About Us

  "In a world of mass-production, a unique product will always be desirable. 

Bikes are very personal and well-loved possessions, uniqueness and individuality are characteristics we value in the possessions we love."

Life in general and particularly the bike industry is dominated by numbers, weights and gimmicks. Silva aspires to remind cyclists of the pure joy of riding, it’s a return to the roots of the sport. We believe in building bikes that bring a sense of enjoyment of ownership. 

Silva bikes are not simply for riding from A to B, we’re building bikes that make a statement. Silva Cycles make you look twice, they generate conversation, they give you a sense of individuality and pride.

We believe in innovation and continue to question every aspect of the product and process, to seek improvement in design and construction.

Never one for buying a frame off the shelf, Dai was trying to figure out how to build a carbon fibre frame. Experimenting with polystyrene moulds that melted from the heat of the curing process of the epoxy resin, he then looked at a balsa wood frame which he could wrap in carbon. This led to the idea of building a frame from hardwood. 

The first complete hardwood bike, (summer 2014) was named ‘Una Celero’, broadly translated from Latin means Single Speed. Dai was surprised at the responsiveness of the frame, and also how smooth and comfortable the ride was.  

More surprising was the reaction to the bike. Friends, family and people who he'd had never met before, stopped to comment. The common theme was that he should be building these bikes for sale. 

Dai sat on the idea (literally) for a few years, but the same message continued. Inspired by enthusiasm he had received, Dai registered SilvaCycles.co.uk. Silva being the Latin translation for wood / forest.

It was at this point that Guy became involved, and Silva Cycles started in earnest. They knew they could build a wooden frame that looked great, but looking for perfection, they knew there was still work to do. 

Combining their building skills and particularly their carpentry knowledge, they set about refining the Una Celero and built a geared road bike which was first to be put to the test. They already knew a wooden frame was strong as Dai had been road testing one for some time under his 95kg bodyweight, it was clear that the concept worked, but they wanted to prove this. So, the frame was sent off to Bureau Veritas to be put through its paces to see if it would conform to the international safety standard - BS / EN / ISO 4210. 

Following a series of 5 tests, not only did the frame pass, but it more than doubled the required standards (See Safety First). This gave them the confidence that this was more than just a novelty project. They knew the public were interested, and now they had proven it was safe.

Together, Dai and Guy have developed the following frames:

• Celero         Road Bike
• Ora:             Beach Cruiser
• Ventura:    Electric City Bike

• Sola: Single speed or Fixie (An updated model is currently under development and testing)

Silva have now created hand crafted wooden bicycles, that not only surpass international safety standards, but incorporate strength, performance, elegance, style and fun.