18 Bikes introduce the Workshop Series

After an off the peg, hand built frame? 18 Bikes may have just the thing for you. Crafted in the Peak District, they’re supplementing their custom frame building with a range of Workshop Series frames.

The Blacka, an 853 and 631 tubed hard tail mtg frame, will take either 26″ or 27.5″ wheels depending on fork travel length; the perfect choice for wheel size ditherers and those wanting to use spare wheels they already own.

Here’s their words…

Since early 2006, when we started building custom frames in our little workshop in the Peak District, our frames were just that; entirely custom.  We start with you, your ideas, our guidance and a blank sheet and together we design and build exactly the frame you want.  This has meant that we have built a vast array of frames; 26”, 29er, road, stainless, hub gear, gearbox, an 853 full suspension frame and most recently a very distinct and special tandem.

From this experience, we have realised that there are riders who dearly love the handbuilt craftsmanship in our frames but who do not require a fully custom frame. Not mention the daunting prospect of starting absolutely from scratch.

Enter the 18 Bikes Workshop Series. Initially there are two frames, the Blacka and Monsal, but the range will develop.

The Workshop Series frames are still made in our workshop, by one set of hands and to the same levels of craftsmanship as our custom frames but to prescribed designs and sizes.  We still use the best quality tubing and most suitable components.

The frames:

The Blacka is our 650b 853 hardtail mountain bike.  All the details can be found here but here is a brief run down:

• TIG welded 853 and 631 frame with Dedaccia rear triangle.

• Designed for 650b wheels

• Can also be used with 26” wheels (details in the geo chart and diagrams)

• 120mm fork for 650b, 140mm for 26″

• 44mm headtube to allow for any fork steerer size

• 31.6mm seatpost with cable routing for stealth and external dropper posts

• Chainstay plate on the driveside for increased clearance

• 73mm threaded bottom bracket with ISCG05 mount

• 142 x 12mm rear dropouts

• Supplied with a bolt-on, direct-mount front derailleur adapter (unfitted)

• French Van Blue with Black decals (Matt finish)

• £800 including rear axle, chainstay protector and seatclamp

The Monsal is our do-a-bit-of-everything road frameset.  Check the details on our website for specifics but here are the important bits:

• Clearance for up to 35mm tyres (28mm with mudguards)

• 44mm headtube for tapered forks

• 27.2mm seatpost

• 68mm threaded bottom bracket

• Disc only, with the caliper mounted inside the rear triangle for easy rack and mudguard fitting

• Midlands Rail Red with Cream Decals (Gloss finish)

• £1100 including Whisky Parts Co No7 Carbon Cross fork (Tapered). Thru Axle No9 upgrade £100

If you decide you like the look of the 18 Bikes Workshop Series but would like to alter or develop the design at all then we can use either frame as the basis for a custom built frame.  You can then make changes to geometry, dropouts, cable routing, tubing and colour to give you the perfect frame.

Custom frames start at £1000.

Dave Anderson

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