Bikes in design mags

I previously mentioned that I have noticed quite a few bikes in design magazines lately. Yesterday, I decided to thumb through a few of the recent magazines in the growing stack on my desk, and I was not surprised to see something bicycle related in each one.

The April issue of Metropolis featured David Larsson’s foldable Streetbike in its coverage of the Salone Satellite, a showcase for the work of young designers at the Salone Internazi­onale del Mobile in Milan. Elsewhere in the Metropolis issue was a section called “Things that Matter.” Thirty designers were asked the simple question, “what is your favorite everyday object?” Kasper Salto picked a Freitag messenger bag made from recycled truck trap and seat belt straps. Harry Richardson of Committee chose the Alan Superleggera bicycle, which he referred to as “useful and absolutely beautiful.” I have actually never ridden an old Alan, but I hear that they were a bit stiffer than the old bonded aluminum Vitus frames, which were known to be pretty flexible. But I am digressing a bit; I don’t really want to pick on a thirty-year-old frame for not being stiff enough. The bike is a classic and I was glad to see a picture of the gold anodized frame in the pages of Metropolis.

The May issue of Azure featured the e-Solex designed by Pininfarina. Before anyone corrects me, I know that this is a moped and not a bicycle. Still, it looks good and it does have pedals, so I’m going to go ahead and mention it. For more information check out this old Treehugger post or take a look at the e-Solex website.

The May issue of ID showed a picture of Ross Lovegrove’s studio in London. Behind the new liquid aluminum “single surface deformation” table in the foreground is one on Lovegrove’s bicycle designs for Biomega. I am glad to see that he keeps one around in his studio. I know that Mr Lovegrove is a busy guy, but I hope he gets a chance to get out and ride that bike every once and a while.

Photo of David Larsson’s Streetbike from the Metropolis website


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9 responses to “Bikes in design mags”

  1. Phil Avatar
    Phil

    “I don’t really want to pick on a thirty-year-old frame for not being stiff enough.” — Are you trying to perpetuate the myth that frames get less stiff over time? There’s no physical evidence this actually happens.

  2. James Avatar
    James

    Not at all Phil. I was just saying that there is no point in picking on a frame that is long out of production. Some people like them, but small diameter aluminum frames aren’t very stiff no matter how old or new they are.

  3. Anonymous Avatar
    Anonymous

    If you haven’t seen it yet, check out the current issue (#3) of monocle, which has lots pf good stuff about bicycles throughout–good bikes, good cities for riding, etc.

  4. James Avatar
    James

    I have not seen that issue of monocle. Thanks for the tip. It looks like issue 4 is out now, but I’ll see if I can find a copy of 3.

  5. Anonymous Avatar
    Anonymous

    it’s the one with the giant bike wheel on the cover. 😉

  6. domestika Avatar
    domestika

    I’m more of a hiker than a cyclist these days, James, but there’s a sculptural beauty in a frame that anyone with a design interest can appreciate!

  7. Diana Coronado Avatar
    Diana Coronado

    Nice blog.
    I was thinking in get a bicycle hehe.

  8. James Avatar
    James

    Domestika, I like hiking too. Thanks for the comment.

    Diana, you should definitly get a bicycle. What type are you considering?

  9. Anonymous Avatar
    Anonymous

    To ride a bike and to be stylish! It’s cool as for me! Look at my designer belts review and be stylish!

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