A Heart of Metal chat with Robert Piontek, founder of Big Forest Frameworks.
Hi Robert, can you tell us about Big Forest Frameworks?
Big Forest Frameworks is dedicated to the art of custom bike frame building and empowering others to create their own. We specialise in crafting high-quality, handcrafted bike frames that combine durability, performance, and a personal touch. Beyond building exceptional frames, we offer hands-on courses that teach enthusiasts how to design and construct their own bike frames, providing them with the skills and knowledge to bring their unique vision to life. At Big Forest Frameworks, we’re passionate about cycling, craftsmanship, and fostering a community of makers who share our love for bikes.
When did you start frame building and what made you start?
Big Forest Frameworks began in 2012, but my journey to frame building started long before that. I studied astrophysics, earned a PhD, and worked as an astrophysicist, spending most of my days behind a computer. While the work was interesting, it wasn’t inspiring—I wanted to wake up excited about what I was doing. After exploring various creative paths like jewelry making and photography, I left my job in 2012 and went home to visit my parents. During that time, I built my first bike frame, a process that took about two months. It was a transformative experience—I rediscovered the joy of working with my hands and creating something tangible. Riding a bike I built myself was incredible, and I knew I’d found what I wanted to do.
When did you start using Columbus tubes? And why?
I started using Columbus tubes right from the beginning of my frame-building journey in 2012. Columbus has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality steel tubing that blends strength, durability, and performance. Their tubes are engineered with precision, offering a perfect balance of lightweight construction and responsiveness, which makes them ideal for creating bike frames that ride beautifully. Choosing Columbus was an easy decision—they’re trusted by frame builders worldwide, and their rich history in cycling aligns perfectly with my commitment to craftsmanship and excellence.
What are the most noticeable differences when working with Columbus tubes? From a riding point of view are there any noticeable differences?
One standout feature is their balance of strength and weight. Columbus tubes are engineered for performance, so they’re lightweight yet strong, which ensures a reliable and responsive frame. Additionally, the variety of tubing profiles and alloys they offer provides endless opportunities for customisation, enabling me to create frames tailored to a rider’s specific needs. Working with Columbus tubes feels like working with the best materials in the industry—it’s a joy every step of the way.
How would you define Columbus tubing in three words?
Innovation, Performance, Craftsmanship.
Which frame would you like to share with us today? Can you tell us about the different characteristics – tyre clearance, bb size etc?
Today, I’d like to share a frame built by Jens during our 5-Day Frame Building course. It’s a sleek road bike featuring the Columbus Trittico fork, cockpit, and seat post, combining modern functionality with classic steel frame aesthetics. The frame offers generous tyre clearance of 32mm, making it versatile for various road conditions. It uses a T47 bottom bracket, allowing for seamless integration of the brake line for a cleaner look. The frame was painted by Velocaio in Berlin, adding a stunning finish that perfectly complements the bike’s design and enhances its overall visual appeal.
The tubing mix includes Columbus Life, Spirit, and Zona, which is my preferred combination for road frames. The frame also features dropped seat stays, giving it a modern, refined look. Jens chose the Trittico line, which allows for fully integrated cables while preserving the classic charm of a steel frame. Other systems sometimes require oversized tubing, which can compromise the traditional aesthetic, but with this setup, Jens was able to create a modern take on the classic steel bike while maintaining its timeless appeal. It’s a fantastic example of blending the best of both worlds.
How is this frame special compared to your normal production?
While most of our work is custom, we do offer the Nozama, an all-road bike designed with more tyre clearance. The Nozama is available in standard sizes and is typically in stock, ready for immediate purchase. However, the bulk of our frames are fully custom-built, with the tubing selection made in consultation with our customers, usually in person. This allows each rider to choose the exact specifications they want for their frame, ensuring it is tailored to their needs and preferences.
One special aspect of our custom frames, as well as our frame-building courses, is the level of personalization we offer. You get exactly what you want, designed and built to fit your vision, whether it’s the geometry, tubing selection, or unique details. It’s about creating something truly your own.
Which Columbus tubes did you use for this frame?
The down tube is the 38mm bi-oval ‘Max’ shaped down tube, I like the (SLFL11560OV125) Life/HSS 32/29mm tapered top tube, it allows for a really nice transition from the larger diameter 44mm top tube, to the smaller diameter 29mm seat tube which allows a standard 27,2mm seat post. The seat post is the (ZON113715) Zona, which has a long external butt at the top to better withstand the stress of the dropped seat stay. I prefer a 27,2mm seat post in most cases as larger diameters tend to make the ride too harsh. Chain Stays are Zona with the Road S-Bend curve, and I usually prefer the thinner 14mm Spirit seat stays that you see here on Jen’s Bike.
Who are your customers, in general or specifically? What are they looking for?
Most of our customers are based in Germany, but we’ve had the privilege of welcoming people from all over the world, including India, the USA, Canada, Singapore, and many European countries. Our customers are typically cycling enthusiasts who value craftsmanship, quality, and personalisation. Whether they’re looking for a custom-built bike frame that’s tailored to their unique specifications or seeking to learn the art of frame building through our courses, they are driven by a desire for something more than off-the-shelf options. They want a bike that fits them perfectly, reflects their personality, and offers an exceptional riding experience. Our courses attract those who are passionate about learning the craft and want to experience the satisfaction of building their own bike from the ground up.
Why did you use Trittico for this build?
Jens chose the Trittico for this build because he wanted a bike that featured fully integrated cables—specifically, two brake lines—while still maintaining the classic look of a steel frame. The Trittico system allows for this seamless integration, providing a clean, modern aesthetic without compromising the traditional steel frame appearance. It’s an ideal choice for riders who appreciate the visual appeal of a steel frame but also want the practicality and sleekness of internal cable routing. The Trittico makes this balance possible, giving Jens the best of both worlds in his custom build.
