Custom Bicycle Frame Builder
Build custom bicycle frames tailored to individual cyclists
Overview
Custom frame builders charge $2,500-$8,000+ per custom frame.
Building 20-60 frames annually generates $80,000-$400,000+ with 50-70% margins.
In 2025, discerning cyclists value hand-built custom frames.
Services include custom steel frames ($2,500-$5,000), titanium frames ($3,500-$8,000), custom geometry and sizing, custom paint and finishing ($400-$1,500), frame repair and modification ($300-$1,000), and complete custom bike builds ($4,000-$15,000).
Successful builders master frame building techniques (brazing, welding, alignment), create frames tailored to rider and purpose, offer custom geometry and aesthetics, build reputation for quality craftsmanship, and serve passionate cycling enthusiasts.
Long lead times acceptable to custom market.
Marketing through cyclists, custom bike shows, cycling forums, and word-of-mouth.
Required Skills
- Frame Building
- Brazing/Welding
- Bike Geometry
- Metalworking
- Finishing and Painting
- Customer Consultation
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-value artisan craft
- Passionate custom bike enthusiasts
- Premium pricing for custom work
- Creative and fulfilling work
- Can build prestigious brand
Cons
- Very long time to profitability
- Significant skill development required
- Expensive tools and equipment
- Small niche market
- Long build times per frame
How to Get Started
- Learn frame building through courses or apprenticeship
- Set up frame building workshop
- Acquire frame building tools and equipment
- Build initial frames to develop skills
- Develop custom geometry and design process
- Market to custom bike enthusiasts
- Build reputation through quality frames
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