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Something
about Fahnini Bicycles
Willi is not your typical "propeller head". Take a look at his
"after hours" projects
An article written by the magazine, The BC Cycling Journal, 2 Wheel
Freedom (August 1997), captures Willi Fahning's bicycle building art
and gives some history to Fahnini Bicycles.
Propel Yourself on a Fahnini Cycle
by Yvonne Moragne
Willi Fahning propels you to an extreme on his aerodynamic Fahnini
Road Bike. A cycle of this calibre will get you thinking, "it's time
to let my mountain bike recuperate for a while." Since 1986, Willi
has customized and designed cycle frames out of his Sidney Propeller
Shop. There you will discover a counter clockwise clock and labour
rates that increase for talking, watching, and more for arguing.
Willi has a great sense of humour as well as a passion for road
racing.
 He experienced his first road race on September 1, 1955, The Day of
Peace in East Germany. He placed third." I won a bouquet of roses
and a kilogram of sausages. My mother scolded me because she didn't
know where I was and didn't believe I won the sausages - until she
read the results in the paper," says Willi with a smile.
In 1960, he was the East German Provincial Champion, Willi is an
avid racer and presently races with the Sidney Velo Cycling Club
Association. He established this organization, which caters to
riders over 35 years old. Furthermore, he sponsors a team in Chile.
In his office, he proudly displays snapshots of the successes of the
team on the Fahnini Cycle. Yearly he returns to Chile.
Fahnini
frames consist of chromoli, which is supplied by Marinoni Cycles.
This lightweight metal tubing is silver sautered to the locks and
joints (where the tubing fits). He braises the fork ends and adds
chrome if you choose. During the design process
 your cycle will
experience the MOD-U-131ASTER.This funky machine will sandblast and
clean your bike parts. Later,
your cycle frame will be brought into technicolour.
Willi's services also include custom painting your present bike
frame. The cost is minimal: $160 for one colour and $ 10 for each
additional colour - it's a masterpiece. Furthermore, he will perform
mountain bike operations. "Usually the rear drop breaks on a
mountain bike," states Willi, holding up the part. He is very
knowledgeable when it comes to the science of welding and
customizing cycles. He enthusiastically explains the arduous task of
 welding titanium in an air tight chamber, then continues to discuss tig welding. It is obvious he takes tremendous pride in his design
work and truly enjoys it. With special tenderness he delineates with
his hand the structured curves of a massive propeller that he
recently repaired. It would take a few Herculean men to gravitate
that prop!
The Fahnini Cycle is designed with the same precise perfection, at a
cost of only $1,200 with chrome and $1,000 without. Willi spends
about 40 hours customizing one cycle frame. Your Fahnini Cycle will
propel you to new elevations at an intense velocity. ZOOM!
You can visit Willi in Sidney, BC, Canada at:
2320 Harbour Road,
Sidney, BC.
There is delightful marina view and a new coffee shop next door.
For more information call (250) 656-3421,
or e-mail Willi at: sidprop@shaw.ca
Click on any images on this page to view a larger version of the
image!
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