Six-Eleven Bicycle Co.

KVA Stainless Promotional Video, featuring a Six-Eleven

KVA, who manufacturers the stainless tube sets we use, recently released this video:

KVA STAINLESS from KVA Stainless on Vimeo.

Check out how KVA Stainless is made, and make sure you’re paying attention at 0:29 in.. the Best Track Frame award winner from NAHBS 2011 makes its appearance!

We’ve got several stainless builds coming up on the queue, so expect more photos on the blog in the next few months.

Roanoke Outdoor Circus

We had the opportunity to participate in Roanoke’s First Annual Outdoor Circus this weekend. The event took place in a large open field at the base of Mill Mountain, which was alive in reds and yellows on what must have been the peak weekend of the color change, and it was also close to train tracks and the Roanoke River Greenway. The field used to house a big old stadium called Victory Stadium (or McClelland Field, depending on how old you are) that was torn down a couple of years ago. I remember going to football games in the old stadium and was sad to see it torn down, but excited that the space is being used for large outdoor events like this. Aaron and I think it’s a perfect place for a velodrome… someday.

We met tons of local folks who ride and didn’t know there’s a framebuilder in their backyard, as well as lots of people who stopped by because they’d heard of Six-Eleven and wanted to meet Aaron. Aaron had a great setup - brought some tools and tubes, a torch and blocks, and some dropouts and other things so that folks could see what goes into putting a custom bicycle frame together. We hung out with the local bike shops and enjoyed basking in the warmth of the day at the foot of that beautiful mountain all weekend.

Scott M. was kind enough to let us hang on to his frame for the weekend so that we could show a client’s bike. The paint received oohs and ahs as it reflected in the sunlight - and we hope Scott thinks the same! Thanks for letting us display your frame, Scott!

(Not Mill Mountain, but still gives you and idea of how incredible it was here this weekend.)

Thanks Scott!

Bike Alley at the Roanoke Outdoor Circus!

Freakout at Fallon park, Week 2 photos

I’m late on getting these photos posted! Another beautiful day in Roanoke on Saturday with lots of local racers. Also, Oscar and Agnes made the trip out to spectate, and we brought the noise with Six-Eleven Cowbells free for spectators! Last race is this coming Saturday as a part of the Roanoke Outdoor Circus!

That’s Agnes and her tongue.

-More after the jump-

Freemans Sporting Club

Six-Eleven Bicycle Co. is excited to have a bike in the store display at the newly minted Freemans Sporting Club, San Francisco.

It’s like-minded folks like Freemans that are helping to push the movement forward, or as Freeman’s says, “pay tribute to the vanishing art of American handmade goods”.


-more photos after the jump-

San Fransisco Bound Road Classic

This bike was a particular joy to plan and build, as I was given quite a bit of creative freedom. The general concept was vague: vintage, military, navy…

(Click to enlarge)
Frame consists of NOS Columbus SP tubeset and minimally modified lugs.

For the seat stay, I dissected the seat lug and turned it into a nice fast-back transition over the fillet brazed toptube/seattube junction.

The component selection was based on the overall look of the bike while keeping a budget and functionality in mind.
Traditional downtube shifters were used, but a modern 10 speed Shimano drivetrain keeps things up to date.
Leather bartape with matching red waxed twine and TRP retro levers feel good in your hands while matching the bike’s vintage feel. Everything on this bike was chosen for its timelessness. The intent was to create a truly timeless bike that just gets better with age. That consideration was applied to the component selection, bar tape, saddle, etc.

For the wheels we went with a traditional hand built wheel: Shimano 105 hubs laced to a Velocity 823 rim.
Traditional pedals with clips and toe straps were used to make it functional and rideable without requiring additional gear or clothing.

This bike is the first to feature a new detail that I’m particularly proud of. I have been playing around with a toy I bought a while back: a 1963 New Hermes Pantographing machine. This machine has been in service in the local area since 1963. I was fortunate enough to acquire it a little over a year ago, and have been finding exciting new ways to incorporate this into frames for further customization and details. This chainstay protector is brass that I pantograph the rider’s name in, then braze to the frame prior to paint. The brass is masked during paint, and the letters are filled in and painted to match. It’s a fairly time consuming process, but I feel the end result is well worth it. The brass can be kept polished, or left to weather for a beautiful patina over time. This will be a $200 optional add-on for all frames.

- more after the break -