On Thursday the 23rd of October a new bicycle racing specialist named Meesterknecht, opened its doors in the centre of Amsterdam. Meesterknecht is a bike shop with a cycling café focused on contemporary cycling. The shop caters to everything cycling enthousiasts dream of and on top of that one can enjoy the shop's exclusive espresso blend 'Gangmaker' (Pacer or Derny), while admiring Amsterdam's rich cycling history on the shop’s walls. The shop is proof that cycling is driven more and more by aesthetics and pleasure, instead of purely focused on performance. Due to the pervasive cycling culture in the Netherlands, cycling is not quickly perceived as being cool, even though cycling was the number one sport in the Netherlands until the late '60s. Every neighborhood in Amsterdam used to have its own criterium race and the cycling legends of the time raced its velodromes. Meesterknecht says it wants to bring back part of this lost culture and take the very best from the cycling community to Amsterdam. [ Continue reading ]
Rapha has just released its imagery for the upcoming winter and we really like it. The new seasonal winter collection caters to all weather conditions with a broad selection of garments, perfectly tailored for everything from early autumn which will bring the rain to the Netherlands to the upcoming winter, which is set to be cold, wet and frosty. The pieces we really like include returning items like the rainproof hard- and softshell jackets, jerseys which show new and advanced moisture-wicking and warmth-retention capabilities and a perfect line of base layers. Accessories include cycling caps with an all new Pro Team Winter hat, neck warmers, gloves and more. You will be ready for everything with this cycling collection. [ Continue reading ]
Cycling is a very significant part of the Dutch culture and it has been for many decades. However, an affordable, contemporary Dutch bicycle disappeared from our streets a while ago. The explanation is reasonably simple; a bicycle is a labour intensive product, and for this reason, almost all bicycle manufactures, and with them a lot of other fields of production, moved their production to low-cost labor countries, mostly in South-East Asia. This impressive graduation project by Design Academy Eindhoven alumni Bob Schiller, which he named Epo, aims to revive the local industry and bring production back to the Netherlands. We are very impressed by his design and attached ambition, which also gained him a nomination for the Keep an Eye grant which will be awarded to one graduated student on the 18th of October. [ Continue reading ]
Philippe Brunel’s painstakingly assembled anthology of tales and photography named 'Kings of Pain: Masters and Convicts of the Road' quickly became a touchstone for fans of road racing, capturing the ethos and aesthetic of decades of the sport. It is a book born of days in the archives and from countless hours of interviews, making it an indispensible companion for anyone drawn in by the golden age of professional cycling. After spending many years out of print, 'Kings of Pain: Masters and Convicts of the Road' now has been republished by Rapha, featuring re-scanned, duotone photography on Fedrigoni paperstock, bound in high-quality Buckram. All the original Kings of Pain are captured by Brunel like you rarely see them, the book consistsing of some of the peloton’s most compelling stories and images. Be they brave, fragile, or a touch crazy, this book celebrates the riders as human beings making it a perfect celebration of the sport. [ Continue reading ]
Last Friday marked the grand opening of the beautiful Richard Sachs exhibition which was designed by House Industries at the Rapha Cycle Club NYC, and will run for the upcoming month. The inspirational exhibition walks through the bicycle builder’s personal industrial revolution from his early days as an apprentice to becoming a modern folk hero in the cycling community. The show highlights the balance of tradition and innovation with which Sachs has built a loyal following and profoundly influenced cycling culture worldwide. House Industries, an internationally-recognized graphic, product and type design firm, has been a long-time supporter of the Richard Sachs program and therefore makes for the perfect partner of this inspirational overview. [ Continue reading ]
