Over the last few years, we've published a series of roundups featuring the world's most exciting independent bike builders and small-batch brands. The response was overwhelming, so we decided it was time for something bigger.
Welcome to Crafted to Last, our new evergreen directory of framebuilders and small-scale bike brands doing things their own way. This isn't just another annual list. It's a living, growing guide to the people and companies who are redefining what it means to build a great bike.
From garage builders shaping steel by hand to design-driven brands producing thoughtful small-batch rigs overseas, every name on this list shares one thing: a commitment to bikes with soul. These aren't bikes built for trends or quarterly targets. They're built to ride, to last, and to mean something.
Looking for the perfect bag setup to match your forever bike? Don't miss our companion guide, the Bikepacking Bag Makers Index, a curated list of independent bag makers doing just as much with needle and thread as these builders do with torch and tube.
Are you a builder, designer, or part of a small batch brand? We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch here.
44 Bikes 🇺🇸
For almost 2 decades, Kristofer Henry (aka 44 Bikes) has been building custom steel and titanium bikes built for the dirt in southern New Hampshire. His hardtails are low and aggressive. 44 Bikes also builds stunning gravel and all-road bikes. These are some lean (and clean) machines that we are crushing pretty hard on. If you want one, get in line as there is a 2-3 month wait time.
Albatross Bikes 🇺🇸
Albatross bikes is a California-based company founded by Will Hilgenberg. The company is known for creating bespoke bicycles that combine modern engineering with classic aesthetics. Albatross offers a range of bicycles including road and mountain bikes. One notable design feature of Albatross bikes is the dropped seat stays which give the bikes an iconic appearance while also enhancing their nimbleness and stability. We likey.
Alliance Bicycles 🇺🇸
Since 2008, Erik Rolf has been building steel and titanium bikes as Alliance Bicycles in Hailey, Idaho. Alliance crafts any machine that you might need including titanium and steel road and gravel bikes and some stunning hardtails and even full-suspension mountain bikes. If you want to get on an Alliance get in touch with Erik now as there is a 16-18 week lead time.
Atherton Bikes 🇬🇧
Atherton is the most mountain bikey company on this list. They hail from Machynlleth, Wales, in the UK and are focused on building enduro and downhill machines perfectly-fitted (with 22 standard sizes) for every rider. These handmade machines are top of the pile technologically and made to order. Atherton has us dreaming of trails in Wales.
Atelier Medium 🇫🇷
Atelier Medium is a Paris-based bicycle company that creates bikes and components designed for everyone. They are known for their colorful components, which are some of the most vibrant in the market. In the past year, they released a series of ATBs that are both easy to maintain and enjoyable to ride, which is in line with their philosophy of creating products for all skill levels. The name Medium reflects this approach.
Baphomet Bicycles 🇺🇸
Baphomet Bikes, founded by Dillen Maurer is a company that values both quality and social responsibility. Dillens bikes are described as a "damn good time" and are designed to be your forever bike. Baphomet bikes are characterized by their clean lines, multiple mounts, and overall awesomeness. What sets Baphomet apart is that they donate 50% of their profits to organizations that are making a positive impact on the world. By purchasing a Baphomet bike, not only do you get a top-quality product, but you also contribute to social change. Big love on these.
Bassi Bikes 🇨🇦
Montreal has always been a home to the Canadian arts and maker scene. Coupled with an intrinsic love of bikes and you get one of the best cycling cultures (and infrastructures) in Canada. A huge part of that culture is CL Cycles in the Plateau who also build bikes under the brand name Bassi. Bassi bikes are built to the “tastes of and needs of the people of Montreal” with a solid selection of all-road, gravel and urban bikes.
Bender Bicycles 🇺🇸
With a background in design, William Bender hand builds his bikes in Fort Collins, Colorado. Bender Bicycles focus on custom hardtails, gravel and all-road bikes. Frames start at great prices and William will work with you to build up your ultimate dream ride. We love the simplicity and cleanliness. Also, the colors on some of Williams newer machines are spot on. Beauties.
