storm from the east

Renovo Bicycles

I'm a big fan of wood, great craftsmanship and bikes, so when they are combined to make something of sheer beauty, I tend to start drooling.

Recently I've been drooling over Renovo's gorgeous hardwood frames and trying to think up foolproof arguments for purchasing one that would convince my wife. So far I've completely failed, therefore I simply wipe my chin, mop the slobber up off my desk and admire them virtually.

But I want one. If anybody from Renovo is reading this and would like a thirty-something, Tokyo-based bicycle commuter to test ride one of their bikes for, say, a decade or two, my contact details are at the top of the page.

For everybody else, go and see what I'm talking about at the Renovo website.

Quixofixed: Architecture and bikes

I saw this on Prolly and wanted to share it here because: 1) The video is put together really well. 2) It's about architecture and bikes, which are two things I love. 3) You may have noticed that I like to support up and coming talent here on SFTE. That being the case, there seems to be a lot of talent at Quixotic, an architectural studio based in UiTM Shah Alam, Malaysia, so I thought I'd show them some support. Good luck to all at Quixotic. You can find out more by reading their blog.

Toyota Prius Projects x Parlee concept bike

When something related to three of my favourite things - namely design, bikes and Japan - comes along, I can't help but take an interest. Such is the case with the concept bike being built by Toyota and Parlee, the final result of which I can't wait to see.
	For all of the details, we have the excellent Prolly is not Probably to thank (not the first, and certainly not the last, mention for Prolly's blog here), so head over there and have a look at the whole process for yourself.

Stussy × Oakley × W-Base 26’ "How I Roll"

Tokyo's own W-Base have teamed up with Stussy and Oakley to produce a collection of items including the 26' 'How I Roll' BMX, below. Very nice.

See the bike in action around Tokyo in this video from Stussy. Stussy x W-Base "How I Roll" from Stussy on Vimeo.

BMX as art: the work of Oton Bačar

I posted Oton Bačar's much talked about 7D 1000 fps video a while ago and I want to share a couple more of his videos. If, like me, you like BMX, you'll love these. Even if you're not a fan of BMX, you can't help but admire his work. Brilliant stuff.