Behind the brands: Former Frameworks builder launches its own MTB label, with a titanium and 3D printed hardtail made in Scotland

Scottish fabricator Method Framework has officially launched its own mountain bike brand, Five Land Bikes, entering the direct-to-consumer market. Known for producing frames for established names like Cotic and previously for Frameworks, the company's debut offering is a titanium and 3D-printed hardtail, manufactured entirely in Scotland. This move marks a significant shift for a behind-the-scenes production house now stepping into the spotlight with its own branded product.

This development is significant given Method Framework's extensive experience as an OEM, welding for several prominent boutique brands. Their transition from a manufacturing partner to a direct competitor highlights a growing trend of skilled fabricators leveraging their expertise and infrastructure to capture more margin and control over their product. For consumers, it offers another option in the increasingly crowded, yet quality-driven, high-end hardtail market, particularly appealing to those valuing domestic production and innovative materials.

Ultimately, Method Framework's pivot from white-label producer to brand owner is a logical, if ambitious, progression. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of bespoke, domestically produced bikes, and a clear signal that the Scottish highlands aren't just for riding, but for building too.