the Hermès luxury bicycles

In Nov.2013 two ultra-lightweight carbon fiber bicycles were showcased in Hermès stores worldwide. Le Flâneur d'Hermès and Le Flâneur sportif d'Hermès; a unisex leisure and a sporty city bicycle, will be available in three sizes - S, M, L - and two colors – charcoal and blanc d’Espagne (Le Flâneur sportif d'Hermès is also available in a sporty shade of red). Both of the bikes which have been hand-made in France by TIME, a French manufacturer of bicycles and cycling equipment founded by Roland Cattin in 1987, will feature a shock-absorbing monobloc frame, belt-driven transmission, bull leather on contact points such as the handlebar grips, saddle and carry handle, hydraulic disc brakes and a choice of 8 or 11 gears integrated into the rear wheel hub.

[Ref.] http://www.yatzer.com/le-flaneur-d-Hermes-bicycle

Sway, the electric tricycle

Well it is NOT a two-wheeler. However, it is small, agile and electric, counting towards (a) the ideal introductory vehicle for a real (raw & masculine) 2wheeler, and (b) a flexible alternative for urban (and sub-urban) mobility. As per the company’s descriptin : “Sway is a compact all-electric vehicle that provides the thrill and maneuverability of motorcycling without the same risk of falling. Sway's patented tilting system allows unparalleled handling on crowded city streets, and greater stability on loose and uneven surfaces or rain-slicked roads. Somewhere between skiing and motorcycling, the feeling is unique, but easily learned. Once it is learned, riders enjoy the most responsive, dynamic and thrilling small vehicle on the road.” The video below demonstrates the basic capabilities of the Sway Lithium electric trike in an urban environment.

Sway Motorsports have introduced at CES 2014, a compact all-electric, three wheel vehicle named Sway. The electric trike is targeted at the in-city rider, it features a patented tilting system allowing unparalleled handling on crowded city streets. The dynamic vehicle offers great stability and provides the thrill and maneuverability of motorcycling without the same risk of falling. Three models are currently available, the Basic at $4999 (20 mile range, 35mph top speed), the Lithium at $7999 (40 mile range, 60mph), and the LithiumPlus at $10999 (60 mile range, 70mph). [1]

One important detail, as the manufacturer states : “The main difference (from ther 3wheelers) is that on a Sway, riders have direct control of vehicle tilt with their legs, through the patented linkage design. This allows the vehicle to be operated in a totally distinct manner from a motorcycle or a Piaggio MP3. In this way Sway can turn tighter, and riders don't have to balance the vehicle or put their feet down at a stop. The direct control of tilt with the legs, along with a slightly wider footprint, means that Sway offers riders greater stability in low-traction conditions such as snow, mud or ice.” Furthermore, in most countries worldwide, legislation permits driving a 3wheeler with the same driver’s license you get for driving a car.

[1] Ref. http://www.blessthisstuff.com/stuff/vehicles/motorcycles/sway-leaning-electric-three-wheeler/

the Lampociclo e-bikes

When motorbikes were little more than bicycles it was fun to drive them, people making these motorized bicycles had greasy hands and no two of these vehicles were alike. They were built with passion and for this reason they were and are valued. Lampociclo is an exclusive E-bike inspired by 1920 motorbikes, each bike is hand built on customer order. Lampociclo believes in craft excellence and customized product. In their own words : “Dealing directly with people building with their own hands can be relevant in a word populated by mass produced goods at any price level.” The entire bike and E-bike range by Lampociclo, made in Italy, can be customized by size, color, or graphics. Furthermore they can furnish unique pieces based on modular components.

Each bike comes with a standard 250-watt brushless motor (with larger 350-watt and 500-watt options available) that can achieve speeds up to 15.5 mph with enough battery power for 43 miles of range. More powerful motors can push the bike up to speeds of 28 mph. The lithium iron phosphate battery takes about six hours to charge.

handy tools & extras for cycles

Meet the “Nutter”, the next generation bicycle multitool. Featuring all the essentials for fixing your most common bike headaches. The Nutter combines all the tools you need when out riding into one simple unit. Its unique design and distinctive form turns the tool into a handle, giving you more leverage than other multi tools on the market. The tool weighs just 110g or 3.9oz. Housed beautifully in your choice of a burnt brown or jet black leather and recycled inner tube pouch, the Nutter features : a nylon tyre lever, 15mm box head spanner, spoke key, 3,4,5,6,8mm hex tool bits, philips head screw driver, flat head screw driver, T25 torx bit, magnetic tool bit extender, and (the most essential of all) a bottle opener.

