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.
Remember this bike?
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.
The clipboard had the jobs in queue and the cuts that needed to be made.
Some dead frames.
... and their brethren that made it.
Some Ti track ends.
A sick unicrown fork.
The machinery at IF was so nice. They just don't make them like they used to.
Words to live by.
Again, the machinery was so full of character.
And yet another bench vise. I told you this was a reoccurring theme.
Pegboard.
Jesus and the mark of the beast.
Merckx!
Even Indy Fab has the LOL Cats on lock.
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.
All these paints are used to make beautiful bicycles.
But boy, painting is no joke. Look at the nuke gear!
This little guy needs a respirator.
The painter's mark is in fact scraps of masking tape. Textures everywhere.
A beautiful carbon single speed waiting for a luscious coat.
Here's where frames sit post-paint. Sammy the sword fish watches over them.
The jerseys of the past Indy Fab team mates. There are some famous ones up there.
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
