Early 90′s, 653 reynolds frame.
- Sprayed by Mike himself in rich deep metallic red.
- Selection of Campag and Dura Ace parts
- Single speed wheels with white Maxxis tyres
Mike’s Du toit single speed
Made in England
It seems like we’re not the only ones who get pretty animated every time someone brings in a hand built bicycle. While our fascination normally goes as far as some drool and a ride around the shop, Matthew Sowter and Ricky Feather have taken their fasciation a step further, traveling England to explore the working lives of a selection of the top frame builders in the country, to bring together a book about these craftsmen.
Even more exciting is that we’ll be bringing you sneak previews of their progress, leading up to the launch of the book later this year.
The book, aptly named Made in England, will reveal the conversations they had with each frame builder in their own workshop. Being award-winning frame builders themselves, Matthew and Ricky are able to showcase the craft in a unique way as each builder shares their quirks, skills and methods. It will also feature some exquisite photographs of the frame builders in their working environment – right from the raw, rough workshops and hand carved lugs, through to the sleek, beautifully finished frames.
Matthew and Ricky want to share their passion for frame building through this book; to inspire more people into the industry and give insight into the blood, sweat and tears that make up being a frame builder. They want to show the people behind these crafts and why the custom frame building industry is as popular as it is today and why Britain has some of the best builders in the world.
Matthew recently came to the UK from South Africa to learn under some the master frame builders in England. It was while he was working at Enigma Bikes, that he decided to initiate the book, together with Ricky, one of the most promising frame builders in the U.K and the owner of Feather Cycles. The photographs are shot by Kayti Peschke, originally a global fashion photographer but who’s involvement in the cycling world has grown rapidly over recent years.
Watch this little teaser to wet your appetite and stay tuned for a behind the scenes view on the progress of this exciting project.
Italian Viner
The frame:
Italian made Viner: 80ties racing bike
The build:
- Awesome parts selection: sugino cranks, suntour derailleurs, nitto stem, San Marco leather saddle
