Building your own bike frame is an unforgettable experience—just ask Claas. As an engineer, he was no stranger to design, but working with a torch was a completely new challenge. In our 5-day frame building course, he crafted a unique stainless steel gravel bike with his own hands. Find out why he took on this challenge, how he experienced the course, and what makes his self-built bike so special.

Who are you, and what do you do for a living?
Hello, I’m Claas. I’m an engineer and work as a designer in the automotive industry.

How did you come up with the idea of building your own frame?
I’ve always assembled my own bikes, but I had never built a frame myself. So, there was still a missing piece. I was especially fascinated by the craftsmanship involved.

Why did you choose this particular frame? What do you plan to do with it?
The decision wasn’t easy since I wasn’t building the bike because I needed a specific type. In the end, it was mostly an aesthetic choice. I plan to use it for many weekend tours.

What makes your self-built frame special to you?
That I brazed it together with my own hands. I also love that it’s made of stainless steel and doesn’t need a paint job.

How was your time in the frame building course?
It was an amazing experience. I’d love to do more brazing (the sanding part is a bit exhausting). Creating such a great piece of work with my own hands was very satisfying.

How does your finished bike ride?
Fantastic! Especially since I treated myself to a great set of Citec wheels and a modern groupset.