Modern Approach
In 2026, Firsthand Framebuilding will open a modern, fully-equipped bicycle fabrication school in Portland, Oregon.
Last fall, we purchased a warehouse in the John’s Landing neighborhood of South Portland. After several months of planning and permitting, we’re now underway renovating the warehouse into a world-class framebuilding shop. In addition to the purpose-built frame shop, our new space will include a dedicated design & discussion classroom, computer lab, on-site apartment for our guest instructors, and—of course—our framebuilding supply & Reynolds warehouse.
The Firsthand school will include a wide variety of courses for new and experienced fabricators alike. Brazing & welding classes, manual machining instruction, CAD, 3DP & CNC workshops, frame fit & design courses, small business seminars, and full-fledged multi-week framebuilding experiences… We’re excited to share more about what we’ll be offering next year. All of our courses will be taught by invited guest instructors, supported by a passionate group of experienced in-house builders. The Firsthand school represents a new, modern approach to framebuilding education and professional development.
Course Catalog
We'll be offering three primary, long-format courses supplemented by a selection of short seminars. Check out our future initial offering, and stay tuned for our schedule release later this spring.
Stay in the loop
If you're interested in what we've got cooking, sign up to receive our monthly-ish newsletter, below. We'll be sharing progress photos and more details in the months to come.
Come pass the torch
Our goal is to cultivate a new generation of independent builders, stoking the coals of small-scale bicycle fabrication and traditional craft in the US and beyond.
If you're a career framebuilder or fabricator and are interested in passing your knowledge down to the next generation, get in touch. We'd love to share more details.
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chris@firsthand.bike