speedvagen urban racer is a no frills rugged bicycle in its purest form
all images courtesy of the vanilla bikeshop

 

 

 

 

 

urban biking is growing greatly, but it can still be intimidating, inconvenient and unpleasant. but a popular ridership in portland oregon has given birth to some sought after bicycles that are designed specifically for urban commuting. one to consider is the vanilla bicycle company and their updated speedvagen urban racer. the understated carbon rims and large tires help the rider through rough streetscapes and is accompanied by minimalistic lightweight stainless steel frame constructed not to attraction any attention from local thieves. 


video courtesy of the vanilla workshop

 

 

 

in the design phase vanilla workshop takes extra care at the contact points; – saddle, handlebar and pedals, of the frame because they are focal points that make the difference between a good fit and a bad one. the coaster is paired with a two speed internal ‘sram’ hub that shifts automatically for a simpler riding. to follow with the minimal themes, an unnoticeable chain guard made from a single piece of steel is included and matches the custom bag racks painted to go with the rest of the frame can are strong enough to hold a laptop, clothing and groceries. 

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the bike uses ‘supernova’ LED lights out of germany that are wired inside the tubing to keep the lines clean. for raining days, attachable ‘honjo’ fenders made in japan, are an optional package that are also painted to match the bike to look like an extension of the frame. the 15 year old shop has designed the speedvagen urban racer with their own technique to create a distressed look that gives each version its own character.

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