Saso keeps on machining

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Dale Saso works on a new tool for cutting steer tubes.

Dale Saso lives in San Jose and builds custom steel frames. Or at least he used to. Those days are pretty much gone, thanks to carbon fiber.

Now he does small jobs for cyclists who have unique needs.

I rode by to show Dale my Frankenbike, which he built in 1986. Most of my rides with Jobst Brandt in the Santa Cruz Mountains were done on this bike.

Dale was building a tool for threading steer tubes. His shop is “old school” with thousands of steel bike parts and tools laying about.

It’s what most people would imagine a machinist’s shop looks like.

I know other machinists in Silicon Valley who own expensive machines that make exotic components for modern devices, but Dale wants no part of it.

He’s content working on small jobs. I could use a new six-speed quick-release axle for my Campagnolo rear hub. I wonder if he can make one? If it could be made from better quality steel than Campagnolo used, it might be worth it.

Dale now has a website where you can contact him.

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Cutting a steer tube.