Bespoked

Here we have our very first bike shop feature from a stalker’s point of view!

I chanced upon this bike shop online called Vanguard; and at first I thought it was one of those new hipster bike shops but it turns out from their press releases that they’ve been around since 2006! That’s longer than I’ve been cycling and I sincerely regret that I did not chance upon it earlier. Check out their entire list of press release and exhibitions here – some very cool and interesting exhibitions like the Paul Smith S/S 2010 collection launch at Paul Smith stores and press releases in the New York Times tell me this company means serious business!

So I think they are a dealer/distributor of a gentleman bike brand called Pashley as there is a clear ‘available now’ sign on their website but their main business is most definitely bespoked bikes – custom made, unique, specialized, limited edition bikes.

They customize cruisers, messenger bikes, velocommute bikes, and they also have what they term the collector’s series and special projects. According to them (and I couldn’t put it any better): “Vanguard specialises in the design of unique one-off bicycles, as well as in the customisation and restoration of classic rides and collectors’ pieces. Vanguard bicycles are recognised worldwide for their unique designs and ergonomics.”

Very very impressed with what I see and I’ll be sure to make a visit down to their bike shop soon.

Here are some coolios bike pics I stole off their website:

The YURA Messenger Bike (above) – My absolute favourite of all their bikes so far.

The SUMMER Messenger Bike (above)

The ZETH Stretched Cruiser (above)

The CHURCHILL Messenger Bike (above)

The TROJE Messenger Bike (above)

The CLAIRE Messenger Bike (above)

The GIRES Messenger Bike (above)

The DEUX Messenger Bike (above)

The ROBIN HOOD Velocommute Bike (above)

The JONAS Velocommute Bike (above)