First, I'm getting old - sure, I know we all are, but I'm getting old really quick. It's no secret to most that I'm in a wheelchair, but just how jacked up I am most people don't know - it's not something I do not wear on my shoulder, and i'm not a complainer, so if this is news I both apoligise and am glad I am able to appear as a normal person. Awesome - I try to.
As most of you also may or may not know, I quit taking orders back in April to catch up on the standing orders I already have - I felt that rather then flirt with potential clients, it was a better plan to service the ones I already have - many builders have gotten in over their heads by bringing in too much at the front, while not making bikes come out the other end - I'm not going to be that guy.
And, today I'm doing paperwork - goods in, taxes out, shipping, corespodence, posting pics online for clients, ordering parts, building supplies - I may even get a shower! Yesterday, all I could do was lay on the couch. Here's why:
I'm really jacked up. I don't have a properly working limb right now.
I'm healing, and work daily in very substantial pain - I'm used to it. But, this is exceptional.
I've got a bursitis on my right shoulder - it hurts.
I have (I think) a pinched nerve somewhere in my neck/left shoulder - I turn my head to the left, and my whole left arm goes to sleep - somewhat worrysome! Then, two days ago my left wrist popped, it's all taped up right now. It hurts!
This is on top of a plate in my neck, and rods in my spine, and all the paing from sitting in my wheelchair all day.
I'm a pretty frequent flyer at the hospital - two cortisone shots in my joints this year plus two family reunions & a good dose of the flu.
So, I've fallen behind - maybe four months or so - Sorry, very sorry.
But, I'm still building away, and I'm not going to stop. I'm just slowing down, and my work has been better & better every bicycle. I just want everyone to be on the same page. I believe in transparency.
I've just been hammering down harder then is sustainable, and I need to take care of myself. We all do. I have not been kind to my body, and as fun as it all was, I'm paying for it.
It does not help that I fillet braze, which is the most labour intensive way to build a bicycle (but, the most beautiful, along with fine lugwork, IMO) I love it - it's my passion.
You'll get your bike, I promise, it will be amazing work. It's just going to take me a little longer.
Nothing makes me as stoked as pictures of my creations being ridden all over the world, this is all I know how to do, I just want you all, my friends & peers, to know what's up. Fair?
Pricing will be different, with a couple finish options with different prices - my old painter sold his buisiness, and the new guys are not into letting people pick any color at all unless I buy a whole jar of the color - this is very, very price prohibitive, and effective immediately I'll pick 10 to 12 "stock" colors with three topcoat options, and five sticker colors - anything else is custom, and will be sent to Spectrum Powder Works or to Ceramikote for your own special artistic vision, and you deal with them, get exactly what you want, and pay them, and then the frame comes to me for prep and assembly. This will also streamline the procedure for all - the number of colors people want actually falls into a pretty small slot - not many hot pinks or lavenders, but many of the same oranges, blues, and greens.
The products shall remain the same, using the best parts availible for assembly, like the ones above - see that? That pile is over $600.00. Yep.
It is what it is, and results in a finer product, but takes more time, and it all adds up.
Pretty wild when you step back & look at it. A real career..........with no pension, retirement, any of that - I have to keep working, just slower, and to a finer degree of refinement - the bikes are just beautiful, I'm immensely proud of them, and I'm able to build frames magnitudes of quality higher then I ever thought I ever would - I sincerely feel like I am building some of the finest bikes ever, anything else would be a waste of everyone's time.
The end product justifies the means.
This is not off-the-hook walk down to the local bike shop stuff - it's handmade and unique and as much as everyone want me to hurry on all the bikes up to theirs & then really take my time on yours, not going to happen. Every bike gets the same excruciating attention to detail. It's the only way I know.
I got to take myself out to lunch for the first time in seven years a while ago as in Flag I am isolated and just work, but down in Camp Verde I can interact with the communtity - pretty good for your well being.
More time, but I need to think about when I'm old. We all should be - it's closer every second.
More bills as well, so fear not, I'm not quitting building anytime soon - I can't.
But what would life be without it? Hardly worthwhile in my book. I know you all feel the same.
I take it from every side as per bodily abuse.
I just can't go full throttle anymore, and to continue to not only build bikes, but lead a life worth living, I have to find a balance, a substainable one.
I'm getting old quick, and have some things I need to do with my wife while I can. I hope you understand. Get out there folks, the clock is ticking.
To be clear, nobody is complaining, it's mostly my in my head, and as your reputation is the only thing you truly own, I try to maintain it. Thank You Everyone.
And lastly (please feel free to e-mail me with ANY questions, coconinocycles@yahoo
Current build queue, PLEASE contact me if you are in the top five, por favor!
Bryce B, Michael G, David M, Brad A, K-Bar, E-Mark, Steve C, Tom F, Teresa H, Deb L, Matt P, Pollard, Jim G, Kevin D, Christie D, Scott K, Scott Z3, Serge, Mike V, Shilo P, Keri P, Andrea, Steve H, Steve K (x2), Rob B, Christian L, John C, John L, Bill S, Stabo, Mike B, Lee A.
