Framebuilding Classes in Park City, UT

Under the hood!

-I teach a VERY limited number of one-on-one,  two week long classes (roughly 3-4 hours per day for 10 days) each year. I have trained almost 100 students over the years, many of whom have gone on to become professional builders.

-We’ll collaboratively design your new bike using BikeCAD pro. As many of you know, I’m a huge geometry and fit geek – so you’ll get to pick my brain and learn all about how I do a bike design, talk through tradeoffs of every variable, and figure out your ideal geometry/wheel size/componentry.

-You’ll be given full use of the WW shop machines and tools and my undivided attention to help you operate them. The course fee includes all materials (S and S couplers are an additional $500) needed to complete your frame and I guarantee that you will leave with a rideable and safe frame (this may mean I have to do some aspects of the construction myself if you’re having a lot of trouble). You will also have as much practice time and material as you’d like to learn to TIG weld or braze, as well as unlimited use of BikeCAD pro to design bikes to your heart’s content.

-I offer 2 pricing options:

Option 1: $3000 – Fly on the Wall. This is the watch-and-learn but no actual building option. If you’ve always wanted to see how I build a frame but don’t want to actually do it yourself, come hang out and watch me build yours!

Clean tubes

-In your spare time, enjoy our 500+ miles of singletrack, right out the back door (or, in the winter, the infinite fatbike terrain and 7 ski resorts within a 30 minute drive). Park City is the only IMBA gold-level ride center in the world and you can make great riding vacation out of your trip. I’m happy to provide info on local trails and yes, I want to ride with you!
-Build your bike up and ride it when it’s still warm from the torch (ok, that’s an exaggeration). But if you’re interested in test riding your bike before it even gets powdercoated, we’ll order parts in advance and assemble so you can test ride right here in UT.
-Super excited about building after watching for a few hours? Upgrade at any time to:

Place Class Deposit

Option 2: $5000 – You Build It, Walt Helps. This is the real business – you do it all, and I provide as much help/instruction/encouragement as it takes to make sure you end up with a great frame. If you want to get a jump start on building your own frames in the future either as a hobby or professionally, this is the option for you. Be ready to work hard!

-All materials included. If you blow a hole in a tube, I’ll hand you another one, no problem. Need weird dropouts or unusual BB shell or a curved tube? Done. 880t or ER70 welding rod, silver or bronze brazing wire, flux, argon – it’s all included.
-Build anything you want. Dirt jumper? Crazy slack/short 29er? 650b? 36er? Time trial bike? Fattie? We can do any size of seatpost/dropper, any fork, curve tubes, do any unusual geometry or use any unusual component. The world is your oyster. Tandems and full suspension bikes cost extra and require some prerequistes (you will need to be a competent welder and be familiar with the basics), the world is your oyster, build your dream bike!

Stacks of dimes…

-Learn the basics of TIG, fillet brazing, and lug work (or just one) and practice as much as you’d like on my professional level equipment. Unlimited practice scrap/tubing is available for your use/destruction.
-If you’re really struggling, I will step in and help you finish any task necessary so that your bike ends up safe and fun.
-Just as with Option 1, you’ll be in mountain bike heaven and have time to ride. We can assemble your new bike for a test ride or two while you’re here as well as long as we order parts in advance.
-In some cases I will ask you to do “homework” before arriving to familiarize yourself with some basic movements for welding. This can include sending you a big box of mitered scraps for practice if you have access to welding equipment (check with your local maker space, DIY associations, community college, etc), recommendations on equipment, etc. Full phone/email support for you while you start practicing on your own.

–TIG welding equipment that will run on 120V/15A circuits (Miller MaxStar STH – plug it in any outlet in your garage!) is available for loan for students who would like to practice at home prior to taking the class. Contact me for details.

What’s NOT included?

Amazing trails and scenery!

–Lodging. I’m happy to provide advice on lodging options (there are many), and I can also give advice on camping nearby.
–Parts to assemble your bike. You are welcome to salvage and bring your own used stuff, or you can take advantage of my super-smoking parts deals and buy them from me. In most cases we can assemble your bike to allow you to get out for a ride on your last day!
–Fork building instruction. If you’d like to build a rigid fork as well please contact me to discuss – this will cost extra money and take extra time unless you are a very quick study or have prior experience.
–Loaner bikes/skis. If my bikes fit you (not bloody likely, I’m shaped like a T-rex, but you never know) you are welcome to borrow them. It’s more likely that you’ll need to bring your own or rent if you want to ride in your free time before your frame is done. Same story with skis (got a size 45 foot and like skate skiing? You’re in luck. Otherwise, not so much).
–Warranty. If you’re building it yourself, I will do my best to help you make a safe, long-lasting frame – but it won’t be a Waltworks (it’ll be a yournamehereworks) and as such you won’t get any warranty protection if something breaks. If you are doing fly-on-the-wall, a warranty is of course included.
–Decals and powdercoat. I can put you in touch with expert finish and decal folks, or you go the Spray.bike route/DIY.
–Shipping. If you choose to have the frame powdercoated here, you’ll need to pay to have it shipped to you when it’s done (or come pick it up).

Ok, I want to do it! How do I get on the schedule?

Yes, you can do this

-I do not set class dates – instead I will schedule students on a case by case basis. If you’re interested in what times might work, please email or call me to discuss. I am retired and class availability is very limited, your best bet is to plan well ahead!
-A non-refundable deposit of $1000 is required to schedule your class. If we’ve agreed on dates and you need to make a change or delay your visit, that’s fine, but I won’t be able to guarantee when I can fit you in again.
-I reserve the right to end a lesson early (with no refund) if you are endangering yourself or others with the equipment (the usual shop rules apply – safety glasses, tie back long hair, no loose clothing, etc). This also means that once a beer gets opened – no more metal work for the day. Many of the machines in my shop can maim or kill you, and I will insist that you follow my instructions regarding using them safely.
-If a friend wants to stop by to see what you are doing, that’s great, but you can’t get a two-fer by just having someone bum around while we’re working – I’ll charge extra for extra students on a case-by-case basis. The shop is really not big enough for crowds of people so I’ll generally insist on one-on-one instruction.