Binary Bicycles 🇺🇸
Binary Bikes is a company run by a husband and wife team based in Arizona. They produce a range of titanium mountain, adventure, and gravel bikes that are designed with both quality and rider experience in mind. Binary's social media presence is full of stories from their riders who express their excitement for winning races and getting purposely lost on their beautiful machines. Binary's Havok adventure frame, in particular, stands out with its clearance for 29+ tires, which is a rarity in the market these days.
Black Cat Bikes 🇺🇸
Black Cat Bikes is a custom bicycle company run by Todd Ingermanson in Aptos, California. Todd specializes in creating high-quality custom bikes that are designed to handle any terrain, from single-pivot mountain bikes to custom hardtails, XC racers, gravel grinders, and rowdy ATBs. Black Cat bikes are known for their attention to detail, including custom stems, bent stays, and unique custom racks. Overall, Black Cat Bikes is a company that sets the gold standard for custom bike craftsmanship.
Breton Bikes 🇹🇭
Based in Pattani, Thailand Breton bikes is crafting touring frames and racks. Breton is also in the business of creating some stunning components including custom lugs, stems and framebuilding tools. I love the solid metal branding including a custom plate on the fork crown. Beauty.
Caletti Cycles 🇺🇸
Since 2004, John Caletti has been crafting custom steel and titanium bikes in Santa Cruz, California. His bikes are beautifully clean and somehow subtly aggressive. John offers a full range of road, all-road, gravel and mountain bikes but is currently not taking orders due to Covid delays. Doesnt matter, go check out his pretty, pretty machines.
Chumba USA 🇺🇸
From Austin, TX, Chumba is a family-owned operation that builds some serious double-butted steel and aerospace grade Ti bikes. They offer a full range of hardtails, gravel and all-road bikes designed for any type of excursion you might have planned. Chumba is one of our faves on this list. These bikes are absolutely smoking.
Corvid Cycles 🇺🇸
For the past 5 years, Chad Corbin has been living the dream building dream machines in Boulder, Colorado. He creates a full-range of Ti bikes including (in his words), “trail shredders, gravel crushers, ultra racers, and daily commuters”. He mentions that his process takes a little extra time and expense, but looking at his bikes, it very much seems worth it. Gorgeous.
Dawley Bikes 🇬🇧
Dawley Bikes is a bicycle company based in Kimberley, UK that produces some of the sweetest steel MTBs out there. They offer a solid range of enduro hardtails designed for mountain shredding and all terrain fun. Dawley's new mid-single pivot model, the Activist, stands out with its mullet design and fantastic tube work, making it a bike designed for big things. We love it.
Drust Cycles 🇩🇪
Drust Cycles is a unique bicycle company based in Berlin, known for their innovative and experimental designs. Konstantin Drust, the founder, is a master of clean filet brazing work and creates bikes with open stays, forks, and cable ports that catch the eye. Drust Cycles is a great choice for anyone looking for a bike that stands out from the crowd and offers something new and exciting. Overall, we love what is happening at Drust and can't wait to see more.
ENVE 🇺🇸
ENVE needs little introduction. Earlier this year, ENVE released its new gravel bike, the MOG, which has already garnered attention for its sleek design and impressive features. The MOG has massive tire clearance and built-in storage in the downtube, making it a great option for those who want to hit the gravel and ride fast. However, with a price tag of $5500 USD for the chassis only, it's definitely not the cheapest bike out there. Cute but pricey.
Fairlight Cycles 🇬🇧
We have had a crush on London-based Fairlight for a long while. The Fairlight gravel lineup, the Secan and Faran are stunning gravel grinding machines. However, we can't help but be drawn to their Holt hardtail. With its sleek, clean lines and multiple mounts, the Holt epitomizes the perfect all terrain bike that can handle anything you throw at it.
Fezz Cycles 🇲🇾
Fezz Cycles, the first ever builder from Malaysia on the list, is gaining attention for their beautiful all-road bikes. Founder Faritz, a trained industrial designer, uses his brazing skills to create stunning designs. Fezz recently completed the design of their new touring bike, the Capuccino, which combines modern techniques with a classic vibe.
