Tim O’Donnell hails from Indianapolis, Indiana. Building bikes in a racing focused city definitely seems to show in his creations, as they all look build for speed. A particular stand out at the 2013 North American Handmade Bicycle Show was his war plane themed 650B full suspension mountain bike.
The paint on this frame was highly detailed and extremely well done. The war plane theme was carried throughout the frame with little rivet details and even a pin up girl.
The custom lugs that Tim did for this bike were amazing. It really showed well on the bike and made it look incredibly custom.
The rear end is made by Ventana that Tim then incorporates into his custom built front triangle.
Interview with Tim O’Donnell
Do you have any standard models is everything custom?
“Everything is purely custom. The customer comes to me and we start the process. I don’t even really have bike build packages.”
Do you use powdercoat or paint?
“Typically use wet paint instead of powdercoat.”
If you weren’t building bikes what would you be doing?
“Everything or nothing. I don’t know? I’m glad I don’t have to answer that.”
How did you get started building bikes?
“Start restoring some old motorcycles and got into brazing and welding. I thought I’d give it try on bikes. That was 2002 and never looked back.”
How many bikes do you build a year?
“Typically build 30-35 bikes a year.”
What was you first sweet childhood bike?
“I had a Redline BMX. First bike I really fell in bike love with was at 17 when my neighbor bought a Specialized Dirt Jumper. I thought it was the bomb.”
SRAM or Shimano?
“Primarily SRAM”
How many years have you been riding?
“I started racing at 17 and now I’m 41. So 24 years.”
Burrito or taco?
“Burrito.”