Superb: Visits Swrve

My 2nd stop in Los Angeles was Swrve. They are the go to cycling clothing company, especially for these cold Boston winters. I was able to tour where Muriel and Matt, the creators of Swrve, conceive, sew and ship out their clothing line.

(Sorry the photo is out of focus guys. Guess the camera can’t keep it’s eyes off the Swrve merchandise either!)

It’s amazing what can happen a couple of stories up in a tiny office building. At Swrve headquarters, packed in were bolts of fabric, thread, sowing machines, drafting tables, computers, and aisles filled with boxes of merchandise. Matt showed me some new fabrics that he has just picked up himself for their new cycling caps. The new caps are very classy, consisting of flannels, houndstooth, and classic suit patterns. One of the cycling caps even has a cashmere mix for the discerning cyclist.

(The cashmere cap is on the left. I would definitely pick one up.)

They are always coming out with new fabrics and cuts, which is why I am not surprised that they have to keep expanding. I was able to get a sneak peak at some of the new prototypes, which I’m sure will be amazing once they finally are produced.

Here are some photos of their headquarters and all the goodies inside. You should stop in and say hi, especially to sift through the boxes of amazing clothing!

Superb: Visits Wheelmen & Co.

The traveling never ends! I am currently in sunny Los Angeles visiting our cycling friends and best brands!

The first stop is Wheelmen  & Co. of which we just received a brand new shipment in. Make sure to come in and check it out!

Brad & Kevin, the founders of Wheelmen & Co. have become our good friends, hanging with us at Interbike, Bella Biciclette, and now in L.A. at their main headquarters. Their spot in Little Tokyo is where all the packing and designing gets done. Here are some shots of the office. Glamour shot of Brad at his desk and everyone packing for a big shipment to Japan.

Wheelmen is about to release their new backpack and almost every single one has been claimed. They also just dropped two new messenger bags in high end leathers. One in real burgundy patent leather for the ladies and one in supple gray leather for the men. I actually had the chance to model the new messenger bag with a friend on their rooftop. These classy bags were only produced in a limited run. So let us know if any of these wet your appetites and hopefully we can get our hands on them before the holidays are over!

Here is a behind the scene shot of the photoshoot for the new bags.

Bella Biciclette Wrap Up

Thanks to everyone who came out to Bella Biciclette and a special thanks to everyone who competed in the Hot Bike contest. Participants in the Hot Bike contest received a free cycling cap from Bianchi. Winners of the contest are as follows:
Most Unique: Armando Quiros with Quiros Track Bike, won Cinelli Shirt and Cap, Soma Bars and Saddle
Most Aero: Chris Butters with Igleheart Track Bike, won Colnago Track Jacket
Time Capsule: Eric Baumann with Raleigh Track Bike, won Brooks D-shaped Bag
Best Paint Job: Joshua Robot with Geekhouse Cross Bike, won Swrve Jeans, Geekhouse Shirt and Cap
Best Commuter: James Bachez with Colnago Road Bike, won Velo Orange Bar Tape, Baguette Bag, and Stainless Bottle Cages
Best Overall: Eric Baumann with Royal H Track Bike, won Mission Workshop Messenger Bag

Photos By Jesse Weiner

Berlin: Cicli Berlinetta

On my last day in Berlin, I had to stop by Cicli Berlinetta before leaving back to the states. First walking in, you just had to take a deep breath. There were so many frames and bicycles, I couldn’t take them all in. Everything was neatly arranged and decorated. Specializing in mostly vintage Italian frames and components, the shop had a very classic feel. The owner, Dustin, was wearing a cycling cap and a wool jersey to top it all off.

Dustin opened the shop 6 years ago and has been selling track bikes, road bikes, and his own custom made frames for “the discerning enthusiast”. Cicli Berlinetta frames are all hand welded by Dustin himself and painted or powder coated in house. (Apparently matte black paint jobs are all the rage in Berlin now compared to the clear coat wave in Boston.) The sky’s the limit when it comes to getting the bike of your choice here. Dustin is a self proclaimed “find it guy”. If you want something rare or vintage, he can probably make your dreams come true.

There were some ridiculous pursuit frames, from a Cinelli laser to a wild Maza frame just kicking it on the floor. Two bikes that stood out were the Magni, which weight about 13lbs! and the Kestrel completely equipped in gold plated Campagnolo (which I was informed back then was worth about $15,000). There was a good selection of vintage cycling shoes, wool jerseys and caps along with their own branded ones. You could buy a tube protectors all the way to gold plated Campagnolo components here. In the back, they have a full service repair shop and will take in any bike, cheap or expensive.

Here are some shots of the shops gems. A prize to whoever can count all the frames and bikes in the shop, cause seriously it’s like trying to figure out how many jelly beans are in that gigantic jar at the county fair.

Berlin: Keirin Cycle Culture Cafe

On my vacations I can’t help but visit new bike shops. Addicted to bikes, addicted to work. Here in Berlin, I stopped into Keirin Cycle Culture Cafe. One of the top track boutiques in Berlin. Owner, Gary Graham has been running the shop for over 6 years now and has amassed quite a collection of vintage, unique track frames and components. The bike shop also has a little cafe to the side of it, where you can buy a cold beverage in the summer and a hot one in the winter. I’m sure you’ll want a hot one now that it’s damn cold in Berlin!

It was easy to spot the shop since they have a great mural of Keirin Racers in the front and it was bustlin’ with bikers inside and out. Gary explained the bike scene in Berlin, how now a days track bikes have been in a decline due to the Police. Like in the states, they have been cracking down on riding brake less. Apparently it is a $90 Euro fine for riding without a break and sometimes even with just a single brake. If they catch you more than once, they will even seize your bike! Don’t think that you can do a silent protest too with a break that is not attached to anything, because the cops will squeeze your lever to see if it functions.  From what I saw, kids were mostly riding single speeds. But a bike is a bike, ride what you can.

There were so many frames dangling off the ceiling on every wall and a huge collection of Pursuit bikes (which I have an affinity for). The vintage parts were ridiculous, things that I have only seen photos of. There was a gorgeous drilled out FB hub, a predecessor to Campagnolo. Also a crazy Dura Ace crankset with 10mm chain pitch. At first glance it seems like it’s running a 42th chain ring, but since the teeth are so tiny it’s actually a 48th. They knew all about the parts and even the manufacturing dates. If you’re in Berlin looking for a fixed gear fix, stop into the shop.

Here are some shots of the shop and goodies. I wish I had a better camera since the shop was so dark, so these will have to do.