Calling all framebuilders: the Bespoked handmade bike show in Bristol next April has thrown down a new gauntlet for bikes that are practical and solve a particular user's transport needs.
The Bespoked Constructors' Challenge aims to broaden and diversify the appeal of bespoke bicycles, say show organisers. It will be part of the show that runs next year at the Arnolfini centre Bristol, April 17-19.
Shows such as Bespoked have focussed on the art and craftsmanship of custom-made bikes, but practicality and problem-solving has been less of a priority. The idea of the Bespoked Constructors' Challenge is for bike builders to demonstrate that their bikes can enhance people's lives or perform a particular function beyond just being wonderful to ride.
Bespoked organisers say: "While sport cycling is enjoying great attention from the press at present, the Constructors’ Challenge will highlight how bicycles have been used traditionally for quick, easy, efficient transport – ideal for modern towns and cities.
"Bespoke bicycles are not limited to top-end road or mountain bikes, this event will demonstrate the diversity of possible uses for this simple and adaptable machine – and that they form a viable alternative to the car for regular work and daily life."
Organisers say they are looking for "specific not generic designs – to creatively meet the unique needs of the end clients (individuals, businesses or communities). The Constructors’ Challenge is intended to demonstrate how makers, designers and end users can come together to create a bicycle that solves a real transport issue is someone’s daily life."
They're thinking of bikes such as The Printing Bike. Framebuilder Robin Mather (Winner of Bespoked's Best in Show 2012) teamed up with designer & letterpress printer Nick Hand to make a bike to carry a small letterpress printer to Mainz, Germany printing postcards on the way. The small-wheeled bike that Mather built for the trip incorporates platforms above the wheels for the printing press.
Entries to the Bespoked Constructors' Challenge close on October 31, 2014. Full details are over at the Bespoked website.
1 thought on “Bespoked handmade show launches contest for bikes that are practical as well as beautiful”
Objective:
“highlight how
Objective:
“highlight how bicycles have been used traditionally for quick, easy, efficient transport – ideal for modern towns and cities.
“demonstrate the diversity of possible uses for this simple and adaptable machine – and that they form a viable alternative to the car for regular work and daily life.”
Example given:
“They’re thinking of bikes such as The Printing Bike…a bike to carry a small letterpress printer to Mainz, Germany printing postcards on the way”
….words…palm…desk…fail…face…head…
Yet again, British innovation in cycling, based on trying to solve a problem that does not exist – or, at least hasn’t existed since Mssr Gutenberg realised his printing press was much better off staying put in Mainz as the bicycle wouldn’t be invented yet for another half a millennium.
If you’d care to gaze 300 miles east, you’ll see about 20 Million bikes in near-constant use for transport/utility. If they aren’t using a feature or design it’s because it’s been tried and discarded as uneconomical/impractical/pointless.
Still, I eagerly await the UK’s leadership in auto-hipster-beard-trimming handlebar attachments, chainstay cutouts designed to auto-roll a pair of £180 Vulpine jeans, and the ability to auto-apply ‘Cyclists – Stay Awesome’ stickers to every HGV, white van or Vauxhall Corsa committing a punishment pass.