“Sphyke” on the other hand, allows you to get the best quality, long lasting bicycle components without worrying about theft or having to carry a key. The innovative Sphyke C3N system replaces your bikes existing nuts and bolts with ones that incorporate a tiny combination lock. The combination lock simply encases the fastener with stainless steel shielding. There is a Sphyke lock that suits any skewer wheel. If it is a solid axle wheel there are 4 thread variations that suit all modern wheels. The nut and cap screw used in the Sphyke device are exactly the same as the one you currently use, and that bike shops are familiar with. So if you get a flat tyre or need to take your wheel off anyone has a spanner or cap screw. And most importantly, because the Sphyke system uses these normal nut or cap screws you can tightened your wheels and components as much as is possible.

SAHN Helmets is a new company by Matt Kelly and Sen-Huy Tan, and is based in Vancouver, B. Matt has been creating helmets for the skateboarding and water sports markets for over ten years as owner of Predator Designs. Sen is an industrial designer with notable cycling industry experience, and the two cofounders share a vision to provide better cycling helmet alternatives for the discerning buyer. SAHN Helmets is about riding. Not racing. The SAHN Classic is a helmet for those who may or may not define themselves as cyclists, but have a desire to look better while moving in and around the urban landscape, both on and off the bicycle.

Revolights ensure maximum safety by providing both lighting and sighting in one fully-integrated, revolutionary design. The patented Revolights Bike Lighting System consists of four narrow rings of LEDs—two white and two red—which mount directly to the front and rear wheels of your bicycle. Lithium-ion batteries, bracket-mounted to the front and rear hub, supply power to the LEDs. The batteries are lightweight and rechargeable via USB. A fork-mounted magnet and an integrated accelerometer provide speed and orientation data to the rings, allowing the LEDs to illuminate only when oriented at the front or rear of the bicycle.

Spurcycle is a new bike accessory company. Their first product is a set of grips made from individual colorful rings. The product allows you to personalize your bike grips with an endless number of color patterns. GripRings are made of silicone and are plush and flexible. They are easy to install and can fit nearly any style of handlebar. Each set includes 16 rings of your choice, eight for each bike grip. GripRings work best when they have a smooth surface to grab—heavily textured (i.e. bead-blasted) bar surfaces can be wrapped with glossy tape for improved ring security.

supreme 2wheelers : gallery #1

Chances are you've probably heard of ICON by now ; if you haven't, they're well-known for their utilitarian take on classic four-by-fours kitted out with modern gear. They've brought that same approach to their first two-wheeled vehicle, the Icon E-Flyer Electric Bike ($5,000). Limited to just 50 models, this bike pairs a retro aesthetic with modern electric vehicle technology, including a motor with a 35 mile range, regenerative braking, and a top speed of up to 36 miles per hour. The frame is made from hydroformed aluminum, while the forks are made from billet aluminum and steel. Artful touches like handmade leather, a mountain gray powder coat finish, brushed stainless, nickel, and brass details help it stand out from other available powered bikes. [1]

Janus Motorcycles co-founders, Devin Biek and Richard Worsham began with mo-peds: restoring, repairing, and customized vintage small displacement motorcycles and mo-peds for clients across the country. It became apparent that what many customers found attractive about vintage mo-peds, especially top-tank models like the Puch Magnum, was their scale, zip, and the way they fostered a do-it-yourself connection between owner and machine.  They were essentially very small, fun motorcycles.  There is an increasing demand among young city dwellers for a small, sleek, practical motorcycle for commuting and short excursions. Other than low-quality scooters, only older European mo-peds and Japanese bikes are available here in the States. American consumers don’t have many options if they’re looking for a stylish new light-weight motorcycle. The Halcyon 50 represents the epitome of motorcycle simplicity and is equipped with the essentials seen above: leather seat, powder coated aluminum tanks, spring-actuated telescopic forks, and vinyl graphics. Leather saddle bags, pedestrian slicer, and polished tanks, can be purchased as an upgrade. The Halcyon 50 is available in gloss black and should take you back around 5000 USD.

