To really put the bicycles that Liam Healy and Jamie Elliot create into context, one needs to see them as only one aspect of their extensive portfolio. Their focus is human being’s interaction with their natural and built environments, and their conclusions are inspired, albeit quirky. As well as the bicycles, which are a combination of raw, rough-hewn construction and classic elegance, include a tree climbing device and tables with pots for legs and one that shakes according to international seismic disturbances.
The Deptford duo’s design ethos was a convincing one. Matt Wade contracted them to build a machine he could commute upon, yet also be capable of the odd light tour, when the urge rose. They responded with a custom, long point-lugged, butted frame with a custom Reynolds fork to match.
A front and rear rack system was constructed, with a torch mount. The layout of the rear brake is worth noting, with the cable guided by a brass pulley. A Stronglight crankset was enlisted, along with other parts Matt had lying around the shed. Fenders were formed from strips of ash and walnut wood, which smooths the steam punk aesthetic, and combined with the Shellac’ed cotton tape and Brooks B-17 saddle, create a rugged, reliable, multi-textured machine.
JAILmake’s Everyday Bicycle can be wrangled to any desire and purpose of the customer. We’ve previously seen a more refined version, and a porteur. The bikes are a small but essential aspect of Liam and Jamie’s portfolio, a fitting vehicle that best demonstrates man’s interaction with his environment, but also the most fun.
