And a lovely bike it is:
The Dutch Master features stem and pedals from Brooklyn Machine Works, maker of high-end, indestructible parts. The Brooks saddle and the Dapper Dan grips, both leather, provide unparalleled feel and an authentic patina. The BMX Crankset is complemented by front and rear drum breaks from Sturmey Archer, and the shock-absorbing Schwalbe “Fat Frank” cruiser tires provide smooth-rolling, urban-friendly traction and durability.The wheels are hand-built in Brooklyn with Swiss DT spokes, and the rear wheel is equipped with bike pegs, so that you can carry (at least) one of your posse home at the end of the night.
Each of the 25 limited edition bikes will sell for $1560.00. Don’t leave ‘em on the street, folks!
Well, I second the beautiful verdict. There are some gorgeous details on there.
Also, http://www.BrooklynMachineWorks.com (the makers of the pedals and stem) are worth checking out themselves. Their burly bikes fit a niche market, but they are absolutely amazing to ride!
This bike look idiotic. Ridiculous, even. It’s the kind of posing bike that doesn’t get ridden, just brought by somebody who wants to look cool. Hence the price, and that comment about “carrying one of your posse home”.
Personally, I can’t get over the monofork on the Cannondale Bad Boy. I want to buy one and ride around pretending to be in Akira.
Pretty. Needs fenders to be a practical urban ride. Pretty.
Front and rear drum breaks? Battle breaks? Toasted marshmallow feet breaks? Superduck breaks?
What kind of breakbeats do these drums play?
Looks like a fancy city bike, but the architecture is all beach cruiser. Both the Pashley Guv’nor and the traditional Raleigh/Dutch bike put you more directly over the bottom bracket. The set-up on this one actually makes it harder to transfer power from your legs to the drive train. The fatty tires are going to absorb shocks, but add drag.
Or you could buy an almost identical Kona Humu frame and fit out your own bike for $1000 less.
http://www.konaworld.com/09_humu_u.cfm
Here’s the Worksman newsboy that gives this bike it’s frame.
http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/indbikes.html
Brooklyn!
Brooklyn!
Oooo, so cool, parts made in Brooklyn!
Hipster douchebag.
Dutch bike ????
These are Dutch bikes:http://www.gazelle.nl/producten/collectie/stadsfietsen-comfort.html#15
With rain protectors, a bell, lights, low entrance is you are wearing a dress or a djellaba, luggage platform to carry your groceries or boyfriend, etc and just $499. Plus, you drive into a car and the bike is still in 1 piece (the car isn’t, you may have a scratch)
That looks a little like a Pashley Guv’nor, which is a lovely bicycle (and a little cheaper, I think).
lets look at the origins now:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nationaalarchief/3678494036/in/set-72157620769456464/
hmmm I think I like these more
Fair play, that’s hideous.
For that price, it better come with a beard, some flannel and a pair of thick-rimmed black glasses.
Even at that price they are still cheaper than a lot of the real Dutch bikes, some of which run over 5 grand.
Sigh.
That’s a cool looking bike.
It’s beautiful!
Ok, I’ve seen a number of “Art bikes” and I’ve noticed that for all the ‘bling’ none of these ‘artists’ can figure out how to put a simple gear shift on a bike. Really, go into a bike shop, the components will be on the shelf along with tons of “How To” guides and eager employees who’ll talk to you all day if you are nice and eagerly take a ‘gig’ helping you install for a modest fee…
If I ever want an “Art Bike”, like for “Burning man” I’ll MAKE it myself.
That sure is an ugly bike, and not beautifully ugly either.
it’d be cool if it weren’t for the balloon tires
As former bike shop pro and cool bike junky (went broke supporting the habit). I like this machine, a lot, but my lust stops at the Brooks saddle. Tried one, gave up, tossed it in the junk bin. Tried another time, never again will such a torture device come between me and my machine.
Or you could just pick up a nice old Raleigh Sport (DL-3 or DL-22) for $50. That’ll get you your Brooks saddle, Sturmey-Archer hub, and more cred than this thing should.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blacknell/sets/72157601671784938/
At first glance, It looked like they took a cheap cruiser, upgraded a few components and sprinkled a bit of billet bling on it, and deemed it worthy of a skyward-of-$1.5k price. My ironic mustache did a 360 on my face as I cried out in horror.
It turns out the Worksman Newsboy bike this bike is based on is an NYC-made “delivery boy” staple and some sort of iconic thing in the city, and the pedals and stem, anyway, are also crafted in New York.
Call it a 35-lb salute to local culture- just don’t call it a good idea as a functional ride. That said, if you love it, the price is similar to that of importing a “real” Dutch oma, without the bling.