In 2012 Rapha initiated this inspiring factory visit to Italian knitting company Manifattura Italiana Tessuti Indemagliabili or in short Miti shot by the talented English photographer Gavin Karl Campbell. Miti has been an innovator in the knitting industry since its foundation in 1931 and is located in the Northern Italian town of Urgnano, not far from Bergamo. The first and foremost innovation made by the company was the nationwide introduction of wrap knitting techniques, which allows for the construction of durable and stretchy fabrics, introduced by founder Vincenzo Polli through his fascination with the technology and his decision to acquire the German-made machines which would carry it out; establishing Italy’s premier fabric mill. Today the raw fabric is milled six hours away in Hungary, near the border with Slovenia, close enough to monitor total consistency in the highest possible quality after which processing, dyeing and finishing takes place in Urgnano by this major supplier for almost all the cycling brands. [ Continue reading ]
The 'Water – Colour' project by artist Katherine May was an impressive and beautiful textile installation that aimed to raise awareness of water consumption in the production and use of textiles. A sensory environment was designed around the dye process to reconnect the spectator physically to water through a direct experience of handling water in a dye vat. Every year the textile industry uses in excess of 370 billion litres of water. Fibre crops like cotton require significant artificial irrigation after which the water isn't fit for consumption or agricultural use anymore. Furthermore, the coloring of textile diverts water into mills, expelling toxic waste into local water supplies. These are the macro issues of a global industry, however the micro habits of laundering textiles is now known to use more water than growing fibre, processing yarn, and all other phases of a textile’s life-cycle, which was beautifully condensed by May into this aesthetic project making one actively reflect on society's harmful habits. [ Continue reading ]
At the very start of Rapha, in 2004, they initiated the beautiful 'Kings of Pain' exhibition in the Old Truman Brewery, on London’s Brick Lane, which featured a collection of photography and memorabilia devoted to six iconic riders. Riders who epitomize the key elements which make the sport of road cycling so beautiful. Their stories and images of exploits have come to define road cycling. The original Kings of Pain: Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, Tom Simpson, Fausto Coppi, Raymond Poulidor and Bernard Hinault, remain, a distillation of road racing’s most celebrated qualities. They embody the glory, suffering and drama of the sport, and their unmistakable styles defined their respective eras. Now, ten years later a capsule collection has been created in honor of the original Kings of Pain, and everyone who has and still does enjoy the, sometimes painful, ride with Rapha during the past decade. [ Continue reading ]
The Rapha Continental project began in 2007 with the clear ambition to explore the road less travelled, discovering the things you only find out when cycling the open road. That sense of camaraderie which comes from sharing the effort and the adventure of meeting new places and people along the way has been the key motivation for a string of beautiful rides through the years. Last year it brought a group of riders to the Dutch shoreside called Hoek van Holland, in weather conditions making it a rather typical ride for our little country. Wind, rain, followed by some sun and always those returning threatening packs of grey clouds. Typical Dutch circumstances, and therefore contrary to many other countries, stopping very few Dutchmen and -woman from actually getting on a bicycle when it is needed. This culture of dealing with nature despite its hardships was also translated to a beautiful iconic poem written in 1936 by Hendrik Marsman named 'Remembrance of Holland,' which inspired the whole feel of the The Rapha Continental — Hidden Europe: Holland, resulting in a beautiful film by e r t z u i ° film serving the spectator a ride ones loves to hate. [ Continue reading ]
'Cy-collage' was the great pop up exhibition by the London-based collective Colectivo Futuro during last Spin London. Housed inside the iconic Old Truman Brewery building on Brick Lane, the exhibition featured works from both International and local, London-based, artists, most of which had been previously featured in the inspirational colectivo futurist series on their online platform. Each artist was commissioned to interpret cycling through the use of collage as a technique. In the eyes of Colectivo Futuro, like the act of cycling, a collage piece is made up of carefully assembled parts that harmoniously fit together to achieve their purpose, which resulted in beautiful raw works with a somewhat punk aesthetic. The unique and limited pieces by the artists are from now on for sale through Colectivo Futuro's webstore. [ Continue reading ]
