Last weekend, Dresden played host to a truly special event—the BESPOKED Handmade Bike Show.

For those who were lucky enough to attend, it was a laid-back gathering of passionate builders, cycling enthusiasts, and curious onlookers, all coming together to celebrate the art of handmade bicycles. The city’s cozy autumn vibes set the perfect stage for this event, and while there was plenty of buzz about innovation and design, the atmosphere remained refreshingly humble. No one was there to show off. Instead, it felt like a collective appreciation for craftsmanship, with builders eager to chat about their creations and the stories behind them.

 

Next up, HUHN brought a bit of playful eccentricity to the show with their tallbike. It was impossible to miss—a towering ride that made everyone smile. The HUHN tallbike wasn’t just a showpiece, though; it was a conversation starter. Its quirky, elevated design reminded us that bikes can be more than just practical—they can be fun, artistic, and a little bit rebellious. The bike will be ridden 13.000 km from Munich to Bejing. Tallbike Tommy, the rider, will collect donations for cancer charity along the way.

Hailing from the rolling hills of the Allgäu, Germany Alonukis brought an unmistakable refreshing flair to BESPOKED, with frames that looked like they belonged on sun-soaked roads and winding coastal paths. Their bikes had a lightness and fluidity to them, almost like they were designed with the wind in mind. The details were subtle but precise—beautiful finishes that played with light, giving each frame a distinctive glow. Alonukis’ passion for fine-tuning each build was clear, but what really stuck out was how their bikes managed to be both striking and understated, perfect for riders who want to look good while feeling fast.

Leovelo brought something extra-special with their bespoke steel frames. These bikes felt like they’d last a lifetime—strong, durable, but also completely timeless. Their attention to detail was incredible, with super smooth fillets that had people leaning in for a closer look. Leovelo’s booth had a warm, welcoming vibe, and their bikes felt like companions you could count on for years of exploring.

Rizzo Cycles added a punch of personality to the event. Their bikes were loud, colorful, and unapologetically bold. Each frame seemed to have its own character, like they were made for people who want to stand out and have fun doing it. Ruben was full of energy, eager to share the inspiration behind each color scheme or build choice. Their passion was contagious, and it was hard to walk past their booth without a digging into all those details and anodizing work.

Drust Cycles focused on versatility, with bikes built for everything from commuting to off-road adventures. There was something refreshingly straightforward about their builds, no frills but also no compromises. The simplicity of the design didn't take away from their beauty, though-clean lines, solid construction, and a kind of minimalism that felt intentional. Konstantin the builder was thoughtful and deliberate, clearly focused on function over flash, which made their bikes all the more appealing.

Rheintritt Bikes brought a rugged, go-anywhere vibe to BESPOKED. Their bikes looked ready to take on the toughest terrains, whether it's rocky paths or forest trails. Built to last, their frames had a reassuring sturdiness to them. The builder was keen to talk about how their designs were born from real-world riding experiences and community influence, and it showed. Rheintritt's bikes weren't just made for looks; they were crafted for riders who truly need durability and dependability on their journeys. Something that convinced the jury and decorated their Titanium full-suspension with the HUNT Build-off Award.

Avalanche Cycles brought their A-game with a collection of sleek, mountain-ready machines. Their bikes had a sense of fluidity, as though they were just waiting to take on the toughest singletrack out there. The builder was all about precision, and you could see it in every weld and angle. Avalanche's designs struck a perfect balance between toughness and beauty, and you got the feeling that these bikes wouldn't just survive the adventures-they'd thrive on them.

Traveling all the way from the Andes, Scarab Cycles brought some Colombian soul to BESPOKED. With a beautiful paint job that tells a story, reaching back decades to the origins of the mighty Escarabajos, this bike was a real showstopper.

When life gives you lemons, you make bags out of them, right? That's what Dresden based bag maker Timba did. Refurbishing an old carbon frame, they integrated this into a beautiful frame bag concept. And why not put some lemons on it?

And finally Sour Cycles, a hometown favourite, brought their signature quirky style and rebellious spirit. Their booth was buzzing with energy as they showcased bike that felt both creative and accessible. Sour's designs seemed to blur the line between adventure and everyday riding, making bikes that are perfect for both the wildest tours and the daily commute. The team at Sour Cycles were friendly, approachable, and passionate - just the kind of people you'd want to share a ride with.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the awards ceremony, where several builders were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the handmade bike world. A standout moment was the HUNT Build-off Award, which had the entire room holding its breath. This award celebrated the best collaboration between creativity and technical skill, and the competition was fierce. In the end, it went to Rheintritt Bike with a titanium full-suspension bike that truly embodied the spirit of BESPOKED—handcrafted, original, and built with passion.

 

As the show wrapped up, there was a deep sense of gratitude to everyone involved. From the tireless work of the organizers to the enthusiasm of the builders and the curiosity of the visitors, BESPOKED 2024 was a true celebration of community. A special thanks to the city of Dresden for providing such a welcoming and inspiring backdrop. With its rich history, cycling culture, and perfect mix of urban and nature, Dresden is fast becoming a hub for the bike industry in Europe. It’s not just about the bikes here—it’s about the people, the passion, and the shared love for cycling.

Until next time, Dresden!