Achielle

Steel bicycle frames are the foundation of Achielle, a Belgian bicycle maker with an integrated workshop in Egem near Pittem. From raw tube to finished bicycle, frame production takes place under one roof. The company manufactures steel frames individually, then inspects, paints and finishes them in-house. Traditional framebuilding skills are combined with modern machinery, giving the business direct control over the structural and visual character of each bicycle. Its work centres on locally made bicycles whose frames remain the core of the finished build.

The business draws on three generations of bicycle-making experience. Achiel first built bicycles and frames in his workshop before founding Dija in 1963 to produce frames for other bicycle makers. The company moved to its current Pittem and Egem location in 1976, and Oostcolor paintworks was established there in 1986. The operations later developed together as Dija Oostcolor before the Achielle brand was launched in 2007. For final assembly, the company works where possible with European component suppliers including Brooks England, Busch & Müller, AXA, Ergotec, Spanninga and Steco.