Come and build your own bespoke bicycle here at The Bicycle Academy. The 10 Day Frame Build Course provides the opportunity to explore the frame building process and actively engage with each stage of fabrication. On our 10 day course you will learn the fundamentals of bicycle design, steel frame fabrication and fillet brazing. You will contribute to the frame design process and undertake both hand and machine fabrication techniques in the creation of your own bespoke bicycle. You will gain a valuable insight into the building process and acquire the fundamental skills required to continue exploring the world of frame building beyond the completion of the course. Consider it an advanced comprehensive introduction to the world of handmade bespoke bicycles. In comparison to the shorter course we will delve deeper into each course subject; you will benefit from additional fabrication time which will facilitate the fabrication of more complex bicycle designs and features.

Who is this course for?

Our 10 day course is aimed at anybody that is curious about engaging directly with the world of bespoke bicycles.
Maybe you’re already a skilled engineer, craftsperson or perhaps you’re just really good with your hands - all of those skills will be useful however you do not need any specific existing knowledge or skills to undertake this course. All you need is an enthusiasm for bicycles and making things with your hands. We highly recommend this longer course for anyone interested in undertaking their own independent frame building activities beyond the completion of the course.

Students who want to produce a frame and fork or tackle more time consuming frame features such as, for example, belt drive compatibility.

What will I learn?

We aim to teach you all of the fundamental skills required to confidently complete the fabrication of your own bicycle frame. We begin by focusing on fillet brazing and frame building fabrication techniques in order to ensure that you are confident working with the various tools of the trade. We explore bicycle design in relation to vehicle handling, bike fit and intended application; We will work together to create a customised frame design based on your body measurements, design brief and handling preferences. We will also explore numerous related areas of the frame building world ranging from material selection to frame finishing techniques. See Course Content for more detailed information.

What can I make?

We do our best to support all modern assembly standards including disc brakes, thru axles, dropper posts, 650b wheels and boost spacing. The 10 day course allows sufficient time for us to undertake any conventional double diamond bicycle design but most students chose to build one of the following genres:

• Hardtail MTB (Cross country, Trail or similar)
• Road Bike (Disc or Rim)
• Gravel or Cyclocross Bike (Cantilever or Rim)
• Town/City Bike
• Touring Bike

Certain design features cannot be achieved during the course. Please read carefully through the following constraints:

• Bicycles will be of a conventional double diamond design. We can not facilitate the production of cargo bikes, tall bikes, full suspension bikes, e-bikes and other bicycles of non-standard construction.
• We do not currently support the production of 36” wheel bicycles.
• Custom made frame components will need to be discussed prior to booking. We source and supply the majority of our frame building components from Paragon Machine Works. If you wish to use something very specific then please contact booking@thebicycleacademy.org.

Please remember that the most important part of the course is your learning experience.
In order for you to have the best learning experience we suggest that your first bike should be suitably achievable within the time constraints of the course. This will allow you to properly engage with each learning activity without the pressure and time demands of a more complex element of design or fabrication.

Will I be a pro frame builder when I have completed the course?

Sadly it takes more than 10 days to build a pro frame builder BUT if that’s your goal then we think that our courses are absolutely the best way to get you started on the journey. All our staff are either experienced teachers, engineers, makers and bicycle enthusiasts - between us we have a diverse range of skills and knowledge that we will use to help you achieve your frame building goals. If you plan to continue making frames in a professional capacity then this is the course for you.

Do you accept students from outside the U.K?

Absolutely, we teach students from all over the world. The courses are taught in English so your language skills will need to be sufficiently high level for you to make the most of the course. Please also note that this course is an 'educational experience' and not an accredited technical qualification - you will not receive a certificate or technical qualification upon completion.

Media

For more information why not watch the following GCN video featuring The Bicycle Academy workshop and staff. 

Register your interest

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