List of British frame manufacturers / UK frame builders

Ted James' image really ought to be something a bit more burly! Do you just choose one or does the framebuilder get to choose how you represent them?

I picked it but can change anything at request. I thought the bike he built for his mum was quite nice but I know what you mean.

I think Hewitt still make frames.

And I can't remember if these were on your list, but Chickens Frame Emporium (?) and Reilly frameworks are two Brighton based builders.

Got Reilly but I didn't know about Chicken. Thanks.

Jake Rusby is in Bristol now. Currently teaching at TBA.

Absolutely it's lovely. Not a criticism of your work on the site btw.

Can anyone recommend any UK frame builders, something along the lines of Festka/Passoni/No22 etc. Something more modern, rather than the 'classic' looking builds?

Got to be field in Sheffield.

Talbot, Saffron?

Rourke, donhou, Ricky feather demon frame works.
A trip to bespoked show is required the best of British framebuilding it's in Bristol this year and soon I think.

If your after titanium Enigma are the most experienced in the UK.

Yeah getting to Bespoked is a good shout. Loads of top modern UK builders out there, Saffron, Feather, Rusby, Demon, Donhou, Rourke, Woodrup, Titchmarsh etc.

Somewhat related, I've just been looking at the list of exhibitors for Bespoked this year and barely recognise most of these new framebuilders. I think it was Richard Sachs (or someone else of that magnitude) who said you shouldn't be selling to the public until you've made 50 frames or something and you know they're all good, makes you think about the potential longevity of these frames.

really like the look of 'Field' and will check out Bespoked this year, thanks all!

Saffron's not there this year :/

If their order books are full for two years then whats the point . A bit like when feather said they where not taking any new commissions .

Feathers books are back open now he's cleared the 2 year back log.

Tom donhou has spoken about making a few frames and being a frame builder.
It's very hard to turn a craft into a career, brand and product.
With people now doing such boring jobs it's tempting to Jack it all in and sign up to a frame building course at dave yates, enigma, reilly, downlands or bicycle academy. Even geoff roberts does one to one classes.
The increase in builders has only increased the craftsmanship and only the fittest will survive. People like Tom at demon donhou and Ricky feather are now leaders of the small industry.
There is almost a craft beer feel that it's all getting too much now.

Yeah it's definitely a seemingly possible goal now for a lot of people disillusioned with their current jobs, once you've done a week crash course, on paper all you need is a good sized shed with basic hand tools, some kind of jig, a torch and if you have the money some kind of machine tooling (lathe / mill etc).

I've debated building a jig for years and having a crack at it but realistically what would set me apart from the countless others? A snazzy logo / brand name / paint job? Probably not the right attitude to have when debating a new career admittedly.

Not that I'm complaining about new builders, a rising tide lifts all boats and competition definitely brings out the best in people. I don't really know what my original point was but like you say, only the fittest will survive.

Can anyone recommend any UK frame builders, something along the lines of Festka/Passoni/No22 etc. Something more modern, rather than the 'classic' looking builds?

Talbot
http://talbotframeworks.co.uk/

Even jigs are available off the shelf now. There's is basically become a prodessional frame builder in a week starter pack now.
Tubes and lugs are available from ceeway and unpainted frames look almost identical.
The only variation is the quality of finish and tidying. Which is all time and experience.
That was the reason Tom at demon frame works carves his own lugs.
It takes him 150.hours per frame. And that's why he charges what he does.
It's harks back to the day when branding was not allowed on racing bikes. So builders such as hetchins would create fancy curly wurly lugs to make them distinct even wobbly chainstays.

The time has come for my custom frame but Ted isn't reply to my emails... so plan B is to build 1 myself. I have full access to a metal workshop with every tool imaginbale, so how hard can that be with welding a few bits of metal together? (ONLY JOKING)

Seriously, I can't get hold of Ted even to get a rough idea on wait time and price... but that's given me some room to think about other frame builders out there... I have decided I want a tourer with disc, that can also be used for the odd lazy friday morning commute when legs are too tired and want gears, more contemporary than classic like Bob Jackson. Some fingers (not moine) are pointing at Talbot... should I?

Being a woman, I kind of want to support Caren Hartley...

Hummmm... thoughts?

Get an Isen you then get both.

@ExTra This ^, sounds perfect for you and you could get in first/early on the next batch.

Might be worth looking a someone like Rusby, Autumn or Quirk too.

Cheers folks for the leads!

registered interest on the Isen web... Questions time! I am between sizes again, hence the custom! Their 51 (ideal size) takes 650c wheels, Why do people keep telling me don't go there? 53 is fine, but would be ever so slightly too big...

God knows

There are probably as many daft, or sensible, arguements on both sides.

All I know is Caren built her own personal bike(s) with 650b as it suits her. The Isens are offered with 650b in the smaller sizes so that people who are after a bike that size have a sensibly option, I believe.