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Roberts Customs

2024 Bike Building Season Kickoff: Roberts Customs' Journey

Updated: Mar 22

Embracing the New Season: A Fresh Start at Roberts Customs


As the calendar turns to 2024, we at Roberts Customs are thrilled to welcome you back to our world of bike building and customization. The anticipation for what this year holds is palpable, as we gear up for a season filled with creativity, innovation, and, most importantly, the bikes that fuel our passion. It’s been a quiet few months on our end, a rare hiatus in our usually bustling schedule. Since our last video aired, the workshop's been quieter than usual, but rest assured, there's a whirlwind of activity brewing behind the scenes.





The pause in our content was not without reason. Like the calm before a storm, this period allowed us to refocus, realign, and rekindle our commitment to the craft of bike customization. For those wondering about the silence, it was a necessary respite, giving us time to navigate other ventures and commitments, notably Roberts and Co Jewelry, and to contend with the typical British winter that cast a grey cloak over London.


Roberts Customs bicycle workshop welcoming the 2024 bike building season

Today, we're not just breaking the silence; we're smashing through it with plans, updates, and reflections that promise an electrifying restart. This post is more than just a catch-up; it's a roadmap to the future of Roberts Customs, a glimpse into our reflections on the past season, and a teaser of the thrilling projects we have lined up. Join us as we embark on this journey into 2024, fueled by our shared passion for bringing bespoke, handcrafted bikes to life. The road ahead is paved with challenges, learning, and triumphs, and we’re inviting you along for the ride.


Navigating the Pause: Insights from Our Intermission


In the dynamic world of Roberts Customs, the past few months have been unusually still. A hiatus from our regular video production and bike projects was not a decision taken lightly, but one that became necessary due to a confluence of personal commitments and unforeseen challenges. This period of quiet, however, was far from idle and served as a crucial time for reflection and recalibration.


The Cannondale project bike in its initial disassembly stage at Roberts Customs

Balancing Passions with Precision


At the heart of this pause lies the intricate dance of balancing two distinct worlds: the meticulous craft of bike customization and the demanding responsibilities of running Roberts and Co Jewelry. Juggling these passions required a level of precision akin to the craftsmanship we pour into each custom bike. The hiatus provided a moment to reassess this balance, ensuring that neither passion was left in the shadows of the other.


working on a bike's single-speed conversion

Seasonal Shifts and Their Impact


London's weather, with its overcast skies and brisk temperatures, played its part in slowing our pace. The seasonal changes in London are more than just a backdrop; they directly influence both the process of bike building and the joy of riding. The cold months bring a stillness to the streets and a hibernation to the workshop. Yet, they also offer a moment to plan, to dream, and to envision the projects that will come to life with the first signs of spring.


A collection of custom bikes from previous seasons lined up in the showroom

A Time for Growth


This hiatus was a period of growth, of laying the groundwork for what's to come. The quiet of the workshop was filled with the sketches of future projects, the sourcing of new materials, and the deep dive into the realms of bike mechanics and design trends that promise to shape the future of Roberts Customs. It was a time to explore the complexities of bike customization, deepen our understanding of the craft, and prepare for a season of renewed creativity and innovation.


Bianchi custom bike project.

As we emerge from this intermission, we carry with us the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and a renewed vigour for the art of bike building. The hiatus, while a departure from the norm, was a chapter necessary for growth, reflection, and planning. It set the stage for a 2024 filled with ambitious projects, ground-breaking designs, and the continued pursuit of excellence in the world of custom bikes.


well-organized bike workshop filled with bike frames and tools

Unveiling the Workshop: The Journey of Roberts Customs Creations


The past months have been a whirlwind of ideas, plans, and paused projects waiting for their moment in the limelight. As we peel back the curtain at Roberts Customs, let's take a closer look at the endeavours that have been simmering behind the scenes, most notably our ambitious Bianchi project, and share a glimpse into the philosophy shaping our future creations.


A finished Roberts Customs bike project ready for its first outdoor adventure

The Bianchi Project: Revival in Waiting


Among the dormant giants in our workshop lies the Bianchi project, a venture that embodies both the challenge and thrill of bike customization. This project, teased in our latest video, represents more than just a bike; it's a canvas for innovation, waiting for its transformation. The journey of reviving this iconic frame has been a testament to our dedication, paused but poised to redefine what a custom bike can be.


