The 4 most beautiful bicycles
According to the Earth Policy Institute, a US-based environmental advocacy group, bicycle production quadrupled between 1950 and 2007. During the same period, car production merely doubled. It's a trend that continues to this day, accelerated by rising fuel prices and urban congestion. And during the last 10 years, the bicycle has enjoyed something of a renaissance, thanks to ever-greater availability of lightweight materials, advanced safety and comfort features, and electric-motor-assist systems.Bicycles are becoming more beautiful, too. Small manufacturers, custom shops and independent designers are reinventing the humble two-wheeler with cutting-edge shapes and technologies. Herewith, we pick 10 of our favourites. (Photo: Cykno electric cycle, courtesy of Engeenius)
2.
Engeenius Cykno
Country of origin: Italy
Details: Never mind the price tag, which is greater than a new Alfa Romeo MiTo: There is nothing sensible about the Cykno electric-assist two-wheeler. This Italian beauty features a monocoque frame, front forks and 26-inch radial-spoke wheels made of carbon fibre composite, which, despite an array of electric-drive hardware, keeps weight to a not-unwieldy 57lbs. The Cykno's leather-wrapped centre section contains a 250- or 500-watt electric motor, a lithium-polymer battery pack and an on-board charger with cable. Full charge from a standard household outlet takes four hours, and the Cykno will cruise in pedal-assist mode for a generous 37 miles – perfect for a long day of Roman roamin'.
Price: $22,000 (est)
3.
Country of origin: US
Details: Electric bicycle builders are getting wise to housing unsightly batteries and motors out of view, yet few builders hide these pedal-power supplements as deftly as Faraday. Based in the cycling mecca of Portland, Oregon, Faraday builds its Porteur utility bikes with lithium-ion batteries packed inside the frame tubes, preserving the cycle's clean, collegiate lines. Up to 15 miles (24km) of electric assist is available at the push of a button, and light-sensing LEDs begin to blink at sunset. Up front, an optional integrated rack is ready to lug the groceries, books and well-cultivated smugness of the lucky rider.
Price: $3,500
4.
Country of origin: Japan
Details: Supplier to the Japanese national cycling team at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Cherubim has pride and provenance to spare. Its legacy of steel-frame sculpture is now carried forward by Shinichi Konno, son of company founder Hitoshi Konno. With a taste for retro-tinged velodrome machines that take daring detours – the HummingBird build above forgoes a traditional seat tube and arches its back precariously over the rear wheel – it is safe to assume Shinichi-san is not eyeing Olympic glory. He must content himself knowing that he builds what are widely regarded as the most beautiful bikes in the world.
Price: N/A
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