I remember reading about Jake Ricker’s two-week tuition at Koichi Yamaguchi’s Framebuilding School earlier this year on Trackosaurus Rex and thinking that it must have been an amazing experience. Today Jake released photos of the cyclocross frame he built, fully built up with Campagnolo running gear and resplendent in a coat of ‘sparkly bright pink’ paint.
Koichi Yamaguchi worked as Master frame builder for 3Rensho in Japan for over four years, then moved to the US to set up his own shop. Like a true sensei, Koichi returned to the sphere of education to share his innovative style with those wanting to study the art of the handmade bicycle. Jake’s cyclocross frame bears a distinct influence from Koichi: slender wishbone seat stays extend away with the grace of a crane while fork crowns and tips are reminiscent of the keirin style. An exceptionally crafted custom stem sits atop Jake’s first frame, the quality of which is making me greatly anticipate the next installment in his career.
Keep an eye on Jake’s progress via his flickr stream, where you can also view more details of the frame and a photographic insight into his experience at the Yamaguchi Framebuilding School.
