Ethos: We use the millions of good quality but neglected bike frames already out there to build beautiful one-of-a-kind bikes. We take a different approach. Instead of selling you a mass-produced bike; we build a bike just for you. We talk to you first; then together work out what kind of bike you want and build it for you. This means you get the right bike for your needs. Using good quality components we build bikes that are built to last and provide years of reliable and enjoyable cycling. Frames: In our modern, consumer-driven world with most manufactured goods becoming disposable rather than repairable, the bicycle still proudly remains a uniquely deconstructable object. At the heart of every bike is the frame: a number of metal tubes joined together. Everything else: the wheels, levers, brakes, transmission etc; these are just additional components. Components wear out; frames don't. Once a frame has been blasted and coated it is as good as new. Powder coating gives a deep, lustrous, durable finish. In fact, it's better than new as you get to choose the colour. The beauty of a bike frame is its simplicity. It's just an inert piece. Yet, when built up into a fully-equipped bicycle, this dead piece of metal becomes a unique form of transport; a self-contained human-powered vehicle. Freedom is gained through mobility, exhilaration and possibility. Sources/Recycling: At a conservative estimate, there are two million bikes a year sold in the UK. Where do all these bikes go? After ten years there aren't twenty million cyclists on the roads. Do many thousands of people own five or ten bikes? No. Even if you discount the £89.99 bicycle shaped objects which end up in the dump after just a few miles, there are still millions of bikes unaccounted for. Where are they? Well, they're all over the country. In garages, sheds and spare rooms. Behind walls, fences & gates. Locked up or sometimes unlocked; neglected; sometimes even abandoned. With punctures, rotting tyres, buckled wheels, broken cables, rusted chains, perished tubes or maybe just a coating of dust. Ex-loved, lost and lonely. Sometimes the condition isn't so bad but the owner has hung up his or her spurs (or toe clips). Or sometimes someone's pride and joy got a puncture at the end of the summer, sat in the elements over the winter and the rust took hold. Now he or she finds it hard look at it. To most people, many of these bikes would have little, if any, potential: the paintwork scratched and peeling off, rust having taken hold. Surely they are past redemption? No, they are not past it. In fact, the potential behind these abandoned steeds is almost limitless. There are literally millions of these bikes out there and they are just waiting. The potential is amazing. Remember the frame? That inert piece of metal? Well, all of these bikes have one. And this is what we do. How it works: i) We strip the bike down to the frame ii) Then we choose the pieces to be coloured. Normally, this is the frame, forks, handlebars and any other suitable pieces including possibly the carrier, stem, gear protector, chain rings, rear derailleur back plate... iii) These pieces are then sandblasted. This removes all the old paint, rust and anything else, leaving a smooth, pure metal finish. iv) Now all those pieces are powder-coated. This gives a lovely, deep, durable, quality finish. v) Finally, we build the bike. Sometimes with all new components, sometimes with a mix of new and old, but always with care, pride, passion and a bit of love. The result is a stunning one-of-a-kind bike. Just for you. In terms of finish and quality, as good as any new bike. But in other ways, so much better. Getting your special: i) Starting from scratch. Come down to the workshop and whilst you look over the completed examples hanging from the ceiling, we'll have a chat about what you really want a bike for: where, when and how you'll be riding it and what accessories you might want or need. We'll talk about size, style, components and your budget. From this, we'll find a suitable frame and test-fit you to it. We'll send you away with a colour chart and a sense of excitement. The next day we'll email you a completed spec. sheet & quote. You can then check this at your leisure and let us know of any changes, additions, amendments, questions or thoughts that you might have. Once you're happy with the quote and you've given the go-ahead, then we can really get the ball rolling. From go-ahead to completion normally takes about two weeks. ii) You've got the bike. If you already have a suitable bike or frame it's even easier. We'll still take the time to discuss what you want to do with it and the all-important colour choice. We'll do you a quote, then it's off to the blasters; powder coat; back to the workshop and rebuild. Some amazing transformations are possible. iii) Need one right now. Now, we'd rather make you a special to order but if you really must have one today who are we to deny you? There is always a selection of specialbikes built and ready for sale: hybrids, mountain & road bikes; ladies, gents & unisex; classics & modern. In a variety of colours & styles and priced accordingly. Come down and take a look. Examples: Specialbikes we have built include: Fast, slick, urban run-arounds from old drop handle racers. MTB's into anything - cool, simple singlespeeds, tough hybrids, high spec hardtails. Classic Ladies into modern ladies. 7 & 8 Spd internal hubbed gears, suspension seat posts, comfy grips and saddles, quality brakes, beautiful baskets. By taking some of the best modern advances in components and building them onto a range of frames we build modern recycled bikes. Cost: A specialbike is not cheap, but they don't cost a fortune either (unless you want them to.). They compare in price to buying a good quality new bike. Each specialbike we build is priced individually depending on the components and style chosen. So far they have ranged from £250 to £1000. Just like the colour and the style it is really up to you.