Only 10 units worldwide: The strictly limited steel downhiller BTR Gasser

If there's one thing the British know how to do, it's steel construction in small garages. The bike scene celebrates the tinkerers from the island for their independent, timeless designs with recognition value. The BTR Gasser downhill bike is no exception with its deflected single-link suspension and classic steel tubes. Limited to just ten bikes, this piece of jewellery is welded in a typical British workshop and is taking the hearts of enthusiasts by storm.

BTR Gasser in detail

• Area of application: Downhill
• Suspension travel: 200 / 190 mm
• Wheel size: 29 /27.5" (Mullet)
• Frame material: steel
• Weight: approx. 18.3 kg
• Price: n.a.
• Special feature: Limited to 10 pieces

>> A steel freeride bike is also available from the Czech Republic. You can find all the information about the Zoceli Vysoko here.

Very British

Paul 'Burf' Burford is the man behind BTR Fabrications. As a child, Burf dreamed of having his own bike brand and competed in downhill races. The now 31-year-old has 15 years of experience in metal construction. He is an expert in various welding and soldering techniques. In addition to frame construction, his services also include repairs and other customisations. He accepts all challenging metalwork, whether steel, aluminium or titanium. Whether custom furniture, motorbike chassis tuning or furnace construction: Burf is a tinkerer through and through: The workshop also houses a 3D printer, a CNC milling machine and a professional CAD programme, among other things.

>> Also made in Britain: The first 32" steel fully from Starling. More information under this link.

In the past, Burf has repeatedly supported other bike manufacturers with his expertise. His own baby, however, is BTR Fabrications. He welds the corresponding products in his workshop in Frome, UK. In addition to trail-building tools, the portfolio also includes various steel hardtail frames and the Gasser downhill frame. All are characterised by the classic handmade British charm and are designed to be particularly robust. The Gasser has already been honoured with the "Best in Show" award at the Bespoked Show for frame builders.

>> The Nicolai Nucleon is a high-pivot enduro bike with a special Supre-Drive. We have already been able to test it.

Video project on the BTR Gasser

Burf has captured the creation of the Gasser in his own video documentary. Steel fans can immerse themselves in the production of the charismatic Gasser on his YouTube channel:

Only two handfuls of bikes

The market for custom-built steel downhill bikes is small. BTR is limiting the Gasser to a homeopathic number of ten bikes. Seven of these are currently still available. The 190 centimetre tall Burf built the show bike shown here for himself. It is characterised by an extremely long reach of 525 millimetres and 440 millimetre chainstays. It relies on mullet tyres and a 63.5 degree steering angle. A bellcrank drives the shock in the single-pivot rear triangle and generates 190 millimetres of rear suspension travel. The fork has a standard 200 millimetre crumple zone.

>> At Huhn Cycles we have found out how a steel fully is made and have already been able to test the exciting Chabo.

Conclusion

There's nothing like a steel mountain bike with a strong character! The BTR Gasser exudes Britishness from every pore and is a strictly limited collector's item. Hand-built by the frame building icon and beautifully staged, the steel downhiller is definitely anything but off-the-shelf, but a bike I could look at for hours. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

>> Also exciting: The new Zoceli Rutina downcountry bike with steel frame and 32" option.