Fast Boy’s story (or rather Ezra of Fast Boy) is a powerful one that I’ve been following for several years. He has been fighting for his life battling colon cancer and has been documenting that experience on his blog. Ezra recently wrote about about a beautiful new cargo bike that he’s been working on called the Nose Bike.

NYC presents an interesting challenge when it comes to cargo bikes.  Theft is bad enough that most people aren’t willing to leave their bikes outside..  And most people don’t have garages!  let alone their very own front door.  I liked the idea of making something with decent cargo capacity that still rode well, and was small/light enough to be able to carry up to your fifth floor walk up!

About a week ago I decided to assert myself a little and get this idea out of my head and on to the road.  It’s not a new idea.  Small front wheel.  Frame mounted rack.  Carrying cargo in the front allows you to keep the wheelbase pretty short since you’re not having to avoid your heels as they pedal.  The frame mounted rack all but completely gets rid of the handling problems usually associated with front loads.  The small front wheel gets that weight nice and low so that the bike isn’t top heavy and doesn’t want to fall over sideways quite so badly! via [FastBoy]

Ezra is taking orders for the Nose Bike now and his bikes go fast so check it out if you are so inclined! More photos here.

Fast Boy Cycles is one of my favorite shops. Ok, it might because of their use of wooden handle bars and the pit bull photo on their website but that’s totally legit, right? If you love their bikes as much as I do and unlike myself have the money to order one, hop to it if you want one by summertime.

Ezra the man behind the shop is in a “bit of a fight with cancer” (his words) and says he can take maybe 3-4 more orders if you want a bike by summertime. He sent the mailing list out this note today:

First! I’ve been in business as Fast Boy Cycles for almost exactly a year now, and it has been a great success. Thank you all. I’ve built and sold about 20 bikes this year, and each has been my new favorite. This coming year promises to be even more productive.

Next. Many of you are aware from my flickr page and blog, that I am currently in a bit of a fight with cancer. However! in the words of the great Mark Twain, “The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” I am currently undergoing a regimen of post surgical chemotherapy which knocks me out for about a week out of every two. During the good weeks, I AM working. Some of my friends have pointed out that this makes my level of productivity much more like everyone else’s. Fair enough, I guess. All this to say that Fast Boy Cycles is alive and well, and taking orders. While I still have a handful of bikes in the queue, now would be a good time to order if you want to be riding a Fast Boy by summer time. (I can probably only guarantee that for the next 3 or 4 orders.

We wish you well, Ezra.

[via Fast Boy Cycles]

The Plus Bike designed by Fabio Bortolani and Ermanno Righi. Fixed gear with lights built into the frame. [via Toxel].

2009 SE Bikes not only look good but allow you to change your fixed gear to a mutiple gear quite easily. [via thedigitalx]

The Plug Racer by Charge bikes. Simple design, clean frame and red chain. Love it. [via Charge]

Custome designed bikes from Fast Boy. I love the hadlebars on this one – again clean and simple. [via FastBoy]