steve garro View Post
    Hey, Zank - did you ever use those 29er tubes i sent you? - Garro.
    Pretty sure those are the tubes I used for 4th place at SSWC 2011 in Ireland last week. As Z said, not painted yet, but damn he built a perfect ride!

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Sutton, MA USA
    Posts
    4,548
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    1 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Quote Originally Posted by beungood View Post
    Hi Zank,

    Was admiring your handiwork at William's Ramble down in Ri a few weeks ago. A few freinds have started mountain biking to tide them over until snow flies and I am thinking I will to. But I want a better MT bike. Are a FS 29'r or 650B in any long term plans?

    Jack O
    Hi Jack,
    Great to hear from you! Hope you had fun at the Ramble. Thank you for your interest in a mtb frame!

    A 650B bike is certainly possible. The only hesitation I have with 650B is available tire and fork selection. There are more options with 29 or 26. Was there a particular reason why you are considering 650B?

    Regarding a suspension frame, I have no plans on the board at the moment. It's not really a focus for me. My main focus on the mountain side will be geared and SS rigid frames. I do have goals for a rigid fork design, but I've been swamped with road and cross fabrication. It's something I hope to work on over the winter. I'll keep you guys posted here. In the meantime, we could build a sweet hardtail for you ;-)

    Thanks!
    Mike
    Mike Zanconato
    Web
    | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Flickr | Tumblr

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    south of Boston
    Posts
    9
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    Quote Originally Posted by zank View Post
    Hi Jack,
    Great to hear from you! Hope you had fun at the Ramble. Thank you for your interest in a mtb frame!

    A 650B bike is certainly possible. The only hesitation I have with 650B is available tire and fork selection. There are more options with 29 or 26. Was there a particular reason why you are considering 650B?

    Regarding a suspension frame, I have no plans on the board at the moment. It's not really a focus for me. My main focus on the mountain side will be geared and SS rigid frames. I do have goals for a rigid fork design, but I've been swamped with road and cross fabrication. It's something I hope to work on over the winter. I'll keep you guys posted here. In the meantime, we could build a sweet hardtail for you ;-)

    Thanks!
    Mike
    Glad to see your doing well! Was considering 650B as I hear it's tough to fit people under 5'8" Wasn't sure how strong the 29'r wheels would be also.

    Keep up the good work!

    Jack O

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Posts
    144
    Post Thanks / Like
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Default re: Zanconato

    You mentioned earlier in the thread you are using a Meco Midget torch. Is this your exclusive torch used for the whole build now or just the small bits? I recall people debating that torch on the frame builders list a few years back, some saying it was great and other saying it's too small.

    Torches depend on flow and tip jets, Pros just silver on a tip to make exactly what they want.
    Reverse flow handles backfire more that though flow so maintaining them is important if you don't want a crisp thumb.
    Mike knows what he is doing and uses learned skill to optimizie his joining work.

Page 1 of 9 123456789 LastLast

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •