Boris Johnson’s new bike

[cantunamunch]

oxy acetylene welding aluminum

 

[LiquidFeet]

.... oxy acetylene welding aluminum ....

I didn't know that was possible.
I tried it once on some huge chrome plated ball bearings. Didn't work on that either.

 

[James]

I’v only done a little oxy welding on common steel. It’s a totally zen experience when that sound goes down, it gets quiet and you’re working the glowing molten puddle.

Weren’t all steel bikes brazed years ago? I guess they had lugs though to make precision cutting and fitting of the tubes not necessary. I’m not sure the actual brazing was all that different. Less precision needed I guess.

Aluminum airframes were oxy-acetylene welded till the early 70’s I think.

Aluminum Welding Methods (ALCOA) DVD

TM Technologies: Tools, Sheet Metal Shaping Machines, Gas Welding Supplies, Articles & lWorkshops for Better Metalworking

www.tinmantech.com

 

[Dakine]

On some days I can make a TIG torch work.
The thing about welding is that it is like shooting pool.
If you don't do it every day you lose your stroke.

 

[scott43]

My buddy was a full-time MIG/TIG welder..dude's welds were immaculate. Practice makes perfect I guess. Mine looked mustard squirted out of a stopped up container....

 

[cantunamunch]

Mine looked mustard squirted out of a stopped up container....

But, but but, just think of all the ASMRt!

 

[dan ross]

I tried my hand at frame building years ago using oxy acetylene and lug brazing. Let's just say it weren't that good... it's a fine skill and I'll fight anyone that says otherwise!!

The Bible- some of the geometry discussed is dated but if you want to build a lugged frame, this is the best.

 

[scott43]

Thanks Dan but I gave up. I just don't have the touch. I'll just melt a beautiful set of, 853!

 

[PowHog]

Looks great, hope BoJo appreciates it!

I just try to imagine him attempting to ride that thing.

 

[Rudi Riet]

The thing about welding is that it is like shooting pool.
If you don't do it every day you lose your stroke.

When I visited the Moots factory in 2019 their welders were practicing when they weren't actively building frames. They'd try new techniques and experiments in spare tubing cuts and it was fascinating to watch.

 

[Saintsman]

I just try to imagine him attempting to ride that thing.

How so? Boris is fairly famous (at least in the UK) for his bike riding to get round town. Not to mention his time as London Mayor and the Boris Bikes

 

[Tricia]

On some days I can make a TIG torch work.
The thing about welding is that it is like shooting pool.
If you don't do it every day you lose your stroke.

View attachment 136014

My buddy was a full-time MIG/TIG welder..dude's welds were immaculate. Practice makes perfect I guess. Mine looked mustard squirted out of a stopped up container....

In my previous life we employed some machinists and metal fabricators to repair excavation equipment
The stuff they would build was nothing less than a work of art.

 

[Willyum215]

I had no idea there was a bicycle manufacturer in Philly - very cool!

 

[Philpug]

Harry Havnoonian a frame builder was (is?) in Media, just outside of Philly.

 

[cantunamunch]

Harry Havnoonian a frame builder was (is?) in Media, just outside of Philly.

Still is. I read an article somewhere saying he was going to make Eroica-type bikes with period-correct French or Italian-type finesse metalwork.

I had no idea there was a bicycle manufacturer in Philly - very cool!

Will we see you at the Bike Expo? It's run by the Bilenky crew. You can meet all the other local-ish builders like Drew Guldalian of Engin in Chestnut Hill.

 

[Wendy]

Harry Havnoonian a frame builder was (is?) in Media, just outside of Philly.

A lot of track riders had Havnoonian frames. Good to know he’s still doing his thing.

 

[Ken_R]

Did anyone see Joe Biden’s gift to Boris Johnson for the G7 summit? A custom bike from Bilenky Cycle Works in Philly built a cool bike in record time (like, a few days)!:

G7 summit: Joe Biden gifts Boris Johnson custom-made bike https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-57453840

View attachment 135747

Looks like a TIG welded steel frame? Anyone know what those components are? The chainring/crankset is really cool.

Hopefully this creation will bring a lot of good publicity for that small (4-person) bike manufacturer!

Looks ok. Would have looked much better with the silver seatpost and stem imho. Thomson makes them in silver. The black cassette as well. Looks a bit odd. Ditto with the black brake calipers.

The frame looks really really nice though.

 

[Philpug]

A lot of track riders had Havnoonian frames. Good to know he’s still doing his thing.

Honestly, I don't know if he is, thats why I said was/is?

 

[neonorchid]

I had no idea there was a bicycle manufacturer in Philly - very cool!

A lot of track riders had Havnoonian frames. Good to know he’s still doing his thing.

Tom Kellogg Spectrum Cycles out in the Trexler Town Velodrome direction, not much further from Philly than Media.

 

[cantunamunch]

Tom Kellogg Spectrum Cycles out in the Trexler Town Velodrome direction, not much further from Philly than Media.

Closed in 2019.

Spectrum Cycles, Known for Masterful Custom Bike Frames, to Close

Tom Kellogg and Jeff Duser will stop taking orders in July. After that, Spectrum will shut down for good.

www.bicycling.com