Italian watch manufacturer U-Boat unveiled a new custom motorcycle at Baselworld 2013. Always attracted by speed and motors, designer Italo Fontana teamed up with Dino Romano, famous Special Triumph customizer, deciding to combine their forces and undisputed talents into a new creation: the Venenum. This impressive “Made in Tuscany” ride is realized on Triumph Rocket III with three cilinders engine of 140 Cu.in displacement and 220 Nm torque, Venenum boasts 160 horse power , an wheelbase of 66,7 in. The total lenght is 97,6 in., with a rear tyre of 240 wide and 595 Lbs total weight. Limited edition of 100 units only , Venenum will be a one of a kind creation and highly handmade customizable. No word on price yet , we will update you on price and availability when this information becomes available. [2]

Creating beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind motorcycles is more than just a job for Bandit9. It’s a way of life. It’s an art. And they never compromise on their art. Bandit9 believes in freedom, individualism and innovation; and they live this philosophy through their mechanical beasts on the open road. Bandit9’s work has reached beyond the motorcycle industry and has tapped into the world of art, fashion, lifestyle, tech and design. The Bandit9 Nero MkII, is such an example. This completely custom ride is one of just nine models available, and looks so unique most people won't even understand what they're seeing. With a custom gas tank, rear cowl, handlebars, fork, and foot pegs, as well as the curved dual exhausts, exposed suspension, and completely matte black paint job, you're definitely bound to turn a few heads (and get a few jealous stares). Price still to be determined.

[1] Ref. http://uncrate.com/stuff/icon-e-flyer-electric-bike/

[2] Ref. http://luxuryes.com/2013/04/venenum-the-first-u-boat-bike/

the helmets of Ateliers Ruby

Luxury Parisian house serving mobility, Ateliers Ruby create, under the direction of Jérome Coste, prestige helmets, plus key equipment of an independent and free lifestyle for Motorcyclists and Gentlemen Drivers looking for a great escape. Ruby products are imagined to be faithful travel companions for the long run, manufactured in the state of the art with traditional luxury savoir-faire, allied with high technology.

Ruby was born from obsession. Parisian designer Jérome Coste was raised in a world of mechanical sports, and developed a fascination with the performances and uniforms of champions; his daredevil temperament meant emulating his heroes earned him six concussions - with no ill effects - but added a new dimension to his interest in helmets, and he began to collect them … the rest reads like a very interesting lifestory, and is available here.

In four years and two cult models - the Pavillon and Belvedere - Ruby helmets have revolutionized the genre and changed our relationship to this tool of protection by creating an object of desire. The Ruby helmet is now the benchmark for this new accessory, key to the 21st century wardrobe, knighted by grand luxury houses as well as professional pilots. Les Ateliers Ruby cultivate their singularity and their customers by offering a multiple of versions of its helmets, two new collections a year, limited editions with guest artists and the "Ruby Costume" personalization service making singular original creations. Ruby’s unique expertise is now extended to jackets, racing suits, and leather gloves at the Ruby Boutique, at #1 rue Herold in Paris.

The “Belvedere” design is based on the original Ruby helmet: the “Pavillon”, however the new addition to the Ruby motorcycle helmet range has the added advantage of an articulated visor that covers the riders entire face; it acts as a pivoting windscreen. The original “Pavillon” is a contemporary classic design, and is based on the classic, “retro”, even historic forms. The Belvedere becomes a completely different; the simple addition of the visor and the two aluminium visor pivots takes the Ruby helmet in to a retro-futuristic world, the helmet mimics the ‘Robot’ like characteristics of cartoon characters in Japan. Every single “Belvedere” comes in the traditional red Ruby box with 3 separate visors: one transparent, one smoke and one racing dark. Ruby have made sure the visor is easy to change… Simply unscrew the metal plates that hold the visor in place, replace the visor and screw the aluminium plates back on. The Articulation system allows the rider to open the visor in three positions, plus an extra notch to hold the shield in place at higher speeds.

