Bespoke: Handbuilt bicycles.
This exhibition features the designs of six inter – nationally renowned bicycle builders who have authored some of the most revolutionary developments in their craft.
Richard sachs. Bike designer.
The “About” section on Richard Sachs’ website may read like a self-assured campaign manifesto, if not, at times, like a straight up ego trip, but it’s not as if Sachs hasn’t earned his fair share of bragging rights in his 38-year-long bike building career.
Since he opened shop in 1972, Sachs has become one of the world’s foremost bike builders, with a fleet of handmade wonders that have graced the track at velodrome. There’s a lot about his process that sets him apart, like the fact that he does everything by hand, by himself. No apprentices, no employees, no outsourcing.
From choosing the geometry of the frame to filing the lugs, Sachs Cycles is a one-man show. As you might guess, his turn-of-the-century methods don’t give into currents trends in materials or construction, and he doesn’t hesitate at sneering at the competition. “For some companies, only tubing recently declassified by the Department of Defense will do.” Sachs, on the other hands, doesn’t change his materials, tube shape or the position of the riding angle. He doesn’t build concept bikes or “unrideable prototypes,” and he doesn’t take shortcuts. All this attention to detail takes time, and apparently makes little money. “The bike industry makes money. I make bikes.”
Even if the words “control freak” come to mind, you have to admire his dedication to the craft, not to mention his obvious skill. Working solo, he says, is the only way he can guarantee such high standards. In his words, “the weak link is always the work force. At Richard Sachs Cycles, I am the work force.” It’s a business model from which he’s never diverted, from cutting and brazing the tubes to answering the phone, Sachs is a one-man operation. “If you have a question about frame design or construction, proper fit, acceptable alignment, anything at all, call me,” he says. “I will be the one answering your call and I would be very pleased to tell you more.”
If you’re in New York you can see some of Richard’s work at the Museum of Art and Design as part of their latest exhibition, “Bespoke: The Handbuilt Bike,” up until August.
Designer: richard sachs — visit gallery on his site. images from his new flickr page
about perrin drumm
The move pyramid.
an enlightened vision of future principles for transport – ation.
Bike the drive 2010.
from high atop the john hancock building looking north. notice no cars only bicycles on two ( outer ) drive lanes.
above: with john hancock in the foreground we are looking southwest. the green dot is the midway point between a 15-mile stretch on lsd that is closed down from 6am – 10am. the orange dot 7.5 miles away ending at the museum of science and industry.
above: looking north again, the green dot 7.5 miles away where the drive abruptly ends. of interest, lsd is on a landfill, part of a plan ( daniel burnham plan ) to keep the lakefront open to the public.
above: back down to earth this near the midway point where 18,000 will pass.
above: a 2006 cervelo soloist team with zipp 404 clinchers, zero gravity brakes, campy record, selle CF seat, and CSC water bottles. with the $2350 zipp 404 wheels this bike is $9000. not mine btw.
may 30, 2010, was the ninth annual MB financial bank “bike the drive.” the event is a fundraiser for the active transportation alliance chicago’s voice for better biking, walking and transit. the fun continues at the post-ride festival from 8 a.m. to noon in grant park, with live entertainment, event sponsor giveaways, and $7 breakfast options from goose island brew pub.
History:
early bicycles arrived in Chicago in the 1860s. by 1900, there were 54 bicycle clubs with more than 10,000 members. by the late 1890s, chicago was the “bicycle-building capital of america”. according to the 1898 chicago bicycle directory, approximately two-thirds of the country’s bicycles and accessories were manufactured within 150 miles (240 km) of the city.
chicago has recently seen an increase in the amount of bikers traveling throughout the city. this can in part be attributed to the current mayor, richard m. daley. daley has said, “my goal is to make the city of chicago the most bicycle-friendly city in the U.S.” daley created a mayor’s bicycle advisory council (MBAC) in order to encourage bicycling in the city.
the council created the chicago department of transportation bike program. the program, whose efforts are guided by the bike 2015 plan, approved in june 2006, has created over 100 miles (160 km) of new bike lanes, installed 10,000 bicycle racks, and installed 165 miles (266 km) of signed bike routes in 2006.
Resources:
bike the drive org
cycling in chicago
2015 bike plan
twitter journalism
100 years. daniel burnham
B-cycle. B-cycle.
crispin, humana and trek bicycle bring bike sharing to the states.
On Earth Day, April 22, B-Cycle will finally become a reality. Denver, Colorado will be the launch city for the bike-sharing program, developed by Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Trek Bicycles and insurance company Humana. 500 B-Cycles at 50 B-stations will be available throughout the city as an alternative to cards for short trips. Register at the b-cycle website. Full story and video.
Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
we’ve been visiting the chicago auto show and applaud the very green push. we also just posted an electric scooter article that was not intended to be a wheel count poke. that said, here’s a thoughtful story on the merits of riding one’s bike . via the guardian [RK]
Trek lime. 2009 people's design award.
trek lime is no lemon. here’s why.
the people have spoken. after one month of online voting, 198 finalists, the Trek Lime wins the 2009 people’s design award—the fourth annual cooper-hewitt design museum competition.
Introduced as the answer to the millions of American adults who do not ride a bike, the Trek Lime bike was the first to feature Shimano’s revolutionary Coasting system. At the center of Lime’s design is the reminder that riding a bike should be as enjoyable today as it was when you were a child.
With its comfortable, upright riding position, automatic transmission, and pedal brakes, Lime is designed to ride the way we did as kids — spontaneously, socially, and to experience the sheer joy of motion. Lime is the ideal bike for the casual rider who wants a fun, convenient and stylish way to run out for a cup of coffee or a breath of fresh air.
The specs:
Frameset
Sizes S, M, L
Frame Alpha White Aluminum
Fork High tensile steel
Wheels
Wheels Shimano Coasting dynamo front hub, 3-speed rear hub; alloy rims
Tires Bontrager Cruiser, 26×1.90″
Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano Coasting, automatic
Front Derailleur n/a
Rear Derailleur n/a
Crank Bontrager Satellite 33T
Cassette Shimano 20T
Pedals Nylon platform
Components
Saddle Bontrager Suburbia
Seat Post Steel
Handlebars High tensile steel, 45 degree backsweep
Stem Alloy
Headset Threaded, semi-integrated
Brakeset Coaster
Extras Kickstand, chainguard, hub covers, top tube pad
Launched in 2006, National Design Week is an education initiative offering free admission for all museum visitors and hosting a series of public programs surrounding the National Design Awards. See what your city is doing…
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the National Design Awards. Browse past winners and finalists by selecting a year from the list below.
Browse this year’s People Awards winners.
Sources
dwell
yanko design
artdaily
mediabistro
bandlbicycles
bikeportland.org
notcot
jacksbikes
bikejuju
endless-sphere
treehugger
Eco 7 folding bicycle.
the eco 7 folding bicycle’s concept is to be as compact as possible, including collapsible wheels.
the design is intended for urban use and folds up to save space when not in use. while folding bikes are nothing new, aleman takes his design to a new level with folding bike wheels.
above: each wheels is composed of six pieces connected through double-pivot joints. the spokes of the wheel fold into the rim and fold out when opened up to provide structure to the wheel. the tire isn’t inflatable, allowing it to break into segments. the bike frame itself also shrinks down in size when taken apart, folding into itself and the core components.
the design may take awhile to fold and unfold and not for everyone but the folding wheel concept is interesting. the pedals should go back to the drawing board or stay with the conventional, especially clips or cleats. maybe traditional tubes tires too.
Designer: victor aleman
PK ripper. fixie.
DC Shoes and SE Bikes create the “PK Ripper” fixed gear.
Designed after the iconic BMX bike which originally appeared in the late 70s, the DC x SE will be available in a classic ball burnished finish with blue accents as well as a less flashy matte black. The total run will be 2,500 bikes, 1,250 in each color. Here’s hoping they sent one to Perry Kramer. Available now from Overload for $1,000.
below: Out of these 1000 bikes, The Standard, New York has taken 20 pieces to further customize, showcasing the commuter nature of the bike. 15 bikes will be for the guests.
above: As all of you know, fixed gear bicycles are known to have no brakes, but The Standard’s versions will have a back brake (unless your a seasoned rider, the city streets are not that forgiving, so a brake can definitely help), as well as a reversible back hub and rim which will convert the bike from fixed to freewheel in an instant.
The entire bicycle is matte black, and as our NYC colorway is black & gold, The Standard has added an anodized gold front rim, and a small anodized gold Standard logo badge on the seat tube.
An embossed Standard logo in the custom leather seats, gives this special bike the subtle details that make it truly unique.
If you’re not lucky enough to stay at The Standard and use one of the 15 complimentary bikes there, you can buy your own at The Standard’s online shop for $1,250 USD
Nutcase helmets.
Do you feel bit dorky sporting a bicycle helmet?
I do: an aesthetically dis-pleasing, strictly utilitarian experience. Helmets seemed made to be ripped off as soon as possible.
That was before I purchased my new “Nutcase”. A Portland, Oregon company comes up with stylish helmet alternatives to go with your other cool gear. Gigantic daisies super-imposed on black and white stripes gives my helmet a sturdy but slightly whimsical attitude.
Producer: nutcase helmets