44 Bikes

[murphy]

I have noticed you have made multiple prototypes (titanium bikes in this case), and I understand you are iterating to improve the overall design, but my question is what is the lifecycle of a prototype like for a framebuilder? For example, how long do you use a prototype before moving on to another and what happens with older prototypes as you move on to better designs (i.e. do you cut them up to see the efficacy of your welds (in this case) and to see if anything was stressed more than other parts or do they become part of the shop decor as pieces of history)? As always, the frames look amazing.

[fortyfour]

I have noticed you have made multiple prototypes (titanium bikes in this case), and I understand you are iterating to improve the overall design, but my question is what is the lifecycle of a prototype like for a framebuilder? For example, how long do you use a prototype before moving on to another and what happens with older prototypes as you move on to better designs (i.e. do you cut them up to see the efficacy of your welds (in this case) and to see if anything was stressed more than other parts or do they become part of the shop decor as pieces of history)? As always, the frames look amazing.

With the titanium prototypes, I'm mostly looking to build process / methodology first and ride characteristics second as I had never ridden titanium previously. I know how I like my steel bikes to ride, but how does that same geo and set up translate when built in a different material? The only way to do that for me is to make a handful of bikes. Ride and test them in all the typical terrain and then make any adjustments based on that feedback. Most of what I found is really subtle and geo is interchangeable for the most part.

Some early steel prototypes were dissected while others were shelved after use as a record of sorts. Some have been passed along to friends for further testing. I typically ride my own bikes for 1-3 seasons depending on the build and what I was after in terms of feedback. I keep detailed photographic records of all my work as reference points for myself in build technique and process. So season to season it varies what I'm looking to improve upon. The window of changes and tweaks has become very narrow. Mostly it has been material and process / approach oriented.

Hope that helps!

[fortyfour]

The simple things in life: Knowing exactly where a bend starts AND stops. First seat stays coming off the new bender...

[fortyfour]

[joosttx]

I amazed that there is so much technology on that bike yet it looks so classic. This is so special.

[fortyfour]

I amazed that there is so much technology on that bike yet it looks so classic. This is so special.

Thanks Houston. Very much appreciate that comment. That's the goal with these builds. Classic lines but with modern design twists.

[Gattonero]

Oh, FFS, glad it has wide bars and 1x11 as I can't afford another bike right now!
(really?)
Just tell me it don't kick like a horse as I like to. It really oozes quality, and I'm done for this year as far as new bikes

[fortyfour]

[fortyfour]

[Rayburn Shaun]

Kris-

Looks great. Are you at the point where you feel comfortable with the titanium process to offer it to the GenPub or are you still building/riding and getting things figured out? That Marauder is tight BTW.

Tom

[fortyfour]

Kris-

Looks great. Are you at the point where you feel comfortable with the titanium process to offer it to the GenPub or are you still building/riding and getting things figured out? That Marauder is tight BTW.

Tom

Thanks for the kind words Tom. Things are coming together nicely FYI. I have two more prototypes planned to compare notes which should be finished up early summer. Plan is to ride these throughout the summer and make a handful of bikes for friends/long term clients in the coming months. Then.. expect to see something later this fall at a show I attend yearly. That's all I'm going to say right now. I'm feeling confident with process and approach as well as the nuances of the material. More time welding it is really all I need at this point with small tweaks in technique and such.

I'm close!

[fortyfour]

Gears:



No Gears:

[devlin]

It has been awesome watching your progression through this Kris. Another bike to add to my must have one day list.

[fortyfour]

[Burnette]

Hey Kristopher, awesome bike^

Please clear out your PM box, I want to send you a PM about something I'm working on, thanks!

[fortyfour]

Hey Kristopher, awesome bike^

Please clear out your PM box, I want to send you a PM about something I'm working on, thanks!

Thanks for the kind words.

PM Box cleared FYI.

To all: If you have a question, you may always email directly: khenry@44bikes.com

This is actually the preferred method as I check that email daily. I can go a few days some times between visits to V-Salon.

[fortyfour]

Been wanting to try this tire for some time: WTB Riddler TCS 29 x 2.25. First Impressions up on the 44HQ Blog.

[fortyfour]

[fortyfour]

[progetto]

root weld or finish?