What Makes a High-end Frame, High-End? Part 2 of 3

This is the second installment of our series.  So, in the first installment, we determined that having an in-house fabrication facility assists in reducing prototyping costs while giving the company increased depth in engineering and manufacturing of high quality frames.

Now, we consider the production methods used when mass-producing frames.  The variance in quality of frame manufacturers can be day and night - and one traditional piece of criteria that has stood the test of time is to look at weld quality.  A high-end frame, whether made in the United States or overseas, will always have a consistent weld-bead, and what we often like to refer as "dimes" or "pearls" to describe this feature.

Here is a picture of the CHUMBA F5 - which showcases a quality weld:

As you can see - there are minimal blotches, and a uniform, clean look to the craftsmanship showcased in the frame.  Additionally, you can see this XCL picture:

Weld quality is a good indicator of the level of care and craftsmanship the manufacturer puts into their frame.  Usually, a frame with consistent weld beads is a sign the manufacturer was willing to incur the extra expense to ensure good frame alignment, finish, and materials when manufacturing the frame.

So it's often not so much just the simple question of what country the frame was made in, but rather, what level of manufacturing and engineering depth does the bicycle company have in-house; and after producing workable models in-house; to what length does the company go to ensure pristine welds, frame alignment, and a beautiful finish.  Often times, the subtle details in the frame will reveal this information.