Bingham Built | Jaegher & English – Design & Construction

Bingham Built: Titanium Gravel Bikes and the Evolution of Seatpost Design

A new generation of meticulously crafted gravel bikes,featuring both traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology,were on display at the recent Enve Builder Round-Up and Grodeo event. Among the highlights were titanium builds, stainless steel frames embracing 3D printing, and innovative designs from emerging builders like Bingham Built.

The Rise of Boutique Gravel Builders

the event showcased a growing trend in the cycling world: the rise of small-batch, custom bike builders. These builders are pushing the boundaries of design and fabrication, offering cyclists highly personalized and performance-focused machines. This latest showcase featured a diverse range of approaches, from classic titanium craftsmanship to the adoption of advanced manufacturing processes.

Did you know?-Boutique bike builders often specialize in specific materials or riding styles.This allows for a high degree of customization and attention to detail, resulting in unique bikes tailored to individual needs.

bingham Built: A Legacy of Seatpost Innovation

Brad Bingham of Bingham Built presented a striking gravel build equipped with EnveS Gravel In-Route fork and bar/stem, alongside his own Sweetpost seatpost. The story behind the Sweetpost is a captivating one, rooted in a long-standing interest in seatpost design and a surprising twist of fate.

As one observer noted,securely attaching two rails to a seatpost presents a unique engineering challenge,with countless solutions already on the market. Bingham’s journey began in 2007 at Moots, were he was tasked with redesigning their seatpost. Simultaneously,Kent Eriksen,the founder of Moots,was independently pursuing his own design. Bingham initially intended to name his creation the Sweetpost, but Eriksen secured the name first, resulting in the Moots post being called Cinch.

Pro tip:-When choosing a custom bike, consider the builder’s experience with your preferred riding style and the materials they specialize in. This can significantly impact the bike’s performance and your overall enjoyment.

The narrative came full circle when Bingham acquired Eriksen Cycles, including the rights to the Sweetpost. This acquisition allowed for a 2022 redesign, incorporating a carbon rail option and improving the holding force by 30-40%. The updated design utilizes concentric bolts that independently clamp the rails and allow for angle adjustment. Bingham Built offers a streamlined, build-to-order process for the seatposts, with a choice of setback ranging from 0 to 30 mm and a remarkably quick one-day turnaround time thanks to modular tooling.

Production and Philosophy

Bingham Built currently focuses on all-road and gravel bikes, producing approximately 70 frames per year with a lead time of around four months. While many riders desire tire clearance for 50 mm tires, Bingham has observed that a 42-45 mm range often proves optimal for mixed-surface riding.

The company invests heavily in tubing stock, sourcing primarily straight-gauge tubing from Alleima (formerly Sandvik) in Washington, allowing for precise frame tuning to suit individual rider needs. Chainstay tubing is sourced from Japan in a stress-relieved state, facilitating bending and manipulation. Notably, the carbon rail version of the Sweetpost incorporates 3D-printed clamping pieces alongside the 5 mm-within-6 mm concentric adjustment bolts.

Reader question:-What features are most crucial to you when considering a custom bike? Share your thoughts on frame material, geometry, and component choices.

Bingham utilizes 6Al-4V titanium for the headset bearing cups, a stronger and harder material than the more common 3Al-2.5V, chosen for its machinability according to Paragon Machine Works. The frame construction involves machining the centre tube to length and employing a rotary welding setup to create a seamless head tube.

Bingham Built represents a compelling example of the innovation and craftsmanship flourishing within the boutique bicycle industry, blending a rich history of design with modern manufacturing techniques.

The Materials of Mastery: Delving Deeper into Bingham Built’s Craft

Building on the foundation of seatpost innovation and custom frame design, let’s examine the materials that define Bingham Built’s approach, particularly the use of titanium gravel bikes and how the company balances tradition with modern advancements.

Titanium, with its remarkable strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, has long been a coveted material in the cycling world. It’s no surprise that Bingham Built specializes in using titanium for creating some of the best gravel bikes available [[1]]. However, the selection of the right titanium grade and its meticulous manipulation are crucial to the final product.

Why Titanium? The Benefits for Gravel Riding

Titanium offers a range of benefits uniquely suited for gravel riding:

• Durability: Titanium is incredibly durable, able to withstand the rigors of off-road riding.
• Ride Quality: The material absorbs vibrations, leading to a smoother and more comfortable ride.
• Weight: Despite its strength, titanium is lightweight, contributing to an efficient feel on climbs and during acceleration.
• Corrosion Resistance: Titanium does not rust, making it ideal for all-weather riding.

Bingham Built sources its titanium tubing from reputable suppliers to ensure quality. Thay prioritize straight-gauge tubing from Alleima (formerly Sandvik) in Washington, which enables precise frame tuning to suit individual rider needs [[3]]. This attention to material sourcing, combined with precise welding and machining techniques, is central to the longevity and performance of each frame.

Beyond Titanium: Strategic Material Choices

While titanium is the core of their offerings, Bingham Built also considers other materials for components where specific properties are needed. For instance, the headset bearing cups, as mentioned earlier, are crafted using 6Al-4V titanium, because this alloy provides superior machinability. The choice goes beyond just cost, prioritizing long-term durability and performance.

3D Printing and the future of Frame Building

Bingham Built’s use of 3D-printed components, like the clamping pieces in their carbon rail Sweetpost redesign, indicates a willingness to incorporate modern manufacturing technologies within a traditionally-rooted craft. This approach allows for intricate designs, weight optimization, and customization possibilities that might be challenging with traditional methods. This blending of old and new techniques is characteristic of what makes the best custom bikes, according to some experts [[2]].

What differentiates Bingham Built’s approach? The dedication to optimizing the entire riding experience sets them apart. They consider every component impacting how you engage-from the position provided by their Sweetpost straight through to how the bike actually performs on the trail.

How does Binghma Built build for your perfect fit? They use a modular approach to enable the construction of a range of builds, making for the potential of a truly custom experience. This level of personalization is a hallmark of the boutique bike builder. This approach provides riders with bikes specifically tailored to their needs and preferences.

Practical Tips for Choosing a Titanium Gravel Bike

• Consider Your Riding Style: The best titanium gravel bikes are often built around a specific riding style.Decide whether you prioritize all-day comfort, speed, or technical performance.
• Explore Geometry: Research and understand the geometry of different frames. Things like the head tube angle, reach, and stack will impact your comfort and handling.
• Research Component Compatibility: Consider the components you want to use and ensure the frame is compatible. Pay attention to things like bottom bracket standards, tire clearance, and brake compatibility.
• Think About Customization: If you want a custom fit, a boutique builder like Bingham Built can offer personalized options.

Titanium Gravel Bike FAQ

Q: Is titanium worth the cost?

A: Titanium bikes often come with a higher price tag. However, the material’s durability, ride quality and longevity, can offer a better investment in the long term; this can be especially true for custom-built bikes.

Q: can titanium frames be repaired?

A: Yes, titanium frames can be repaired. Although the repair process requires specialized welding skills, skilled technicians can often restore a damaged frame to its original condition.