Me, my bike and I

Bespoked brings together some of the UK’S top framebuilders, plus a host of international talent. caught up with the men and women behind this year’s unique creations

here are few places on Earth where you’ll see a 3D-printed titanium road bike rubbing tyres with a three-seater tandem, next to a chap making catapults out of sawn-off bike forks, but the Bespoked UK Handmade Bicycle Show is one them.

More than 6,000 people flocked to Brunel’s Old Station in Bristol this year to see 107 framebuilders, component makers and even a bicycle-themed jeweller showcase their wares in a celebration of all that is great and good in the world of artisanal bikes.

Exhibitors came from as far afield as Australia and Japan, packing the vaulted ceilings to the rafters with all manner of exceptional bicycles. Better still, each builder was on hand to explain their creations and their craft, holding forth on everything from the difference in ride quality between Reynolds 853 and 953 tubing (‘one is just more shiny’) to the place of disc brakes in the modern bespoke market (‘mate, you pay me and I’ll make you anything’).

This year the field was stronger than ever, and Cyclist should know: Bespoked organiser Phil Taylor (no relation to the darts player) asked us to judge the Cyclist Choice Road Bicycles category. It was no easy decision, with custom carbon from Ireland up against handmade lugs from Southampton; inlaid Japanese rubies jostling with 3D-printed nodes from Down Under.

Read on to discover which handmade creations impressed us the most, but as for the bespoke market in general? Take our word for it, the breadth, depth and quality has never been greater. And if you need further convincing, just listen to what the builders have to say…