There comes a time in every great framebuilder's career when experience reaches critical mass and recognition takes a quantum leap.That time is now for Michael Terraferma.
Mike runs a one-man frame shop in Miami.
The interesting thing about Mike is what his day gig has been up to now: jet engine welder. I can't put my finger on it, but somehow whatever it takes to repair jet engines translates very well into what it takes to make bicycle frames. I'm thinking that it's a mixture of care and thought.
In a table published in a recent issue of Bicycle Quarterly, one of Michael's frames was the lightest frame tested to date. And if memory serves me, Jan described its ride quality as "...lovely."
And while weight is not all that import, light frames expose their flaws more readily than do heavier frames.
I called Michael today to ask if he could build a fork for a friend of mine and as we talked I learned that his waiting list has grown six-fold in the last year.
I'm ready for Mike to make me a fillet-brazed super frame and I see that I had better get my order in now if I want it to be finished any time soon.
But don't take my word for it. Call Michael and chat him up and see if you get the same sure-handed, no-nonsense feeling that I get when I talk to him.
Terraferma Cycles Inc
208 Ponce De Leon Blvd
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 444-4174
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