Independent Fabrication | Well-Crafted Machines

Written by Andrew Payne on February 8, 2010 - 0 Comments
Art, Design, USA

Independent Fabrication

For this Massachusetts-based bicycle company, the name Independent Fabrication kind of says it all. IF Bikes, as they are known, design and create the perfect mode of your independence. These custom bikes are perfectly fit to your body, riding style, and transportation goals. And man, they are beautiful!
IF Bikes manufacture out of their home base in Somerville, Mass, but sell through many dealers across the country. Each dealership has specific standardized guidelines for measuring you and accessing your needs to insure your individual fit.

They cover all categories of bikes: Road, Off Road, Race, and Cross. Don’t miss their “concept” bikes – very cool, indeed. I would personally like the Super Commuter or Corvid for heading off to work!

Steel Independence

Steel Independence detail

Silver Ghost- Super Commuter

The OX detail

The OX

IF Bikes was founded in 1995 by a small group of quality-minded bike-loving artists and metal craftsmen, with the simple goal (isn’t that always the best kind of goal?) of making the highest quality custom bikes available. As they have never strayed from this credo, their business has steadily grown in the personal and professional bike riding communities. And there’s certainly something about bicycles that build a sense of community. Riders and manufacturers tend to share a grassroots kind of bond. A good friend of mine, Del Hawbaker, actually rode for Independence Fabrication some years back in programs that focused on Downhill and Slalom racing, extensively touring the regional New England and national racing circuits. IF and Del still stay in touch to occasionally talk shop and cross promote.

Welding

Brazing

Svelte XS

Pursuit- Concept Bike

It’s hard to get overly enthusiastic about racing a bike down a hill when its still 20 degrees outside, but Spring looks to be just around the corner. Since all IF Bikes are handmade to order, you had better give them a ring soon.

Click on the below links.