Rapha Goes MTB: Privateer #1

Makers of Rapha's Rouleur road cycling magazine have decided to do a MTB magazine, Privateer. Which is nice, now were only waiting for Rapha's MTB range of clothing, right? As well as from their website, you can also get the first issue of Privateer from Wiggle.

Also, interestingly Rapha has completely dropped their 'Fixed' products, or actually changed all of them over into their City Riding line instead. Sign of the times?

Anyway, I'm happy with this because I just got me a new rigid steel single speed 650B (yes...) MTB, my first proper off-road bike in years.

Modern new classics for the way we live now.

Low is the New High // H+Son BOXXX

Brand new H+Son super low box section clincher rims, soon available polished and hard anodized in all normal drillings, and looking lovely.

So, these were officially first seen in the Interbike in Vegas two days ago but those in the know had been onto these for sometime already. I guess I need to point out that no one else out there is currently making anything as classic and classy as these. These will be big, mark my words.

Apple "Smart Bicycle System"

"The US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application Thursday for a "Smart Bicycle System" that would use an iPod or iPhone to monitor sensor data and wirelessly share information.

The patent application, discovered by Patently Apple, contains functionality similar to the Nike + iPod Sport Kit integration for runners. Using external and internal sensors, an iPhone or iPod would store and relay useful information while attached to a bicycle.

Although similar products (bicycle computers) already exist, the Cupertino, Calif., company's solution would take advantage of sensors already built into its devices, such as gyroscopes and accelerometers. Using an iPod or iPhone could potentially reduce costs, setup, and the need for complex attachments. Another added benefit would be the possibility of sharing recorded information with other cyclists."

Read more at AppleInsider.

Sir Mix-A-Lot: All Yo'all Wants to Ride!

Sir Mix-A-Lot was ahead of the game way back in '94, apparently. Slammin' track too.

Spit found this, thanks.

OT: Aren't We Done Yet?

Seen in Helsinki // Fixybiek Stylez of ´10!

Helsinki fixybiek stylez of the Summer ´10, all photos from yesterdays' Yksivaihde.net swap meet / flea market, which was by the way even greater success than the two previous ones.

Photos stolen from Sensei, Kim & tnts. Thanks guys.

Mark Ronson wants yo' biek!

"Bikes needed as props for new Mark Ronson video

The 'extras' list ... consists of about 20 non-specific bikes that are good looking, stylish and in decent condition for crowd scenes. There's unlikely to be any budget for the use of these.

...

And in case you're wondering, this is all genuine, above board and definitely NOT an elaborate ruse to steal lots of nice bikes!"

Read more HERE.

Lost Boyz: Plug Me In

Via G.S. Guccilife.

Shiny Box Profile

'The Modern San Fransican' by Mike Giant

Seen first at Tracko. 

Smell The Roses

Smell The Roses from zack mctee on Vimeo.

So, while this movie is not particularly spectacular by any means, it exemplifies one of THE up-and-coming cycling trends for 2010 (especially since Cyclocross season has officially finished already): the Hipster Road Cycling. Mark my words.

Damn, even I myself am secretly building a geared 1990s-styled retro steel road bike in the darkness of my hidden underground lair...

Considered Getting Into Cyclocross?

This has been posted everywhere already ages ago but it is kind of on the point and funny so here we go.

Coolrain Fixie Hipster Figures

"Korean toy-maker and customizer Coolrain recently put together the following series of figures for fellow Korean retailer Kasina. Four different versions mimic what is arguable some of the current influences within streetwear on both a fixed gear/skate and fashion perspective."

Not for me thanks, but someone might dig these, I guess.

From Hypebeast, where else?.

Ewan McGregor Goes Fixed

EDIT:

I was just informed that Ewan rides a GOrilla Hattara frame and is kitted out in Swerve clothing, all provided by www.tokyofixedgear.com. Plus he's wearing Adidas X Stone Island Sambas, which I kinda dig.

Apparently Ewan already had a Pake earlier but now he rides happily the GOrilla after acquiring it at the filming of his latest movie 'The Last Word".

So now you know.

Nitto Touring Front Rack

Again from TokyoFixedGear's Flickr.

"These racks are designed by US touring specialists Rivendell & made in Japan by Nitto. It goes with out saying that the quality is outstanding. Unlike most front racks these can be easily installed & have an expansion available."

Front racks are apparently somewhat fashionable in the fixie world right now, or so I've heard. Real bike messengers actually sometimes use them for delivering stuff...

Spin

'Courier companies should pay more attention to their employees and dress them in the most fashionable way...'

Pretty funny stuff here.

"Bike couriers are the least glamorous and often hardest working people around. Photographer Ruud Baan and Holland’s JFK Magazine have teamed together for a ‘Bike Courier’ editorial that is turning that stereotype on its head.

Featuring smokin’ hot model Simon de Boekers, Baan, according to swipelife.com, thought “that courier companies should pay more attention to their employees and dress them in the most fashionable way, believing that image counts.” Using bicycle manufacturing firm Raar to get them moving, the ‘Bike Courier’ editorial turns couriers from drab to fab!"

Thanks to RaFu for finding this!

'Bored' 20" Fixed Gear Minivelo

On my recent trip to Tokyo I discovered that the Japanese really love their minivelos. And of course there were also mini-sized fixed gear bikes, like the one I saw at the DEPT Geek Garage. 

In fact, with the 20" wheels the one in the picture is not that different from these fixed BMXes here. Except that those BMXes are way cooler, of course. 

The Logical Next Step

After you get bored riding your color-coordinated fixie because everyone else has a bike exactly like yours, these will be the logical next step. Bridgestone in Japan is bravely showing the way to the future...