The Soul in the Steel.
Discover the time-honored techniques that transform raw tubing into a responsive, beautiful, and lifelong bicycle frame.
Elegant & Timeless: Lugged Frame Construction
For those who appreciate tradition and visible craftsmanship, lugged construction offers a classic aesthetic with unparalleled strength. Lugs are precisely cast or stamped steel connectors that are brazed to the ends of the frame tubes, rather than welding the tubes directly. This method inherently distributes stress over a larger surface area, resulting in a frame that is not only incredibly robust but also provides a distinct, elegant profile.
The beauty of a lugged frame lies in its heritage. Each lug is a canvas, offering opportunities for intricate shaping, filing, and delicate cutouts that speak volumes about the artisan's skill. This painstaking process results in a bicycle that harks back to the golden age of framebuilding, perfect for riders who value classic styling and a deep connection to the history of cycling.
Ideal for: Riders who appreciate classic styling, heritage, and the visible craft of the builder.
Smooth & Modern: Fillet Brazed Bicycles
Fillet brazing represents a contemporary approach to frame construction, offering a clean, seamless aesthetic. In this method, the frame tubes are meticulously mitered to fit perfectly together, and then joined by melting a bronze or silver alloy filler rod directly into the joint. The molten material flows into the gap, creating a smooth, strong bond that is then expertly filed and sanded to achieve a continuous, organic transition between tubes.
This technique allows for greater freedom in frame geometry and tube shaping, opening possibilities for unique designs that would be challenging with lugs. The result is a bicycle with sleek lines, a modern appeal, and exceptional durability, often preferred by riders seeking a minimalist or performance-oriented custom build.
Ideal for: Riders seeking a sleek, contemporary look, or for frames with unconventional geometry.
Lugs vs. Fillet Brazing: Which is for You?
| Feature | Lugged Construction | Fillet Brazing |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic | Classic, ornate, visible connections, heritage feel | Modern, smooth, seamless flow, minimalist |
| Geometry | Often lends itself to traditional frame angles | Greater freedom for innovative tube shapes and angles |
| Visual Cue | Celebrates visible craftsmanship and historical methods | Emphasizes seamless integration and fluid lines |
| Weight | Can be slightly heavier due to the additional material of lugs | Potentially lighter as filler material is less dense than lugs |
Ultimately, both methods produce a frame of exceptional strength, longevity, and ride quality. The choice between lugged and fillet brazed construction is primarily about your personal style, preferred aesthetics, and the specific character you envision for your custom bicycle.
Why We Build with Steel
Unrivaled Ride Quality
Steel's natural vibration-damping properties absorb road chatter, offering a supremely comfortable yet 'lively' ride that connects you intuitively to the road beneath.
Lasting Durability
Renowned for its strength and fatigue resistance, a well-built steel frame is an investment for life, capable of enduring countless miles and adventures.
Repairable & Sustainable
Unlike carbon or aluminum, a damaged steel frame can often be repaired by a skilled builder, ensuring its longevity and reducing environmental impact.
Limitless Customization
Its malleability and strength make steel the perfect medium for truly bespoke frames, allowing for precise geometry and personalized design details.
Imagine the Possibilities
Whether you're drawn to the classic elegance of lugs or the clean lines of a fillet brazed frame, your unique vision for the perfect ride can be brought to life.
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