Cycle Chic is lovin' this integrated handlebars/basket from a local company called Copenhagen Parts. It's called the Bike Porter. Bicycle baskets are as common as pedals and chainguards in the Copenhagen bicycle culture and while there is certainly nothing wrong with the fine wicker baskets we've been using for more than a century, it is always brilliant when something rethinks the concept.
Streamlined and functional, simple and elegant. Everything that Danish Design is known for. You attach the Bike Porter in place of your current handlebars and off you go. Our trained eye has figured out that a flat of beer would fit just about right in that basket. An important detail now that summer is upon us and the beaches await.
Check out their website for more info and to see check to see if there's a dealer near you.
CopenhagenParts.
11 comments:
Very Art Deco.
biking and beer! Count me in.
Very useful in marketing!!
Brakes? I don't need no stinkin' brakes!
I saw these up close last week and they are gorgeous. But they only come with those short little handle bars and that is no good for me : ( Other wise, throw them on a nice clean, basic frame with a 3-speed hub and coaster brakes... yummy!
Tru dhat about the 3 speed and coaster brakes.
Perhaps does this company design retrofit options for traditional upright bikes? That would be interesting.
Are single speeds and their equally uber-niche accoutrements (see prollyisnotprobably.com )now hip in copenhagen? (spoken regrettably as a former fixie rider....my kneeeeeesssss, owwwwwwch!!!!!!)
nicely designed accessory otherwise.
nice idea, very practical
Streamlined? Yes! Elegant? Yes! Simple? Not really, as you would be trashing very likely perfectly good handlebars (and a stem if you have the old style) in order to install this. Functional? With anything but light cargo as normally goes in a wicker basket, this creates challenges for steering*, especially one-handed. I would not carry a full crate of beer with this (and I have done crazier things).
Solution? A front rack which attaches to the frame, rather than the handlebars and/or fork. I am fully convinced that Copenhagen Parts can get this variant done based on the charming look of this product. And it could be nice if they also made available a matching handlebar. I like that they discuss some of the above issues in their FAQs, but the crucial detail about the advantage of a frame-mounted rack is curiously left out.
* Please note that I did not say "dangerous"!
@ Another Andre: brakes are also available in the peddle brake version. In fact I've never owned a bike with handlebar brakes. :)
Sexy but impractical, for the reasons mentioned aboved by Green Idea Factory and Adrienne. I wouldn't put heavy stuff like beer in there... that's for the rear rack!
PRO TIP for drinking in the park, though: get yourself a bottle of Ricard! Pastis is more efficient than beer, cos you can always find fresh water in the park to mix your drink :D
Who is talking "practical"? I have a Batavus for that! I want something head turning and sexy! : )
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