Paul Gibson, a veteran frame-builder at Ellis Briggs, a UK-based bike manufacturer founded in 1936, has launched a new initiative aimed at preserving the traditional craft of frame-building and making it more accessible to younger generations.
Gibson, who has worked in the industry for many years, has created a Patreon-based platform offering frame-building tutorials and behind-the-scenes content. The funds raised through the platform will support efforts to document the craft, provide mentoring, and ensure that the traditional skills are passed on before they are lost.
The threat of these skills disappearing is a real concern, according to Gibson. “There will always be people who find ways of building frames, but the more artisanal, traditional frame-building – that could certainly die off,” he explained.
In 2023, artisan frame-building was added to the Heritage Craft Association’s endangered “Red List,” alongside other crafts like broom-making and cricket bat production.
Gibson has always been passionate about teaching and sharing his skills, a commitment that has inspired his current project. He observed that many of his students were older and began to realize how inaccessible the craft had become for younger people due to the high costs of traditional courses.
“The prices of the courses are out of reach for the younger generation,” he said. “I started racking my brain as to how we can create something more inclusive for them. Younger people are interested, but it doesn’t seem accessible.”
In response, Gibson is developing a two-day introductory course and has created an online option specifically tailored to Gen-Z. He believes there is still strong demand for traditional steel frames, despite their higher price points, which are often a barrier for younger people.
“A bike is essentially two wheels and a handlebar, and a steel-lugged frame still performs highly,” Gibson noted. People still appreciate them, but the cost is a common issue across the cycling industry.
Currently, aspiring frame-builders typically have to seek advice from other builders or save up for expensive courses. However, Gibson stresses that frame-building requires much more than a short course to master. “You don’t become a frame-builder after a two-week course. There’s a lot to it.”
Gibson’s Patreon project offers three tiers of subscription, ranging from £3 ($3.80) to £8 ($10) per month. The basic tier supports the project’s broader mission to promote the craft, while the top tier offers access to live Q&As, tutorial videos, and more for those serious about learning the craft.
He also referenced Ricky Feather, founder of Feather Cycles, who recently announced he would only build 50 more frames before retiring. “Everyone is just trying to survive at the moment,” Gibson said. However, he remains determined to ensure that the skills of traditional frame-building endure for future generations, hoping to create a lasting legacy for the craft when economic conditions improve.
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