MSH1 Bicycle Works ®

" The Original MSH1 " Cross Country Racing Mountain Bike, 1996
( This University project started me in building bicycle frames )

  • Mechanical Engineering Curriculum 4th Year Thesis Project
  • Designed and analyzed in AutoCad
  • 6061-T6 Aluminum, polished, unpainted
  • TIG welded
  • Full heat treatment, and alignment
  • Race-ready full suspension cross country mountain bike
  • MacPherson Strut Rear Suspension, 3-4" travel
  • Fabrication date 1996
  • I rode / raced this bike successfully for years. Retired for posterity with integrity intact.
Background

" MSH1 " The Original

A lightweight, hand polished aluminum
package.
Handbuilt with 6061-Series Oversize
straight gauge Aluminum tubing.
"MSH1" Decals on down tube,
"Φ" Symbol on head tube.
TIG welded, heat treated.
Horst-Link active Macpherson strut
suspension, Anti-squat and anti-bounce
suspension geometry optimization.
Coil spring with preload adjustment, 3-4"
travel.
Disc Brake mount.
1-1/8" head tube.
Water bottle braze-ons down tube.
All cables routed on right side of top tube.
Riveted cable stops.
Approx frame weight = 3.75 lbs.

Brief Bio

         - Test Engineer - Engine Component Test
          - Test Facilities Mechanical / Design Engineer (Special Test Equipment)
          - I worked on several engine programs including PW100, PW200,
            PW300, PW500, PW800, and PT6
         - Sr. Test Facilities Mechanical / Design Engineer / Project Management
           (Special Test Equipment)
          - Sr. Test Engineer - Full Engine Test
          - Sr. Performance & Engine Operability Analytical Engineer
             (Inclement Weather Analysis - Ice, Hail, Rain Ingestion)
          - I worked on many engine programs, including the PW6000,
            GP7000, Geared TurboFan (GTF / PW1000G), ATFI and various  
            other Advanced Engine Programs
  • While working at Pratt & Whitney, I had the opportunity to travel to many places
    to test aircraft engines and components, including Germany; France;  Montreal
    and Mississauga, Canada; Florida and Tennessee, USA, among other places.
  • I resigned from the Corporate career in early 2007; undertaking an integrated,
    sustainable, independent, self reliant work-life system of sustainable living -
    self sufficiency - and harmony with nature through environmental restoration,
    and by maximizing holistic integrated balanced fundamental practices and
    principles, minimizing consumption of non-renewable resources; all equalling
    a net benefit to the natural world... whilst exploring my artistry through
    ecologically responsible bicycle frame design and fabrication.
  • Born in Canada, I also obtained US Citizenship, and hold dual citizenship with
    Canada.
  • My wife and I have travelled several countries and territories, including Canada,
    Poland, Italy, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Liechtenstein,
    France, the United Kingdom, America, the US and British Virgin Islands, among
    others.



Past - Present

  • I have ridden bicycles for as long as I can remember.

    Experiences which laid the foundation for many of my personal and
    professional pursuits and interests later in life.  Of the various projects in my
    youth that kept me busy - many included tasks such as fixing, overhauling,
    modifying, fabricating parts for mechanical things such as old / used: bicycles,
    dirt bikes, snowmobiles, go-carts, small engines, often with little more than
    conventional hand tools.

  • I was involved in numerous sports including cycling, swimming, hockey,
    soccer, lacrosse, running, with my favourites being cycling, and swimming -
    perhaps a result of riding my bike back and forth to swim practice often several
    times a day.  I worked as lifeguard and swim instructor for several years at a
    local public swimming pool; at Brock University in St.Catharines, Ontario "The
    Garden City"; and later at the University of Toronto; I cycled with the St.
    Catharines Cycling Club; and I swam competitively at the provincial level.  I
    have raced bicycles for many years, reaching Cat 2 several years ago, and still
    race occasionally.

  • Growing up I was directly exposed to the concept of handmade items, and
    utilized these items in my daily life.  My mother made beautiful handmade
    quilts, sweaters, socks, toques and other wears;  handmade preserves,
    stained glass, among many other items.   I have sisters that carry-on some of
    these traditions, a niece that runs her own handmade jewelry business, a
    sister that made handmade pottery and runs her own dog and guardian
    training business.  My brother, among his several pursuits, builds go-carts /
    buggies in his spare time; is a martial arts instructor holding black belts in
    several martial arts disciplines.  My Father worked his farm for 60 years,
    mastering his methods by learning virtually everything by doing. His actions
    spoke louder than his words.
© 2011 MSH1 Bicycle Works ®
1986 Cycling, NOTL
1995/6, McMaster University SAE
Formula, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
1996 McMaster University, B.Eng,
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
2005 Aircraft Engine Testing,
Tennessee, USA
circa 1978 NOTL Farm
2010 Racing, Predazzo, Italy
2006 Racing, Arabba, Italy
2002 Aircraft Engine Assembly
& Test, Munich, Germany
Matt in his Workshop