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Convert an old steel frame to take modern equipment? I would say our customers are split 50:50 between building their renovated frames up with period components and converting them to take modern equipment but in a retro style. There is no right or wrong. Surely its better to give a neglected steel frame and new…
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Over the last few weeks, I’ve had to face some hard truths, not just about the state of my workshop, but about the future of traditional framebuilding in Britain. A few days ago, I read Ricky Feather’s announcement that he’s stepping away from framebuilding. He spoke openly about burnout, cancelled orders, and how even the…
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Monday: A Rough Start Mondays are rarely uneventful, but this one was particularly challenging. Fresh off a day in bed with flu symptoms, I attempted to rally for Maurice’s first day on the framebuilding course. It was an uphill battle, as even the smallest tasks felt monumental. Maurice, however, came prepared and enthusiastic, with his…
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Monday Morning: Dawes in the Workshop The week started with the typical Monday madness. On the docket was a sentimental project: a service for an old Dawes that hasn’t rolled in years. This bike belonged to the customer’s late father, and getting it back to its former glory is high on my list. Sometimes it’s…
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Balancing family life with framebuilding is always an interesting dance. This week began as many do – with me up at the crack of dawn (6:30 to be precise) sorting out the children. As I watched Finlay and Freya trudge off to school with expressions that suggested they were heading to their doom rather than…
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Explore how Ellis Briggs navigates the tension between classic cycling traditions and today’s gentrified scene, offering bespoke craftsmanship amidst rising costs. Discover a world where passion and history intersect with the modern cycling revolution.
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As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been both challenging and transformative. Running a nearly 90-year-old family business as a one-person operation has its rewards, but it also comes with immense pressures. This past year has tested my limits, but it has also reaffirmed my deep commitment…
