Behind every great man...
is a Woman who holds it all together
While James is chasing build perfection in the workshop, Chloe is holding down the fort, manning the phones, taking orders, ordering merch and generally doing everything else to keep James doing what he does best....
Meet the Craft Bikes team
James, Jim, Jimbo or Jimbuildsbikes as he is known to his friends was raised in South Africa on two wheels. His passion for everything two-wheeled is evidenced by the creation of Craft Bikes in 2017. James will always have a gravity bias to this riding, having starting out in regional downhill races he progressed to the Welsh Dragon series, the UK National series and finished at the UCI Masters World Championships in 2007.
Jim rides gravel and mountain bikes, and irrespective of the discipline he can often be seen in the air, sideways, whooping and hollering. You can almost certainly hear him before you see him. Fuelled by tea and never lacking enthusiasm, his knowledge of bikes is extensive and he thrives on helping people make their dream bike a reality.
“Bikes somehow connect us to a more fun and simple existence. Perhaps it reminds us of freedom as a child. For anyone who knows me and my personality, will know these bikes are a reflection of me, the pursuit of perfection, the precision, the attention to detail.”
Master Builder
As both a registered nurse and Doctor of Philosophy, Chloe's career has been predominantly focused on educating the nursing workforce within the academic sphere. However, in 2023 she decided to take a step back from higher education and with more time on her hands, she is able to lend her support to Craft Bikes in a variety of capacities. Chloe focusses on marketing and customer support, as well as being happy to assist with anything else that needs doing. Chloe's versatile skill set and willingness to contribute make her a valuable asset to the Craft Bikes team.
Chloe spent her childhood riding horses and when she sold her horse in 2000 there was an opening for a new expensive hobby. With a passion for gravel and mountain biking Chloe had ridden her bike all over the UK and Europe, and there is nothing she loves more than enjoying a steep and techy trail often singing on the way down.
“Riding bikes is a way of life. All of our friends, holidays and spare time are centred around riding bikes. It takes care of my mental and physical health. If we can share this passion with our customers, then this is the best job in the world.”
The Boss
Dedicated support staff
As workshop supervisor Silvie performs daily workshop inspections to check tidiness, cleanliness and ensure it is free from rodents, birds and monsters. Leaving no nook or crack unchecked she strikes fear into the Craft Bikes team. In her own time Silvie can be found sleeping somewhere warm and comfy, often putting in a solid 12 hour shift in order to prepare for her 5 minute daily inspection.
Post-sale support
By buying a bike from us you are entering into a lifelong relationship.
All Craft Bikes owners can expect an exceptional level of post-sale service and support including the following:
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Technical support with set-up and adjustments. Sometimes it can take a few rides to find that sweet spot and we will be available for advice and set-up tips.
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A free 1-month bolt check and general once-over (at Craft Bikes HQ).
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Ongoing support and bike servicing.
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Discount on Craft Bikes merchandise, parts and sundries.
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Invitation to the annual Craft Bikes ride and BBQ.
TESTIMONIALS
Once you purchase a Craft Bike, you are part of the Craft family, these are a few of the testimonials from our happy family so far....
JOANNE IRWIN
I can not recommend James, Chloe and the Craft Bikes team more highly. If you’re looking for something special, bespoke to you and beautiful to look at, it’s the bike for you.
Everything about the bike is of the highest quality. The ride is superb and it look’s awesome too. All aspects from design, to delivery, to service have been done with care and thought and a personal touch you will not experience elsewhere.
As an engineer myself, I'm so impressed with how Jim has moved his innovative designs coupled with his wealth of knowledge into practice and production. Frame designs and the attention to detail is something you simply wont find anywhere else. Don't take my word for it - ask to see his bike handover reaction videos to very happy customers.
The ethic at Craft Bikes is miles apart from corporate mass production and business profit, more fully grounded on customer satisfaction, after service and most importantly pride in their workmanship.