Keep an open mind to those you meet on your adventures by bike. You never know what could happen when you’re out taking part in an event that is part of the sport you love. You could meet someone who you’ll later collaborate with to create an enterprise that changes the direction of your lives and many more as a result. The cycling world is unique in that two riders can have diverse approaches yet embrace each other in a likemindedness that enriches the culture of the community.

In an effort to celebrate handmade work of the cycling realm, in partnership with Shimano and visual documentarian Justin Balog, we set out to highlight some unique bike builders who, with their hands and their intriguing workshops, are making raw materials transform into the most amazing adventure tools. We are well aware of the countless artisans all over the world making these amazing working works of art. While we would love to share them all, we had to be a bit selective in sharing just a few that riders might just now be discovering.

The second builder we sought to highlight is Breadwinner Cycles. Founders Ira Ryan and Tony Pereira created the custom bike building company in Portland, Ore. a few years after an introduction at a cyclocross race. After building bikes individually for some time they collaborated on a series for Rapha. The torch was lit. Since then the pair have worked together for several years. Their shared passion for hand-made experiences and love of riding continues to sow the cycling community in the Pacific Northwest hub.