Blog
Reflections, technical explanations and stories from the craft. About steel, geometry, paintwork and everything that happens between a sketch and a finished bicycle.
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What is the shimmy effect?
Violent handlebar vibrations at high speed: what the shimmy effect is, why it happens and how to control it if it catches you out.
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Types of welding for bicycles
TIG vs. fillet brazing: the two techniques that dominate the building of steel frames, how they work, what they require and what studies say about their effects on the material.
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How a bicycle's steering works
Rake, trail, wheel flop and head angle. How they influence the handling of a bicycle, with the science and history behind them.
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The process of building custom steel frames
From the first conversation to the paint shop: the four stages every Oxia frame goes through from idea to delivery.
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How do I know what size of bicycle I need?
Three contact points, a cockpit and a handful of measurements that matter: a complete guide to choosing the right bicycle size and understanding why custom construction changes the rules.
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The value of a custom bicycle
Steel, almost forgotten a few years ago, is enjoying a revival thanks to the craftsmen. This is the difference between a catalogue frame and one built for you.
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Gravel bicycles: the new global trend
Gravel bikes: fad or trend? History, geometry, brakes, wheels, drivetrain, handlebars and mounts to understand why gravel bicycles are here to stay.
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The bicycle stem: everything you need to know
What the stem is, its measurements, the types available, and how its length and angle change the rider's position and the bicycle's behaviour.
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Story: Hand-Built Steel Bicycles
Steel, almost forgotten a few years ago, is enjoying a revival thanks to framebuilders. We look back at its history, its alloys and why a custom frame makes the difference.
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