8 of the Coolest Bikes You’ll Want to Ride Right Now
May 13, 2016
Not all bikes were created equal. And if you’ve got a busted old ride that you’ve been meaning to trade in, then helmet up—we’re about to hit you (figuratively, of course) with eight of the coolest bikes around. We’re talking cycles that’ve broken world speed records. Metallic bikes that look like a million bucks. Even eco-friendly, compostable numbers. No matter what your speed is, these models are serious #goals.
FOR THE GLAM SQUAD: All gold everything–especially when it comes to bikes. Fact is, the Trumbull Street is one of the coolest bikes we've ever seen. It's also got a good story behind it. This baby is produced by the Detroit Bicycle Company, which was founded back in 2011 and is one of many independent businesses focused on high-quality, artisan-made products that are spurring on Detroit's new renaissance. You'll be riding in style on a handcrafted fixie and showing Detroit some love at the same time–what's not to like?>
Image courtesy of Dong Park
Image courtesy of Dong Park
FOR THE ECOPHILES: We've already big-upped compostable helmets. And if you're of the eco persuasion, why not add a compostable bike to the mix? Enter the Aenimal Bhulk. A Gold Award winner at last year's EuroBike Show, this Italian number is produced from recycled, biodegradable polymers...and is even 3D printed.
Image courtesy of Eurocompositi
Image courtesy of Eurocompositi
FOR THE ARTISTS: The Circular Bike might not be the most functional of vehicles (just picture trying to take this for an afternoon ride around town), but that doesn't mean we aren't coveting it. Created by artist Robert Wechsler, this super-cycle is made from nine salvaged bikes. It's also often left in public spaces for members of the public to try out. Keep your eyes peeled, is what we're saying.
Image courtesy of Robert Wechsler
Image courtesy of Robert Wechsler
FOR THE BURNERS: Given that Burning Man's playa is home to all kinds of out-there cars, it's no surprise that the festival is chock-full of the kookiest and coolest bikes, too. Like this one, which doesn't seem like it should adhere to the laws of physics, but still manages to stay upright. If that doesn't appeal, you could always just opt for a shark bike (fins optional).
Image courtesy of Adam Bautz/Flickr
Image courtesy of Adam Bautz/Flickr
FOR THE LUMBERJACKS: Thought you couldn't take a wooden bike to the rough and tumble city streets? Think again. The beautiful models made by Connor Cycles may be hand-carved from ash and walnut wood. But they're also coated with durable varnish and reinforced with Kevlar (the stuff that bulletproof vests are made of). Now, you can buy models made for mountain biking, hitting the gravel, or simply cruising around town.
Image courtesy of Connor Cycles
Image courtesy of Connor Cycles
FOR THE RACERS: The Varna Tempest may not look much like a bicycle (and fact is, it's designed more for racing than your city's bike lanes). But remove the sleek exterior, and you'll find a human-powered bike frame underneath. A pretty special one, that is. Back in 2009, cyclist Sam Whittingham broke a world record in the bike, reaching 83.8 mph. Gulp.
Image courtesy of Varna
Image courtesy of Varna
FOR THE SPEED DEMONS: Live in a city with leg-testingly steep hills (we're looking at you, San Francisco)? Time to invest in a souped-up set of wheels. Enter BESV’s LX1. Not only does this model boast futuristic looks, but it's also a pedal-assisted electric bike (with a smart mode that automatically adjusts the level of assistance based on just how high those hills are). Your calves will thank you.
Image courtesy of BESV
Image courtesy of BESV
FOR THE ANTIQUARIANS: Record players, Polaroid cameras, even typewriters: vintage is in. And for the cyclists with throwback sensibilities, that means picking up a good, old-fashioned penny-farthing. Invented in 1869, the penny-farthing—famous for its oversized front wheel and minuscule back wheel—was the very first contraption to be designated as a bicycle, and is still one of the coolest bikes around today. If you want to rock the retro look for yourself, Rideable Bicycle Replicas will custom-make you something special. Just be sure to pick out a natty set of suspenders to go with your ride.
