Attendees of MADE 2025 might have heard rumors and murmurs of a new framebuilding school starting right there in Portland, Oregon. Now, those rumors were confirmed with the launch announcement of the Firsthand Framebuilding School.
Firsthand Framebuilding School
We often revel in the artistic craftsmanship of hand-built bikes. For most, owning one is like owning an original Picasso, only you also get to ride it. Many of us will settle for reading about handmade frames and bikes online or attending events showcasing them.
And very few of us will actually attempt to build one. Surely, the know-how aspect is a huge barrier, as many may not have a mind bent toward frame building. But, for those who do, learning the trade could often be out of reach. However, that isn’t necessarily how things always were, as Chris Blandford, Owner of Firsthand Framebuilding School, pointed out.
“It’s been 10 years since I took UBI’s (now shuttered) framebuilding course here in Portland. In that time, the scene in Portland and beyond has changed significantly. I’ve observed what was once a fire slowly burn itself out,” Blandford said.
Blandford’s goal is to see new frame builders allowed to create, and more experienced builders an opportunity to perfect their craft. He notes a long-standing educational gap with hand-built frames, something he intends to address with the creation of the Firsthand Framebuilding School.
“I’m more convinced than ever, however, that there’s a strong enthusiasm and curiosity for framebuilding still out there. The strongest part of a fire is so often its embers; I’m excited to stoke the framebuilding coals a bit here in town. Attending UBI truly changed my life; now I want to give others a similar, Firsthand experience within this unique craft.”
This belief led Brandford to take action, purchasing an 8,000-square-foot building in a south Portland Neighborhood. The building will serve as Firsthand Frambuilding’s HQ, as well as housing the school.
Courses at Firsthand
Launching in 2026, Firsthand Framebuilding School aims to support beginner to veteran framebuilders through comprehensive courses and weekend seminars. Firsthand says they will support builders from the first cut to a finished frame, both with education and instruction, and with the best materials and tools available.
The framebuilding school’s building, currently being renovated, will include:
- 3,000 sq. ft. purpose-built metalworking shop
- Classroom/discussion space
- Computer lab
- Indoor and outdoor event spaces
- Supply shop and warehouse space
The Framebuilding School will utilize the knowledge and expertise of current framebuilders as guest instructors. Those guest instructors will be housed at an on-site apartment also being built at the Firsthand HQ.
While Firsthand is still putting together what its curriculum will be, they expect to offer courses regarding:
- Brazing and welding
- Manual machining
- CAD, 3DP, and CNC
- Frame fit and design
- Full frame building
These courses will vary in length and focus, with instructional blocks ranging from introductory to advanced, catering to enthusiasts and master frame builders. Firsthand will employ a staff of “Resident Builders” to assist students with whatever their interest is regarding bicycle fabrication.
Those interested in the Firsthand Framebuilding School are encouraged to visit their website.
