Chris Blandford is on a mission to reignite Portland’s historic status as a hotspot for bicycle manufacturing. His new venture, Firsthand Framebuilding, is set to transform into a framebuilding school and shared workshop, with plans to open its doors next summer.
I recently spoke with Blandford at his current workshop located in a section of the expansive Chris King Precision Components factory, a renowned site for crafting top-of-the-line bicycle parts. During our conversation, he elaborated on his plans and what inspired him to embark on this ambitious project.
At the age of 40, Blandford describes his upbringing in “car-centric Phoenix.” It was in Durango, Colorado, where he discovered his passion for cycling. In 2016, while living in Chicago, he traveled to Portland to take framebuilding classes at the now-defunct United Bicycle Institute (UBI). “We experienced Portland, kind of fell in love with it, and we moved out here,” Blandford recounted. Since setting down roots in the city, he has eagerly sought ways to immerse himself in the bike industry.
As he crafted custom bikes for personal use and a handful of clients, he witnessed the closing of UBI’s Portland location in 2019, which sparked an idea. “That kind of planted the seed in the back of my head that there might be room for a new version of a framebuilding school,” he explained. Over time, he continued building bikes and partnered with Oscar Camarena and Simple Bicycle Company, a firm dedicated to producing bikes for other brands. Recently, he took a significant step by becoming the North American distributor for Reynolds bicycle tubing, offering premium steel and titanium tubes for various components through his e-commerce platform Firsthand.bike.
Blandford’s experience as a framebuilder gives him a unique appreciation for both the craftsmanship involved in bike-making and the business challenges faced by budding builders. He understands how collaboration can alleviate financial pressures. Many builders spend a large portion of their budget on tools that are often used minimally. This realization has led him to believe in the value of resource-sharing among builders, particularly newcomers to the field.
His vision for Firsthand encompasses more than just a framebuilding school; he aims to create a community hub where knowledge and resources are shared. “In order to learn something, you have to do it firsthand,” he explained, which is the origin of the name Firsthand. He emphasizes the importance of real-world experience over digital learning methods like YouTube or online tutorials. Blandford argued that in an age filled with screens, the chance for an actual, firsthand experience is incredibly significant.
The Firsthand facility will span 5,000 square feet and feature multiple levels in the Johns Landing neighborhood. As he reviewed architectural plans, Blandford detailed the layout, which will include a frame shop, classroom, event space, patio, small retail area, courtyard, and even an apartment for guest instructors. Additionally, he intends to host events such as bike shows and swap meets, with hopes that the space will serve as a vital gathering point for metal fabrication and framebuilding enthusiasts.
While he has yet to announce the specific builders who will be part of the initial cohort at Firsthand, he is currently testing the shared workspace concept in his existing facility. This collaboration includes builders like B Vivit of HotSalad Bicycles, Bradford Smith of After Hours Framebuilding, and Tom LaMarche of LaMarche Bike Co.
Historically, Portland was the epicenter of American framebuilding, boasting the largest handmade bike show in 2008 and hosting the Oregon Manifest five times from 2009 to 2014. However, as living costs in Portland soared and cycling culture evolved, the framebuilding community witnessed a decline. Blandford believes the time is ripe for a resurgence. “In the last couple of years, especially with the MADE show that Billy’s [Sinkford] is putting on, I felt like there’s a renewed enthusiasm. And so I thought, if someone was going to do it, now might be the right time and I thought I’d just take the plunge,” he stated.
He is confident in his vision for Firsthand, remarking, “I’m going to build something really cool.” Observing Blandford’s passion and the plans laid out for his project leads to optimism about the future of Portland’s framebuilding scene.
Expect an official announcement regarding Firsthand’s progress at the MADE Bicycle Show, scheduled for August 22-24 in Portland. The renovation of Blandford’s new location will take approximately six months, with the goal to begin operations by next summer. Stay tuned for further updates as this exciting initiative unfolds.
image source from：bikeportland
