Who is it for?

Our 5 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.

What will I learn?

We aim to teach you all of the basic skills required to confidently complete the fabrication of your own bicycle frame. We begin by focusing on fillet brazing and basic metal fabrication skills in order to ensure that you are confident working with the various tools of the trade. We explore the basics of bicycle design in terms of handling, fit and 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. Most students chose to build one of the following genres:

• Hardtail MTB (Cross country, Trail or similar with maximum 120mm travel fork and 2.4" tyres)
• Road Bike (Disc or Rim)
• Gravel or Cyclocross Bike (Disc, Cantilever or Rim - maximum tyre size 50mm)
• Town/City Bike
• Touring Bike

Certain design features cannot be achieved during the 5 Day Course. Please read carefully through the following constraints:

• Bicycles will be of a conventional double diamond design.
• All cable routing will be external
• We will use plate style (non adjustable) rear dropouts made by Paragon Machine Works
• We will use machined 46mm OD head tubes or 36mm OD (1 ⅛) plain gauge head tubes
• Brake standards available include Flat Mount, Low Mount ISO (for post mount adapter), Rim Brake and Cantilever.
• You will only build the frame - prefabricated forks can be purchased before or after the course
• Bicycles must use a standard chain driven rear hub specification
• Eccentric bottom brackets can not be accommodated 
  

Please remember that the most important part of the course is your learning experience. If you are interested in making something more complex you should consider the 10 Day Frame Building Course.
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 5 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 we do recommend considering our 10 Day Frame Building Course.

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.

Duration and Format?

We teach this course 2 students to 1 teacher over 5 days. We start at 10am and finish at 5pm Monday to Friday. Some of the theoretical components of the course may be delivered 4 students to 1 teacher.

Price

£1500 + materials for the frame (these range from £100 – £400).

£750 needed to secure your spot. Balance due 2 months before the start of your course.

Media

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

Register your interest

If you are interested in studying a frame building course but you aren't quite ready to book please fill in the form bellow to be added to our notifications and course update list.