Image courtesy of Rideable Bicycle Replicas Inc, Greg Barron
Image courtesy of Rideable Bicycle Replicas Inc, Greg Barron
FOR THE GLAM SQUAD: All gold everything–especially when it comes to bikes. Fact is, the Trumbull Street is one of the coolest bikes we've ever seen. It's also got a good story behind it. This baby is produced by the Detroit Bicycle Company, which was founded back in 2011 and is one of many independent businesses focused on high-quality, artisan-made products that are spurring on Detroit's new renaissance. You'll be riding in style on a handcrafted fixie and showing Detroit some love at the same time–what's not to like?>
Image courtesy of Dong Park
Image courtesy of Dong Park
FOR THE ECOPHILES: We've already big-upped compostable helmets. And if you're of the eco persuasion, why not add a compostable bike to the mix? Enter the Aenimal Bhulk. A Gold Award winner at last year's EuroBike Show, this Italian number is produced from recycled, biodegradable polymers...and is even 3D printed.
Image courtesy of Eurocompositi
Image courtesy of Eurocompositi
FOR THE ARTISTS: The Circular Bike might not be the most functional of vehicles (just picture trying to take this for an afternoon ride around town), but that doesn't mean we aren't coveting it. Created by artist Robert Wechsler, this super-cycle is made from nine salvaged bikes. It's also often left in public spaces for members of the public to try out. Keep your eyes peeled, is what we're saying.
Image courtesy of Robert Wechsler
Image courtesy of Robert Wechsler
FOR THE BURNERS: Given that Burning Man's playa is home to all kinds of out-there cars, it's no surprise that the festival is chock-full of the kookiest and coolest bikes, too. Like this one, which doesn't seem like it should adhere to the laws of physics, but still manages to stay upright. If that doesn't appeal, you could always just opt for a shark bike (fins optional).
Image courtesy of Adam Bautz/Flickr
Image courtesy of Adam Bautz/Flickr
FOR THE LUMBERJACKS: Thought you couldn't take a wooden bike to the rough and tumble city streets? Think again. The beautiful models made by Connor Cycles may be hand-carved from ash and walnut wood. But they're also coated with durable varnish and reinforced with Kevlar (the stuff that bulletproof vests are made of). Now, you can buy models made for mountain biking, hitting the gravel, or simply cruising around town.
Image courtesy of Connor Cycles
Image courtesy of Connor Cycles
FOR THE RACERS: The Varna Tempest may not look much like a bicycle (and fact is, it's designed more for racing than your city's bike lanes). But remove the sleek exterior, and you'll find a human-powered bike frame underneath. A pretty special one, that is. Back in 2009, cyclist Sam Whittingham broke a world record in the bike, reaching 83.8 mph. Gulp.
Image courtesy of Varna
Image courtesy of Varna
FOR THE SPEED DEMONS: Live in a city with leg-testingly steep hills (we're looking at you, San Francisco)? Time to invest in a souped-up set of wheels. Enter BESV’s LX1. Not only does this model boast futuristic looks, but it's also a pedal-assisted electric bike (with a smart mode that automatically adjusts the level of assistance based on just how high those hills are). Your calves will thank you.
Image courtesy of BESV
Image courtesy of BESV
FOR THE ANTIQUARIANS: Record players, Polaroid cameras, even typewriters: vintage is in. And for the cyclists with throwback sensibilities, that means picking up a good, old-fashioned penny-farthing. Invented in 1869, the penny-farthing—famous for its oversized front wheel and minuscule back wheel—was the very first contraption to be designated as a bicycle, and is still one of the coolest bikes around today. If you want to rock the retro look for yourself, Rideable Bicycle Replicas will custom-make you something special. Just be sure to pick out a natty set of suspenders to go with your ride.
Image courtesy of Rideable Bicycle Replicas Inc, Greg Barron
Image courtesy of Rideable Bicycle Replicas Inc, Greg Barron
