Custom steel bike frames, handmade in Italy

I am Vincenzo Forgione and for more than 30 years I have been building custom steel frames and bicycles in my workshop in Gesualdo, in the Irpinia hills of southern Italy. Every frame starts from your measurements, the way you ride and where you want to go: no standard sizes, nothing mass-produced.

At a glance

One frame, made for you

  • From €1800 + VAT for a custom frame
  • About 60 days once every detail is defined
  • Columbus tubing joined in Silver Fillet Brazed
  • 3-year warranty from delivery
  • Worldwide shipping or collection in Gesualdo
Prices and shipping

What bike do you want to build?

A custom frame is not just for road bikes. I build every kind of bicycle, always starting from your measurements and from how you will use it.

Animamia road frame in Columbus Spirit steel, Silver Fillet Brazed
Road bikesLight and lively, with the right geometry for your rides and gran fondos.See the road bikes
Vento nei Capelli gravel bike with a custom steel frame
GravelTarmac and dirt on the same bike, comfortable on long days out.See the gravel bikes
MTB Custom 29 with a handmade steel frame
MTBSteel mountain bikes, tough and precise, also for riders with non-standard measurements.See the MTBs
Travel to France touring bike with a steel frame
TouringFor travelling loaded for many days, with mounts and routing where you need them.See the touring bikes
Rosebud city bike with a custom steel frame
City bikesFor everyday riding in town, elegant and built to last.See the city bikes
XCr-alpha frame in Columbus XCr stainless steel
XCr stainless steelColumbus XCr stainless tubing: the top choice for corrosion resistance and finishes.See XCr-alpha

Why a custom frame

Comfortable, even after hours

Standard sizes fit almost everyone a little, and almost no one perfectly. Half a centimetre too much on the main tubes, after many hours in the saddle, turns into back or knee pain.

You ride better

In the right position you make better use of your strength. The bike does not ask you to adapt: it is built around you and the way you pedal.

It is yours alone

Choose colours, details, cable routing and mounts. The result is a one-of-a-kind bicycle, made to last more than a lifetime.

Why steel

Steel is the historic material of bicycles and it is still thoroughly modern. Compared with carbon and aluminium it gives you comfort over long distances, thanks to its elasticity, great durability and the possibility of being repaired should it ever be needed. And with modern alloys a steel frame weighs less than you might think: from about 1.45 kg to about 1.9 kg, depending on tubing and size.

Read more: steel vs carbon frames · how much a custom steel frame weighs

Columbus tubing and Silver Fillet Brazed joints

I use Columbus tubing, chosen according to your weight, your riding and the behaviour you are looking for: from the Zona series up to XCr stainless steel. I join the tubes with Silver Fillet Brazed, a brazing technique with high-silver alloys that works at lower temperatures than TIG welding and therefore stresses the tubes less. It is slow work, all done by hand, and it gives clean, strong joints.

Read the difference between TIG welding and Silver Fillet Brazed

How it works, from first message to delivery

  1. You write to meTell me what bike you are looking for. Together we choose frame type, tubing and any special requests.
  2. You take your measurementsThree measurements are enough, taken at home with a tape measure and a spirit level. If you like, I guide you on a video call. Measurement guide
  3. DesignWith a first deposit I draw your frame and send it to you: if needed, we adjust it together.
  4. BuildingOnce the design is approved, I build the frame by hand in about 60 days. If you wish, I send you photos of the work.
  5. DeliveryBalance by bank transfer or PayPal, then shipping to Italy, Europe and the rest of the world, or collection at the workshop in Gesualdo.

How much does a custom frame cost

  • Custom frame in Columbus steel: from €1800 + VAT
  • Frame in Columbus XCr stainless steel: from €3100 + VAT
  • Complete bike: we choose the components together; I assemble it in Gesualdo for a contribution of €100
  • Shipping: a contribution of €50 in Europe and €100 to the rest of the world, or collection at the workshop in Gesualdo

The final price depends on tubing, options and paintwork. See the full price list with options and shipping

Frequently asked questions

Can I order a custom frame if I live far away or abroad?

Yes. You take your measurements at home following the guide, with my help on a video call if needed, and the frame or complete bike is shipped worldwide. Many of my customers have never been to Gesualdo; others came to collect their bike and ride with us: that is the Gesualdo Experience.

How long does it take?

About 60 days from the moment every detail of the design has been defined.

Can I use my own components?

Yes. You can buy the components through me or supply them yourself; I assemble the bike in Gesualdo, or you can have it assembled wherever you prefer.

What warranty does the frame have?

The frame has a 3-year warranty from delivery. Read the warranty

Do you also repair existing steel frames?

Yes, I repair and modify steel frames, including vintage frames and frames by other builders. See frame repairs

Let's talk about your bike

Tell me about the bike you have in mind: I will answer you myself and explain how I would build it, what it costs and how long it takes. You can also read what my customers say.

Other contacts