A build-your-own bike company out of San Fran has won me over for it's simplicity and artistic roots. Why buy a branded pre-made human-powered two-wheeler when you can buy a work of art that you create?
At Mission Bicycle you call the shots and the canvas is your bike. Pick the colors and style of every component, from the frame and handlebars to the crank set and chain.
After seeing custom-built 'fixies' cruising around San Francisco, Mission Bicycle co-founder Zack Rosen wondered why there weren't any bike companies making them? That's when he and Matt Cheney started up the company.
"These bikes are great for the city, they're fun, they look awesome and there's a strong community into them and building them," explains Zack. Folks from around the world share pictures of ther creations on websites like Fixed Gear Gallery, a testament to the passion and pride within the fixie community.
The $830 price tag is a little steep for me but I'll get one someday. As a birthday present perhaps... Speaking of, a Grown Ass People Happy Birthday goes out to my dear friend Liz, who is also to be thanked for pointing me to Mission Bicycle and connecting me with Zack. Birthday wishes also go out to our very own Bridget who will be debuting on GAP next week, stay tuned...
Despite the price, I had fun just dreaming about the perfect color combination for my future bike. Zack wouldn't reveal his favorite color combo, taking a more diplomatic stance on the issue of fixie design: "I don't have a personal favorite. I like the ones that have a darker color on the frame, black or gray, and then have tasteful accents on rims and handlebars." And while clean designs with good color balance and some uniformity are usually the most popular, choosing a color combo for your fixie is a very personal decision.
Zack: "People experiment and come up with crazy ideas. We build them."
I'm all for taking crazy ideas and running(er, peddling) with them.
After seeing custom-built 'fixies' cruising around San Francisco, Mission Bicycle co-founder Zack Rosen wondered why there weren't any bike companies making them? That's when he and Matt Cheney started up the company.
"These bikes are great for the city, they're fun, they look awesome and there's a strong community into them and building them," explains Zack. Folks from around the world share pictures of ther creations on websites like Fixed Gear Gallery, a testament to the passion and pride within the fixie community.
The $830 price tag is a little steep for me but I'll get one someday. As a birthday present perhaps... Speaking of, a Grown Ass People Happy Birthday goes out to my dear friend Liz, who is also to be thanked for pointing me to Mission Bicycle and connecting me with Zack. Birthday wishes also go out to our very own Bridget who will be debuting on GAP next week, stay tuned...
Despite the price, I had fun just dreaming about the perfect color combination for my future bike. Zack wouldn't reveal his favorite color combo, taking a more diplomatic stance on the issue of fixie design: "I don't have a personal favorite. I like the ones that have a darker color on the frame, black or gray, and then have tasteful accents on rims and handlebars." And while clean designs with good color balance and some uniformity are usually the most popular, choosing a color combo for your fixie is a very personal decision.Zack: "People experiment and come up with crazy ideas. We build them."
I'm all for taking crazy ideas and running(er, peddling) with them.
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