Builder Profile: John Bergschneider | Goodtimes
October 8, 2008
Good times come when riding bikes, that's why John Bergschneider of Goodtimes Bicycles, based outside of Ashland, OR, is so in love with frambuilding. "I started this business to improve my life," says John. "It's an investment in me. And in doing so, I contribute to an industry that I believe in. This includes meeting and being around like minded people."
"I've been fabricating light duty touring, cyclocross and city commuter frames constructed out of steel tubing. Most of my clients opt for a complimentary, handmade, fork and stem. The type of joinery is achieved by gas torch and brass rod. Fillet brazing allows me to fully customize the angles of the tubes, is very strong and when done right leaves smooth, clean lines. When all is said and done, the frame and its bits go up to Keith Anderson. Keith lays the sweet, sweet wet paint."
Framebuilders tend to work very solo, for hours on end, often in a small closed space. And while John enjoys that time, he appreciates the interactions he has with other people in the process. "I once told Keith that heading up to his shop, with frame in hand was the greatest moment," he says. "There is a lot of time, communication, and physical energy used to complete a frameset, so there is a sense of accomplishment when at the paint shop. The dude also has a lifetime of framebuilding knowledge and pushes me to be top-notch. I gotta stress the importance of feedback from the people in, or who have been in, the trenches."
John is proud to create bikes something we can probably safely say about every framebuilder we've been interviewing. "I want to help spread the word of custom made bicycle frames," He says. But to John, hiring a frambuilder is about much more than the final bike. "The general public should understand that there are options to their lifestyle, daily living and getting them more familiar with options is where I can help. Custom fit bicycle or not, let's get the word out that people can choose and participate. I believe there is a lot of bottled up energy out there and cycling can be a great way of uncorking it."
John is inspired by other framebuilders and looking forward to connecting with them during Oregon Manifest, the handbuilt bike show in Portland October 10th-12th.. He plans to spend much of the show "walking around and getting blown away by all the incredibly gifted builders and apparel providers." And, if luck goes his way, "find some gal to share a table with at this tasty Cuban restaurant I know."
He's fueled by green tea, tacos and the latest wave of quality builders.
GOODTIMES WISDOM: It's ok to get involved. Custom bike or not, your choice proves that you care. You care what happens in this crazy world of OURS.
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Posted by orbike at October 8, 2008 10:29 AM
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Comments
cool beans. hope there is a lot to see at Oregon Manifest since it costs to get in, but I am sure it will be pretty cool to see everyone all under one roof. And, oh yea, I'm ready to party at the friday after party. some of my buddies are helping with all of that.
Posted by: heather.. at October 9, 2008 3:40 AM
Yeah! Goodtimes!!
Posted by: gg galore at October 9, 2008 10:48 PM
Great artical but Johns last name is spelled
Bergschneider
Posted by: Gloria at October 10, 2008 12:42 AM
Thanks for the correction, Gloria! I changed the spelling.
Posted by: Ayleen at October 15, 2008 2:26 AM