It’s hard to know when to call it quits.
I started building in 2010, full time in 2013, and to be honest I haven’t been financially successful since. Each tax season i’d be embarrassed at how it ended up. Without the support of my wife i wouldn’t have been able to stick stuck it out this long. I’m a living framebuilder meme.
New and different bikes inspired me, fitting the largest tire clearance in the shortest chainstay length, bending tubes to make it look just right…many times trying several times to get it right, while trying to keep it light, safe, and not too flexy for the rider. Each frame was different because each rider is different and they ride different trails in different ways. Custom bikes were just that…custom. I gave people the ability to choose everything if they wanted to.
With the help of a friend and his CAD expertise I made a last ditch attempt to make a profit and released a stock model with custom options called the Ponderosa, but really that’s just the same name on a custom bike and takes about the same amount of time and cost of materials as full custom. So while this past year has been my most successful i still am just paying off my credit cards and not contributing to the family bills. What i know i need to do and what I do in reality are far apart and i’ve given up trying to mend that divide. I’m a terrible businessman.
But it’s not all bad. I’m happy to end on a high note with happy customers and friends that love their adventure buddies (bikes). If success can be measured without dollar signs i’m happy that i’ve had a successful framebuilding career. Thanks for the support and trust from all you that have bought bikes! If you ever need a repair on your bike i’m here to help. I’ll still be building my own creations but downsizing the shop a bunch.
Happy Trails!
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Money is the least important measure of success, but unfortunately we need it to survive… But now new doors can open. I’m sure your talents will be put to good use!
As a small frame builder – never making the jump to making bikes for others, just alot of frames for myself including gravel, mountain and even a full squish I have always referenced your blog and builds for help along the way. Thank you for your contribution and hope you keep showing us your experience and craftsmanship on your own projects. Thank you.
You are an artist and master of your craft! I’m happy that you were able to follow your dreams and understand the reality of it all.
You and your builds have been an inspiration!!
Wish you all the best!
Jay
Sgt. Ordway’s Last Entry, Sept. 23, 1806
“Drew out the canoes then the party all considerable much rejoiced that we have the Expedition Completed and now we look for boarding in Town and wait for our Settlement and then we entend to return to our native homes to See our parents once more as we have been So long from them.”
—John Ordway
My only regret is that when I was finally well enough to ride a Meriwether, it was beyond my means. I have my ballcap and socks and memories of what could have been. Fare well, Captain Meriwether! Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!
Proceeding on…
Hans Erdman
Hard to hear, but I understand and I’m very grateful for all the wonderful things you’ve done for me. I love my Meriwethers, it’s all I ride, and it’s the connection in the word MERIWETHER that make me think of you and you’re entire crew.
Sorry you’re closing shop, but you’ve left some big tire tracks to fill. ❣️
I’m so stoked that I own a Meriwether and I’ll ride it until I’m dead. Even if that is 40 years from now.
I hope you can return to your true passion of delivering warm cookies and milk to extremely high college kids.
Yo mate! A shame it couldn’t work out for ya financially but it’s hard for me to think of a builder that’s had more success over the past decade. I’ve never had the privilege of riding one of you’re frames but everything you’ve shared here and in Instagram has been hugely inspiring, especially in the world of off-road touring. Hopefully a step away from building building full time gives you the chance to enjoy a few more rides and have bit more fun making things. Defo keep sharing if ya can. Keen to see where the future takes ya! 🙂
Dang, Whit. You’re one of the good ones. Straight rear triangles, stacked dime welds, excellent vision and execution. You know I’m a fan and I’ll be here for ya in any way possible.
It takes courage to make such a transformation. Seeing the pink Baja Divide bike you built for Nic Carman at nahbs in 2017 is largely what drew me into this adventure fabrication world! Thank you for the big inspiration, hope you enjoy fabricating more now without the business expectations. – Dan
Your ability to create a bike that does what a customer dreamed it should do is a true talent. I hope you can find something that will pay the bills and have some spare time for your passions also
I’m so happy that I was able to purchase a Meriwether from you, and it was a pleasure working with you. I wish you nothing but the best!
Well shoot Whit. I’m sorry to hear a chapter of your life is ending. I can relate. But rest assured I have absolute respect for your talent and patience. My Meriwether is a treasured possession. We are under wildfire threat and if the worst happens, I’m loading it first thing. I wish you the best in whatever you choose to do. If there is anything I can be a part of reach out. info@canyonsew.com. Your legacy from this past chapter of your life will go on for miles and years. Well done brother.
I don’t own a Meriwether (because I don’t really bike) but still sad to hear this and wishing you the best on your next adventure, Whit. You went for it for 15 years — that’s a great run. Maybe time to start building ramps again?