All bikes from The ReCyclery begin with high end steel frames from the days gone by. I search for neglected but solid frames from the 1960s-1980s. Think Miyata, Peugeot and Trek.
The frames are stripped, cleaned, treated and then powder coated. All the running gear is new including 700C wheels, hubs and bottom brackets. Occasionally, I keep the stem or cranks if they are exceptional. The brakes are upgraded to dual-pivot, medium to long reach as needed.
I build bikes for URBAN cyclists which means they are nimble yet strong. These bikes are fully capable of moderate gravel riding and long road rides - even the occasional Century ride!
But you have to drink the Kool-Aid: I only use internal gear hubs (IGH). I offer two drive trains.
The Sturmey-Archer 3-speed the absolute best bicycle hub ever built.
The Shimano Nexus/Alfine 8 an eerily silent drive with full 306% range