You Don’t Know This Builder: You Don’t Know Bikes

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

⁉Have you ever thought about getting a custom bike? What would you prioritize-travel capabilities, unique geometry, or something else? I’d love to hear your ideas!

[@johnnydoe66]

I have always dreamed of having a custom frame built and I hope to one day make this dream a reality. I have several years before retirement, but I want to have a custom bike built as my retirement present for myself. My only problem is trying to decide between a Hardtail with a 120mm fork or a nice all-road touring bike.

[@monguzzle]

@@EverythingsBeenDone very much so…Wheeldan does a belt-drive and Pinion gearbox titanium “do everything” rig that I’d love to have.

[@bikecommuter24]

Yes been thinking of building a steel frame hybrid-commuter bike, with 1x10 ,flat bars and nice hydraulic brakes and a flat black paint with reflective elements mixed into the paint. at 62 I'm a commuter to work and errands a nice rugged city bike would be ideal.

[@russellzauner]

want my custom trike, it's way too much money to have someone build it and I don't know what I'm doing but I'm gonna build it anyway most of my success in life is due to the fact I have a hard time knowing when I'm beat so sometimes I actually succeed at things in spite of myself lol

[@ThriftyFramebuilder]

Yup, so much so that I started building my own! I’m at 8 frames so far, so lots of different priorities have been met. Great video, really enjoyed it!

[@tevemullins8156]

Love to see small businesses getting some attention. Respect to those guys. 👍

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Stoked you liked this one. I thought it was be cool to help give them a little shine, as I think its much deserved.

[@Kim_Miller]

Mad respect to that shop. I loved it when his Mum said "We take mondays off to go riding. together.." I hope she said the same thing when he was in high school. 😀 I had a Reynolds steel bike made for me way back in 1972. I'm now 75 and still have it after 50 years. The feel of it is very lively as if it's made of spring steel. It's crazy to think that this shop has been going that long and people are bringing their old bikes in for attention.

[@TheHman22]

They built up a dynamo and wider set of wheels for our tandem this past year. We were definitely a lower budget customer but Alder and team treated us like we were buying one of everything. So nice and for the culture! First custom bike I own will be from rod!!

[@sanktjohanser]

For me this was one of the most interesting videos you‘ve ever done! Loved it!

[@elbowspeak]

First LBS I went to when I landed at UW in '88. Love seeing them get more attention! Gracias DK.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

How cool is that!!!

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

I lived in Seattle for 30 years. R&E was always my go to shop when problems got complex. I worked with Alder several times on my Rando bike and my Gravel bike. He’s awesome! R&E is awesome. Thanks Dustin!!

[@kevinmcgrath5126]

I love seeing different frame builder setups; they each have their own approach, tools, magic, and secrets 🙊

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I agree one of my favorite things is seen a maker in their space

[@DuhRev]

I LOVE everything about this video and that shop. what a delight!! I am gonna send my son (who lives in Seattle) there! amazing thanks for shining the light their way you are the best DK

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

This makes my day!!

[@felixjackson2670]

FANTASTIC…great to see. Please, more content involving craftsmen(and women) . Love it.

[@michaeld7550]

Thanks for sharing about this shop/manufacturer. I live a couple states away but would LOVE to have them build my next bike! I'm sure the entire process, from start to finish, of purchasing a custom frame from a small builder such as this would be quite satisfying, which could only lead to a more rewarding ownership experience.

[@scotthepworth5976]

Awesome story Amigo! LOVE the history and deep funk of artisan builders and their quest to perpetuate culture and respect of the medium. Aloha from Jordan River BC

[@SkyhawkSteve]

Glenn Erickson passed away not long ago. The guy produced some amazing frames! He was featured in a number of the bike magazines back in the 90's. The May 1994 issue of Bicycling has an article titled "The Best Bike in the World is the One Made Especially for You" by Jim Langley. It features Glenn Erickson, Peter Weigle, and Steven Bilenky. There was also a Bicycle Guide magazine article titled "Art Bikes" that included Erickson. Amazing stuff!

[@petetrundell5454]

I designed an MTB frame in 1989 and It was built with Reynolds 531 and built by a UK custom builder. Back then Reynolds offered single tubes in many different sizes and gauges and I chose each tube to match my requirements. It rode vastly different to a bike made with their standard MTB tubeset and it’s still great to ride now, 35 years later.

[@hoser7706]

Ahhhh, love thosexokd shops. Ours was 109 yrs old before it closed. And thanks for the perfect video for Jan 1, 2025. You just gave me the fuel for savings and the bike frame I will seek/get for my not-too-distant retirement. 2025 goals begin now!!!❤

[@ornotbike]

We get a whole vid of Alder and no cowboy boot shots?! That little kids fort with all of the old lugs / tubes is gold medal bike shop nerd stuff. 👏🏼👏🏼

[@noahlapuz3853]

This channel and that bike builder is just WOW!!!

