Frame Builder Feature: Matthew Nelson of SaltAir Cycles

From his workshop in Salt Lake City, Matthew Nelson of SaltAir Cycles builds modern steel bikes with a nod to timeless craftsmanship. Each frame is made to order, hand-shaped with torch and file, and designed to balance pure function with artisan detail.

We caught up with Matt to talk about his journey from building his first frame in 2011 to running SaltAir Cycles today, his favorite builds, and the classic bike tech he hopes will make a comeback.

How long have you been building frames, and what inspired you to start?
I first built a bike frame in the summer of 2011 while training at the United Bicycle Institute. I rode and raced that frame, fell completely in love with it, and just had to make more—first for friends, and eventually for riders around the world. By 2014, SaltAir Cycles was officially born, blending my background as an architect with my passion for cycling.

Can you briefly describe your frame building process?
It’s a one-man operation, and every bike is made to order. It starts with a conversation—learning what kind of riding a customer does—followed by a fitting. From there, I create a drawing, choose the right tubing diameter and thickness, miter each piece, then set it in a jig and tack the frame. I hand-braze each joint, then spend days sanding and filing until it’s just right. Once the frame is finished, I send it out for paint or powder coating before it heads home to its new rider.

What materials do you primarily use for your frames?
Steel—either fillet-brazed or lugged.

Do you have any unique or signature techniques?
I often blend lugs and fillet-brazing in the same frame, and I like to include brazed-on stainless headbadges.

Are there any notable or memorable builds that stand out?
One that always comes to mind is Clint’sTwentysixie—a fixed-gear MTB that got featured onThe Radavist.

What are some of the challenges you face as a frame builder?
The big ones right now are rising shipping costs and sourcing certain parts.

What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
Hands down—it’s seeing the look on a customer’s face when they get their bike. Knowing they now have something that’s built just for them and will be with them for years is incredibly rewarding.

Is there a specific frame design or model you’re especially proud of?
I’m proud of all my work, but I get a special thrill when I see one of my cyclocross frames out on a race course being put to the test.

What are your goals for the future of SaltAir Cycles?
I’d love to see more riders around the world discover and appreciate what my frame can bring to their riding experience.

Are there any new technologies or trends in frame building that excite you?
Honestly, I would like to see rim brakes, square taper bottom brackets and 24mm crank spindle have a resurgence.

Anything else you’d like to share?

SaltAir Cycles celebrated its 10th anniversary in March 2024, and I’m looking forward to another decade of building bikes that are as individual as the riders.

To learn more about Matthew Nelson of SaltAir Cycles, head to saltaircycles.com and connect with Matthew @SaltAirCycles on Instagram.