Stefan – Frame Building Course Q & A
12. December 2023
Lugged Road Bike with Raw Finish
12. December 2023
Who are you?
I am Maximilian, 28 years old, from Mainz.
How did you come up with the idea of building your own frame?
During my mechanical engineering studies, I dealt intensively with bicycles. This included the plan to build my own bicycle frame. I find steel as a traditional material in bicycle frame construction incredibly fascinating because it is so timeless while also being highly engineered.
Why did you choose this frame? What do you plan to do with it?
I chose this frame because I wanted to mix frame-building tradition with modern features and high-quality components. Traditionally, there is the Columbus tube set and the design as a diamond frame, along with classic rim brakes.
I realized modern approaches with internally routed cables, the Columbus carbon fork, and mounts on the top tube for attaching a frame bag. Before assembly, it went to the painter, who painted everything exactly to my specifications. The build was then completed with high-end components from Tune, Bike Ahead, Enve, Ritchey, and a Columbus carbon fork. I think this is the perfect mix of tradition and modernity.
What do you plan to do with it?!
It has become a Sunday bike. I will (hopefully) ride it a lot and for a long time, have fun with it, and surely take good care of it.
What is special for you about your self-built frame?
That I could realize all my wishes and express my craftsmanship. Additionally, it will always remind me of the weeks spent in beautiful Potsdam.
How was your time in the frame building course?
The time in the frame building course was super interesting and relaxed. Robert is a very patient and funny instructor. There is much to learn, see, and joke about. On Fridays, after work, we have an after-work beer.
How does your finished bike ride?
My finished bike rides very agile and sporty. The frame is very stiff and goes really well when you push it! And it’s not just beautiful… With the high rims, it also sounds really good!
What is the logo on your frame?
The logo or lettering on the frame shows the word “leaves.” This stems from the fact that every morning I jogged through the parks of Potsdam in the darkness of autumn and walked the same way home in the evening twilight. I really enjoyed that and fondly remember it. The frame colors are also not randomly chosen and reflect the season.
