More than 80 exhibitors have signed up for the third annual Bespoked Bristol handmade bicycle show.
Established UK framebuilders including Roberts, Rourke, Condor, Brookes, Swallow Bespoke, Reynolds and Enigma will be joined by overseas names including Italian firms Cinelli, Campagnolo, Columbus, Faggin and Legend, French brand Cyfac, Geek House from the USA and Cherubim from Japan.
The show, which will return to Brunel’s Old Station in Bristol from April 12 to 14, will also host the industry’s emerging talents, including Feather Cycles, Donhou, Demon Frameworks, Field Cycles, Ted James and Paulus Quiros. Flick through the gallery below for a sneak preview of what you can expect to see at this year’s show.
The show will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of stainless steel with a display of stainless steel bicycles in the Old Station’s reception area.
The first Bespoked Bristol show was hosted in 2011 after organiser Phil Taylor, a framebuilder himself, set about showcasing the best handmade bicycles in the world.
“I’d become interested in building a bicycle for myself, using the traditional techniques and materials of the classic British early 20th century bikes,” said Taylor, who operates Libertine Bicycles out of a small workshop in Gloucestershire’s Slad Valley.
“But I could find neither the information nor even the existing builders, as the culture was for small builders to work away quietly and modestly in their own areas. It soon became apparent that a public exhibition wasn’t just a possibility but a downright need, and Bespoked launched in 2010.
“For the 2013 show we think that actions speak louder than words, so we are going to build a bike from scratch, which will be made to fit one very lucky person. From the initial consultation and bike fit through tube selection, frame design, lug prep and carving, brazing, making forks and stems, checking alignment, choice of components and wheel building, some of the finest framebuilders and bike fitters in the world will be combining skills in this event.”
Entry to Bespoked Bristol costs £7.50 for a day ticket or £13 for a full weekend tickets. Visit www.bespokedbristol.co.uk to book your ticket or to view the full exhibitor list.