We got a scoop on a just-announced bike collaboration going down in our home base of Minneapolis. ARTCRANK, the renowned “poster party for bike people” show, and Handsome Cycles have unveiled a limited-edition bike that’s got our attention on a couple of levels.
The ARTCRANK Shop Bike is a burly urban commuter that also doubles as a fundraiser vehicle for World Bicycle Relief. It’s simple: Each bike purchased will in turn initiate the donation of a bike to a community in Africa.
There are only 72 of these babies made, so look to make moves quickly if you’re interested. The complete bikes sell for $949.95; framesets are $479.95.
A frameset purchase also will have a charitable outcome, with a mechanic’s toolset being sent to the African communities that receive bikes (to maintain the other donated rides).
The bikes, which come in the signature ARTCRANK red, are coaster brake-equipped single-speeds. They’re tough, steel-frame urban bikes made to absorb potholes but roll fast on city streets to do “a quick run to the bodega for beer and burritos,” as Handsome Cycles puts it.
They come in three frame sizes. Stock bikes are equipped with 26-inch wheels, though the ride is 650B compatible if you’re looking to dabble.
Today’s launch coincides (we suspect not by coincidence) with the opening of ARTCRANK’s first show of 2013 in Austin, Texas.
Minneapolis locals will get a peek at the bikes on Saturday night at Handsome’s annual Cutter’s Ball party, held this year at the company’s new headquarters in Minneapolis’ Warehouse District.
Handsome Cycle Co. was started in 2008 by a pair of friends who set out to create classically-styled, versatile bicycles with a “custom” look, but without the custom price. Check out the brand’s site for other “handsome” offerings.
—Patrick Murphy is an assistant editor.
