One of the most outstanding features ofhand-built bikesIt’s the meticulous attention that creators dedicate to their work. Smaller-scale production gives frame builders greater freedom and flexibility to personalize aspects of their bicycles compared to major bicycle manufacturers. Frombike fitincluding component selection for brazing and machining, color options and paint finishes, custom bicycle manufacturers focus on details to fulfill individual cyclists’ requirements or an artistic concept.
In North America, there’s no finer location to witness these intricate examples of artistry and skill than at theMade Show. Each August, an event takes place in Portland, Oregon, gathering numerous artisan bike builders and small component brands in one location. It offers an ideal chance for cyclists and enthusiasts to meet the creators and companies face-to-face, and potentially discover their next favorite bicycle.
Muara Digital Teameditors Tara Seplavy and Matt Phillips, together with senior photographer Trevor Raab, searched extensivelyMade Show2025 to discover the finest details, the most innovative approaches, and the most artistic touches. These are some of our top choices.
Stainless bottles offer a unique and innovative surface for frame builders to personalize according to their bicycles. These paint-to-matchBivo bottles on an Ira Ryangravel frame set helps the bicycle produce a pleasant sound.
Most shock absorber systems are constructed from forged or precision-machined aluminum.Black Cat, however, chose to create a striking truss link from steel that visually complements the Mystery Spot’s distinctive twin tube chainstay design.
Paladin Bikesdisplayed a finely machined aluminum all-mountain bicycle. The external rear brake cable is nearly concealed within the top tube.
No.22’s radical titanium Reactor Aero bikeContinues its development towards production. At Made, the company presented a near-final version of the bike’s elegant machined titanium stem. Beneath the top cover, there is a channel designed specifically to hold brake hose couplers, making maintenance and repair of this highly integrated bike much simpler.
Several builders displayed unique bike components.Schön Studio(welded) affixed a Nitto bar to a steel stem, andBantamThe bicycle’s (left) handlebar stem featured a clever concealed bolt.
A seasoned professional mechanic and tech enthusiast,Bre RueRecently launched Bridge the Gap Designs and 10-7 Tools to offer innovative solutions for typical mechanic and cyclist challenges.
Fukushima, Japan-based Tobukumoshowcased a stunning steel full-suspension bicycle. Elements such as this headtube gusset demonstrated accuracy and expertise.
Greg deBoer from Buendia Bicyclesis a big fan of Spurcycle’s loud and clearbell. When there is enough space, he incorporates a small post into his stems to achieve a neat, straightforward attachment of the bell.
Is there anything more beautifully luxurious than a frame that combines titanium and carbon? TheMosaic RT-Zero (left) and Seekergravel (right) both merge the toughness and smoothness of titanium with the weight reduction and almost limitless adjustability of carbon as they search for the ultimate in riding comfort.
There are consistently some bicycles at Made that display remarkable craftsmanship which often escapes immediate attention. ThisBlazeOne of those bikes. The machined titanium dropouts featuring modular inserts are exceptionally clean and stylish, while the engraved down tube logo introduces a texture that other finishing methods can’t match. And it’s all crafted in-house in Moab, Utah.
VPL’S Schwift SchArt electric concept bike featured a striking and attention-grabbing front hub.
3D printing has been beneficial for those who build bicycles by hand; it enables them to produce complex, personalized components in small numbers.Josh Ogleutilized the technology to create a unique bicycle that functions as a moving advertisement for his design and consulting work, and honors the 30th anniversary of the first bike he ever constructed.
Small personal touches—like Sycipdimes as seatstay caps (left) and aliens and UFOs on thisMischiefbicycle (right)—are elements that distinguish custom builders from major manufacturers.
This 1993 Boulder Defiant PR dropbar bicycle featuring front and rear suspension is in theRisse Racingbooth. Not only is the Defiant PR one of the first instances offull suspension gravel bikes, but it also incorporates an actual chain link as a suspension link.
At the request of a client, Curtis Inglis ofRetroteccreated a bicycle that could be easily transformed from a multi-speedPinongearbox connected to a single-speed system. In single-speed mode, a tubular truss—a “pain in the a**” to construct, according to Inglis—has its bottom bracket assembly attached to the gearbox frame.
Greg Heath of Donkelope constructed a “Sherpa bike” to easily carry his BMX bike to local jump trails. The BMX bike also has a hitch for a dog trailer. So if you’re in Bellingham, WA and spot someone riding a bike pulling a BMX bike that’s towing a dog trailer, feel free to greet Greg and his lovely dog Kyber.
We first spotted the prototypeMadroneJab’s modular and user-replaceable rear derailleur showcased at Sea Otter in 2024. A little over a year later, the Jab is inmanufacturing and delivery to clients. Guests at Made could observe as the derialleurs were put together in Madrone’s booth.
