two makers craft the randonneur chair using bicycle building techniques

two makers craft the randonneur chair using bicycle building techniques

two makers (andrew mcdonald and simon taylor) tap into traditional bicycle frame-building techniques to envision ‘the randonneur’ chair. drawing on the formal geometries of the long-distance two-wheeler after which it is named, the seating object has been realized using the methods employed in the hand-crafted racing and touring bikes manufactured by master constructeurs of the 1940s.

the chair is constructed using traditional bicycle-frame building techniques

the framework of ‘the randonneur’ is assembled with reynolds 631 air-hardening heat-treated steel tubing — still regarded today as the ultimate bicycle tubing material — and features a seat made from sustainable sapele hardwood (chosen for rockers), with finishes in fine bicycle saddle leather from brooks, england. the resulting furniture piece is a celebration of cycling and bespoke british craftsmanship which offers a balance of strength, weight and comfort in its design.

the frame of the chair is made from reynolds 631air-hardening heat-treated steel tubing

‘the randonneur’ is on show at the cycle show at NEC birmingham from september 25th-28th, 2014

detail of the bicycle tubing

‘the randonneur’ is finished with sapele hardwood for the rockers, and fine saddle leather for the seating, arm and backrests

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