Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

REW10 Blacksmith

REW10 Blacksmith

Increasingly, as life speeds up and humanity’s modes of communication become more advanced, there is a parallel emphasis on what the Japanese refer to as wabi-sabi, or the appreciation of that which is aged, imperfect or worn. It’s refreshing to be reminded that, as the digital age and media promises so much perfection, life is actually fleeting, transient and full of change. The Blacksmith bike from Japan’s REW10 workshop sums up the meaning of wabi-sabi well.

REW10 has been turning out some eccentric and some finely honed frames over the years. In some ways, he’s the Shinya Kimura of the bicycle world. Don’t be deceived: this oxidised commuter embraces elemental effects, but compare the slick road and cyclocross bikes built for the Blue Lug crew for a true profile. Each part is hand turned and considered as part of the whole,from the bar end caps and stem to the custom chain guard and cable pulleys for the rear U-brake.

If you can read Japanese, find out more on the REW10 blog and website. Otherwise, take a look at the REW10 Flickr for more astounding work.

REW10 Blacksmith
rew10-blacksmith-3
REW10 Blacksmith
REW10 Blacksmith
REW10 Blacksmith
REW10 Blacksmith
REW10 Blacksmith
REW10 Blacksmith
REW10 Blacksmith