Fiddlehead Cycles 🇺🇸
Fiddlehead Cycles is a one-person custom frame shop based in Portland, Oregon, run by builder Justin Foote. Drawing on a background in automotive design and a love for classic craftsmanship, Justin creates fillet brazed steel bikes that balance precision with personality. His builds often feature violin-inspired details, custom dropouts, and bold, show-stopping paint designs. Every Fiddlehead is built by hand, one at a time, with function and flair in equal measure.
Goodday Cycles 🇺🇸
In Gunnison, Colorado, Chris Besnia is doing things a bit differently. Where most indie builders are keeping things straight and clean, Chris likes to sculpt. Beyond a simple seat tube bend, Chris machines have curves and joins in places you almost wouldnt imagine. We absolutely love the creativity in these bikes. They are more than functional and seemingly border on bike art.
Horse Cycles 🇺🇸
Based in upstate New York, Horse Cycles is the creation of Thomas Callahan, whose work we have come to serioulsy admire. The all-road and gravel bikes Thomas produces are truly stunning, but the Hell Cat has really caught our eye with its slack geometry and massive tire clearance. This 650b rig is a hardtail that can handle just about anything. In addition to bikes, Thomas also crafts knives, axes, and other handmade items. All in all, getting a bike from Horse Cycles is a no-brainer.
Hot Salad Bicycles 🇺🇸
Hot Salad Bicycles is based in Portland, Oregon, and run by a builder named B Vivit. B was an instructor at the renowned United Bicycle Institute and has a fascinating story about how she came up with the name 'Hot Salad' for her company, which you can read about on their website. B specializes in creating bikes made of steel and titanium that are designed to be versatile and fun to ride. In addition to their main brand, they also produce small batch runs under various white label brands, such as Lunchtime Bikes, which is definitely a brand to keep an eye on in the future.
Hudski Bikes 🇺🇸
Hudski Bicycles, based in California, takes a unique approach to bike building. They offer only one model, the Doggler, which comes in three different builds: gravel, mountain, and city. Each build is priced the same but tailored to specific riding styles. The Doggler frame is covered in mounts with an option to add Hudski's Itzarak rack. The Doggler's versatility and attention to detail have us drooling, and we're not alone in thinking this could be the one bike to do it all. There's just something about it that makes us smile.
Isen Workshop 🇬🇧
Isen Workshop is an award-winning framebuilder from London, UK. These custom machines are 100% designed and manufactured in-house. With a full line of road, adventure, gravel and urban bikes, Isen Workshop can build anything you need out of steel or titanium. These are serious bikes and we absolutely love the branding and paint work. Beautiful.
Khelonys Cycles 🇫🇷
Headquartered in Les Vosges, France, Khelonys is creating gravel and cargo bikes that are designed to go slow. Khelonys is an ancient Greek reference to a tortoise. The thought being that tortoises are slow moving, terrestrial creatures of wisdom. We love this idea for a brand and are loving the iconic design.
Landyachtz Bikes 🇨🇦
Alright, It's no secret that we are huge fans of Landyachtz Bicycles, a Vancouver-based company that was spun out from one of the largest longboard manufacturers in the world. They specialize in adventure and custom titanium gravel bikes and over the past year, we have fallen in love with their AB-ST. Not only are the bikes top-notch, but the people behind Landyachtz are also excellent. I have no doubt that we will remain fans for a long time to come.
Manivelle Cycles 🇫🇷
Manivelle Cycles, based in Strasbourg, France, specializes in crafting custom bikes for city, touring, gravel, and mountain adventures. In addition to their beautiful bikes, Manivelle also produces racks, baskets, and bags, making them a great one-stop-shop for bikepacking gear. The Manivelle Unirack, which clamps onto a seatpost, is a standout product with its simple and clean design. Overall, we love everything about Manivelle Cycles and their commitment to creating high-quality, adventure-ready bicycles and accessories.
