Back in the nineties I was riding with a bunch of friends, and kept saying it would be cool to learn how to build bike frames. One day I told everyone that I was leaving the next week to go to school in Oregon. I remember one saying "You mean you're really doing it?" When I got back from United Bicycle Institute in Ashland Oregon, I was the only active frame builder in the state. There were a co
uple around that weren't doing much, and there were several that started up and then folded since then. But I couldn't wait, I was exited, I borrowed money bought tools, got a jig (which is another long story), and nothing happened. That's when my education about being a framebuilder started. I think the frame I'm working on is my 15th. Which considering that there have been years when I didn't do anything, that's not terrible. You don't learn to build one week and you are a rich builder the next. I learn something new every time I build a frame. For the first few years, I was just out in the sticks experimenting, and doing stuff for myself. What i am doing now is a lot better than even what I was doing two years ago. Part of that is going to shows like NAHBS, and meeting big name guys. Just being able to get on the internet and ask someone in Australia a question ,and he knows who I am, is fantastic. It's about sitting on the computer, designing your logos, pricing your product, selling, talking to vendors, being honest with yourself and others, smiling, being as accurate with your build as you can be, and some hard work. It's also about fun, and passion, and being so exited you bounce, and meeting people who feel the same way. And then there are the frames, and holding something that you made, having it look the same way you thought it would a month before. Wanting to call up and ask, "does it ride good? do you like it?"
One of the most frequent questions I am asked is "How do I learn.." "Would you teach me.." " how to build frames." The answer is always yes. I will show you what I know, and help as much as I can. Most other builders are the same way. Now i am going out to the shed and do some work on a bike. It is May 21 2014, and my birthday. I'm 63 years old, and still riding bicycles. This is the official page for Mills Bros. Bicycle Co. We are makes of completely customized bicycles on a customer by customer basis. For information on ordering or to ask any questions contact us at [email protected].
