Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Husqvarna Bicicleta

Husqvarna Bicicleta

The Husqvarna motorcycle brand is now a subsidiary of BMW Motorrad, but can trace its lineage back to 1689, where it began life as an arsenal for the Swedish army. The first motorcycle rolled out of the factory in 1903 but as usual with motorcycle manufacturers, it was preceded by the production of bicycles. Husqvarna biciclettes are quite prolific in South America and this one, located in São Paulo, was fortunate enough to be given an exhaustive resurrection.

Paulo Zapella runs a bike courier business that serves the metropolis of São Paulo and whose base is conveniently located at the bike shop that performed the restoration. The Husky’s frame, forks and fenders were stripped and repainted with fresh pinstripes, while the head badge now gleams proudly underneath the capital H ‘hood emblem’. This bike belonged to the customer’s father and can be pre-dated to 1954, according the registration plate which was obligatory in São Paulo at that time.

No bolt has been ignored — the dynamo lamp was rewired, bars and hubs re-chromed, fresh wooden grips have been installed and a fully-sprung Brooks B135 saddle completes the look. Once Paulo photographed the final result, it’s ready for another 60-odd years on the streets of São Paulo.

The Spoken turned two years old today and I’d like to thank everyone for coming along on the ride. It’s been a helluva trip so far, none of which would have been possible without the support of the sponsors, builders, riders, photographers and readers. Here’s to the next two years and more beautiful bicycles!

Husqvarna Bicicleta
Husqvarna Bicicleta
Husqvarna Bicicleta
Husqvarna Bicicleta
Husqvarna Bicicleta
Husqvarna Bicicleta
Husqvarna Bicicleta
Husqvarna Bicicleta
Husqvarna Bicicleta
Husqvarna Bicicleta