Do they really matter?

Details that is – do they really matter?

I think many would argue that no, they don’t. I think some would say that all the fussing over the details borders on fetish and that too many people concern themselves with the minutia of framebuilding to the detriment of the big picture. I suppose for some that could be true.

At the same time, to me, the details are immensely important. I love the details. They are what I focus on once the big picture, important stuff is in the rear view mirror. In fact if I wasn’t allowed to fuss over the details then I think I’d find another line of work. The work just wouldn’t be interesting enough and the focus shifts from making the bike in the vice just right to getting the bike in the the vice out the door so the next one can be started as soon as possible. I feel the strong need to live and work in the moment and to not be thinking about getting this one done so I can start the next – and so on. It’s zen-like I suppose this ‘work in the moment’ deal, and for me it’s very satisfying.

I’ve had builders and customers alike ask me why I fuss over things that no one will ever see. Why do I concern myself with the tightness of a tube mitre or the straightness of a pair of water bottle bosses? Why worry about getting lugs lines as crisp as possible when they will only be covered by paint and the customer will not see them? Why spend so much time doing this stuff when in the end it doesn’t ‘matter’? Well to be blunt I don’t do it for my customers – I do it for me. Selfish I know but there you go. I do it purely for my own enjoyment and it keeps me excited to walk up to the bench after over 22 years. Knowing the bike is as good as possible in every way before I send it out the door makes me smile and feel proud of the work. I work toward making each bike as good as possible and then making the next one better still. I know that I could make more money if I changed the way I do things but I also know I would enjoy it all less. It’s not worth it to me in the long run.

So to answer my own question……….. do the details matter? Yes, to me they do. I hope they do to you too and that you understand.

Thanks for indulging me.

Dave

Share this Article:

5 responses to “Do they really matter?”

1. Craig Ryan says:

   January 19, 2011 at 6:12 pm

   Really, really, really well put Dave.

2. Chris says:

   January 19, 2011 at 7:21 pm

   Thanks for taking the time to put your sentiments down. It’s through your attention to detail that you distinguish yourself as a good, conscientious craftsman. It’s when I notice someone doesn’t care, when he starts to pass over things because of expedience or for a lack of concern, that I am sure I’ll never order a frame from him.

3. Iwo says:

   January 20, 2011 at 1:44 am

   Very impressive words on very small things. Thanks Dave, I put this post on my own (german) blog. Hope you don’t mind.

   Cheers from Germany
   Iwo

4. Scott Miller says:

   January 20, 2011 at 8:43 pm

   Details are what separate the mundane from the extraordinary. My next bike will be a Kirk….

5. parris says:

   January 25, 2011 at 10:54 pm

   Dave:

   Well stated as always. You put to words what I believe every true craftsman in whatever the field of endeavor they chose strives for. If not for the details and minutia that you and those like you put into your work why ultimately purchase a frame from you and/or your brother builders? This same philosophy of excellence crosses into any custom item when dealing with makers who “get it”.

   There are people who would never consider buying a frame from you or Sachs, Bedford, Strong, White, etc, etc, etc. Much the way the same type of person would never invest in something that’s best quality for any other activity that they may be involved in. That type of client doesn’t “get it” and may very well not want to get it. But that’s just my opinion.

   It’s very cool that you still get jazzed to be at the bench and continue to reach with what you do!