Only a city like Paris could provide the right environment for the evolution of the character known as a flâneur, but you will find them in every city in the world. There’s no English equivalent for the term, it basically means stroller, saunterer, drifter — neither of which are accurate. But if you’ve ever taken a ride through the city and felt completely alive, invisible and one with the environment, then you’ll understand the inspiration behind Andreas Maas and his Brother Cycles.
Inspired by the minimal look of the urban track bike, the timeless combination of honey leather and British Racing Green, Andreas purchased a frame from Brother Cycles. Deciding the over-saturated colors were too clumsy, he powder coated the frame in the black-green shade of RAL6012. To complement, he hand stitched the bar tape in antique-brown leather sourced from a local tanner. Classic and reliable components from Nitto, Brooks, Campagnolo and H Plus Son completed the build.
Susan Sontag described the camera as the ideal tool of the flâneur, but Andreas created a bicycle to rival that title. Ironically, he’s a passionate photographer himself, so perhaps it’s a draw. It’s a nice bike to finish the year on, too: I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the builders, photographers, bloggers and sponsors who have helped make The Spoken such a great experience over 2012. Our community is full of incredible people and I’m looking forward to bringing you more of their stories in 2013.
Most importantly, thank you to every rider and reader of The Spoken. Happy New Year!
