Das Rad Klub Bristol to Barcelona Ride

Yesterday I passed a group of cyclists in matching black lycra near Cullompton heading towards Exeter. At first I couldn't understand why a group a roadies would be pedalling so fast but as we got closer it became clear that they were riding Fixed Gear bikes. They were all wearing Das Rad Klub Jerseys - I remembered Laurent mentioning that Das Rad Klub was a Bristol company so I Googled them to see what they were up to down here.

It turns out that 5 fixed gear riders are cycling from Bristol to Barcelona to raise money for Bristol Area Stroke Foundation. You can read more about them on the Das Rad Klub blog here and sponsor them here.

Riding from Bristol to Barcelona on a fixed gear bike (in this heat!) is pretty impressive stuff so sponsor them! Das Rad Klub have leant the guys a GoPro so hopefully there will be some footage to share once they get back.

Heavy Pedal Summer 2013 Lookbook Video

Check out the new Summer 2013 Video Lookbook from the Heavy Pedal


http://www.theheavypedal.com/

Bike Film Night | Edition 2 Review

On 24th April 2013, the second edition of Exeter's #BikeFilmNight took place at the Exeter Phoenix.

Slightly over capacity (a good thing for us), the audience turned up for 90 minutes of mind blowing films.

It all started at around 8pm with "40 years in Paris" - all about BMX in the French Capital with a stunning backdrop and a rather relaxing soundtrack.

The main film was "Line Of Sight" by cinematographer Lucas Brunelle. The opening scene was clear and did set the mood of the following 65 minutes....adrenaline, speed, urban, fixed gear, couriers... without forgetting the music adding that extra onboard feel.

Finally, a short promo film by David Salas titled "Why Chapeau!".

Before and after the films the audience interacted with:

• Bikelands, 
• VeloVentures, 
• MagicBikeMike, 
• NoGutsNoGlory,
• Coven Magazine's Editor (Juliet Elliott) and Photographer (Dave Noakes).

We also want to thank all the people who turned up to this free social event, showing that Exeter and Devon has a real (growing) cycling community - as well as Claire from Exeter Phoenix Digital and our guests who gave their time to attend this evening bringing together riders/cyclists. Last but not least Lucas Brunelle who gave us the green light to screen his film.

PS: As a reminder, We are also trying to have regular fixed gear/single speed rides (we are not racing and there is no leader in the community - no real itinerary and everyone is welcome to join and bring new ideas regarding events or destinations). Always check #CoffeeShopRide on Twitter or join and keep an eye on the Facebook Group "Fixed Gear Exeter".

BespokedBristol 2013 Edition

The UK Handmade Bicycle Show took place from 12th to 14th April 2013.

"...Over 6000 people came see the stunning bicycles and talk with the makers..."

We drove there...in fact we were driven by MagicBikeMike.

It is never too easy to take some photos during such event: a lot of visitors, a lot of bicycles...etc - anyway, we managed to grab and bring back some shots...Enjoy...

If you wish to see even more photos of that day check Headset Press review HERE.

Exeter BikeFilmNight Returns 24//04//13

The second edition of the rather cosy BikeFilmNight is happening on 24^th April 2013 – 8pm at Exeter Phoenix.

With a capacity of 40 seats in the Black Box, tickets are limited and mandatory to access the free screening space– to get yours contact the Phoenix Box Office 01392 667080.

What’s on the programme?

Two films:

40 YEARS IN PARIS

2012, 7 mins. Dir. JC Peiri

A beautiful short film celebrating Alain Massabova as he flatlands his BMX across the magical backdrop of Paris.

LINE OF SIGHT

 2012, 65 mins. Dir. Benny Zenga

The inside story of underground bicycle racing around the world. Through the lens of Lucas Brunelle’s helmet camera, viewers are transported into the wild and dangerous world of alley cat racing, where high speeds, traffic, and pedestrians combine with riders hell-bent on victory at any cost.

In the imaginary lounge, there will be some activities involving a handful of guests showing various types of bikes, equipment & accessories, magazines and maybe some surprises too.

It is a free social evening dedicated to cycling in the urban landscape. 

Riders are welcome to interact, exchange ideas, plans and expand the Exeter and Devon bike scene/ community.

In the meantime, check out the trailer below:

Exeter Bike Polo

Exeter has a growing Fixed Gear scene - we meet weekly to ride and have a good few people in our Facebook group swapping bike parts and ideas. We even have our reoccurring Bike Film Night held at the Exeter Phoenix (stay tuned for more details about the next one...).

What we don't have so far is a bike polo scene. There is some interest however so we just need to sort out some details the main one being a decent location. If anyone knows of a good place to set something up then let us know either in the comments or in the Facebook group.

Image by James P.

Idea – illustration – screen print – t-shirt

It all started in December 2012.

We wanted to have something more than a spoke card.

Beside our BikeFilmNight and CoffeeShopRide, we needed a little extra to show that there is a real fixed gear and single speed community in Exeter.

During a HandmadeArcade  organized by NoGutsNoGlory , we met Michael Jennings. His work is neat and detailed…ideal for a visual identity.

After a few exchange of emails and ideas regarding the main subject then the fonts and the layout, Mick came up with this one:

Why a bird?! Why not! It was important for us to have something not featuring a bike or anything directly linked to the minimal geometry of a cycle.

A local visit to Exmouth's Bikelands

After having visited Bikelands in Exmouth a first time early January, a second visit took place to check even more all products on display. Bikelands is located in Exmouth town centre by The Strand.

Stuart who moved from London to Devon is running this bike shop...but it is a neat space. A showroom of cycles of all sorts, accessories (helmets, bags, Brooks saddles, BLB tools and parts, books & magazines from Boneshaker to Coven).

After spending almost an hour chatting, it was time to pay for the BLB ratchet wrench.

But, after stepping back to look a last time at the little bits, the Linus Pouch became a new subject of conversation.

Stuart explained that it is very practical to attach at the front of the handlebars or even at the back of the saddle to store bits and bobs.

Our community being mainly fixed gear and single speed riders, something just clicked. The alternative way to use it, to put smartphone, wallet, keys or even gloves...wear it around your waist by just sliding your belt through the vintage (adjustable) straps. What does this mean? With Spring and Summer on the way, drop the jacket and the backpack full of layers, for a pouch which is light, practical and does the job for riders who want to go for an urban spin or even explore the countryside.

Bikelands is an interesting place to explore, browse and discover. Of course, there is the website if you can't be bothered to go there in person.

There are even some Home mechanic Workshops to improve your knowledge and skills to fix and adjust the pedal powered machine when something doesn't sound right.

---

Linus Bike Pouch

Reviewed by Fixed Gear Exeter

on Feb 04 2013

Rating: 4

Juliet Elliott - On the Other Side of the Night.

If, like me, you haven't been out for a ride for a while due to the snow slush you might find yourself watching Fixed Gear videos and dreaming of better weather. In which case you're in luck.

Local rider Juliet Elliott stars in this video for Met Helmets which is really nicely shot by moonlight. Keep an eye on the locations - I spotted the Quay in Exeter and Ness Cove which brought back some childhood memories!



If you like riding at night then join us on our weekly #CoffeeShopRide starting from Devon Coffee on Queen St in Exeter on Wednesdays from 6:30pm. Unfortunately the weather is too rubbish for tonight's ride but we should be okay next Wednesday the 30th of January.