Willa Dean Cycles

Introduction

My name is Alex. My grandmother is Willa Dean. She loved me unconditionally and taught me how to ride a bike somewhere along the way. She’ll easily be my MVP forever and always.

Early in my journey as an avid cyclist I developed an appreciation for framebuilders suchs as Serotta, Dave Kirk, and Maas Specialties. Years later I would decide that before I'd push my last pedal I want to build at least one decent bike frame.

I think it’s only fitting that this project be dedicated to the woman that gave me so much including my first bicycle.

For now this will act as a placeholder for ideas, questions, and resources that are valuable to me. This will develop into a blog of sorts as I begin my journey in earnest.

Goal

build a fillet-brazed steel bicycle frame

Education

The Bicycle Academy 5day 1760 + 350 + | 10day 3520 + 350 +
UBI 10day 2950 + 150 +
Bohemian Cycles 10day 3100 + + 450

Design

build around 1x SRAM AXS drivetrain, flat-mount disc brakes, thru axles
frame 1 should have eyelets for three water-bottles and a rear rack
SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger
PMW UDH Dropout
external seattube clamp

Questions

650b or 700c?
what is max possible tire clearance?
can I yoke it?
bb386EVO or T47?
what cranks are compatible with bb386evo?
am I able to source tube and taps for 386evo?
design ST angle around straight post or set-back post? Does this affect handling in any way?
should I “future proof” and add cable derailleur braze-ons (barrel-adjusters, FD braze-on)?
can you fillet braze bmx tubing?
what do I need to consider for stainless and silver fillets? I would like an unpainted and potentially polished frame
how do you ensure thru-axle dropout alignment?

Tubing & Braze-Ons

ht
tt
dt
bb
st
cs
ss
dropouts
cs and ss bridges
flat-mount and cable guides
water bottle bosses
rack bosses

Inspiration

beautiful flanged dropouts by field
brushed stainless contrasts and lines by prova
that seatstay bridge by soulrider
that panel job by ritte!
copper leaf indy fab logos
gorgeous hooded dropouts by stelbel
dropped seatstays and stylized seattube by soulrider
sexy dropouts by lichen mfg
canti brazing by chapman

Resources

http://www.phred.org/~josh/build/suppliers.html

Tools Needed

vice
tube blocks
braze-on holder
$110 for 3 hacksaw
files, detailing files, 3m rope 80grit paper
jig
oxy-acetylene torch w/ flashback arrestors, gas, silver, brass, flux, wire brushes, heatsinks (?)
alignment tools?
rely on LBS for reaming, facing and taps?
flex hone $20
digital caliper $35
digital angle finder $20

Tools Nice for Production

miter / tube notcher
tube bender $1600
gas fluxer and gas saver would be nice
tube butting gauge, 2