While I do covet an Anvil Journeyman 3.1 frame fixture, it’s highly unlikely that I’ll be able to afford one anytime soon. Hell, I can’t even afford a chainstay fixture at less than a fourth the price. Thus, I’m starting to scribble plans to build my own fixture to replace my aging and slow-to-use Bringheli.

A few days ago, I spent some time noodling some notes on the matter,

The Notes on the “Bailey” Frame Fixture

1. Need one centerline distance for all BB/axle combos.
2. Must support multiple head tube and bottom bracket diameters.
3. Must use Anvil dummy axles.
4. BB fixed center; rear axle moves vertical/horizontal in relation.
5. Needs to work with Park clamp mount.
6. Use metric 8020 for framing.
7. Layered setup with documented thicknesses so that replacement parts/addons are easy.
8. Needs chainstay and seatstay holders.
9. Should allow for as little as 30mm of BB drop.
10. ST angle basically infinite.
11. HT angle 65-80 degrees.
12. “Lefty” setup. (HT to the left.)
13. Frames from BMX sizes to 80cm seat tube.
14. Frames up to 80cm top tube.
15. Any ST diameter.
16. HT lengths up to 400mm.
17. Should allow for an extension to enable tandem construction; or be easy to construct a setup for similar.

If anyone has any more suggestions for what I should work into this, I’m all ears. Leave comments below.

Short-Term Plan

In the near term, I’m going to start pulling together some sketches, and figuring out my material requirements. I’ll probably try my hand at building the first one this fall, and see how it goes.

Long-Term Plan

If it works according to plan, I’ll probably bundle the plans and some instructions into a PDF, and offer it up online as a download — whether it’s free or low-cost is TBD. If I can find a way to keep costs manageable, I might sell the kits. We’ll see.