after some websearch to know more about the Triton frames, I realized that they are the the only ongoing producer of custom unicycle frames that I know of (while still a bit on and off).
I read often about custom frames (mostly with past unicycle models or in certain niche in bicycling) but it seems mostly a think with some bike shops.
I know there is some welding artists doing some custom frame for personal use (like Jakob) and sometimes produce for other (like Scott Bridgeman used to and maybe Jakob will?).
Do any of you know any other source of custom frame ? What are the usual raw material used (steel? CrMo? Aluminium? Titanium? Other?) and prices ?
I think that especially in the Boston area you could find a custom b*ke builder to sit down with and discuss what you are after. Bring an example or two and they ought not have any problem
There is also Badger Bikes right here in Portland, OR.
Ive ridden one of these and its a sweet ride with cool biplane crown. As a bonus, the Badger 29er frame is one of the few 29er frames that will clear the newer Surly Knard 29 x 3.0" wide-n-fat 29er tires:
I dont know any unicycle specific custom frame builders except Triton, M41 apprently, I didn’t know Hunter was still making frames, there’s also An’so’s boyfriend (sorry I dont remember his name)(at Grin Uni Shop) and myself. You could always find a frame builder that offers bike forks, I’m sure he’d be able to help you.
You pretty much have every raw material possible, I’ve seen a few stainless steel bikes. I might want to make one Prices always depend on where you get the material, what kind is it, and depending on the frame builder’s charge and quality of job. Materials have different prices everywhere.
PM me if you have any project in mind! I’d be really happy to help you out!
Don’t forget Steve Howard, the guy in Idaho who made those beautiful, custom CNC’d aluminum frames. I don’t think he does it any more, but I still kind of regret giving away the one he gave me, as a raffle prize at Unicon 11.
There are plenty of custom bike frame makers out there; the problem is finding one with unicycle experience. Sure they can build beautiful stuff, but without the extra background in unicycles and their special needs, it’s hard to know if it will have strength in the right places.
Bronson Silva (silvacycles.com) does custom unicycle builds, but I’m not sure if he does custom frames. I’m pretty sure he is making his own custom bike frames, so I don’t think it’s out of the question for him. He’s an experienced unicyclist with lots of background in our sport.
Do you have any experience or plans with carbon fiber? I find that the modulus of elasticity of aluminum and titanium don’t give me the stiffness I need for a unicycle frame. I don’t know if there’s anything besides steel that will work for me, especially considering how rough I can be on a frame. Do you have ideas how to make a lighter steel frame that can withstand significant impacts?
My French is thirty years rusty and before the internet age. I don’t see a shopping cart icon or if shipping to the US is available. This frame would be a nice addition to the stable…
I’m a sucker for old school detail work like the Classic Italian bike frames. Paul Wyganowski does that kind of work and builds unicycle frames. I don’t think any of the fork crowns he works from, though, would allow for frames big enough to fit the biggest tires out today.
