Shop Visit: Independent Fabrication
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Shop Visit: Independent Fabrication

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As I mentioned earlier, Tyler from Indy Fab showed me their facilities in Somerville, Mass last week. I was blown away at the space, the bikes and inspired by the individuals who make it happen at Independent Fabrication.

Step inside with me as we take a look at what goes on behind the doors at IF.

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Remember this bike?

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This was one of the first times I had seen a legitimate production facility with multiple work stations. Those are all bikes, hanging above the welding area.

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The clipboard had the jobs in queue and the cuts that needed to be made.

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Some dead frames.

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… and their brethren that made it.

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Some Ti track ends.

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A sick unicrown fork.

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The machinery at IF was so nice. They just don’t make them like they used to.

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Words to live by.

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Again, the machinery was so full of character.

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And yet another bench vise. I told you this was a reoccurring theme.

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Pegboard.

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Jesus and the mark of the beast.

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Merckx!

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Even Indy Fab has the LOL Cats on lock.

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Coming from Geekhouse, that used in-house powder, this was a big change. Powder is relatively non-toxic. You don’t need a respirator. Paint is another story.

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All these paints are used to make beautiful bicycles.

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But boy, painting is no joke. Look at the nuke gear!

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This little guy needs a respirator.

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The painter’s mark is in fact scraps of masking tape. Textures everywhere.

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A beautiful carbon single speed waiting for a luscious coat.

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Here’s where frames sit post-paint. Sammy the sword fish watches over them.

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The jerseys of the past Indy Fab team mates. There are some famous ones up there.

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And finally, what shop visit would be complete without a photo of their beer fridge? I want to thank Tyler and all of Indy Fab for opening their doors to us last Friday. I had a blast hanging out and took literally hundreds of photos. Only about 30 made the cut but you can see many more over at my Flickr!

Keep a look out for more from my Boston trip this week!

Previously:
Independent Fabrications: Titanium Factory Lightweight