[@rkentwenger5095]

I have a custom Rodriguez Rainier from 2013 that's still my most-ridden bike.

[@monguzzle]

Wow. This was awesome. When I FINALLY get back to Seattle I'll be visiting.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

This place is even cooler in person. I'm stoked for you to see it.

[@neilashton9459]

Amazing - love the craftsmanship and pack rat vibe that at the same time feels totally modern.

[@cpopte]

I watched the "we'll doit" part three times. You said it so nice man. I respect that. I love that. Insane find. Thanks man.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chanceelliot5779]

Great video. I've been playing around with building simple frames out of steel.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

This is perfect timing!!

[@chanceelliot5779]

Agreed! I want to make a custom gravel bike!

[@ChrisBrown-dz9sz]

Bought my first bike there in high school, a Gary Fischer Big Sur hartail. Always a classic shop in Seattle.

[@michaelmann6482]

Best video ever. Loved hanging with the Rodriguez crew during MADE weekend, but I learned so much from this.

[@elikultgen4853]

I walked into R+E thinking I needed a 100% custom frame. However, the selection of materials and quality craftsmanship enables a frame to deliver more than I expected. I've had plenty of steel bikes but never had one frame that was as strong, light, springy, or smooth simultaneously. There will always be trade-off's but I think their attention to detail and construction helps mitigate any drawbacks in a particular design. I ended up ordering a fairly stock bike that fits me perfectly. I can't recommend them enough.

[@Jhender3908]

I lived across from R&E when I was at UW. It was always fun to go over to the store and just hang out.

[@james-p]

I'm tall and I wanted to finally get a bike that fit me right. I went to R&E and they made me a beautiful randonneur bike - and the bike is _awesome_ ! R&E is bicycle heaven.

[@rohangayle9130]

Dream makers!! Simple as that!! Excellent blog Dustin..

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Cheers to you ROHAN

[@themeatpopsicle]

I've had the pleasure of both an original Rodriguez and original Erikson come through my stand. Absolute beauties, absolute legends.

[@telepopepic]

What a wonderful video. Great to see such love of the noble invention we all enjoy!!

[@aespar1]

Thanks!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Much appreciated!

[@roberthealey6820]

That was extraordinary!! Thank you. What an amazing shop.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@northwestgravel]

I picked up a 70’s era Rodriguez frameset at yard sale in my size super cheap. Epic find. Built it up ride it on special rides.

[@mattlolli267]

I really prefer the straight-forward edits in this one. Much easier on the eyes and helped to convey the story being told more clearly. Nice work!

[@PNW_DK]

Super cool! Thanks for sharing this. Adding one on the N+1 bucket list bikes

[@workshopninjathe1st]

I can confirm Rodriguez bikes are awesome - I have a frame that I picked up from the Seattle Swap Meet. Rode it till I broke it :( Absolutely absurd geometry and a 1” headtube - I believe it was made as a TT bike in the 80s Columbus Max tubing and beautiful paint job (blue to dark blue fade and gold lettering like the old frame in the vid)

[@chrisallen2005]

Are you sure that was not a 1 inch steerer tube? I have never heard of a 1 inch head tube.

[@adamgroves2811]

One thumbs up is definitely not enough! Thanks for adding something really special to my bucket list, a custom R + E bike to travel and ride, who would!ve thunk!

[@n22pdf]

This is awesome dude ❤😊 I was 1 years old in 73 lol.. love seeing these sort of places 😊😊Pete 🚴🏻👍

[@jeffandersen6233]

Having mostly ridden steel framed and recently purchased a carbon bike, I've been thinking more about selling the carbon frame. I miss cool steel framed. Now I'm thinking of selling our 2nd car to get that dream bike. Thank you for showcasing this shop

[@markstonich835]

Belt sander tube coping (mitering) setups were more common “back in the day”. I knew of a couple of guys here in the Twin Cities using them in the ‘70s. Good method, but hardly unique.

[@ThriftyFramebuilder]

Came here to say the same thing! I’ve seen a UK builder or two that use an abrasive mitering setup. I think it’s a great setup for small spaces or budgets that can’t fit or afford a mill. I don’t have space or money, and was able to rig up an abrasive mitering set up for pretty cheap. I do agree that it is a great way to get really tight miters.

[@carlglenn7660]

Yeah abrasive tube notching/mitering is common enough that the equipment to do it is available from manufacturers. It’s nothing new or unique.