Recently the fascinating 'The Ghoda Cycle Project' was brought to our attention. The project is a visual document of the myriad avatars of bicycles in the rural and urban landscape of India by Mumbai-based illustrator Sameer Kulavoor, who works under the name Bombay Duck Designs. The linchpin of 'The Ghoda Cycle Project' is to lay emphasis on the framework, structure, decoration and design of the cycles of India. Ergonomically these cycles may not be the best examples of bicycle design, but they have the strength to carry the hopes and aspirations of a big section of the Indian population. No wonder they are called ghoda, which translates to sturdy or durable, cycles. In India basic necessities like cooking gas, milk, bread, newspapers and tiffin are delivered to people's homes on a cycle. And next to this activity, there are the mobile cycle shops that sell, among other things, tea, vegetables, waist-belts, ice-creams, SIM-cards and so on. Bicycles in India are truly multifunctional beyond Western imagination, which is caught perfectly by Kulavoor. [ Continue reading ]
We really like the recently released City collection of Rapha, with its beautiful lookbook shot in Mediterranean Barcelona. This season is the premiere of a new Italian-milled fabric, more breathable and faster drying, for the Long and Short Sleeve Shirts, and the addition of the Randonnée Shorts, technical and lightweight for city riding in hot and humid conditions. Overall spoken; there are new garments, colors, and redesigns across the Women’s and Men's collections, and updates to luggage and accessories. Barcelona with its gothic splendor, beautiful beaches and Mediterranean vibes proved to be the perfect backdrop for the collection that goes way beyond just cycling wear. Some of the beautiful places the riders are caught for the lookbook are the beautiful neighborhoods El Raval, El Barri Gotic, L’Eixample and Gràcia, and at the former Olympic village; the Piscina Municipal de Montjuïc, Jardí Botànic and the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. [ Continue reading ]
This amazing video by Christopher Kippenberger for German bicycle producer VANDEYK catches the sentiment of solitary cycling on a snowy day perfectly. Named after VANDEYK's top of the line carbon fibre road bike collection; 'Machine for Riding' captures the almost spiritual cyclist moments when the sole rider, the wide landscape and trustworthy bicycle hybridize into perfect unity. With a minimalistic 'code' at the core of the design concept, this particular bicycle collection of VANDEYK patronizes the optimal alliance of man and high-performance machinery. The Machine for Riding bicycles were engineered by Formula 1 proven engineer Ralf Brand and fully manufactured in Germany by ax-lightness, making it an amazing product of the finest in carbon fibre technology. The clear goal for the Machine for Riding was to create perfect balance between rider and road, which was immaculately intepretated by Kippenberger. [ Continue reading ]
The Cévennes, a range of mountains that are part of the Massif Central, in the South of France was this year the backdrop for the beautiful lookbook of Rapha's Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Rapha traveled to the Cévennes for the first time already in 2004. Not surprisingly so, as the area is forever connected to cycling as it is also the setting of Tim Krabbé’s 1978 cult road racing novel 'The Rider'. At that time, in 2004, two riders and a photographer shot the first ever Rapha products along the route of the book’s ‘Tour de Mont Aigoual’, a mythical race upon which the narrative is set. In this remote part of France the terrain is beautifully rough. Desolate gorges, empty roads, steep climbs, wild scenery and windswept plateaus. 'The Rider' is one of the finest books written on the sport of cycling, rooting very close to the fundament Rapha was founded on. This year the brand returned to the almost mystical area, this time with nine riders and the same excellent photographer, Ben Ingham, to shoot the latest seasonal collection and celebrate 10 years of Rapha. [ Continue reading ]
We are very proud to have had a part in the creation of this remarkable project: Minute, a fast, powerful, compact and maneuverable bike for the city. A mini commuter with remarkable small wheels and a durable steel frame. Based on the idea of the Mini Velo, a popular choice in large Asian urban areas, Minute is the ultimate city bike made to last a lifetime. Minute is the first non-custom bike produced by Behave Bicycles, a small Dutch company with big ambitions. The brains and the craft behind the company and therefore Minute is Elian Veltman, a young talented, yet very experienced designer, best known for his handmade custom bikes and acclaimed Cargo bike. Elian is not afraid to opt for alternative solutions in the service of the outcome, which is exemplified in his creation of Minute. [ Continue reading ]
