Zukas Cycles

[dgaddis]

Got my spot in the build queue finally!! STOKED!!

[Nate Zukas]

Lug work...

IMG_2382 by Nate Zukas, on FlickrIMG_2386 by Nate Zukas, on FlickrIMG_2390 by Nate Zukas, on FlickrIMG_2391 by Nate Zukas, on FlickrIMG_2394 by Nate Zukas, on FlickrIMG_2392 by Nate Zukas, on Flickr

[htono]

Nate,
I've been following your craft for a while now, with mixed feelings.
From what I can tell your craftsmanship is impeccable, but I have a comment and a question.
First the comment; I don't get your off-center seat post clamps. Looks to me like trying to hard to differentiate yourself from the crowd when your quality brazing has already taken care of that.
Next the question; where did you learn design? and I mean design as in putting the wheels in the right place, not as in mixing the right colors. What's the story behind the angles and dimensions for a custom frame?
Henrique

[Nate Zukas]

Nate,
I've been following your craft for a while now, with mixed feelings.
From what I can tell your craftsmanship is impeccable, but I have a comment and a question.
First the comment; I don't get your off-center seat post clamps. Looks to me like trying to hard to differentiate yourself from the crowd when your quality brazing has already taken care of that.
Next the question; where did you learn design? and I mean design as in putting the wheels in the right place, not as in mixing the right colors. What's the story behind the angles and dimensions for a custom frame?
Henrique

Hi Henrique, Good comment and question! The off center seat clamp was a thought that occurred to me when I did my first seat mast frame. When using a stubby seat post the binder bolt was difficult to reach with a typical park 3 way tool. By having it off center you are then able to fully spin this tool without it hitting against the seat. I like designs stepping out from the norm especially if they have a reason!
Fortunate I'm very mechanically inclined and good with my hands. With that I'm self taught. I did consider taking a class but decided to buy a jig instead feeling pretty confident from my previous projects and years of wrenching on bikes that I could build a frame. I commuted today on it and it still puts a smile on my face knowing its the first one I ever built. Hopefully I'm answering the last one correctly but I tend to lean towards a sloping TT design. I personally like the look of the design and use it a lot but only when It can be used to accommodate the customers contact points. I like seeing 100-110mm length stems, 10mm or less (none is better) of headset spacers, slight offset seat posts and I'm a huge fan of slightly lower BB heights. Aesthetics of a complete bike is an important aspect of my designs and love it when the completed bike fits the rider and can meet my standards mentioned above. So far I have been able to combine aesthetics with ride quality. To me that's custom!
Thanks, NATE

[Nate Zukas]

Sneak peak...30th wedding anniversary present.
IMG_2440 by Nate Zukas, on FlickrIMG_2442 by Nate Zukas, on FlickrIMG_2444 by Nate Zukas, on Flickr

[Todd Mosley]

Is that a cabinet drawer knob you're using for a dimpler?

[David Tollefson]

Is that a cabinet drawer knob you're using for a dimpler?

Heck yes! Firmly in the "whatever works" category. I use the top of a pipe wrench (backed up by half a tube block) to make long dimples in chainstays.