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If you're tuned into the bike building world, you've most likely heard the name Billy Sinkford. He's the mastermind behind MADE, Portland's very own bike building show. Where bike builders from all over come to display their unique creations, built by hand. We spoke with Billy in celebration of our newest launch: Metallic Blue and Bronze! We ask him the important questions, like why is metal the best material ever? Okay, that one might be a bit biased.

Welcome: Metallic Blue and Bronze. Our newest metallic shades are the best ones yet! Thank you to @josuastrong for the bottle photos.

Tell us a bit about yourself! How has your relationship to bikes grown throughout your life? 

For sure. I guess my real relationship with bikes started as a messenger in Boston, late 90’s and early 2000’s. The second I realized I could make money riding my bike, I never looked back.

After a decade of delivering packages, I managed to make my way into bike marketing, and eventually went to school for it. Over the last 20 years I have had the pleasure of working with dozens of cycling brands (many builders and adjacent to the handmade community), helping with communications and strategy.

You've spent years around some of the most beautifully designed bikes in the world. What makes a product go from simply functional to something you really want to own?

That is a great question. For me personally, it’s a connection with the builder. Nearly all the bikes I own have been fabricated by dear friends. So for me, it’s a personal connection. 

For many, a custom bike solves a problem. A framebuilder is not locked into building stock sizing, and can work directly with a rider to help design a frame that will enhance and elevate the ride experience. Most riders can fit within our industry's stock sizing, but are looking for something special that stands out. This can either be finish work, a specific material choice or, a connection with the builder. 

Ultimately, a custom bike allows the rider to get exactly what they want, not what a particular brand believes a customer will enjoy. 

Why do you think people are drawn to certain materials, finishes, and colors? What makes something feel special before you even use it?

In today’s world of highly disposable products and materials, metal bikes are no longer the common standard. While there is an argument that nearly all bikes are handmade, there is something magical about selecting a particular material (steel, Ti, carbon), and finding the right framebuilder to fabricate a dream bike. 

The finish is the icing on the cake, often designed with personal touches or favorite colors. Knowing that everything has been done for the individual, not mass produced forms a bond with the bike. 

There's something about metal that feels both timeless and modern. What is it about the material that resonates with you, whether it's on a bike or an everyday object?

I am a huge titanium fan. I am old enough now that a bike purchase is a long term investment and a Ti bike is not going anywhere. This has transferred all the way down to hydration. MADE partners with Bivo for this very reason. Buy less, buy better. I want to give all this to my children some day, you can’t do that with plastic.

At MADE, you see incredible craftsmanship alongside some pretty unconventional ideas. How important is taking a creative risk in design, and how do you know when something really works?

The handmade community is amazing, and helps drive the decision making at MADE. The show is for the builders, and those interested in handmade. Seeing someone color outside the lines and create something that stands out is what the show is for. You will often see complete one off’s and a lot of proof of concept at the show.

Before carbon became commonplace, you would see the designers and engineers from the larger brands at handmade shows, looking to the builder community for inspiration. I hope we are starting to see a return to that!