We really like the latest endeavor by one of our favorite outdoor label, Los Angeles-based Aether Apparel. Last December, as an enhancement to their online Journal, they introduced AETHERfocus. The new project is a video series that showcases individuals and companies that inspire the people at Aether. The very first episode focusses on Ben Farver of Argonaut Cycles. This company offers custom-built carbon frames, designed and manufactured entirely in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Each of their bikes are handcrafted using an innovative construction process for a completely tailored riding experience. The company is driven by a sincere passion for the sport of cycling, striving to make the best, because they want to ride the best. [ Continue reading ]
As a preview of our annual Another Gift Guide we’ve selected 10 of our favorites exclusively for Nuji. Number one is the amazing Nomos Lambda, a wonderful timepiece in 18-carat white or rose gold. Number two are the leather crochet touchscreen gloves by Mujjo, both geeky and style-full. Number three is our all-time favourite the 33” Globe Trotter Centenary in grey and black. Number four is the just released Watch Roll by our friends of Travelteq, a need to have for every watch collector. Illesteva’s Felix Light Tortoise makes a perfect number five. Number six is the lovely collection of City Cycling Guides by Rapha. The beautifully handcrafted apron’s of Editor’s Index is number seven. Eight is the men’s travel essential, Baxter of California’s Travel Kit. Number nine are the amazing rubberised hand-made products of Hancock, with this indigo jacket at Tenue de Nîmes as our favourite. And the last one is this pair of Nike Free Trainers. [ Continue reading ]
As we are in New York City at this moment we are lucky enough to just have visited the recently opened Rapha Cycle Club New York, which opened its doors within the heart of the meatpacking district last September. Following the success of the first permanent Rapha Cycle Club which opened last year in London’s Soho, and the recently completed club in Sydney, the New York Cycle Club was once again beautifully designed by British agency Brinkworth. [ Continue reading ]
We are very sorry not to have been in Tokyo during the last Tour the France as we would have loved to visit the Rapha Cycle Club Tokyo which was located in the Calm & Punk Gallery for the whole period of the race. For Le Centième Rapha erupted an impressive store, (coffee-)bar and meeting place for lovers of the Tour and cycling in general from Tokyo and beyond. [ Continue reading ]
Two years ago Dutch designer and photographer Yorit Kluitman jumped on his bike with one major goal in mind: To cross all the 418 Dutch municipalities in 3 years. A journey called 'Tussen Steden' (Between Cities) crossing cities, villages, hamlets and enjoying the open space left between them. Kluitman's motive is his fascination for this, from a bicycle riders perspective very well seen, organised structure of space and seemingly two-dimensional world surrounding the urban areas of Holland. [ Continue reading ]
With the hundredth edition of the Tour just finished it's the perfect time to visit the exhibition of Timm Kölln's The Peloton at the Fotopioniere gallery in Berlin. For The Peloton, Kölln started in 2005 traveling all over Europe attending every major race on the UCI calendar to photograph the entire professional peloton and capture their images just moments after crossing the finish-line. The results are highly impressive and insightful black and white portraits of all the major (and less famous) professional riders of the period, which were published in book-form by Rouleur in October 2010. [ Continue reading ]
Established in 2011 by Edward Godden and Joseph Lewis, The Travelling Gin Company provides a unique drinking experience straight from their vintage delivery bicycles. The two Brits conveniently dressed in aprons from Labour and Wait serve up the ultimate Gin and Tonic and also specialize in other gin based cocktails. Godden and Lewis see their venture as "a pop-up drinks project." [ Continue reading ]
In For Thousands of Miles film maker Mike Ambs shares the story of a young man’s 6700 kilometer bicycle ride across the Northern United States. Larry McKurtis, at the age of 26, left for the Atlantic ocean, leaving behind the small town he had always known, in search of new experiences. A familiar story mostly ending as a life changing experience for the subject as the people he or she encountered. For Thousands of Miles tells a different story though. [ Continue reading ]
Yesterday Soigneur released its second issue. Another great magazine jam-packed with inspirational stories, lovely portraits and features on the highly needed products all for the love of road cycling. I was invited by Soigneur and Rapha to join them on the road less travelled… [ Continue reading ]