Axel – eTap Gravel Bike in Frame Building Course
12. December 2023
G1 – Gravel – GetCycle bei Guido
12. December 2023
Steffen built this gravel frame with us. The photos he shares here show the final result. I’m thrilled! It turned out really great. Steffen answered our questions…
How did you come up with the idea of building your own frame?
That’s going to be a longer answer…
I received my first bicycle as a gift when I was 3 years old. It was a so-called “Bambi bike,” a children’s bike. My father bought it used and then lovingly restored and painted it. It was dark red and silver. I learned to ride on the paths of our community garden in Berlin-Pankow. I was allowed to ride anywhere within the expansive grounds.
A feeling of freedom—that’s what my first bike gave me. In my teens and early twenties, motorcycles, girls, and concerts were more interesting, but the bike found its way back into my life. After many built frames, no bike still fit me perfectly. So, I started thinking about a custom frame…
How did you find me, and how did you hear about the frame building courses?
Tom Becker from Meerglas once built me a front track. We started talking, and I asked him about a course. He suggested, “Ask Robert from Big Forest; he does that kind of thing.” Then I looked at your website and inquired about a course.
Why did you choose this frame? What do you plan to do with it?
To experience the feeling of freedom that my childhood bike gave me. I wanted a bike with which I could do everything: gravel rides, tours, bike traveling. Internally routed brake lines for a clean look, lights, fenders, and the option to mount a rack—those were all features I wanted.
What is special to you about your self-built frame?
That I built it myself! With my hands and your guidance. I carefully considered every detail. Mr. Geoff Moorhouse made me a head badge. At Velociao, the frame received a beautiful paint job, something I would also love to learn. There were delivery difficulties with parts and the drivetrain to overcome. Overall, 2021 was not an easy year for me, and this bike will always remind me of that. Completing it was a huge motivation and has already brought a lot of joy into my life before the first ride. And of course, even more since I started riding it.
How was your time in the frame building course?
I will always remember this week fondly! I learned a lot, and the time flew by. You were very patient—I asked you countless questions. I was more nervous before soldering than I had been in a long time. I even had a nightmare: I ride off the curb in front of my house, and the frame breaks… (that didn’t happen!)
Everything in the course went smoothly and relaxed.
How does your finished bike ride?
To conclude, I’ll keep it short: Perfect!
You can see more photos of the bike in the terrain on Instagram.
