From Operating Room to Workshop

Karsten builds a stainless steel bike frame – and finds a week of peace

Karsten originally set out looking for a custom frame to build up a new bike. But instead of ordering one, he landed on our website – and something clicked: “I’ll build it myself.”

After a quick chat with his bike buddies, the course was booked.

From Surgical Steel to Road-Ready Stainless

Karsten is a surgeon at a hospital near Aachen, Germany – and works daily with stainless steel instruments. For his dream frame, the material was obvious:
“As a surgeon, it’s the element of all my tools.”

The design? Classic looks with fully integrated cables, a sporty but comfortable geometry – and of course, stainless steel.

A Natural with His Hands

Did he have any hands-on experience beforehand?
“At work, I do fascinating manual work every day.”

At home, Karsten has a well-equipped workshop and has built up three bikes himself – though always using off-the-shelf frames.

A Week Away from It All

This course was also a conscious break from his busy day-to-day life:
“One week completely offline. Morning coffee, then brazing and filing… five days in a row. Perfect.”

Stainless Steel Meets Sunday Breakfast

A highlight from the course? The relaxed atmosphere, good conversations – and a spontaneous idea on the final day:

“We were there the week before Easter and had a bit of time left. So we quickly made a few stainless steel egg cups with the BigForest logo. Now they’re on the table every Sunday and remind me of that perfect week.”

So How Does It Ride?

The first ride is already in the books – and with results:
“Snagged a KOM right away – and what can I say: It rides even better than it looks ;-)”

Karsten is 51 and lives in the beautiful city of Aachen, Germany.
His self-built stainless steel frame is a one-of-a-kind machine – classic in style, modern in the details, and built with heart and soul.

Want to build your dream frame too?

In just 5 days, you’ll build your own custom bike frame – in steel or stainless – exactly the way you want it.

No previous experience? No problem. Whether it’s your first time using a torch or you’re already handy in the workshop, we’ll guide you step by step.

👉 Click here to learn more about the course and upcoming dates.