From Screen to Torch

How a Software Engineer Built His Dream Bike

He had already worked on most parts of his bikes himself.
Laced wheels, installed drivetrains, adjusted brakes.

But one thing was missing: the frame.
He had never built a frame.

And that’s exactly what he set out to change.

“I love steel. All the bikes I had growing up were made of steel.
That’s always stuck with me.”

So he made his way to BIG Forest Frameworks — out of the everyday, out of the digital world.

From Office Chair to Workshop Bench

By profession, he’s a software engineer.

“I spend most of my time in front of a computer.”

The idea of spending a week working only with his hands was incredibly appealing.
Along with the chance to fully nerd out on frame design and bike geometry.

“I just wanted to go deep into bikes for a week.”

A Frame Built for Adventure

His goal: a modern steel touring frame.
Clearance for wider tires.
Thru-axles to make wheel changes with disc brakes easier.
A slightly lower center of gravity for better handling.
And a sloping top tube to give the seatpost more flex and comfort.

Some Experience, Some New Territory

He had some background in metalwork — from school, and from fixing things over the years.
But brazing? That was new.

“But it wasn’t a problem. You grow into it.”

Slowing Down to Get It Done

There wasn’t a single standout moment during the course — more like a shift in mindset.

“At first I thought, this should be going faster.
But eventually I really started to enjoy the slower pace.
And in the end, everything got done.”

One Bike, Many Lives

He rides his new bike with different wheelsets, depending on the situation.

“With light wheels, it’s super agile on the road.
Right now I’m touring with knobby tires, even on farm roads.
And soon I’ll use it with aero wheels for a triathlon.”

Wherever he takes it, the bike performs beautifully — and it’s surprisingly comfortable.

“It’s simple, well thought out, and versatile.
And I built it myself.
That just feels right.”

How It All Started

He discovered the course in Tour magazine.

“Then I listened to the podcast they mentioned,
and since I happened to be in Potsdam at the time, I just stopped by.
And after that, I knew — I wanted to do it.”

Want to Build Your Own Bike?

A week away from everyday life.
With fire, files, and full focus.
And in the end: your own custom frame — exactly the way you imagined it.

👉 Click here for all the details about the framebuilding course

Got questions? Feel free to reach out.
I’d love to hear about your project!