Monē Bikes 🇺🇸
Deep in the heart of New Mexico, Cjell Monē is bucking pretty much every trend out there and creating some special steel machines. Whatever you do, dont ask for suspension when ordering, as Cjell maintains that his bikes come with massive tire clearance and free “pneumatic suspension” built-in. Cjell also creates stunning brass components including seat clamps, valve caps and bar-end plugs. This is pure craftsmanship.
Moonraker Cycles 🇺🇸
Moonraker is the new brand spin-off from FARR Frameworks in Marin, California. As FARR will continue to be about tooling, Moonraker will specialize in custom builds. Moonrakers first machine is a monster gravel bike with impeccable details including a Ti headbadge, bronze stem cap and superb build kit. What a stunner.
Naked Bicycles 🇨🇦
Naked is BC's oldest and best custom bike builder. Since 1998, Sam Whittingham has been building stunning road, allroad, gravel and mountain bikes in his studio on Quadra Island. Sam has an end to end process that ensures his bikes are a perfect fit for their rider. These are special bikes and turn our heads every time you see one in real life. If you want one, get on Sam's list now, they have a wait period.
Neuhaus Metalworks 🇺🇸
Over the past year, we have been following the feed of San Francisco based Neuhaus Metalworks pretty closely. Nick Neuhaus started handbuilding these clean machines when he wasn't satisfied with offerings from other bike companies. We are huge fans of what is happening here.
Oddity Cycles 🇺🇸
Oddity Cycles is based in Fort Collins, Colorado, founded and run by Sean Burns for the past decade. Sean designs and creates unique frames, forks, and handlebars with an emphasis on timeless style and modern performance. Sean is continuously experimenting and pushing the boundaries of what defines a bicycle. His work is highly regarded by many independent builders and has set a bar for the industry. If you can, get one.
Okay Bicycles 🇺🇸
While there isn't much information available about Okay Bicycles, we do know that they are handbuilt in Northern Idaho. After reaching out to Okay on Instagram, we discovered that the builder's name is Tanner Welch, although we could not find much additional information about him either. However, the lack of information surrounding Okay only makes us more intrigued about their story and what they stand for. Regardless, one thing is abundantly clear by looking at Tanner's Instagram feed: he has a talent for putting together gorgeous bikes. Okay is definitely on the right track, and we can't wait to see more.
Panorama Cycles 🇨🇦
Panorama Cycles is also headquartered in Montreal, Canada. For the past 8 years, Simon Bergeron and his team have been creating adventure bikes with the backcountry in mind. They have a full range of mountain, gravel and fat bikes. What makes Panorama special is their full understanding of the overseas manufacturing process, the environmental impact and their dedication to being carbon neutral. We are big fans.
Pine Cycles 🇺🇸
Pine (aka Kevin and Tyler) have been hacking bikes since the early 2000s. Their first Pine branded bike known as the Rasa, is named after the term Tabula Rasa which means starting from a blank slate. The Rasa is the swiss army knife of indie bikes and allows for endless customization. It allows for drop or straight bars and even the ability to swap between 700c, 650b and 26” wheels. If you dislike the N+1 joke and are into multi-modal bikes like we are, this is the machine for you.
Pipedream Cycles 🇬🇧
UK-based Pipedream Cycles was founded in 2005 and produces stunning steel bikes, including a full-squish called the Full Moxie, the Moxie Mx3 hardtail enduro, and the Sirius S5 for trail and bikepacking. Recently, Pipedream released the A.L.I.C.E, an acronym for All-Purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment, designed specifically for bikepacking and longer gravel rides. The Sirius and A.L.I.C.E make us wish to be somewhere else, doing what they were created for. We would love to get our butts on these two bikes!
Project 12 Cycleworks 🇳🇱
Michiel Burgerhout from the Netherlands, also known as Project 12, transitioned into custom bike building in 2017 after working for ten years as an architect. We find the stories of people pivoting into their passions especially compelling, as they often create some of the best bikes. Michiel's custom-built bikes span from all-road to steel single-pivots. The Victor, a beautifully understated XC bike that requires more than one look to appreciate fully, caught our eye. Additionally, Michiel plans to introduce small-batch production frames under the brand Unpaved Bikes.
