Who is The Upcyclist?
My name is Tom. I live in Groningen, NL, and I've been falling off various mountain bikes since the '90s. Originally from the UK, I moved to the Netherlands to study after leaving the band I was in. I now teach psychology at university and work on vintage MTBs as often as possible - not as a business in the traditional sense, but as a passion project.
Norman is about 12 years old and is 50% German Longhaired Pointer, 25% Bernese Mountain Dog, 25% Collie, and 100% good boy.

Can you make a bike for me?
By all means. Take a look at the new projects page to see if there’s anything that catches your eye. If you’re looking for a bike that’s been restored with care and attention to detail, I’d love to work with you.

How much does it cost, and what do I get for that?
For practical reasons, we are a registered business, but not a profit-driven venture. We restore these bikes because we love them, not because we're trying to scale up or maximise sales. That said, we do charge for our work, just not for all the hours we put in. It would be impossible to recoup all the time and costs that go into these bikes (sourcing the frames, restoring them and tracking down the right parts, etc.), but we feel that the price reflects the time, effort, and attention to detail.
Each build typically takes a month or more to complete, from stripping the bike and treating it to choosing parts, rebuilding and testing it. The clear-coating process alone takes at least two weeks, as each layer needs time to cure. Custom builds start at around €1000, which includes clear-coating, assembly and base parts. Some bikes end up costing just about that much, but the price also depends on the frame and the components. While this pricing reflects the quality of work, it doesn't, and can't, account for all the hours, and that's exactly how I want it. This is about passion, not profit.

What do you do to your bikes?
We bring them as close to their original condition as possible. Every bike is fully stripped down to the frame, rust is removed and/or treated, and the frame is sprayed with many layers of clear coat, not just for shine, but to protect against rust returning. This is a home-brewed process that takes weeks, but it means it should stay looking fresh for years to come.
We also align the dropouts and derailleur hanger, replace all bearings (wheels, headset, bottom bracket), straighten the wheels, and swap out any parts that can’t be restored. Handlebars are usually replaced for comfort. All consumables (cables, tyres, grips, chains, etc.) are always replaced.

Why do I need a vintage 26-inch Chromoly steel mountain bike?
These bikes are strong, versatile, and built to last, yet they weigh about the same as a modern touring or city bike. They’re sustainable because after we’ve finished with them, they can probably last another 30+ years and can be repaired or upgraded anywhere in the world without relying on expensive or hard-to-find parts. They're simple and low-maintenance because they don't have suspension, which means fewer things to break or service. Some of these bikes also use butted tubing, meaning the frame is thicker where it needs to be strong and thinner elsewhere to keep weight down. The 26-inch wheels make these bikes quick to accelerate, easy to handle, and therefore fun to ride. Many of them also have mounts for racks, making them great for commuting, everyday riding, and even long-distance trips. Oh, and they look super cool!

Which frame size is right for me?
I would start with this video. Generally, vintage mountain bikes fit quite differently from modern bikes. There are 3 things to consider: the top tube length (how far you reach forward), the seat tube length (how tall the frame is) and standover height (the clearance between you and the top tube when standing over the bike). You should ideally have at least a couple of centimetres of space to ensure an easy dismount!
Your body proportions also factor into it. A rider with shorter legs will often need a smaller frame to have enough standover clearance. A rider with longer legs might be able to ride a taller frame, but might also have a relatively short torso and therefore find its longer top tube/reach uncomfortable. Leg length mainly affects frame height, while torso and arm length have more influence on reach.
That said, there is a lot of room for adjustments; for example, handlebars and stems can significantly change how a bike feels and fits. This means you might not need a frame as large as you’d expect.
Tom is 173cm and has shorter legs, so he prefers to ride frames with an 18” (46cm) seat tube for a better standover height. The shorter top tube also gives a more comfortable reach. Norman can’t ride a bike yet.

Can I see what they looked like before?
Sure, just check out the before/after on Instagram

Can you do some work on my MTB?
Of course! Get in touch with as many pictures as possible, and we'll try to let you know what needs replacing and what’s possible to upcycle. We charge an hourly rate plus parts, for which you will receive an invoice.

Do you offer shipping?
We don’t have packaging ready to go, but we can get it if needed. However, since a bike is built for you, we’d prefer to fit it to your body before you take it home. Get in touch, and we can discuss what’s possible.

What are your business details?
Chamber of Commerce (KvK) 89589297, VAT (BTW) NL004744989B04