The ideas & the people behind

Forged from the combined 68 years of frame building and bicycle industry experience of Peter Bird and Robert Wade with a passion to bring bespoke quality and detail to production frames for discerning clients worldwide and supporting fellow small British frame builders.

The original concept and integrity of a Swallow frame is that it is, and always will be a bespoke product, made as a one off, as individual as the client ordering it. Peter and Robert have built or worked on over 2500 frames over the years. They were amongst the first to use sizing jigs to measure clients in the early 1980's and both were awarded the prestigious Reynolds 753 approved Master Frame builder certificate early in their careers. Over the years Swallow frames have received a fair few awards for their design and inovation. Drawing on this legacy of experience and skill and inspired by the heritage of the Ironbridge Gorge, where they live and work, the Ironbridge range of bicycles are a tribute to Britain's industrial, manufacturing and artisan heritage, with a hand-built frame at its core that lays testament to the true craftsmanship of the British isles.

Unlike a lot of steel production frames, we do not weld our joints. Although more time consuming, we use traditional fillet brazing for our 1779 and 1851 Ironbridge frames for the more aesthetic smooth flowing curved finish that you would usually only find on a bespoke frame. This also enables us to have complete control over the frame geometry and design to bring you a contemporary bicycle that suits your fit and riding style. Lugs are still alive in the 1952 model for those looking for a traditional style, with or without disc brakes. We use British made Reynolds tubing in all of our frames and steel forks with selected Columbus tubing for some rear triangles.