YAMAHA DT50 MX “Cocaine White”

Håkan Persson is one of those curiously talented people that seems to be frustratingly good at everything he puts his mind to. Take this bike for example – it started life as a stock Yamaha DT50MX and despite the fact that this is only his second attempt at building a custom motorcycle, he managed to put together the extraordinary and unusual bike you see pictured.

The Yamaha DT50MX was originally released in June 1981 as a replacement for the DT50M, the design was so good that it remained largely unchanged for 15 years – when it was replaced in 1996 with the Yamaha DT50R. The rear suspension on the DT50MX uses a ’Mono-Cross’ with a single, centrally mounted shock absorber ; a practice that’s become an industry standard in the modern day.

When Håkan acquired an old DT50MX it was in appalling condition, almost every part of the bike had to be replaced or repaired. Once it was in running condition, he added some frame reinforcements before adding a new fuel tank, sourced from a Crescent 1209. The base of the new seat was made out of an old skateboard and Håkan’s mother was kind enough to upholster it for him. For a slight performance boost, the piston was replaced with a high performance unit, the cylinder head was tweaked and the gearing was altered. A new head light was then sourced from his father’s old Fiat 125 and some graffitti artist friends set about giving the bike a unique decal on the fuel tank. The finished bike, named “Cocaine White”, looks to be just about the perfect urban scrambler/parkour motorcycle.

[Ref.] http://silodrome.com/yamaha-dt50-mx/

[Ref.] http://www.pipeburn.com/home/2012/8/31/88-yamaha-dt50mx-cocaine-white.html

the Dime City Bonneville "CR"

Forged from a passion to live in the days when men were men and speed was speed, Dime City Cycles has partnered with British Customs, Progressive Suspension and The Speed Merchant to bring you the Triumph “CR” line of products. An aftermarket accessory ensemble to customize and individualize your modern Triumph Classic in honor of the Gods of Speed. In their own words : "We didn't want to saturate the market with another set of pipes or airbox removal kit. Instead we focused on our roots, Cafe Racers and the aesthetic that is them and combined products like British Customs leading edge Predator mufflers, airbox & fender eliminator kits with new items like our Factory-fit Cafe Racer seat to complete the package giving the garage builder a full arsenal of products to choose from to customize his/her bike to their liking all the while staying true to the image that is the Cafe Racer."

the Viks urban steel commuter

The Viks urban fixed gear commuter bike is made entirely from stainless steel tubes, featuring two identically shaped cylindrical frames  to form its body. developed by estonian engineer Indrek Narusk and owner of Velonia bicycles, the design of Viks draws styling cues from cafe racer-style motorcycles and classic streamlined aesthetics. conceived without a seat tube, the overall construction is joined at the head tube and bottom bracket, with the fork and handle bar coming together as a single piece. crowns, dropouts, and welds are all also composed entirely of stainless steel tubes.

Stainless steel unique frame without seat tube. Two identical tube frames rune alongside the entire fraem. Joined at the head tube, seat tube and bottom bracket. Handmade with sizes built to order. The Viks frame is still in prototype mode. First set of frames are in the production for first customers, with a waiting tie of around 5 weeks. For updates check the page here.

Be.e : the first bio-based e-scooter

In a collaborative effort with InHolland, NPSP composites and Van.Eko, Waarmakers designed the Be.e; the first bio-based e-scooter. The Be.e has a monocoque body; a unique construction in which the object’s external skin supports the load, similar to an eggshell, eliminating the need for a frame and the usual numerous plastic panels. This structural engineering feat is made from flax and bio-resin, extremely sustainable, lightweight and strong.

Waarmakers are responsible for the overall design of the scooter, it’s monocoque and detailed parts ; a task which challenged, as they say, not only their engineering skills, but also their abilities to design a shape, an image, which communicates it’s unique configuration in an elegant but distinct way. Waarmakers creates designs that bring about a positive social impact, designs that materialise an ideology and trigger specific human behaviour.

