Velo City: Bicycle Culture and City Life

Copper-plated: Palmer Kelly’s Brooklyn Machine Works Launchpad

Brooklyn Machine Works Launchpad

The aged patina that steel achieves is a rich effect that definitely adds character to a frame and will only enhance and emphasize every other component, but for the ultimate in a weathered look there’s only one way to fly: copper plating.

Brooklyn Machine Works Launchpad
The owner of this Brooklyn Machine Works Launchpad is Palmer Kelly, owner of PHX Bike, Arizona’s only fixed gear-specific store.

PHX was also a Brooklyn Machine Works dealer, so it’s no wonder Palmer owns several BMW frames. This is his daily rider, which has been copper plated, and apparently, the colors keep changing every day, as the oxidization process takes effect.

Brooklyn Machine Works Launchpad
Palmer’s Launchpad has been set up with blue 36-hole Profile hubs laced to Velocity Psycho rims and, while solid enough to bear the brunt of serious urban riding, also provide a stark contrast to the warm copper tones.

Brooklyn Machine Works Launchpad
Brooklyn Machine Works Launchpad
Brooklyn Machine Works Launchpad
Brooklyn Machine Works Launchpad
Brooklyn Machine Works Launchpad