TOOLS

Obtaining the necessary tools at a reasonable price can be quite the ordeal for the new framebuilder. However, usually the tools must be purchased at full market price. The following is a resource list of some of the things I know are available.

CAMAPGNOLO TOOL CASE: There are two of these cases manufactured by Campagnolo, the full and reduced sets. The full set has all the tools necessary for cutting all machined surfaces on the entire bicycle frame as well as the tools necesary to install all of the bearing parts during final assembly of the frame. The reduced set only has the necessary tools to cut the bearing surfaces and press fits, bottom bracket threads, and seating surfaces on the frame; it doesn't include steerer dies. There is also an oversized headset kit available from Campagnolo. All Campagnolo framebuilders' tools are also available with carbide cutters at an extra cost. Contact United Bicycle Supply for prices and availability.

COBRA TOOLS: Cobra is a knock-off of the Campagnolo line. All cutters in this set are interchangeable with Campagnolo and priced considerably lower. Contact United Bicycle Supply for prices and availability.

EISENTRAUT: These were formerly sold by United Bicycle Tool Supply. They include separate fixtures for building the fork, front triangle, and rear triangle. Currently these fixtures should be ordered directly from Albert Eisentraut.

GIPIEMME TOOLS: Gipiemme is a knock-off of the Campagnolo line. All cutters in this set are interchangeable with Campagnolo and priced considerably lower. One feature that is quite noticeable with this line is that all T-handles in this set have a V-shaped configuration. We do not know if there is an American distributor of this line at this time.

HENRY JAMES: These are made in California by Henry James Bicycles Inc. henryjames.com They include compact fork, front triangle, and rear triangle fixtures all in one unit. The complete fixture fits easily into a Park repair stand.

MARCHETTI AND LANGE: These are made in Italy. They make a complete range of fixtures from simple units for custom frame builders to full scale full production assembly line equipment. It is doubtful if there is an American distributor at this time. Orders Should be placed with Terra Nova Cycles in Portland, OR.

NORTAK: These are carried by NOVA cycle Supply. They make a fork and rear triangle fixture. NOVAcycles.com

NORTHWEST CASTING CO.: If you want a fork blade bender like the one used in the Paterek Manual and Paterek videos, Northwest Casting Co. has the pattern to make one. The piece they cast for you will need some final touching up e.g. drilling and tapping holes and a hold down assembly for the tip of the blade. Contact them at: Northwest Csting Co., 1457 Marshal Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104. Phone: (612) 645-2886.

PARK TOOLS: Park Tool makes a comprehensive line of bicycle tools ranging from bicycle repair tools to framebuilding cutters, taps, and dies. Contact United Bicycle Supply or Quality Bicycle Products QBP.com for prices and availability.

PATEREK FIXTURES PLANS FOR FIXTURES: For those of you interested in building your own fixtures, Tim Paterek includes, in his book, a set of plans to build the fork and rear triangle fixtures used in his videos.

SILVA TOOLS: Silva is a knock-off of the Campagnolo line. All cutters in this set are interchangeable with Campagnolo and priced considerably lower. Silva also makes a really impressive set of bottom bracket taps/bottom bracket facer that are all self-contained in one unit. We do not know if there is an American distributor at this time.

VAR TOOLS: Var, from France, makes a comprehensive line of bicycle tools ranging from bicycle repair tools to framebuilding cutters, taps, and dies. Contact United Bicycle Supply or Quality Bicycle Products QBP.com for prices and availability.