Italian artisanal framebuilding is a tradition that has developed over centuries and continues to evolve and thrive today. It involves the meticulous craftsmanship of hand-welded artifacts using traditional or modern techniques with high-quality materials. This type of craftsmanship is renowned for its skill and attention to detail and represents a significant part of Italian artisanal culture.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Italian framebuilding, with an increased awareness and appreciation for handmade steel creations. This resurgence is partly due to a growing awareness of the unique mechanical characteristics of steel as a material and partly due to a rekindled appreciation for artisanal production and cultural traditions.
"...all the individuals involved in this tradition are the beating heart of the culture that, even through these interviews and narratives, are contributing to preserving and spreading our valuable cultural heritage."
“Contemporary Italian Frame Building” is a book born from my passion and curiosity. After writing the book “Save The Rat Bike – People Behind Passion,” in which I had the pleasure of telling the stories of true enthusiasts in this underground world scattered across the globe, I decided to delve deeper into another aspect of the world of two-wheelers that is closer to me: the artisanal construction of frames. Immersed in this field for several years through the Kole Cycles project, I increasingly wanted to get to know and introduce some of the most talented and original Italian framebuilders who, with their hands and ideas, create genuine works of art on two wheels. In this book, I take you on a journey to discover some of them through testimonials, stories, motivations, challenges, and visions.
“Contemporary Italian Frame Building” is not intended to be an encyclopedic collection of all Italian framebuilders or a technical manual; it is a book aimed at bringing people closer to the stories and emotions of those who create these companions for adventures, whether they are for racing, gravel, track, or travel. A book that celebrates the craftsmanship, passion, and creativity of Italian framebuilding. These individuals have faced challenges and learned many things along their journey, and their interviews reveal the stories behind their creations, the techniques used, and the challenges faced by the artisans.
Italian artisanal framebuilding is a precious page in Italian cycling, and all the individuals involved in this tradition are the beating heart of the culture that, even through these interviews and narratives, are contributing to preserving and spreading our valuable cultural heritage.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for participating in this project, and happy reading.
