MADE bike show highlights modern evolution of steel frames

At the MADE handmade bicycle show in Portland, builders are redefining the use of steel in modern cycling. Moving away from traditional heavy, round-tubed designs, contemporary builders are integrating steel with advanced technologies like 3D-printed titanium and carbon aero foils to create lighter, more aerodynamic structures.

Key exhibitors including Big Block, Scarab, and Rare Earth demonstrated diverse approaches to the material. Dustin Simons of Raleigh-based Big Block showcased the 427 model, which utilizes a CAD-driven design process. By using computer-aided design and 3D-printed junctions, Simons can create complex interfaces and adapt geometries more easily than through traditional manual fabrication.