At Biketart, we're proud to partner with exceptional builders, and Craft Bikes, an artisan frame builder based right here in Kent, represents the pinnacle of custom titanium bicycle fabrication. 

We sat down with founder James Egercz to get some insight into the boutique brand.

Craft Bikes has a very distinct philosophy. Can you share what a bicycle means to you and what led to the founding of Craft Bikes?

I’ve always believed that a bicycle should feel like an extension of the rider—not just an object you ride, but like an old friend that responds intuitively to your body and the terrain. Many of us have bought bikes chasing that elusive sweet spot, often to be disappointed by the ‘feel’ or the fit. At times I’ve questioned if the bike I’m looking for really exists. This is what led me to fabricate my own bike in 2017. It was a steel hardtail and with very limited tooling I was able to produce a bike that rode surprisingly well. This first bike set the stage and since then we have been perfecting our craft, choosing to fabricate exclusively in titanium, and it is our quest to make one beautiful bike at a time in our workshop in Kent.  

That commitment to a single bike at a time sounds incredible. Since each bike is custom made, can you walk us through the initial steps of the process and what clients are typically looking for when they choose a custom build?

Because each bike is completely custom made, before touching a single tool, we sit down with our clients and ask them what they want to get from the bike, what type of riding they do, what they like/dislike about their current ride. This stage is critical as we set the parameters for the frame and the built kit, understanding the expectations of our clients of what they hope to get from a custom build. The reasons for a custom build are varied but a common narrative is that our clients are seeking the ultimate in customisation, they want a bike that will last a long time, and many have a ‘thing’ for titanium. Developing an early relationship is essential and enables our clients vision to become a reality. Our clients enjoy seeing their bike being fabricated (either by workshop visits or regular WhatsApp photos) and they can see the passion and effort that goes into every detail. This results in a bike that has been made with love by me, by my own hand, in Britain, and it is this connection that makes our bikes so popular. 

You choose to fabricate exclusively in titanium. What is it about titanium that makes it the ideal material for a custom-built bicycle, and what sparked your own appreciation for it?

I’m often asked ‘why titanium’?  I could jump straight into the ride quality and visual aesthetic but in fact my love of titanium began a long time ago. As a teenager growing up in South Africa I used to see pictures of the GT Xizang in magazines and I was mesmerised with the raw finish and the industrial edge which was unlike all the lumo coloured bikes of the era. If you had asked me then if I would ever own a titanium bike I would have probably laughed and said ‘I wish’. Fast-forward 25 years and here I am. I’m privileged to be riding not only a titanium bike but one that I have designed and fabricated. The feel of titanium is quite unique, especially for those of us who have been riding steel or carbon bikes in the past. Titanium is known for its compliance, but it’s good to understand what this really means. Titanium as a material has some natural flexibility, it dampens road vibrations or rough trails, giving the rider more comfort and traction when it matters. It also doesn’t rust and frames like ours can be easily refinished due to the brushed finish.  

That sounds like a very detailed, hands-on process. Can you elaborate on the specific construction techniques you use for the frames, such as your choice of tubing and the incorporation of 3D-printed parts?

Our frames use a combination of straight gauge tubing and 3d printed lugs at key junctions. We choose straight gauge tubing because butted tubes have been passed through a mandrel driven process involving pressure and lots of grease. This grease can be very difficult to remove and for those who know anything about titanium it needs to be really clean (almost clinical) in order to be welded. For context once the tubes have been cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner and dried they cannot be handled with bare hands – just the oil from skin is enough to contaminate a weld. We choose 3d prints at key junctions to give us strength in the right places. This is because finite element analysis suggests there are high stress areas typically around the headtube and stays, therefore by using additive printing technology we are able to add material and strength to these areas. All 3d prints are adjusted around the clients geometry and prints are ordered one set at a time. 

The finished bikes are certainly eye-catching. What is the philosophy behind the aesthetic design and finishing details, particularly your approach to paint and the use of Cerakote?

Our bikes get a lot of attention whether on display at a trade show, in a dealer showroom, or out in the wild. Recognisable by their sleek and unadorned appearance, the craftsmanship does the talking. We keep our paint minimal to reveal the quality of the welds and allow the neat little touches to show (such as the custom cable ports or logo in the rear drop out). Customers can have more paint if they want but generally those who love titanium appreciate the raw finish. We use a ceramic paint called Cerakote. This can be applied directly to raw titanium without the need for a base coat and clear lacquer, resulting in a paint that is thin but super strong and blends seamlessly with our brushed finish. 

What would you say to a rider considering a custom titanium bike from Craft Bikes?

We are becoming established in the titanium bicycle market not just for our quality and attractive bikes, but for the meaningful partnerships with our clients. If made in Britain means something to you and you value the chance to co-create your dream bike then a custom titanium bike with us may need to be added to your bucket list. 

 

If you'd like to see one of Craft Bike's creations in the flesh then head down to the Biketart showroom near Canterbury.