Build Your Dream Bike in Wandsworth with Forbidden Cycles
Let’s face it—buying a bike off the shelf doesn’t always hit the mark. Maybe the gears aren’t quite right, the frame doesn’t fit comfortably, or the style just doesn’t feel like “you.” If you’ve been there, you’re not alone.
At Forbidden Cycles, we believe your bike should feel like an extension of you—customised to your lifestyle, your ride, and your style. Our bike shop in Wandsworth, South West London, offers bespoke custom bike builds that give you full control over every detail. Whether you're cycling through Battersea Park, tackling Tooting Bec Common, or commuting across the city, we’ll build you a ride that suits you perfectly.
Why Custom Bike Builds Are Taking Off
Custom bikes are no longer just for elite cyclists or racing professionals. More and more everyday riders across London are turning to custom builds—and for good reason.
With a custom bike, you get:
Tailored fit and geometry for your body and riding style
High-quality components picked for durability and performance
A one-of-a-kind aesthetic that reflects your personality
Longer-lasting value and the ability to upgrade over time
Reduce the risk of theft due to customisation
When you ride something built specifically for you, it’s not just a bike—it’s your bike. And trust us, that makes a big difference on the road.
How the Custom Build Process Works
We’ve designed our process to be straightforward and enjoyable. Whether you’re a total bike newbie or a seasoned rider, we’ll guide you through each step. Here’s what working with us looks like:
1. Friendly Consultation
We start with a chat—simple as that. We’ll talk about how you ride, what you want from your bike, and any ideas you already have. Whether you’re after a reliable commuter for navigating Clapham Junction or a sleek weekend bike for countryside escapes, we’ll help you plan the perfect build.
2. Frame Selection
From classic steel to lightweight carbon, your frame is the backbone of your bike. We’ll help you pick one that matches your riding goals, budget, and preferred feel. Got your own frame already? No problem, we’ll build around it.
3. Parts & Components
This is where your bike starts taking shape. We’ll work with you to select:
Gears that suit your terrain and strength
Brakes that give you confidence in city traffic
Bars, saddles, tyres, and more that match your comfort and riding style
Not sure what you need? That’s what we’re here for.
4. Precision Wheel Building
From road to gravel, we match spoke count, rim width, and hub style to your weight, riding surface, and performance needs. Every wheel is trued and tensioned to last.
5. Assembly & Testing
Once all the parts are in, we assemble your bike with care and expertise. Everything is fitted, adjusted, and tested to perfection. You’ll roll out knowing it’s been checked, double-checked, and fine-tuned for you.
Local Love, Global Reach
Our custom bike shop is in Wandsworth, but our builds have reached far and wide. Riders from across London, Bristol, Scotland, and even Berlin have come to us looking for something special. Why?
Because we’re one of the few shops that genuinely listen, build with care, and focus on the rider experience. We can credit a healthy amount of bookings to referrals, Reddit threads, or the VanMoof riders group—a 12,000-strong community that knows what quality looks like.
We’ve even partnered with big names like Fettle, who refer all their VanMoof customers our way because they know we’re the only ones in London who can handle those bikes properly.
Bikes We’ve Built
Our custom builds include everything from:
City commuters with racks, guards, and integrated lighting
Weekend gravel machines for long rides on mixed terrain
Touring bikes built for comfort and gear hauling
Retro-inspired city cruisers with custom paintwork
We’re not limited to one style. If you can imagine it, we can help make it happen.
Do I Need to Know a Lot About Bikes?
Not at all. Many of our customers just know how they want their bike to feel or look, and we help with the rest. We don’t use complicated jargon or talk over your head, we’ll explain options clearly and help you make the right choices.
Let’s Build Something Together
If you’re tired of riding something that doesn’t quite work for you, or you just want a bike that feels yours, let’s talk.
We’re local, we’re approachable, and we love working with riders of all levels. Whether you’re ready to start building now or just want to bounce around some ideas, we’re here.