I’ve long been a fan of the Southsiders MC crew, a group of exceptionally creative and stylish French motorcycle enthusiasts. They combine their passion for classic motorcycles, design, photography and riding into a tight clique whose adventures are documented through the Southsiders MC blog.
Vincent Prat and Benoit Guerry collaborated on the CP Project in 2009, a custom motorcycle which demonstrated their aesthetic. This Christmas marks the release of a new project, The Commuter, which embodies their style in the form of a bicycle. It’s a perfect pedal-powered interpretation of the CP Project, applying modern style to classic forms. The Commuter is a single speed that’s equipped with a coaster brake and integrated LED lighting in the handlebars and seat stays.
Vincent continues: “With my friend Benoit, we finished the CP project in late 2009, when the challenge to build our own bicycle began. For this, our friend Med, thanks to his experience, was the ideal partner. Owner of the Focale 44 brand in Andorra, he supplied a frame modified according to our needs. A beautiful road frame, lightweight and single speed ready”.
“For simplicity and aesthetic reasons we wanted a pure and radical design, free of any superfluous parts. We opted for a brakeless front hub and a rear coaster brake hub, keeping the handlebar clear of any components in order to keep the lines clean. We also developed an integrated lighting concept, with lights designed into the seat stays and handlebar”.
“As we did not like the style of modern stems, we developed our own. Similarly, we also developed our own cranks, chain guides and wheelnuts. All these parts have been manufactured and painted by our wizard friend Momo, whose skills need no introduction. As a final touch the seat has been finished in leather by our saddler, Claude Carrière“.
The Commuter was created as a pair of presents for Benoit and Vincent, but is available in a limited edition. Contact Vincent for details, via email .
