When I was walking through the stands at Bespoked Dresden this year, one small corner immediately caught my eye… and I have to be honest: her creations were my favorite of the whole show. It was Rasch, the work of Kata, a young framebuilder from Berlin.
I wanted to get to know her better, learn the story behind those beautiful frames, and share it with you, especially if you haven’t discovered her work yet. Hey Kata, can you introduce yourself to those who haven’t met you yet?
Hey Emanuele, I’m a young framebuilder from Berlin, still learning a lot about the craft. I’m currently studying at the University of the Arts Berlin and also work in a metal workshop at the Technical University. Rasch is my last name, it means “quick” in German, which I thought was quite fitting for a bicycle brand.
What’s your first memory connected to bicycles?
As a child, I always rode my bike everywhere, it was simply part of everyday life. Cycling has always been an important part of my life. I have many great memories of holidays with my parents where we always brought our bikes and went on wonderful tours.
When I was 14, I bought my first road bike, and from then on I developed a deeper, more personal relationship with bicycles.
“When I build a frame, I want it to evoke the feeling that an adventure could start right there.”
You’ve spent the last year and a half working with Konstantin Drust… what was that experience like?
Konstantin and I have shared a workshop for about nine months now. I never actually worked for him, but I helped him with a few projects and learned a lot in the process. It’s amazing when someone is so willing to share their knowledge, especially since framebuilding isn’t something you can really learn through a formal apprenticeship.
I learned all the fundamental skills for framebuilding from him. Building something up alongside studying and working hasn’t been easy, so it means a lot to have someone like Konstantin supporting and guiding me along the way.
When did you realize you wanted to become a framebuilder?
Almost two years ago, I took a framebuilding course and after that, I couldn’t stop thinking about building another frame.
Konstantin supported me in that decision, and that’s how I was able to pursue it further.
“I love it when bikes can make you smile, sometimes it only takes a small detail.”
What inspires you when you design and build a frame?
I’m inspired by my personal connection to bicycles, for me, a bike is much more than a means of transport.
It’s a faithful companion on long or short journeys.
When I build a frame, I want it to evoke the feeling that an adventure could start right there.
Of course, there are also some technical aspects that matter to me, many of which come from who I am as a rider.
As a small woman, standard frame sizes from the bike industry often don’t fit me well, so I’ve learned to find alternative solutions.
How would you describe your philosophy as a framebuilder?
Since I haven’t been building frames for very long, I wouldn’t say I have a fixed philosophy yet.
I’m open-minded and like to try out new things, always aiming to grow and stay curious. I think this openness is reflected in my bikes as well.
In your opinion, what must a bicycle always have?
I love it when bikes can make you smile, sometimes it only takes a small detail.
It doesn’t have to be a high-end bike.
In Berlin, there are so many old bicycles around with quirky or funny little details and I really enjoy that.
You live in Berlin, is there a route or place around the city that you never get tired of riding?
There’s a bivouac spot in Poland about 100 kilometers away that I could ride to again and again.
It’s a beautiful route and perfect for escaping the city for a weekend.
I usually take my dog Frieda with me, and together we always manage to have a little adventure, even in a short time.
