Stevenson Custom Bikes

Are you a Washington local who dreams of a bicycle perfectly tailored to your body and riding style, a machine built to last for decades? Or perhaps you appreciate the artistry and durability of hand-built steel frames and seek expert advice from true veterans of the cycling industry? Then Stevenson Custom Bikes in Olympia, WA, is a name you need to know. Led by the renowned Bill Stevenson and his son Shawn, this unique establishment stands out in the Washington cycling landscape for its dedication to craftsmanship, precision, and a deep understanding of what makes a truly exceptional bicycle. They are not just selling bikes; they are crafting legacies, one custom frame at a time.

For those of us in Washington, where diverse terrain and a passionate cycling culture thrive, having access to custom bike builders like Stevenson Custom Bikes is a significant advantage. Whether you're a long-distance randonneur, a fitness rider, or simply someone who appreciates the finer points of bicycle engineering, the personalized approach offered by Bill and Shawn Stevenson ensures a riding experience unlike any other. Their long history in the industry, combined with a commitment to individual fit and purposeful design, means that every bike leaving their Olympia workshop is a testament to quality and a perfect match for its owner. They understand that for many, a bicycle is more than just transportation; it's an extension of oneself, and Stevenson Custom Bikes is here to help Washington riders achieve their cycling dreams.

Stevenson Custom Bikes is located at 1111 Tullis St NE, Olympia, WA 98506, USA. This address places them in Olympia, the state capital of Washington, making them accessible to clients throughout Thurston County and potentially across the wider Puget Sound region. While not a traditional retail storefront on a bustling commercial strip, their workshop operates from a garage filled with tools and equipment, indicative of a specialized, craft-focused business. For those seeking custom work, the nature of their business often involves appointments and direct communication. Olympia's road network provides reasonable access, and for those travelling from further afield in Washington, the city is well-connected by major highways. The specialized nature of their custom frame-building work means that customers are often willing to travel to their location for the unique expertise and personalized service they offer.

Stevenson Custom Bikes specializes in a very particular and high-quality niche within the bicycle industry, focusing on bespoke craftsmanship and expert knowledge. Their services are centered around creating and maintaining bicycles designed for longevity and optimal performance. Based on available public information, their key offerings include:

• Hand-Built Custom Steel Bicycle Frames: This is their core expertise. Bill and Shawn Stevenson craft hand-built steel custom bike frames designed to fit an individual's body and riding needs precisely. They emphasize that these bikes are built to "last a long time," potentially "for decades," offering a superior, personalized alternative to mass-produced bikes. They use quality tubing like Reynolds 853 or True Temper OXIII and investment cast lugs.
• Full Bicycle Assembly: While they build frames, they also have the parts and expertise to assemble an entire custom bicycle, ensuring every component works harmoniously with the bespoke frame.
• Custom Bike Sizing and Design: They utilize a "bike-sizer" to take proper measurements, ensuring the custom bike is a perfect fit. Bill, with his background from a family of architects and engineers, creates "full-size technical drawings" of each bike, turning a two-dimensional drawing into a three-dimensional bicycle.
• Bicycle Repair and Maintenance: Beyond custom builds, Bill Stevenson has a long history as a bike mechanic, having worked at "The Bike Stand," an Olympia institution. While their primary focus is custom frames, their deep knowledge suggests they are capable of handling significant repair and maintenance tasks, especially for quality bicycles.
• Cycling and Maintenance Classes: Bill Stevenson leads "spinning classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Eagles," where riders can "Bring Your Own Bike" and leave their trainer. They also offer a "Monday Night Repair Class" that covers "almost every maintenance procedure," providing valuable education for locals. These classes are free and welcome questions.
• Expert Advice and Consultation: With decades of experience in the bicycle industry, Bill Stevenson offers invaluable insights into frame design, components, and riding techniques. He is known for "challenging some of cycling’s enduring misconceptions" and providing unique perspectives.
• Assistance with Bike Components: While building frames, they also have access to parts, implying they can assist customers in sourcing or integrating components for their custom or existing bikes.

Stevenson Custom Bikes stands out as a truly unique and highly respected entity in the Washington cycling community due to several exceptional features and highlights:

• Master Craftsmanship and Decades of Experience: The duo of Bill and Shawn Stevenson brings over "sixty years of combined experience building custom frames." Bill's background includes apprenticing with Albert Eisentraut, working for Ross Bicycles (pioneering mountain bikes), and designing for Fisher and Alpinestars. This level of expertise is rare and highly valued.
• Hand-Built Steel Frames for Longevity and Performance: Their commitment to hand-built steel frames is a significant highlight. They believe these bikes are ideal for "cycle sportive riders" who want a "lightweight, high-performance, steel bike with clearance for fenders and a slightly larger than standard tire," designed for year-round riding and comfort. Their bikes are designed to "last a long time," possibly "decades."
• Personalized Fit and Design: The emphasis on designing a bike that "fits your body and your riding needs" through detailed technical drawings and a "bike-sizer" ensures an unparalleled, custom riding experience. One customer even flew from the East Coast for a perfect fit for his "extra tall body."
• Community Engagement and Education: Offering free spinning classes and a "Monday Night Repair Class" demonstrates a strong commitment to the local cycling community, helping riders stay in shape and learn valuable maintenance skills. This fosters a unique bond beyond a typical business transaction.
• Unique Industry Perspective: Bill Stevenson's extensive background gives him a "unique and valuable perspective" on frame design and the bicycle industry, allowing them to create bikes that meet underserved demands.
• Quick Turnaround for Custom Builds: Unlike some high-demand custom builders who have "very long backlogs," Stevenson Custom Bikes aims to offer "very quick delivery" due to their recent ramp-up in operations.
• Legacy and Reputation: Bill Stevenson is a renowned figure in the cycling world, with his work being featured on respected platforms like Classic Rendezvous, highlighting the high regard for his craftsmanship and innovation (e.g., the 1986 Stevenson Demountable travel bike).

For Washington locals interested in the bespoke craftsmanship of Stevenson Custom Bikes, here is their contact information:

Address: 1111 Tullis St NE, Olympia, WA 98506, USA

Phone: (360) 402-2234

Mobile Phone: +1 360-402-2234

You can also find more information about their work and philosophy on websites dedicated to custom frame builders and classic bicycles, or potentially through direct email to [email protected].

For Washington locals, particularly those in Olympia and the surrounding areas who appreciate craftsmanship, durability, and a truly personalized cycling experience, Stevenson Custom Bikes is exceptionally suitable and a unique asset. In a state that values both outdoor activity and the artistry of local creators, this father-son duo offers something truly special: hand-built steel bicycle frames designed to perfectly fit the rider and last for decades. This bespoke approach stands in stark contrast to mass-produced alternatives, providing Washington cyclists with a machine that is an extension of their own body and riding style.

Beyond the custom builds, Bill and Shawn Stevenson's deep industry knowledge, their willingness to share expertise through free repair and spinning classes, and their genuine passion for cycling foster a strong community connection. They are not just suppliers; they are educators and mentors, helping locals understand and appreciate the intricacies of bicycle mechanics and riding technique. For a Washingtonian seeking a bike that is a work of art, a reliable companion for countless adventures, and a testament to enduring quality, choosing Stevenson Custom Bikes means investing in unparalleled expertise and supporting a truly unique local legacy. It's a place where your cycling dreams can literally be drawn up and brought to life, ensuring years of comfortable and confident riding across the diverse landscapes of the Evergreen State.

Stevenson Custom Bikes

1111 Tullis St NE, Olympia, WA 98506, USA