WHAT I DO:

I only build with 4130 cro-moly steel. I strongly prefer using matching tubes from the same manufacturer for each build, rather than playing “mix and match”. Just as each rider is different, so are the manufacturers of steel. Tubes are not welded, but are brazed with either silver or bronze, sometimes both. I enjoy building unusual designs, as long as they are roadworthy and safe. I’m especially fond of conceptual time trial bikes. Be the only kid in town to have one! A variety of tube shapes and diameters is available. Any tube on any Five Points frame can be substituted, although this may affect pricing.

WHAT I DON’T:

Work with carbon fiber, except for forks. I prefer to fillet braze, as I like the smooth “transitioning” between joined tubes. I do not use stamped steel lugs for lugged frames-do not, and will not, ever. Investment cast only. I also try to avoid any specially-fabricated parts which can’t be easily repaired, replicated, or replaced by any bike shop or rider on the road, should anything go awry. However, there is still a litany of options for everyone! Just ask.

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ROAD

Above is a traditional “fastback” style road bike with standard tubeset (MANY other tube sizes and shapes available, including aero). Bottom bracket and seat tube/top tube joint are lugged, head tube joints are fillet brazed. Lugged fork. Head tube and seat tube angle are 72 degrees. Five Points road bikes can be lugged, or fillet brazed. Fillet brazing, which joins the tubes with a stream of molten bronze, can be used with all cro-moly steel tubes. This produces the smooth joints seen in the pictures. Lugs are external “sockets” the tubes fit into, and are typically joined together with silver. Although lugged bike frames use an older, traditional construction technique, they’re not without their devotees. Lugs make for a very strong and long-lasting joint. While a large variety of investment cast lug designs is available, they’re limited to round tube shapes, and round or oval chainstays.

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TRACK/FIXED GEAR

Downtube and seat tube are aero, or “teardrop” shaped. DT major axis (length) is 50mm, and minor axis (width) is 35mm. Seat tube is slightly smaller. Top tube, as shown, is sloped downward toward head tube. The standard option is a straight/level top tube, but can be placed at another angle for no additional cost. This is similar to pursuit frames. All fillet brazed. Lugged fork. Rear fork ends are “modular”, and can be replaced with road dropouts with hanger for a rear derailleur. This is the basic tubeset with which most all Five Points frames start life. Head tube angle is 73 degrees, seat tube angle is 75 degrees.

SINGLE SPEED/COMMUTER

Black frame depicted is a presently used as a single speed/commuter with 130mm rear axle gap and derailleur hanger to convert to use as road bike. Also shown is optional aero seat post.

CONCEPT

Shown above is a concept frame with components. Rear brake and derailleur cables internally routed. Shown with optional aero seat post.