Brokelyn recently reached out to ask for my two cents on the whole Republic Bikes + Urban Outfitters partnership. Check out what they (and I) had to say.
Suppose you read on a blog somewhere that Urban Outfitters is now selling these highly customizable single-speed rides, made by Republic, for $399 (roughly the cost of an entry-level hybrid or cruiser). Suppose you found yourself experiencing deep longing for the machine, which lets you choose the color of the frame, seat, handle grips, chain and wheel rims, and even reverse the back wheel so you can actually coast, which you can’t do on a proper fixed-gear bike.
For more proof that fixie culture is taking off around the world, check out Fixed Gear Girl Taiwan. With a recent profile on Fixed Gear Girl Korea and some of the latest bike fashion abroad, you might realize that we here in the US aren’t always the first to be in the know.
Did you know they were riding fixed gear in Jamaica back in the 70s?
Adidas is introducing Zeitfrei, its first line of cycling inspired shoes. Though the shoes are primarily designed for fixed gear riders, we think it’s a step in the right direction…especially for those not into wearing clip shoes around town.
Perforated uppers give ventilation and subtle reflective accents surround the shoes’ base and highlight the embossed heel logo. To prevent laces from getting stuck in the gears, Zeitfreis provide a neoprene pocket marked with each brand’s logo. A stiffer outsole and treaded forefoot ensure improved pedal feel and grip, while retaining enough comfort for wear during those non-cycling moments. [via Coolhunting]
Buy them on Hypebeast for $198 “with the addition of a cycling cap, Cordura messenger bag and carry-all sling bag.” Sorry ladies, unless you are willing to slip on a pair of these boys shoes, you are out of luck.
I usually try not to fall for branded videos, but this promo for Hutchinson Tires is a cinematic beauty which contrasts a cruiser and fixed gear on the streets of New York City. It’s beautiful and I fell hard.
Directed by Daniel Leeb of Cinecycle Productions.
This short film features Alfred Bobe Jr. and Fatimah Durkee. The film spins a visual ballad between the two cyclists experiencing the city in their own unique ways. Both cyclists are city dwellers who amidst the chaos of the concrete jungle have created a private and peaceful psychological space as they traverse the streets. They are both alone and yet they are both very much aware of each others presence. The film speaks to the harmony with one’s environment that can be found while riding a bicycle in a city and the synchronistic connection we can have with those we have not even met. The short was commissioned by Hutchinson tires.
And speaking of bike films, Bike Short Films is having a call for submissions. Pull out that camera and go film something together.
Found a great post from BushwickBK on local bike shop Velo Brooklyn 1342 DeKalb, Brooklyn NY 11221. It’s woman owned!
In its six months of existence, this unassuming building on DeKalb Avenue has been called “Brooklyn Bikes,” “Bike Shop,” and most recently, “Velo Brooklyn.” With nothing but a hanging canvas sign to mark its place, this one-room, woman-owned bike shop is evolving as rapidly as the neighborhood it occupies. [...BushwickBK]
Brooklyn By Bike has some big changes coming in the next few weeks – namely more writers (we hope soon) and a new design! More on all of that soon.
In the meantime I present to you possibly the best designed bike site out there, Hufnagel Cycles. Straight out of where else but Portland, OR and run by guy named Jordan Hufnagel, we feel in love with his clean and simple website.
Our favorite designs include Tessa’s 650 Single Speeder and Chris’ Blue Baby. We can’t direct link to the posts so maybe its not the most perfect site, but it’s still pretty to look at. I encourage you to peruse the site or check out more of their designs via Fickr.
We recently rediscovered Bike Polo courtesy of Hardcourt Bike Polo. This sport is kind of like regular polo but played with bikes instead of horses! I remember seeing some kids playing on grass a few years ago, but the hard court version has come a long way.
In bike polo, the front wheel of the bike is protected so that a the mallet doesn’t get stuck in the spokes while the mallet itself is usually homemade with some plastic and a ski pole. The bike of choice is the fixed gear for its control. The sport has gained quite a bit of popularity in the last few years, and I imagine that is will continue skyrocket as bike popularity itself takes off. Being a displaced Midwesterner, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Wisconsin has some of the best polo teams in the country!
To learn more check out Hardcourt Bike Polo and NYC Bike Polo. A lovely video of the sport shot in Paris is below and of course one in NYC as well.
We were checking out the latest installment of Fixed Magazine and drooling all over the pretty bikes that we almost forgot to notice. Almost…hello Fixed Magazine! Where are all the ladies on bikes??
Oh wait! We see a lady!
Many ladies and dudes reading this publication, myself included would love to see the women on bikes being represented. I mean come on we see plenty of good looking ladies riding fixes all over Brooklyn. Put more of us in dam-nit! Julie did hold it down for us at the very end and we thank her for it. Julie if you are out there, we want to hear from you!
We still love Fixed Magazine. We just wish they’d include more of all of us. Check it out here, it’s free.
