Elizabeth J Kehoe, custom framebuilder, working meticulously in her Key West workshop
Elizabeth J Kehoe, master framebuilder, in her vibrant Key West workshop.

The Hands and Heart Behind the Frame

'My job is to translate a rider's dream into steel and titanium. It’s the best job in the world.'

A Lifelong Passion for the Perfect Ride

From the sun-drenched paths of Key West to the challenging trails beyond, my journey with bicycles began not as a hobby, but as a profound connection. The inherent elegance of two wheels, the simplicity of propulsion, and the sheer joy of movement captivated me. This fascination soon evolved into a quest for the perfect ride, one that led me down a path less traveled: framebuilding. What started as dismantling and reassembling, understanding every bolt and tube, quickly became an obsession with creation. My first frame, a rugged steel touring bike, was a testament to countless hours of learning, a symphony of fire, metal, and meticulous measurement. It wasn't just a bike; it was a realization that art and engineering could converge into something deeply personal and utterly transformative. That initial spark ignited a lifelong dedication to the craft, driven by the belief that every rider deserves a bicycle that feels like an extension of themselves.

My philosophy is rooted in a deep conversation with each rider. A custom frame isn't about imposing my signature style; it's about realizing yours. We delve into your riding style, your aspirations, your ergonomic needs, and even the landscapes you dream of conquering. This rider-driven design process ensures that from the first sketch to the final braze, every decision serves to amplify your connection to the road or trail. It’s a dance between function and form, where the nuances of geometry, material choice, and tube selection are all harmonized to create a bicycle that not only performs flawlessly but also resonates with your spirit. It's truly a bespoke experience, where your vision rides alongside every mile.

The dedication to craft in my Key West workshop is uncompromising. With a mastery born from decades of practice, I embrace both the time-honored traditions of lugged steel frames and the precision of modern fillet brazing and titanium fabrication. Each joint is meticulously prepared, joined with the precise application of heat, and finished with an eye for detail that borders on obsession. This isn't mass production; it's a constant pursuit of perfection, where every cut, every weld, and every alignment check is performed with unwavering focus. The result is not just a bicycle, but a rolling piece of art, imbued with strength, resilience, and an undeniable soul, designed to be ridden and cherished for a lifetime.

Inside the Workshop

Located in the heart of Key West, the workshop is where raw materials and rider ambition are forged into rolling art.

Close-up of hands meticulously filing a steel lug on a bicycle frame
Detailed shot of a framebuilder's hands filing a lug.
Blue flame of a brazing torch meticulously joining bicycle frame tubes
Brazing operation with torch on a steel frame.
Bicycle frame mounted in a precision alignment jig, being checked by Elizabeth J Kehoe
Frame alignment check in a workshop jig.
Organized wall of framebuilding tools, well-used and cared for
A well-maintained workshop tool wall.

Let's Talk Bicycles

'Building a custom bike is a personal journey, and it starts with a simple conversation. I look forward to hearing about the bike you've been dreaming of.' - Elizabeth J Kehoe

Contact Elizabeth