Sandwichbikes
Flat pack goods make perfect sense in our global supply chain by minimizing warehouse space and shipping costs through making the consumer do the final assembly, and passing the savings along. Think IKEA. Sandwichbikes was showing final versions of their $1000 flat pack bicycle made from two “sandwiched” pieces of weather coated plywood with a few important metal bits in-between. One could say that a $1000 coaster brake only bicycle isn’t passing along much value besides novelty in the sort-of-DIY kit, but there are people looking for just that, and you aren’t going to see many others riding these in town. It all fits in a box much smaller than the standard bike box, with tools included for assembly. www.sandwichbikes.com
Fahrer Kurier Expandable Pannier
Fahrer is a bicycle bag and accessory company out of Berlin making unique bags out of recycled building wraps, truck tarps and boat covers. Each bag or at least run of them is based on available materials and colors—you likely won’t find another one just like your own. The Kurier bag is an expandable pannier bag that zips flat to have little air resistance when empty or just carrying a notebook or two, but then unzips to the pictured size, enough for most commuters. Includes an integrated shoulder belt and the Ortlieb Quick Lock 2 mounting system. www.fahrer-berlin.de
Trickstuff Rohloff Trigger Shifter
Trickstuff was showing off this rapid prototyped version of a Rohloff trigger shifter, also compatible with Pinion gearbox systems. The first of its kind, not much other information was available at this time, but I’m sure this will be of interest to various Rohloff riders interested in alt-bars, or otherwise not interested in twist-shifting. www.trickstuff.de
Pashley Speed 5
One of the more eye-catching bikes has to be the Pashley Speed 5. Built from Reynolds 531 steel, the Speed 5 harkens back to days when bike racers were gentlemen first, and athletes second. A 5-speed Sturmey-Archer hub, 90 mm drum brakes and Brooks Swift saddle are just a few of the component highlights. Available, naturally, in British Racing Green, the Speed 5 is proudly handmade in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. www.pashley.co.uk