The utilitarian purpose of military bicycles is both something to be admired and feared, like war horses. The latest machine to emerge from the workshop of Winter Bicycles, the ‘1918’, is a sobering tribute to the bikes used in service during the First World War, updated for the modern rider.
In 2014, the centenary celebrations of WWI will begin, lasting through till 2018. Winter Bicycles’ Eric Estlund has created a modern rendition of the ‘Columbia Military Model’ in commemoration, which was approved for use in the war by Government engineers.
Like the original, it’s “completely equipped, finished in military drab, being of double bar construction and seamless tubes throughout and sound to the core” — Eric’s version, doubtlessly, shares the same characteristics, the least of which is its “sturdiness of construction and utter trustworthiness”.
Eric’s ‘1918’ bicycle is subtle, stylish and strangely contemporary, but hopefully its historical significance won’t be lost on today’s velo set. Head to the Winter Bicycles website for more details. Special thanks to Anthony Bareno for the photography.
PS: Apologies for the lack of posts on The Spoken. I’ve been in the bunker preparing the 2013 The Spoken Custom Bicycle Calendar. Get ready, it’s the best yet — stay tuned.
