How to be a Bike Frame Builder, with Nate Zukas

Nate Zukas is a bike frame builder living in Augusta, GA. He's been building bikes since 2011 and works in steel, titanium, and aluminum.

• How'd you get started as a frame builder? 
• Is it unusual for a frame builder to work in both steel and aluminum?
• What's different about working with the two materials?
• As a frame builder, how much are you able to affect a bike's ride feel and performance? How do you do it?
• What do you look for in a project or a client?
• How much of a frame build is your vision versus the client's? In terms of what you bring to the build, how much of it is artistry versus practicality and experience?
• What trends are you seeing in terms of the types of frames buyers want?
• Which projects are you most proud of?
• Have you ever had a project that was a disaster, or one that surprised you in another way?
• Is Augusta a good place to be a frame builder? What's the riding community like there?
• What's your vision for the future of Zukas Cycles? Is expansion a goal for you?

Website: zukascycles.com. Instagram: @natezukas.

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