Temple Cycles: Crafting "Future Vintage" Bicycles in the Heart of Britain

Since its founding, Temple Cycles has stuck firmly to its principles: build bikes that inspire people to ride, make them to last a lifetime, and do it sustainably. Their motto, “Future Vintage,” isn’t just a clever phrase—it’s a mission.

In a quiet corner of Bristol, where the edges of the city gently merge with the Somerset countryside, something special is being hand-built. Temple Cycles is a British bike company born from a deep love of cycling, vintage craftsmanship, and a vision for sustainable design. But before it became a name recognised by cyclists around the world, it began with one man’s passion.

The story of Temple Cycles begins with Matt, who discovered his love for all things two-wheeled growing up in Somerset. Surrounded by winding country lanes and rolling hills, he spent countless weekends exploring the outdoors on his bike. It was here, in the heart of the English countryside, that his appreciation for bikes as both machines and companions truly began.

Later, while studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol, Matt combined his technical knowledge with his passion for cycling. In 2012, he started restoring vintage bicycles from the 1960s to the 1980s—an era known for elegant, durable steel frames and timeless design. The more he restored, the more he came to admire the qualities of these classic machines: their simplicity, character, and resilience.

But Matt didn’t stop at restoration. By 2014, he saw an opportunity to blend the charm of vintage bicycles with the advancements in modern manufacturing. With a vision of creating bikes that looked beautiful, rode brilliantly, and were built to last a lifetime, Temple Cycles was born.

From Humble Beginnings to National Recognition

Temple launched its first two models—the Classic Lightweight and the Step Through Lightweight—in early 2015 after months of intensive design and prototyping. With a handful of completed bikes and a lot of ambition, Matt hit the road. He travelled across the UK, setting up pop-up shops, talking to fellow cycling enthusiasts, and personally taking orders before returning to Somerset to hand-build each bike.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. By the end of the year, Temple Cycles had outgrown its original workshop and moved into a larger space in Bristol—where the company remains headquartered today.

Since then, the company has expanded its range of bicycles, grown a passionate and skilled team, and developed a loyal customer base that stretches across the UK and beyond. What started as a one-person operation is now a recognised name in the cycling world, known for exceptional quality, design, and service.

British Craftsmanship at Its Finest

What makes a Temple bike different? For starters, each one is hand-assembled by a team of experienced builders in Bristol. These craftsmen and women bring years of knowledge and precision to every bike, ensuring that every detail—from gear alignment to handlebar tape—is perfect.

Temple frames are built using Reynolds steel, a material made by a heritage British company based in Birmingham. Reynolds tubing has long been the gold standard in bicycle manufacturing for its strength, lightweight feel, and superb ride quality. The frames are fabricated in small batches by a world-renowned partner in Taiwan, then returned to Bristol for final assembly.

The result? A high-performance, low-maintenance bicycle with classic aesthetics—versatile enough for city commutes, countryside adventures, or weekend touring.

Bikes That Last a Lifetime (and Then Some)

At the core of Temple Cycles' philosophy is sustainability. In a world of fast fashion and disposable goods, Temple takes a radically different approach. Their bikes are designed to last a lifetime, and they're made to be easy to repair, upgrade, and maintain. Spare parts are readily available, and the company encourages owners to care for their bikes as they would a beloved heirloom.

These bikes are made in small batches and released just a few times a year—reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality over quantity. They’re not just bikes; they’re future vintage—crafted to be handed down through generations.

A Bike for Every Kind of Ride

Temple’s range has grown to include hybrid bikes, touring models, and more—all designed with the same attention to detail and timeless styling. Their hybrid bikes, in particular, are a perfect example of versatility. Whether you're commuting through city streets, heading out for a weekend ride in the countryside, or embarking on a light touring adventure, Temple hybrids are built to handle it all with grace and reliability.

Bicycles for Businesses

Beyond individual customers, Temple also works with hotels, businesses, and brands to create bespoke fleet bikes. These beautifully branded cycles are ideal for guest use and corporate settings, with options for custom colours, logos, baskets, racks, and bags. Durable, stylish, and reliable—they’re a natural extension of the Temple philosophy.

Looking Ahead

Since its founding, Temple Cycles has stuck firmly to its principles: build bikes that inspire people to ride, make them to last a lifetime, and do it sustainably. Their motto, “Future Vintage,” isn’t just a clever phrase—it’s a mission.

Today, seeing a Temple bike in the wild—on a cobbled London street, a Devon trail, or a Dutch canal path—is still the company’s greatest reward. In a rapidly changing world, Temple Cycles offers something rare: thoughtfully crafted bikes with soul, built by hand in Britain, and made to be part of your story for decades to come.

Learn More or Shop Temple Cycles

Official Website: templecycles.com

UK Store: shop.templecycles.com

Follow on Instagram: @templecycles

Fleet & Business Solutions: templecycles.com/pages/fleet-bikes

Explore their full range of bikes, learn about their sustainable production methods, or get in touch with the team to build a custom fleet for your business.

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