Hank Classic Bikes - "Ace"

I was doing a little research on the shaft drive system, trying to figure if it’s best than the chain when… I discover this bike. I’m not a great fan of cruisers, they are elegant, but I don’t think it’s the best kind of bike for an every day use. Well… this one maybe is going to change my opinion!
Hawk Classic Bikes it’s a recent brand (on the market since 2002), and they classified themselves as “modern classics”, being inspired by the motorbikes from the twenties and thirties. I like the result! I love classic cars, old planes and of course, old motorbikes, an if you know how first Harleys and Indians look like; you can recognize de design of this bikes.
I never consider buying a cruiser… until now. The shape of this bike just caught me…
Am I crazy enough to buy it?

The Flying Pigeon

The Flying Pigeon is the bike that has pushed forward not only billions of people, but also history itself. It is at the forefront of the whole bicycle phenomenon in the People’s Republic of China.
In 1950 revolutionary China was a tightly controlled and regimented society. Political beliefs, education, where people lived, what jobs they held and the amounts of goods produced by factories and farms were all centrally planned. The two-wheeled vehicle was the approved form of transport, and the nation became zixingche da guo, the Kingdom of Bicycles.
A bicycle was one of the three "must-haves“ of every citizen, alongside a sewing machine and watch - essential items in life that also offered a hint of wealth in those dour times.
In Maoist China, the famed Flying Pigeon bicycle was a symbol of an egalitarian social system that promised little comfort but a reliable ride through life. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s the logo became synonymous with almost all bicycles in the country.
The classic Flying Pigeon bicycles are the PA-06 (gentlemen) and PB-13 (ladies). These are one of the most iconic symbols of old China (the sturdy, gearless black bicycle ridden by the masses).
Both are a work of art in its simplicity, conceived as working machines that were meant to last a lifetime. They are indestructible, all-steel single speed colossus with 28-inch wheels, fenders, a fully covered chain, sprung real leather saddle, a rear rack and push-rod brakes (a handlebar lever connects directly to the brake pads), double stand (PA06) or side stand (PB13).

Retrovelo

One of the coolest brands in our days is Retrovelo from Germany. These guys make high standard bikes. Based on 70’s bikes, they have a beautiful and elegant shape; everyone riding one of this just looks great. They have everything others have, Brooks saddles, big cream tires, drum braques, etc, etc… It’s just a question of really nice design, and they have it. Once again expensive… Prices starting at 900 € and going until 1700 €… Some accessories are also available.

The Guv'nor

First post on this blog, had to be about the Guv'nor. The most beautiful bike on sale in our days. Ok, it's not the most practical bike for everyday use, but it's a must of elegance. It's made by the English manufacturer Paslhey. It's not cheap (around £795.00/ 1000 €), but I guess quality and style have a price. The design is based on a path racer from 1930, comes with drum breaks, cream tires, leather saddle by Brooks, leather handlebars and they made it in three sizes to suit you… like a suit… A line of accessories is coming soon.