The way in which frames are built must have intrigued you to some level at some point. It’s always good to know how the vehicle that transports you at high speed over rocks and through tight gaps in trees works after all… Or perhaps you are just searching for the highest level of customisation going?

If that is you, then you’ll be pleased to hear that The Bicycle Academy, a forward-thinking organisation based in Somerset, is now offering places on their four day courses which include the knowledge of legendary frame builder Brian Curtis – if ever there was a man who knew how to make a great bike… You’ll learn all about the fillet brazing technique and make your own frame which will be donated to World Bicycle Relief following the course.

Here’s the full lowdown from TBA’s chief-in-charge Andrew Denham:

Back to School at The Bicycle Academy – Frame building courses available now!

Since opening in July 2012 The Bicycle Academy has taught over 80 people how to build frames. From complete novices, who had never even held a saw before, to seasoned professionals, who wanted to develop their brazing skills.

Up until now TBA have mostly been working through their crowd funding waiting list (people who had pledged money to get The Bicycle Academy started in return for a place on one of the courses) but now they’re opening up their course calendar to everyone and making courses available for booking from January through to April.

The courses are 4 days long and give students all the skills they need to be able to make a steel bicycle by hand, from start to finish. This includes teaching Brian Curtis’ famous fillet brazing technique.

People have been coming from all over the world to learn at the frame building workshop in Frome – Slovenia, Italy, Germany, Norway already and there are people on the waiting list from Australia, Brazil, India and Singapore.

There are some great things happening in the UK Frame building scene at the moment and it’s not all road bikes – you only have to look at BTR to see what can be achieved. Their latest project being a custom steel full suss frame born from their garden shed-come-workshop. Not everyone has got a shed full of tools and welding equipment though, and that’s where The Bicycle Academy really comes into its own. Unlike anywhere else students can hire a workbench at The Bicycle Academy, complete with tools, materials and brazing equipment – making it possible to build your own bikes no matter what your shed status!

Head on over to www.thebicycleacademy.org to find out more, courses are available now and they’re offering a 10% discount on courses taken in January.