The faux-wood paint effect of Rob Pollock’s Woodwork Alien frame was a real hit among The Spoken readers, back in November 2010, but this frame is veneered with real walnut. Jakub Vávra posted a single photo of this creation on the The Spoken facebook wall and I had to find out more.
The frame is a vintage Favorit, which would have been a familiar site on Czech roads, Jakub and Prga Velo’s country of origin. This is the first edition of Jakub’s Prga Velo ‘custom bike constructions’, an incursion into the design styles of the early 20th Century. Jakub is attempting to recapture the handmade ethos of the Art Deco era, by marrying it with modern parts and functionality. An internal rear hub provides multiple gears and braking, and the shifter has been upholstered with a leather cover that accents the Brooks saddle. A Brooks tool roll and toe straps complete the ensemble which, combined with the polished componentry, lend an unmistakeable wisp of steampunk to the first Prga Velo creation.
Interestingly, while the design and spirit of the Prga Velo bicycle is reminiscent of an earlier age, never before has it been so relevant as an economical solution to transport, health and pleasure. I’m looking forward to the next installment. Thanks to Alexander Dobrovodský for the photography.
