Speedvagen opened up for business 11 years ago with the VX07 singlespeed cross bike. So to celebrate and to showcase all the little refinements they’ve accumulated from building some of the most drool-worthy steeds over the past decade, the Portland, Oregon-based builder is releasing 11 custom VX07 replicas.
The original Speedvagen VX07
Draped in the same matte army green color, but with updated parts in what some might say is the who’s who of America’s premier component makers such as Chris King, White Industries, Paul Components, and ENVE.
When one thinks of Portland, Oregon, one conjures up reruns of Portlandia, images of hipster coffee shops, independent bookstores and rain wear. While I love a yummy jalapeno, chocolate, non-fat, organic soy latte and Powell’s Books as much as the next guy, it is the Made in Portland ethos which permeates this city which truly gets me excited. From boots to jackets and bikes to bags here are five to get your own Made in Portland collection started.
Nothing says I am from Portland, I love bikes and I don’t give a care in the world what you think about my choice of whips, like an Urban Racer. Afterall, it has one gear, kick brakes and is more fun than any bearded hipster should be allowed to have. But don’t let the price tag or the hipster vibe scare you away, this handmade chariot will remind you why you fell in love with riding a bicycle to begin with.
These sping-hinged, Carl Zeiss lens having, made in Portland Canby sunglasses are constructed from sustainably farmed wood giving your face an environmentally friendly twist on the classic “wayfarer” look. Shwood has a myriad of styles, including stone and acetate models and most models are available in Rx.
Sure, it’s $475, but this just maybe the perfect 3-season jacket. The Chore is lined with Polartech Alpha insulation, which won’t take on water while remaining breathable. The triple-tone camo exterior is crafted from a waterproof and breathable ripstop nylon and WILD included all sort of thoughtful details: two-color stitching, custom copper rivets and corduroy elbow pads. Whether you wear the Chore on your next trip to the falls or a rainy day trek to Blue Star Donuts, you will look good and feel marvelous.
Danner has been making boots in the great old U.S. of A. since 1932 and even though all their product are no longer made in the States, this pair of Brawlers were made right in Portland. They feature Gore Tex liners, Vibram Soles, leather and 1000 Denier nylon uppers and are completely “recraftable” (their word, not mine) by the craftspeople at Danner. I found these boots to be comfortable right out of the box and they have already started to take on the “I’m an outdoorsman” look in a very short period of time.
It’s a pannier.
No, it’s a backpack.
No, wait, it’s both.
The brilliant folks at North St took two great things and mashed them together. So know, you can take all that weight off your back while you are commuting to work and put it on your bike. Then upon arrival, just pull your pannier off your bike rack, pull out the backpack straps from behind the hidden panel and presto, change-o you have everything you need off your bike and onto your back. The Woodward has a waterproof liner, additional pockets for organization, an internal laptop sleeve and a lifetime warranty. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, but a brilliant idea for anywhere.
