Firefly Bicycles: Inside Custom Frame Design, Fit, and Carbon-Neutral Craft

In this episode of the New England Endurance Podcast, we sit down with Firefly Bicycles co-founders Tyler Evans and Kevin Wolfson to explore the craft, philosophy, and real-world decision-making behind world-class custom titanium bikes.

From geometry choices and material tradeoffs to bike fitting instincts honed in the peloton, Tyler and Kevin pull back the curtain on how Firefly designs bikes for how people actually ride. We dig into the myth of the “quiver killer,” why one bike can’t always do it all—especially in New England—and how compromises show up when terrain gets rough.

We also cover what it’s like to order a Firefly: realistic build timelines, what customers should (and shouldn’t) control in the design process, and what carbon-neutral manufacturing looks like in practice—not just on paper.

Whether you’re dreaming about a custom build or simply want to understand why some bikes feel right and others don’t, this conversation is a deep dive into intention, craftsmanship, and choosing the right tool for the ride.

Key Takeaways

• The “quiver killer” bike isn’t for everyone — especially in New England, where rough mixed terrain often demands purpose-built tools.
• Tire clearance alone doesn’t define versatility — geometry and ride intent matter just as much as tire size.
• Custom bikes shine when rider intent is clear — the best outcomes happen when riders share goals and trust the builder.
• Bike fit is about reading the rider, not just numbers — experience, posture, and movement tell a deeper story.
• Custom doesn’t mean infinite choice — knowing what to leave to the builder can dramatically improve the final result.
• Great craftsmanship includes invisible details — many of Firefly’s most important design decisions are ones customers never see.
• Carbon-neutral manufacturing is an active process — not a marketing label, but a set of real operational commitments

This podcast embarks on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.