+1 (651) 424-8555

Custom carbon fiber bicycle parts made in Minnesota

My name is Drew Diller, I make expert-class carbon fiber structures for bicycles. I have developed a unique molding system that allows me to achieve low-volume (and even one-off) carbon moldings -- and that's using "prepreg" high temperature resistant carbon materials used by the big industries. I'm also a software engineer and general fabricator (and I'm willing to do OEM carbon work with your logo if you happen to be a manufacturer).

My long term goal is to develop an all-new gearbox mountain bike. I unintentionally destroy derailleurs. I am nearing the TRL-3 prove-out stage of developing a new gearbox invention that can smoothly downshift under torque, and bears the possibility of optional automatic shift assistance for people with hand disabilities. (My selfish motivation is that I have a mobility problem in my right thumb, and my technology could be useful to others.)

I am currently using my carbon fiber fabrication skills to make a bunch of custom handlebars (and other custom carbon fiber goods and freelance OEM work people might want) in order to fund the transition of my invention from TRL-2 to TRL-3 status: essentially, reaching the stage of useful and proven in a real world environment. My 2 barriers are: first, avoiding patent trolls, and second, obtaining some hard steel components that I cannot produce alone. Consider supporting me on Patreon!

What's next?

In the background of my operations I have been slowly designing a single-crown linkage fork design inspired by Valentino Ribi's impressive forks from 1979. I think they deserve a comeback. My idea for a reinterpretation goes something like this:

I do not like being constrained to the maintenance needs for telescopic forks, so I'm doing something about it. If you'd like to establish a pre order for when I soon put this design into serial production, feel free to contact me. The basic idea of my design is to use off-the-shelf bearings, shafts, and shocks that can be sourced for long term replacement from many vendors.

Want to talk?

Phone: +1 (651) 424-8555
Email:

Pricing

Pricing for custom bars often lands around at $400 depending on what you need. I offer volume discounts! Making the mold is the hardest part of the work.

Looking for CAD, product visualization, or general fabrication?

I'm willing to to make structures that aren't bikes! I act as an OEM for a small number of individuals. I'm extremely well practiced with FreeCAD, which can be extended into extremely detailed mechanical animations with the aid of my Python programming skills. As little as a napkin drawing is enough to start with, and I can deliver on as much or as little of the process from there as you need.

Sometimes, this means relatively simple things, like so:

Pictured above is what I made when a customer asked me to make a lightweight skid plate for some expensive luggage - the idea was to have something super light without spending a great concern on its appearance, while seeking much greater durability than skid plates the client had broken in the past.

Support gearbox tech on Patreon

If you are interested in the future of stepless gearbox technology and would like to support me or subscribe to follow updates, here is my Patreon link.

Hope to hear from you.

Phone: +1 (651) 424-8555
Email: