Jersey Giant – The Gentle Giant Chicken on Two Wheels

19. Juni 2026

Jersey Giant: The 36-Inch Bike for Tim and the Power of 3D Printing

At 2.06 meters tall—yes, that’s really 6’9”!—I’m not exactly your average European cyclist. And, of course, I’m not exactly lightweight either. I love cycling, but finding a bike that actually fits? That’s a whole different challenge.

No matter which bike I rode, I was always maxing out the longest available seatpost, yet still stuck on a frame that never quite worked for me. It made long rides uncomfortable, and I never felt fully at home on the bike.

I’ve been on several bikepacking trips—there’s just something special about the adventure of open roads and endless trails. But when you’re this tall, bike options are… well, limited. It’s not just about the height; it’s about comfort, control, and having a bike that actually keeps up with you. So, I set out to find a solution—something that wasn’t just “good enough,” but actually designed for me.

Merging Two Passions: Bicycles and 3D Printing

After training as a two-wheel mechanic, I, like Ralf, became fascinated by 3D printing. That curiosity turned into a profession, and after my studies, I ended up working in the industry, setting up a print farm for filament-printed metal components.

Then, one day, an order from a Ralf Holleis popped up in our system. The name rang a bell. I quickly Googled him, did some research, and within five minutes, I had Ralf on the phone, explaining to him what filament technology can and can’t do.

I still remember our first printed piece—it was the start of something completely new. From that point on, we stayed in regular contact, bouncing ideas back and forth. And that’s when it happened:

The first—and so far, only—bicycle with 3D-printed metal filament components was born.

Why a 36-Inch Bike?

Well, 29-inch wheels on someone my size just look… ridiculous. And trying to make them work meant crazy compromises, like a 350mm-long steering tube. We also wanted to push boundaries—to show what’s possible in the cycling world with 3D printing.

So, the question wasn’t “why?” but rather “why not?”

If we were going to create something unique, why not build something truly great for me? A bike that actually fits? That’s how we ended up with a 36-inch wheel monster, designed specifically for my size. And if you’re building a bike for a giant, well… you might as well name it after the biggest chicken breed in the world:

The Jersey Giant.

Bringing the Beast to Life

Building something this exclusive wasn’t a one-man job. That’s where Hahn Rossman, a legendary frame builder, came in. He joined us in Ralf’s shed-turned-workshop, and together, we brought this beast to life.

Those were intense days, filled with trial, error, adjustments, and learning. Hahn is a master of his craft, and Ralf and I soaked up every bit of knowledge he shared. The best part?

It wasn’t just about building a bike—it was about building friendships.

Ralf, Hahn, and I became a real team, connected by this crazy project and the countless hours spent making it just right.

The Big Moment at Bespoked 2022

We finished the bike just in time for Bespoked 2022 in London. It wasn’t 100% perfect yet, but it was close. And it definitely got a lot of attention.

That year, Ralf won the New Builder Award, and I couldn’t have been prouder. Seeing him accept the award was an emotional moment—a reminder of how far we had come.

Even today, people still ask me about the Jersey Giant. It pops up here and there across the internet, and every time it does, I smile. Because this bike?

It’s proof that if you can’t find the perfect bike, you just build it yourself.