Radical All Mountain Cycles 🇬🇧
Anything called Radical All Mountain is an immediate like from us. Since 2020, Radical All Mountain has been 'brewing' killer slack hardtails and components in Shropshire, UK near the Welsh border. We are blown away by what they have accomplished in 2 years. Keep your eyes on this.
Reeb Cycles 🇺🇸
Hailing from Lyons, CO, Reeb Cycles is building handcrafted hardtails, full-suspension, gravel, adventure and fat bikes. They also offer a klunker lovingly dubbed the Hooptie. Reeb reeks of authenticity with the bikes to match. Real people building real stuff. Love it.
RollingDale Cycles 🇨🇦
RollingDale Cycles is the brand of Dale Marchand from Alberta, Canada. In 2016, Dale established his company after graduating from the prestigious United Bicycle Institute alongside some of the best builders in the world. Dale's bikes are built to last and consist of a range of adventure-ready titanium machines, designed to handle the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains. Dale frequently shares his fabrication process on Instagram, and we thoroughly enjoy examining the intricate details of his builds. We appreciate Dale for doing what he does, as there are few builders in Canada creating bikes like his.
Rodeo Labs 🇺🇸
Chances are if you are combing this list, you already know Rodeo Labs. However, did you know there is a new Flanimal and Rodeo Labs is accepting orders? V5 of the Flanimal comes in steel and Ti versions and is all about tire clearance. Its integrated carbon seat tube is a bit of a mind-melter and we can't wait to see one of these things in real life. Rodeo Labs is the tops of tops.
Saltair Bikes 🇺🇸
Matthew Nelson, based in Salt Lake City UT, founded Saltair Bikes in 2014 and produces modern bicycles with a traditional touch. Saltair offers a range of bikes, from all-road to hardtail MTBs, that are both beautiful and of excellent quality. The bikes boast of clean lines, beautiful paint jobs, and excellent craftsmanship, showcasing Matthew's attention to detail.
Slug Bicycles 🇺🇸
We love everything about Slug, especially the brand's name and slogan “Titanium bicycles made by your friends”. Slug currently offers two Ti bikes named the Gasser and the Beatnik. The Gasser is a stunning ATB/MTB/hardtail and Beatnik is its drop bar cousin. Clean and gorgeous.
Soda Cycles 🇨🇦
Soda Cycles is a Montreal-based cycling brand founded by Pier-Alexandre Molaison-Houde and is still very much in the experimental phase of its lifespan. Despite this, we are impressed with what we have seen so far. The bikes feature clean filet brazing and custom cradles, which are a testament to Pier-Alexandre's exceptional craftsmanship. We are eagerly awaiting more from Pier-Alexandre, and we encourage others to follow him on Instagram to stay updated.
Starling Cycles 🇺🇸
From Bristol, Starling is handbuilding steel single pivot and hardtail machines. Starling was started in 2015, by Joe McEwan who was previously an aerospace engineer. These bikes were literally designed to fly…. and this stuff writes itself. Love. These. Bikes.
Tanglefoot Cycles 🇺🇸
Tanglefoot's inspiration comes from synthesizing the past to help them design the future. They ask themselves - What if bikes were based on sustainable design and production? Bikes built 120 years ago were made to ride on bad, muddy, rough roads. How can we learn from this rich history of brilliant fabricators, bike builders, riders and inventors? Tanglefoot Cycles from Vermont is actually 3 brands in one. The first is Tanglefoot Cycles, which creates adventure machines that are built for literally anything and intended to last. The second, is Discord Components offering stunning top caps, brake mounts, stems and more. The third is Fifth Season Canvas specializing in handmade (and off-grid) bikepacking bags. We love everything about Tanglefoot.
Tor Bikes 🇦🇺
Tor Bicycles is a bicycle brand founded by Shane Flint from Beechworth, Australia, that initially started with custom handmade steel hardtails, gravel and road bikes, and full suspension steel bikes. Shane's bikes are known for their clean and elegant design, yet they are also incredibly durable and versatile, able to handle any terrain. Currently, Shane's website displays a notice that he will be shifting his focus from custom frames to something new, leaving many excited to see what he will come up with next.
