If you’ve been considering learning how to weld up your own bicycle, The Bicycle Academy now has two more great reasons why you should sign up for some classes.
British master frame builders Robin Mather and Ted James have signed on as instructors at the bike-building school, based in Frome. Looking to offer students more opportunities to learn from the best, TBA founder and head-teacher Andrew Denham explains, “The quality of their workmanship and range of techniques used means we can move up another gear and offer students an even richer experience.”
Mather and ‘SuperTed’ James both bring award-winning frame building experience to TBA. Mather is a 20 year frame building veteran, and won Best in Show at Bespoked, the UK Hand Made Bicycle Show in 2012. James won the prestigious Peer Award at last year’s show.
While both gentlemen will continue to pursue their own respective bicycle-building projects, Mather and James look forward to teaching at TBA. “The opportunity to work with TBA is really exciting. I strongly support Andrew’s approach in providing students with a framework for meaningful practice and feel that this is more likely to produce a long term interest in the craft,” says Mather.
Likewise, Denham is excited to have the duo on board. “I’ve looked up to Ted and Robin for a number of years so to be working with them is a dream come true. Their work speaks for itself, but it’s the passion they have for what they do that makes them the perfect fit here.”
Denham launched The Bicycle Academy in 2012 after a successful crowd-funding initiative. Since it’s founding, more than 250 students have come through the school to learn how to build bicycles. Curriculum is aimed at novices, enthusiasts and professionals hoping to hone their craft. Single-day on-on-one courses offered include TIG welding, lug brazing, frame fitting, fillet brazing and more.
In addition to instructing would-be bike builders, TBA also offers use of its fully equipped shop to working professionals. Course graduates can also rent equipment and enjoy discounted material pricing.