As the mercury begins it’s slow daily rise in the southern hemisphere, it seems appropriate that I stumbled across the workshop of Eric Estlund and Winter Bicycles. The philosophy behind the branding is thus: ‘…many of us know it (Winter) is a great time for long training rides, social group and causal rides, and hearty, often quiet, community and utility riding. Winter is bicycling’s best kept secret’. A poignant reminder to enjoy the cooler climes while they last, and a great reason to enjoy one of Eric’s track frames, ‘Speed Metal.
Eric’s a specialist, not only in frames, but also in custom stems, racks and forks, and Speed Metal features a supremely crafted stem and bar combo. He adds an art degree with a focus on metal sculpture to his CV, and it shows, both in the completed bike and his branding, evident by a deep respect for Chinese tradition and the prominence of the plum blossom spray on the head badge and seat tube. ‘Plum, with its small, fragrant blossom, represents inner strength and beauty under adversity’, reads the introduction on the website, a due ethos for every warrior artist.
Keep an eye on Eric’s Flickr and blog, I daresay some gems will appear once the frosts of winter thaw.