Tulipp Cycles 🇨🇦
Tulipp Bicycles is a Montreal-based bicycle company founded by Mathieu Latulippe, a mechanical engineer who also works in the aerospace industry. Mathieu's bikes prioritize quality, durability, and accessibility, and the company places a strong emphasis on personalization, offering options to customize not only the geometry but also the color and build of their bikes. This commitment to personalization has won the company a devoted following. Overall, we love everything about Tulipp Bicycles and their approach to building bikes.
Velouria Cycles 🇪🇸
Velouria Bicycles is a Spanish bicycle company based in Alicante, founded three years ago. Initially, Velouria started as an enduro titanium MTB brand, but in the past few years, they have expanded their product range to include stunning titanium gravel and hardtail machines for the adventure bike market. The company has impressed with their range of bikes that cater to the dirt, from enduro to adventure bikes.
Victoire Cycles 🇫🇷
Since 2011, Victoire has been building some of the best bespoke bikes on earth at their studio in Beaumont, France. Victoire bikes are created for people who are intimately tied to their bikes and want to experience the fabrication process. This is the custom fine-tailored suit of the cycling world. No words for how beautiful and thoughtful these bikes are.
Wake Robin Cycles 🇨🇦
From London, Ontario, Wake Robin Cycles is a bespoke bicycle brand founded by Dickson Bou. Bou is known for his elegant and modern all terrain bikes that combine contemporary design with classic lug construction. Recently, one of Bou's builds was featured in a spotlight article that provided a glimpse into his approach to building and the future direction of the Wake Robin brand.
WH Bradford Designs 🇺🇸
Brad Hodges has been creating steel custom bikes for almost two decades in Rancho Cordova, California. Brad creates everything from long and slack hardtails to more aggressive gravel machines. One of his creations took inspiration from the 80s show Magnum PI's helicopter which we absolutely love. Good stuff here.
Why Cycles 🇺🇸
Why Cycles' Instagram bio is simply… Why not?! There's something about that simplicity that makes us go “Hell yeah”. Whys founders are veterans from the industry that started building made to order Ti hardtails and all-road bikes designed for fun and adventure. Like the slogan, Whys bikes are clean and to the point. We likey.
Wildwood Cycles 🇨🇦
Wildwood Cycles is the moniker of Jesse Hildebrandt, one of Vancouver Island's best hand built frame makers. Jesse builds steel gravel, 29er hardtails and single-pivot bikes at his studio in Nanaimo. Wildwood also crafts aluminum bikepacking cargo cages, mounts and other components. These bikes are steel craftsmanship at a whole other level.
Woodpecker Cycle Co. 🇺🇸
Woodpecker Cycles was founded by Daren Eric and Bruce Rolland and is co-located between Iowa and Washington states. Their 29er Billy Boy model is an excellent example of a hardtail bikepacking rig, while the Dirty Bird is a sleek drop bar gravel bike. However, what caught our eyes and our hearts was a bike built by Daren for his daughter, which we recently featured. No matter if it's a serious bikepacking rig or a kids shredder, Woodpecker is dealing in cool.
WZRD. Bikes 🇨🇦
WZRD. is another stellar framebuilder from Vancouver Island. WZRD.'s slogan Progressive Geometry, Progressive Politics stands-out in an industry famed for enduro-level nonsense. WZRD.'s custom hardtails are absolutely stunning machines with the paint jobs that are not afraid. Led by Em, WZRD. also builds gravel, jump bikes, custom racks and components. Dang.
Zukas Cycles 🇺🇸
Zukas Cycles is the brainchild of Nate Zukas, a former mechanic turned bike builder based in Augusta, Georgia. After starting to build TIG-welded steel frames in 2011, Nate has expanded his repertoire to include titanium and alloy frames as well. His more recent adventure bikes are nothing short of stunning, with curved seat stays that seem to be his signature touch. Additionally, the use of carbon seatmasts instead of traditional seatposts not only gives the bikes a unique and eye-catching appearance, but also ensures a stiff and responsive ride. Ooof these are hot, hot, hot.
