Friday, January 30, 2009

Woollahra Bike

Riding down Queen Street Woollahra on Sunday I was shocked to see this amongst the displays of high-end fashion shops.

The bike is being sold at RG Madden: The Design Store. Follow the links through the website and the bicycle is listed under "Whats Hot this season".

ABICI Bicycle

The ABICI is a bicycle handmade in Italy; a beautiful hybrid product of old Italian hand crafting traditions teamed with modern design. Not only are they an object of beauty, but the craftsmanship and materials used in production are of superior quality ensuring that ABICI bicycles enjoy a long life.
ABICI bicycles are not for sale in traditional cycling shops – exclusive to RG Madden.

From AUS$2150

Colours

Pale blue, ivory, red, black, olive green and pale greyMaterials

18/10 stainless steel frame, leather saddle


Its easy to laugh at the idea of people actually buying these bikes and one wonders if they'd ever come out of the garage and actually get used. However, I think this display is a positive thing. The high-end bicycle market has for a long time been dominated by ultra-lightweight racing bikes and the blokey competitiveness over the latest wizbang technological gizmos. If the bicycle market is expanding to meet other desires, say something with a bit more style and fashion sense, then I think its ultimately a good thing.

1 comment:

David Killick said...

All true, though it's hard not to laugh at the possibilty people are paying upwards of $2,000 for an $800 single speed utility bike.