WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo
Africa’s first international design fair, Guild runs until Sunday 9 March in Cape Town. Make sure to get down there and be part of history in the making. For one thing, there’s the most desirable bicycle in South Africa on show.
The Vicious Cycle is no ordinary single-gear bike, certainly not the sort popular with city hipsters, although we’re pretty sure any self-respecting hipster would give their inked left leg to call one of these their own. After all, there are only 10.
This beauty is a collaboration between Duncan MacIntyre and Anton Dekker, facilitated by Gavin Rooke’s Dutchmann project that connects master craftsmen with contemporary designers and artists (you’ll recall its Delft surfboards and Porsche 911). Although retired, Duncan is regarded as South Africa’s most accomplished frame builder, with his work dating back to the 1970s, including his competitive sport-oriented Gemini brand. Anton is a specialist in producing bespoke components for brands such as Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari.
The Vicious Cycle is hand-built, using a frame designed by Duncan, which was used by track cyclist Malcolm Cochrane in the Track Cycling World Championships in Australia in 2009. After being stripped, coppered and lacquered, the frame was rebuilt using a range of classic and contemporary parts, including components from well-known quality brands such as 3T, Campagnolo, Vredenstein, Cinelli and Brooks.
Round, but maybe not so bad-tempered after all.
R47 500, dutchmann.co.za
Think bike in 2014
Cape Town Bicycle Map. These nifty maps of Cape Town and the Winelands show urban cycling routes, bicycle parking, lanes and other commuter info. There’s even a mobile app, capetownbicyclemap.co.za
Active Mobility. This World Design Capital 2014 project is a collaboration between several organisations encouraging us to jump on our bicycles and cocreate a green city. 9 March to 16 May, wdccapetown2014.com
The 37th Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour. Although entries have closed, you can still join a charity ride or replace a rider. For the rest, find a pretty perching spot and cheer from the sidelines. 9 March, cycletour.co.za
The World Naked Bike Ride Cape Town. A day before the Argus, this annual ride encourages participants to be “as bare as you dare” in the name of environmental issues. 8 March, wnbrcapetown.weebly.com
Bicycle portraits: We asked Sean O’Toole, Phillipa Green, Anthea Moys, Isabeau Joubert, Justin Fiske, Gareth O’Brien, Aidan Bennets, Luke Pedersen and James Lennard what they love about two-wheeling. Read what they had to say here.
The Vicious Cycle is featured in VISI’s WILD DESIGN issue, now on shelves.
