The Art, Torch & Steel of Portland Craft
Why we build exclusively with steel: the physics of damping road harmonics, the timeless aesthetic of hand-cut lugs, and the sacred bond between rider and builder.
Tube Sets & Metallurgy
We don't build off-the-shelf frames. Every tube is hand-picked to tune torsional stiffness and vertical compliance to the rider's weight and power output.
Columbus Spirit & Life
Niobium micro-alloyed steel drawn to ultra-thin 0.38mm wall thicknesses in the center sections. Provides an unmistakable snap under acceleration while shaving weight down to featherlight levels.
Reynolds 853
Air-hardening seamless steel that actually increases in tensile strength around the heat-affected joint zones as it cools from brazing. Renowned for supreme fatigue resistance and all-day endurance plushness.
True Temper OX Platinum
American-made heat-treated alloy with exceptionally high yield strength. Our weapon of choice for punishing cyclocross barriers and heavy expedition touring stays.
Fillet Brazing vs. Lugged Construction
Fillet brazing uses bronze or nickel-silver filler rod built up around mitered joints and shaped with hand files into organic, flowing contours. It allows completely custom tube angles and geometry unrestricted by pre-cast lugs.
Lugged construction utilizes cast steel sleeves brazed with low-temperature silver, providing ornate vintage ornamentation and unmatched mechanical load distribution across joints.