[@ariffau]

I love videos like this! I also genuinely enjoyed the Ornot video. Exposing brands like these are fabulous. Please keep it up and perhaps turn it into a series please 🙏

[@StreetShots79]

This channel is so damn good. So professional. I'm learning so much. Thanks man

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Truly appreciated! 🫡

[@ludowir]

It's so great that such places still exist.

[@philtahmindjis1211]

Such a great video. I dated a girl for a while who dad was a frame builder. He had a similar setup in their house. Man it was hard to break up with her.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

LMAO

[@robertrunkle2315]

I have a co-worker with 2 Erickson bikes..MTB and Cross/Endurance frame...forever bikes..

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

VERY COOL!! I now have bike Envy ;)

[@jmdrstv]

Such a good shop tour! TY!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidgardener1152]

this video is amazing! what an amazing company!!!!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Cheers David!

[@lovenottheworld5723]

That blue and black bike with gold parts is just a great looking bike.

[@Schlem]

Master frame builder, Alder! And Herkimer coffee right next door.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

perfect MATCH

[@Housecathst]

Yeah I’ve got one of those s&s cases for my breakaway it is a snug fit for a 700c wheel but it’s ok up 30mm tire

[@davelinfoot7616]

Love the lugged frames

[@angelortiz353]

Awesome shop💪💪💪

[@romulus720]

Love your creativity! If you sold ETBD patches in your store I’d buy some to fix the logos on my jackets

[@SlingsAxes]

I've been around since 1973, as well. One day I should come there.

[@josuezuniga6776]

Love every second of this video

[@Iryna-lc5fp]

It's a paradise. Hope to order a bike from them.

[@timshelhamer7374]

I’m intrigued, and now I want a bike with couplers. Rando-ish style. Rim brakes, front rack, 650b x 42-48 tires, probably with alt bars tho.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

YES to this build!

[@whateverrobert]

A bike shop where I live he did his own frames to handle bars. He’s not doing it anymore. But he is still well known because his bike shop is great.

[@TimR123]

Cool story. Makes me want to have an XL, belt drive, Rohloff, S&S coupled for travel, oodles of mount points weirdo built 🙂

[@gerekappo]

Daaang what a dream! We have custom builders gere in Brazil, my dream is to have one done by some of them, one saddly stopped.

[@thedownunderverse]

😮 Sweet merciful crap I’d visit Seattle just to get a few hours chatting to this bloke and gawking around the shop. And I live in Melbourne, Oz.

[@DustinKiskaddon]

Love it! Go Rodriguez!

[@SecwetGwiwer]

Loads of builders use belt sanders for mitring. The Frame Academy used to sell a machine to specifically for this method.

[@alderthrelkeld6884]

This belt sander is special. We can change the angle with a huge dial down to a fraction of a degree and quickly swap the mandril out for mitering/curfing to different diameter tubes

[@AdamRice-qv4xy]

I could somehow *smell* the deep-storage room via video. I know exactly what that room smells like.

[@hawkeye5035]

I love my custom Rodriguez! I wish I could post a picture to KZbin…

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

me too!

[@rdawson808]

I wish I had been more into riding back when I was in college at the U Dub (class of '93). I had no idea this shop was just down the road. How sad for me.

[@treyhorn5645]

That was rad. That building is crazy cool. I'm seeing a haunted house . Lol. Bad ass for sure..

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

This is too funny. Alder had a story about how the place is haunted, but it didn't make the final cut.

[@2ticky780]

i really love this content and it's super interesting to watch but i really do wanna see more rides because it's too windy and rainy here for me to ride so i wanna live vicariously through videos of adventure cycling in the pacific northwest winter

[@somethingcycles]

This was so fucking cool. Thanks Dustin!

[@gwilletts]

In terms of the mitering tube approach described at the 6m mark- perhaps an obvs question but why don’t other manufacturers do that? Waste of materials, not efficient too costly, all the above? Really enjoyed this one, love the profiles of small businesses like this. They’re what makes a town worth visiting… or living

[@alderthrelkeld6884]

They don’t have the machine to do it! We’ve had a couple people tell us they’ve tried to make the machine but didn’t have much luck

[@ian_pedalz]

Awesome video

[@billwinnenberg2003]

Great video.

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@feldybikes]

6:08 abrasive mitering may not be super common but this is far from unique.

[@alderthrelkeld6884]

I’m curious who else does it?

[@feldybikes]

Clockwork comes to mind but I might not be remembering correctly. There were multiple discussions about it on the framebuilding email list about 20 years ago but I can’t remember who was active in those.

