Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Pashley 'Speed 5' gallery

So here I am in Perth, Western Australia, and I still haven't seen one of these works of cycling art in the flesh. I see Pashley Guv'nors rolling regularly through the streets of Perth, but I'm yet to have a customer proudly boast of their ownership of a Pashley Speed 5! 

I understand that the Speed 5 has been limited to a run of just 100 bikes, so as time passes the chance of one falling into my web diminishes. At this time all I can do is simply enjoy the images that I've accumulated.....and it's time for me to share them with you.

I'm really surprised about the small number of images and marketing info that Pashley have released for this bike. If I was to market the bike my efforts would extend much broader, at many levels, and have a greater impact on a targeted market. When you have a great product to sell, why not push a little harder to promote a product you know will give owners much pleasure and enjoyment?   

In the absence of a Pashley Speed 5 marketing strategist I present to you some images to peruse...











The Pashley Eurobike 2013 display.

The seat cluster with the a Brooks Swift saddle.

Mark Fairhurst artwork

There are some credits associated with these images. The most significant credit is to Mr. Mark Fairhurst who is a well respected cycling artist in the UK. Even Mark has turned his hand to acknowledge the existence of the Speed 5 by creating the unique image depicted above.

Mark specialises in cycling artwork and has created many cycling images and posters that will appeal to both retro and modern cycling enthusiasts. Much of his Tour De France work is exceptional. 

Thanks to Mark for his interest in the Speed 5. Please take the time to view some of his creations at www.zeitgeistimages.co.uk














Nice bike, nice bell (Lion Bellworks)

A classic half link chain.

Twin top tubes to support a larger sized frame.



If you are the proud owner of a Speed 5 please email some images of you and your bike. Send your images to drown@tpg.com.au

Until next post.......ride safe.

James @ PVC

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Bicycle Art - Road Graffiti

Road graffiti or road art has always been a part of the Tour De France. During the Tour budding road artists and other marketing opportunists have the chance to have their work beamed around the globe through worldwide television broadcasting that covers the event.

Even the sponsors get on board as seen by this 2013 TDF image below.



Most of the 'unofficial' road graffiti is painted onto road surfaces of the steeper climbs. This is because the cyclists are travelling at their slowest and the cameras have the artwork in their lenses for a longer period of time. There's no point in painting on the road where cyclists are travelling quickly as the chances of the work being captured by the television coverage is minimal. 

Climbs such as the Col du Tourmalet, the Col d'Aubisque, and the Alpe d'Huez are always covered in graffiti. The images are often spectacular, especially on race day when the roads are lined with thousands of cycling fans.


I have recently noticed that cycling graffiti or cycling art has become popular throughout many cities. I've been collecting some images and have included a few below.


















Most images are works of art in their own right, some images carry subtle messages.....




....and other images not so subtle.




Striking images speak for themselves, until next time...safe riding.

James @ PVC.