Bespoke: The Handbuilt Bicycle [Illustrated] [Paperback]

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Content

I've got to mention 2 things before I start this review. First is that I presented at the show that this books details ("Bespoke", Museum of Art and Design, NYC). Second, I am an amateur frame builder so I have an admitted soft spot for the material.

This unassuming books comes bound in a relief-covered cover, with an over-flap that does double duyt as a book mark. It is priced at between $21 and $24 on the major online booksellers.

The book is divided into a forward section that had an forward, and introduction and a "conversation", and a much larger back section that uses text and mainly high quality photographs to portray the work of 6 master bike builders.

The forward is as you'd expect from a Museum Director (Holly Hotchner), on the eve of the opening of such an exciting show. She aptly describes the perfect storm of bike culture that is engrossing NYC these last few years, and describes handbuilt bicycles as a true marriage between "art and design". As an architect by training, I personally am not sure where art ends and designs begins, but as long as they're married so be it.

The introduction, by Julie Lasky contains some fantastic opening descriptions regarding the simplicity and staying power of what is essentially a 120-ish year old design. She then describes the role of the master builder, and the importance of fit in a machine where the rider has 3 touch down points (pedals, saddle, handlebars). She then teases the reader with brief descriptions of the 6 builders who are depicted later in the book, all the while the 4 pages this introduction fills is bordered at the top by New Yorker magazine covers depicting bicycles.

What follows is a 6 page "conversation" (classic softball questions) between Sacha White and Michael Maharam, narrated by the author Julie Lasky. There are some great points made by White, including the first frame he made with Tim Paterek), but the comments by the others seems self-serving. Its clear who the master builder is, and its clear who the "enthusiast" is.

The meat of the book is divided into 6 sections, one featuring each builder. Each mini section starts with a series of the artisan in his shop, followed by a 2 page introduction. After that, each builder showcases a number of his bicycles.

Sacha White

Its hard not to drool at the work of White's company, Vanilla bicycles. White specializes in steel frames for touring, commuting and racing, and his section has great images of the following bikes:

Vanilla Track Bike, Vanilla Radonneur Bicycle, Kids utility Bicycle, Speedvagen Track machine and Tricycle.

I imagine as the driving force behind this show, White was afforded the first section, as well as the most bikes depicted. This is not a criticism, as the bikes are brilliant detailed and constructed.

Jeff Jones

A pioneer designer of mountain bikes. He uses unique geometries and materials (instead of huge shock absorbers) to absorb the shock and give his clients a sense of being connected to the earth, and not jolted by it. He has 2 bikes depicted:

Jones Bike, Jone Small Bike

Dario Pegoretti

An Italian builder who has produced an estimated 30,000 frames, Peroretti was an early innovator in TIG welding and has helped produce specialized tubing. He is know for his hand painted frame designs. His bikes that are depicted include"

Love #3, Day is Done, Responsorium

Peter Weigle

Weigle's depth of frame types he has mastered is staggering. He currently is focusing on French Randonneur frames. His detail work is, without question, extraordinary and certainly on display in the images of his bicycles:

Green Randonneur Bicycle, Ladies Randonneur Bicycle, Gold Sportif Bicycle,

Mike Flanigan

Flanigans bikes are best describes as American Utility Bicycles. His intense environmental sensibilities led him to search for forms that are vital for physical, environmental and social health.

Truss Frame Bike, Basket Bike

Richard Sachs

Sachs makes one kind of bicycle; a red, steel racing frame. It is the refinement of a singular design, as well as the way that the master builder infuses his artistry into each and every frame, which makes each frame unique.

Track Racing Bicycle, Road Racing Bicycle, Team Cyclocross Racing Bike, Cyclocross Racing Bike.

Layout

The layout and organization of this book is top notch, as are the many photographs throughout. Each photo has a descriptive caption, and each builder Bio's are well writting and downright interesting. The paper the book is printed on isnt the highest quality, but i am sure that was one of teh balances struck to ensure an affordable book

Conclusion

Having read this book after seeing the show (and presenting myself), I really wish I had my act together enough to have read it before entering the Museum of Art and Design. This book is a fantastic companion to a show that is sadly no more. However, without a show to lean on, this book absolutely stands on its own as a true testimate to 6 master craftsman and their art.

Rating

9/10

About the Reviewer. Joe Nocella is the founder/owner of 718 Cyclery, Inc. He is an architect by day, a college professor at night, and a bike builder on nights weekends and most holidays. This review was unsolicited, and a "reviewers copy" was not provided.

I thought it was a large paperback with color glossy paper prints. Instead, it's a 6x10" paperback, poor quality rough paper prints. For the price of $23, that's a big rip off. It should be selling at quarter the price. I felt cheated by the photos in the website. I can say, all major bicycle manufacturers free yearly catalog are better than it. The content isn't good neither. Only brief text introducing six bicycle manufacturers and couple of photos. All these can be found on the manufacturer website instead. Why pay $23? The other similar book, Custom Bicycles: A Passionate Pursuit, $29, is way better than it. If you looking for custom bicycles books, get the later one, don't waste money on this.