On Being an Independent Frame Builder

Corvid Cycles is a one-person operation, based out of a small home-based shop. I like it this way, and I’ve made a conscious decision to keep is so. I build bikes one a a time, for customers with names, faces, and stories that I get to know over many months. I value the close working relationship I have with my customers and I feel that growing the business beyond what I can do alone would not allow those relationships to form.

I had the opportunity to work for Janus Cycle Group, owner of the DEAN and Merlin brands. My experience there cemented my plans to build Corvid Cycles on a custom complete-bike business model instead of a semi-custom or stock frame-only business model. The importance of customer relationships plays a role here as well, but if I’m completely honest, the idea of cranking out cookie-cutter frames sounds dreadful.

I’ve often been asked why someone should buy a custom bike from me, instead of one from their local bike shop. People purchase custom bikes for a variety of reasons. Many want a bike hand-crafted specifically for them, something bespoke. Perhaps some believe in supporting small local economy, and maybe some just want something different from the well-known brands. They may select the builder because they are attracted to a specific aesthetic or their location. But I believe most custom bike buyers ultimately choose a bike based on the builder, their story, and most importantly, what they stand for.