Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Kinfolk Urban Cycle

Kinfolk Urban Cycle

The bicycle has undergone a renaissance over the past decade. While it has been with us since the early 1800s, in one form or another, and there has always been those who have been very passionate about them, I’ll wager there has never been a point in the history of The Beautiful Machine where it has been so profusely lauded, painted, had numerous film festivals devoted to it or had books written about them.

Due partly to the popularization of the ‘fixed gear’ culture and a heightened environmental concern, the bicycle market continues to grow exponentially. Thankfully, the vacuum caused by the specialization of the messenger’s track bike into fixed gear freestyle has provided an opportunity for more accessible aspects of the sport. Cyclocross, for instance, is enjoying a renewed interest, as is bicycle touring. Both require bikes designed for their purpose to maximize a rider’s enjoyment or comfort, such as variations in geometry and componentry. Kinfolk is one marque that intend to make sure the public’s awareness of the beauty of the bicycle extends beyond the simplicity of the ‘fixie’.

Their Urban Cycle is proof that a townie can be just as desirable to the youth market as any track bike. And because a build like this stands out amongst a sea of ‘fixies’, who knows… Maybe townies could be the next big thing? Thanks to Nice Your Bike for the photography.

Kinfolk Urban Cycle
Kinfolk Urban Cycle
Kinfolk Urban Cycle
Kinfolk Urban Cycle
Kinfolk Urban Cycle