Brough Superior SS101 Pendine

Pendine Sands is one of the most evocative names in the annals of British motorcycle history. In the 1920s the seven-mile (11 km) beach on the south coast of Wales hosted the Welsh TT races and no less than five successful land speed record attempts. The revitalized Pendine hosted Speed Trials, and one of the most interesting vehicles there was this ‘new’ Brough Superior SS101 ‘Pendine’. [1]

While it may be true that a Brough Superior was always an amalgam of bought-in parts, it was ever the case that George Brough specified the quality of those parts, and was notorious for his rejection of engines, gearboxes, wheels, which didn't meet his quality standards. Thus, his engines, his gearboxes, his clutches, etc, were that much better than supposedly identical bits on similar machines. Taken as a genre, the BS has always been just another overhead-valve v-twin literbike, but there is something magical about the whole package, a happy synergy of the components, which established the reputation of the original, and no doubt will secure the admiration of the connoisseur motorcyclist interested in this new SS101. [2]

[1] Ref. http://www.bikeexif.com/brough-superior-pendine

[2] Ref. http://thevintagent.blogspot.gr/2009/09/road-test-of-new-brough-superior-ss101.html

Bicycled : a bike made out of cars

"Because we are concerned about where the world is going now, at Lola Madrid we believe it's always better to do than to say. So before talking about the perfect bike, we decided to create it." These are the words of the people behind Bicycled, a Madrid based creative and advertising agency, named Lola Madrid.

Some of the upcycled uses are obvious, as car seats become bike seats and handles become handle bars, but other parts are even more inspiring. Lola Madrid strips the car engines of their transmission belts, cutting them down into strips and making them into the bicycle’s chain, which is sure to not get stuck in its gears. The blinking turn signals from each automobile is upcycled into the bike’s safety reflective lights, while other upholstery is woven around the handlebars to make them comfortable for riders. [1]

Bicycled is not only a new type of bike, it is also a return to the roots of biking. It's a handmade bike created specially by bicycle shop owners. Those fantastic creatures that are about to become extinct. Because every Bicycled is made out of real car parts, there won't be two of a kind. That's the key to a product designed to use as much car waste as it can. Although the line has yet to complete, Lola Madrid has a great video which shows just how they transform each car part into a new element of the bicycles. Salvaged from junkyards, the bikes can be made entirely from one car, or several. Using this scrap metal, each frame is entirely unique, giving riders the pride of having the only bicycle like it.

[1] Ref. http://inhabitat.com/bicycled-bikes-are-upcycled-from-salvaged-car-parts/bicycled-bike1/

Galaxy Customs' BMW R1200R

Here's Ivaylo Trendafilov, the bike's designer and owner of Galaxy Customs in Bulgaria. “Our idea was to make a classic motorcycle with a retro look, but for it to be quite modern on the inside. For this purpose we used as a base model a BMW R1200R 2008. We completely redesigned the frame to change the center of gravity and the angle of the front fork. Thus, the motorcycle was lower which in turn improved the appearance and increased both Persistence. We removed the factory tele-lever front suspension and added a classic front fork with adjustment.” Check out the photo album from the making of the bike here.

“The tank used is off a BMW R71 which has been modified in order to mount the pump harness, and also as a place to keep the majority of electronics. The orignal bars were made more compact while maintaining all of its components, even heating. The air filters from K&N that give a sporty look and change the sound of the engine. The exhaust pipes are reversed, with thermal tape, but in the end we mounted a mini silencer - again for a better sound. The wheels we used are manufactured in Italy by Kineo, who provide special models to BMW and Ducati, and I think they are very interesting.”

[Ref.] http://www.pipeburn.com/home/2013/1/16/galaxy-customs-bmw-r1200r.html

VANMOOF city bicycles

VANMOOF bicycles is a young ambitious Dutch company that originated out of love for bicycles and hunger for change. In their own words : "At VANMOOF we pursue only one goal: help the ambitious city dweller worldwide move around town fast, confident and in style. We stripped the traditional Dutch bike from redundant hoo-ha, that can only break or frustrate, and added sensibility instead. The result? Simplistic striking bikes so smooth that they fit your style demands, yet so functional they make you go to work whistling. The no-nonsense VANMOOF bike is the ultimate urban commuter tool, anywhere around the globe. Be aware cause we shake the unshakable!"

VANMOOF try to keep everything as simple as possible, including the materials. Hence they avoid unnecessary combinations, layers and coatings. The frames are anodized, making the pure Aluminum stand out even better, and making sure it stands the test of time. Together with Philips a fully integrated lighting system has been developed, that enables the rider to be seen, while at the same time lighting the road around the bike.