Cinelli Aero Handlebars ready for fitting

A Shift in Gears: Embracing Simplicity


Our philosophy at Roberts Customs has been evolving, driven by a desire to return to the essence of cycling. The move towards single-speed and fixed-gear bikes is not just a nod to nostalgia but a response to the complexities and maintenance challenges posed by modern bike components. This shift reflects our belief in the beauty of simplicity, where each ride is unencumbered by the unnecessary, and the bike becomes an extension of the rider, not a challenge to be managed.


Colnago VIP bike frame

Riding Through the Seasons: Stories from the Saddle


Even as the workshop doors remained closed, the roads of London continued to call. Riding through the city, with its ever-changing landscape, has been a constant source of inspiration and reflection. Each journey on two wheels brings new stories, from the crisp mornings of winter to the first hints of spring's warmth. These rides, in the quiet moments away from the workshop, remind us why we do what we do. They're a connection to the community we serve and a personal testament to the enduring joy of cycling.


Columbus Carbon Tusk Bike Forks

The journey of Roberts Customs is filled with the tales of paused projects awaiting their moment, a philosophical pivot towards the elemental beauty of cycling, and the personal anecdotes that keep our passion alive. Behind the scenes, the workshop is a place of potential, brimming with stories of creativity, challenge, and the promise of new beginnings. As we look to the future, we're excited to share these journeys with you, from the revival of projects like the Bianchi to the embrace of cycling's simplest pleasures.


Roberts Customs inspecting carbon forks

Charting the Course: Roberts Customs' Vision for 2024


As the workshop doors swing open to the possibilities of 2024, Roberts Customs stands on the precipice of what promises to be our most ambitious year yet. The hiatus has not only given us the space to dream bigger but also to meticulously plan the projects that will define our journey over the next twelve months.


Carbon Forks for a special project bike

A Year of Bold Projects and Masterful Customizations


The core of our vision for 2024 is to bring to life a series of projects that have been simmering in the background, waiting for their moment in the spotlight. Among these, the Bianchi project, as mentioned in our recent video, stands out. It’s more than just a build; it’s a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of bike customization. This project, along with several others in the pipeline, reflects our dedication to innovation, quality, and the art of the custom build.


Fondriest Bike Frame Project

Embracing the Single-Speed and Fixed-Gear Philosophy


Our move towards single-speed and fixed-gear bikes isn't just a trend—it's a philosophy. It’s born out of the recognition of the sheer beauty found in the simplicity and reliability of these setups. This year, we plan to delve deeper into this philosophy, showcasing the elegance and efficiency that can be achieved. The decision is also a nod to the practical challenges posed by the maintenance of modern bike components. By focusing on single-speed and fixed-gear builds, we aim to create bikes that are not just beautiful to behold but are also robust companions on the road.


Fondriest aluminium frame and carbon forks

The Journey of Mastery: Wheel Building


2024 also marks the year we embark on a journey of mastery—specifically, the art of wheel building. This skill is a cornerstone of custom bike building, and mastering it is no small feat. It requires a blend of precision, patience, and a deep understanding of the dynamics of cycling. We are committed to this learning journey, recognizing that mastering wheel building will not only elevate our craft but also enhance the performance and aesthetics of our bikes.


bike innertubes for puncture repair

Powering Our Direction: Community and Feedback


At the heart of Roberts Customs is our community. Your feedback, stories, and experiences are the fuel that powers our direction. This year, we are more committed than ever to engaging with you, learning from you, and incorporating your insights into our work. We believe that the future of Roberts Customs is not just shaped by our vision but by the collective aspirations of our community.


punctured bicycle inner tubes for puncture repair

Looking Ahead


As we gear up for the months ahead, we are filled with anticipation for what we can achieve together. Our plans for 2024 represent not just a roadmap for the year but a declaration of our commitment to excellence, innovation, and the community that has been with us every step of the way. Stay tuned, join the conversation, and be part of this exciting journey at Roberts Customs.

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