Project Status
Currently: The prototype program is underway! Thanks to everyone who showed up to speak with me. I now have about 14 interested skaters. Based on your responses to my survey, I will have to prioritize this list. I will do my best to get as many skaters accommodated as possible. Here’s a quick description of the process:
- Prioritize by need - there were a few requests for ice boots. I’ll speak to you about this later in the summer. I’d like this to become a two way street. It should benefit both you, the skater and me as the boot maker. I had mentioned that I didn’t want sponsored skaters, but I got a few requests. I won’t turn it down at this point in time, but if the workload become unmanageable, there will be some delays.
- The boots will be started in batches of five (5). Once the first five are about 30% complete, the next five will get started and so on. If I find that I can work with more than five at a time, things will move quicker.
- Expect turnaround times to be a minimum of 8 weeks (2 months.) If I find any efficiencies, things may move a little quicker. If I run into any road blocks, things will obviously go slower. In either case - there will be plenty of photos and updates on my blog. You’ll see your boots being made!
- I ask that everyone be patient. Making quality boots is an art, and that simply can not be rushed.
Upcoming: Projects that I’m planning or are on hold.
2008 Inline boots (4×100 or 4×110) - first foray into plastic SIDI buckles, 2008 Short track ice boot, Fixed-Gear conversion: a mid-1980’s CIOCC Italian made bicycle frame will be converted into a single gear using custom wheels to be built by me, Boot restoration project - I’m going to take an old favorite, the Bont Capeto and rebuild it into an EGC, Boot restoration project II - after hitting the drawing board my V3’s will be rebuilt with a new leather upper, cuff design and straps.
History: Projects that I’ve completed or abandoned.
November 2006 (approx) - Version 1 of EGCSkates G1 boot. Status: Completed.
This boot was used to test materials and construction of the boot making process. It is still functional, however due to poor last making techniques, it doesn’t fit very well. The stitched cuff design has been abandoned as well as the pattern making techniques used. Boot specifications: 15 layers CF, West Systems Epoxy, goat and deerskin, EVA/foam padding, aluminum plate blocks, fiberglass auto body filler, patent leather lace cover, self adhesive Velcro, vinyl tape clamping technique, 165mm spacing, Bont frame bolts.
June 2007 - Version 2.0 of EGC skates G1 boot. Status: Completed.
This boot was used to test and improve the construction process of version 1. The last making process was much better and the final boot fit far better than the first try. Version 2’s represented a significant improvement to the process, design and construction. The final fit and finish of the components were also improved. These boots were tested in the 2007 Montreal Inline 24 Hour event. They were skated to a new solo course record of 464.5 km. Boot specifications: 4 + 1 layers CF, West Systems Epoxy, goat and pigskin, evalite orthopedic padding, aluminum plate blocks, colloidal silica and lightweight epoxy filler, self adhesive Velcro, 1.5 inch Dacron strapping, foodsaver clamping technique, 195mm spacing, Bont frame bolts.
Recently added a new set of lace covers (since the old ones came off in a crash.)
November 2007 - Version 3 of EGC Skates G1 boot. Status: Completed.
This boot is my long track creation. It used everything I’ve learned about the craft of boot making so far. The carbon shell was my proudest achievement. It was indiscernible from a “pro” boot shell. Specifications are similar to V2, except for the leather and assembly order. This was the first boot that used embroidered graphics.
December 2007 - Making Bicycle Wheels. Status: Completed.
After reading two books on building bicycle wheels, I successfully dismantled and re-built a font wheel. My next challenge will be to build two new wheels from scratch for my CIOCC conversion.
