Business Details
33 Years
experience
Custom Bicycles for Every Riding Style
True North Cycles has been crafting high-quality custom bicycles since 1993, founded by Hugh Black in Alma, Ontario. Our commitment to quality, pragmatism, and individuality ensures each bike is hand-built with functional, reliable, and durable designs tailored to your riding needs. Specializing in steel and titanium frames, we cater to diverse cycling styles, from touring and road to mountain and electric assist. Our workshop in Belwood, Ontario, and retail presence at The Bicycle Tailor in Fergus reflect our dedication to the local cycling community.With decades of experience, we prioritize proper fit, load distribution, and material selection to create bikes that endure years of rigorous use. Our post-sale service, including adjustments and maintenance, underscores our commitment to customer satisfaction. By blending engineering precision with artisan craftsmanship, we deliver bicycles that combine performance, comfort, and longevity for riders worldwide.
Services
Custom Bicycles
Frame Repair
Powder Coating
S&S Couplers
Electric Assist
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of custom bicycle frame-building expertise
- Hand-built steel and titanium frames for durability
- Tailored fit for diverse cycling disciplines and terrains
- Community-focused retail presence at The Bicycle Tailor
- Comprehensive post-sale service and adjustments
Services
Custom Bicycles
True North Cycles creates fully customized bicycles tailored to individual riders' needs. Each frame is hand-built using steel or titanium, ensuring durability and comfort for diverse cycling styles. Our process involves detailed consultations, precise measurements, and material selection to optimize performance. Whether for touring, racing, or commuting, our bikes prioritize proper fit, weight distribution, and long-term reliability, making them ideal for demanding riders seeking personalized solutions.
Frame Repair
We offer comprehensive frame repair and alignment for steel and titanium bicycles. Services include tube and dropout replacement, dent removal, and structural reinforcement. Our expertise ensures damaged frames regain their original strength and functionality. Using precision tools and techniques, we address issues ranging from minor wear to major damage, extending the lifespan of your bike while maintaining its performance standards for continued reliable use.
Powder Coating
True North Cycles provides in-house powder coating for bicycle frames using Prismatic Powders. Choose from a wide range of colors and finishes, including gloss, matte, and metallic. Our process includes stripping old finishes, applying high-quality primer, and adding durable vinyl decals for customization. This ensures a long-lasting, scratch-resistant finish that enhances both aesthetics and protection for your frame.
S&S Couplers
We install S&S Couplers on steel and titanium frames, allowing easy disassembly for travel. This system enables bikes to fit into standard luggage, reducing transport costs and damage risks. Ideal for touring cyclists, the couplers maintain structural integrity while offering convenience for air travel or long-distance adventures without compromising ride quality or frame durability.
Electric Assist
Our electric assist bicycles integrate various motor and battery systems into custom frames. Designed for efficiency and practicality, these bikes accommodate ultra-low step-through cruisers or high-performance road commuters. We optimize frame geometry and component placement to balance power delivery, weight distribution, and aesthetics, creating versatile e-bikes tailored to urban commuting or recreational riding needs.
People
Hugh Black
Founder
Hugh Black founded True North Cycles in 1993 after graduating with a Mechanical Engineering degree. Combining engineering precision with craftsmanship, he specializes in custom steel and titanium frames. His expertise spans touring, mountain, and road bikes, emphasizing durability and rider comfort.
Questions
What types of bicycles does True North Cycles offer?
We specialize in custom steel and titanium bicycles for touring, road, mountain, gravel, track, tandem, fatbike, and electric assist cycling, tailored to individual rider needs.
Can I customize my bicycle's frame material and design?
Yes, we offer steel, titanium, and bonded carbon-titanium frames. Our process includes material selection, geometry customization, and detailed design consultations to match your riding style and preferences.
Do you provide repair services for non-True North bicycles?
Yes, our frame repair and alignment services apply to bicycles from other manufacturers, including tube replacement, dent removal, and structural reinforcement for steel and titanium frames.
How does the custom bicycle ordering process work?
The process includes an initial consultation, in-person fitting, component selection, paint design, and a $1000 deposit. Frame building begins after final approvals, with assembly completed at The Bicycle Tailor.
Are test rides available before purchasing?
Yes, demo bikes are available at The Bicycle Tailor in Fergus. Contact us to arrange a test ride and experience our custom builds firsthand.
What post-purchase support do you offer?
We provide post-sale adjustments, maintenance, and repairs. Local riders can schedule follow-up fittings, while shipped bikes receive setup based on your measurements for optimal initial performance.
Reviews (5)
Craig Martin
Apr 23, 2021
Report
I ride a True North Cyclocross frame I bought used and built up myself. It is no question the best-handling bike I've ever had, including a full-carbon race bike.
Jasmin Hofer
Sep 06, 2020
Report
Get the custom built bicycle of your dreams here! I've ridden and raced True North bikes for many years. These are built to last. Pure joy on wheels!
Paul Masson
Nov 22, 2019
Report
Hugh's bike builds are Amazing!! Loved my gravel, travel bike so much after a trip across Mexico last winter I had to buy one for my wife. this winter we are off cycling the lake district in Chile & Argentina and of course bringing our bikes😊
Peter Phillips
Dec 26, 2018
Report
My wife had a custom all roads bike made years ago and still an eye grabber. I have had repairs done on a mtb that were perfectly done. I highly recommend True North Cycles
Jasmin Hofer
Aug 24, 2018
Report
At puts his skill and passion into making amazing custom bicycles! I've been racing and riding his bikes for over 11 years now and currently own a True North mountain bike and single speed cross bike. Take one look and you won't miss the attention to detail and build quality. Take one ride and you won't want to get off!… He creates bicycles that will fit you and your riding style, a perfect companion for whatever adventures you plan to head out on! I've been eyeing up his titanium coupler travel bikes for future adventures overseas!