[@ThriftyFramebuilder]

Clockwork sold an old one. Last I saw it ended up in WA state. Not sure if he made a new one.

[@ThriftyFramebuilder]

Can’t find the series, but I watched a video of a UK builder using one. I got the idea for my setup from watching a video of Mone’s abrasive setup.

[@liamobrien9451]

Not sure about the belt grinder being used to cut mitres for frame tubing, ive seen plenty of custom car frame fab guys use them, so surely there are bike frame shops that use it as well

[@whateverrobert]

I been wanting a steel frame downhill MTB built. Kinda the shape of a intense m1 or similar

[@T_track]

New favorite video

[@garysprojects]

yes @road.holes!!!! what a g ! great vid thanks

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

G knows what time it is!

[@adamtitone9912]

The secret stash got me feeling all warm and fuzzy.

[@theovanzyl7133]

The most poignant thing said here is: ‘Who are we to say that that’s wrong?’

[@waisinglee1509]

Yeah, I know them primarily from their blog.

[@_MattyG_]

I wonder what kind of CRAZZZZZZZZZY BIKE DK would build if he were promoted to do Something, very different. Have not really seen him mess around with the ALT bar ATB styles too often, feel like a lot of his bikes are 1 degree off from one another~

[@adrianm5147]

Your tats look very familiar. Were you an SF messenger? I think I did it from '01 to '04. I rode a silver KHS back then. Still got it. Good video, btw!

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

I was a messenger is SF from 2001-2005 I also started Cadence around that time as well. Stoked to cross paths with you again!

[@adrianm5147]

@@EverythingsBeenDone Dustin! You look great bro. I'm loving your channel. Keep up the awesome work! 🚴🚴‍♂🚴‍♀

[@basengelblik5199]

Love custom builds and also live to oay for it ... but Minimum wage is not crazy. It's there to protect people from being exploited.

[@Nizgoob]

Wow within 5 seconds I was already thinking 'oh he came back up to Seattle to check out my neighborhood bike shop??' Keep it down man I won't be able to buy one of their travel ponies if the word gets out!!

[@hahnrossman1172]

It's really a shame to not mention dennis bushnell in the history of that shop. He really took them into the innovative fixturing place.

[@johnfritzen4965]

Great story!

[@tambosnipes1652]

Whats the pink bike in the screen pic

[@davidscott6164]

What's the third custom machine!? I would line to see a longer edit of this, it made me sad when he went "that's too much information" no I want it all! Haha

[@alderthrelkeld6884]

It’s the laser alignment table! If you come by the shop I can give you a very long winded tour

[@davidscott6164]

@alderthrelkeld6884 oh ok! The cut made that unclear to me. I've got tentative plans to be in Seattle next fall, I'll definitely look you up!

[@LizardEatsFlies]

can confirm: picking out the paint is haaard

[@briang43]

tell me i did not just see a straight edge, quad angle in progress - TTD

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

LOL

[@cyclingjoezone]

You gotta ride a tandem

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

OMG! Since 1973?!?!?! Tell it to Colnago (1952) Masi (1926) GIOS (1947) etc. etc.

[@signalfire6]

I want a TWIKE like is now made in Germany; two person side by side, human pedal electric hybrid.

[@zacharyhelget]

wow

[@bertusbob]

👍👍👍

[@RemarkaBIL]

Tell me you're regretting NOT installing S&S couplers on your sweet new No. 22 without telling me you're regretting putting S&S couplers on your sweet new No. 22

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Time to build another bike 😜

[@krzysztoflew8810]

I know him, I know the bikes, you are late to the party

[@bobbys7330]

N + 1

[@notpablo8369]

i dont know that guy

[@EverythingsBeenDone]

Now you do ;)

[@warwicksworkshop9511]

Using a sander to mitre tubes is ABSOLUTELY NOT unique to Rodriguez. You don't know what you don't know.

[@alderthrelkeld6884]

Who else got it

[@warwicksworkshop9511]

@ Pretty sure Baum and Prova do, amongst countless others. I’ve been involved in the custom bike space in one form or another for over 20 years - abrasive coping is not a new phenomena.

[@alderthrelkeld6884]

Might not be a new phenomena. I mean you could literally take a dynafile or have a hole saw fixture up against a belt sander and call it that. This is a huge dial that I can adjust to a fraction of a degree with mandrills I can swap out in seconds for one of a different diameter. With this glorious machine the master frame builder, Todd, can literally miter a frame and have it tacked on the frame table in about 45 min.

[@alderthrelkeld6884]

Also, “pretty sure” is what the last guy said. And I also just looked up Baum out of curiosity and it’s literally a hole saw fixture against a belt sander lmao