Dapper Scout – A lifestyle web magazine for men

Sometimes we like to travel in style, and other times, we just want to get from point A to point B without much fuss.  But why even choose one over the other?  Riding the Biomega Copenhagen (available at nestliving for $2,000) means you’ll never have to worry about getting your pants caught or scuffed in a chain (given a completely enclosed shaft drive) and with its frame (designed by Marc Newson and machined from a solid piece of aluminum), 26″ wheels, Shimano eight-speed rear hub, and disc brakes, the Copenhagen is a high performance bicycle with a beautifully understated design.  Whatever color you choose (all intriguingly named and hued), there’s no question the Biomega Copenhagen is a prime example of Danish design (on two wheels) at its very best.

Bicycle, Gear, Outdoors

Weighing in at a svelte 55 grams, the Topeak Micro Rocket CB (available at Amazon.com starting from $33) is the ideal bicycle pump for riders interested in minimizing excess weight and unnecessary accessories while managing to remain style savvy.  The Micro Rocket CB is compact and slick with its locking carbon handle and barrel sheath, yet highly functional with a single action design that fits Presta valves and pumps to 160 psi.  You’ll barely even know you’ve brought the Micro Rocket CB along for the ride, but will be glad it’s there when you need it.

Related Item:
Topeak Bikamper Bicycle Tent

Bicycle, Cycling, Gear, Outdoors

If you think the city is a tough place to live in, you should try riding your bicycle on the streets during rush hour.  Between buses and yellow cabs weaving their way through traffic with reckless abandon, you never quite know who’s going to stay in which lane.  It’s a good thing the Dutch have accounted for this with the VANMOOF Bicycle by Sjoerd Smit (available at Areaware for $600).  The VANMOOF is a light urban cruiser weighing just under 28 lbs that allows you to ride quickly and deftly, both crucial aspects of urban biking and survival.  The powder-coated, rustproof aluminum frame directly incorporates a unique solar-powered two LED light system, ensuring your safety and visibility at all times.  Moreover, being a single speed bicycle with a rear coaster brake to eliminate the complexity of wiring, and quality components such as Schwalbe Road Cruiser tires and a Brooks saddle, the VANMOOF is all about efficient and effective simplicity with just a touch design elegance.

Bicycle, Gear, Outdoors

One look and it’s clear that the Pashley Guv’nor (available at Bespoke Bicycles starting from $1,500) has its design roots in a model originally produced by Pashley in the 1930s.  While the Guv’nor comes outfitted with exceptional modern components, it’s still handbuilt and retains the gorgeously refined characteristics of a vintage model whose design remains enduring and timeless.  With a black Reynolds 531 diamond frame, Sturmey Archer gears and hub brakes, Sylvan Stream rat trap pedals, North Road handlebars, 28” gold-piped black alloy rims wrapped in cream Schwalbe Delta Cruiser tires, and a Brooks B17 saddle with titanium rails, the Pashley Guv’nor is a classic city bike whose pedigree and exquisite details can be appreciated in plain sight.

Bicycle, Gear, Outdoors

The editors at DS remember the days when we used to ride our BMX bikes around the neighborhood like maniacs, without much thought or concern for safety (much less a helmet).  Now that we’re a little more grown-up and find ourselves riding in an urban setting instead of a quiet cul-de-sac, our thoughts turn toward our personal well-being just a bit more than before.  Which is exactly why you won’t find us riding without the Knog Beetle (available at Knog for $23) securely affixed to our bike.  Made out of a flexible silicon body that’s water-resistant, the Beetle is a small but powerful dual-LED bicycle light that’s visible from up to 600 meters away.  And with multiple light modes to choose from, the Beetle will ensure your visibility to pedestrians and drivers alike, as it burns brightly and continuously for up to 35 hours (with a steady light) and 160 hours (with a flashing light).

Bicycle, Cycling, Gear, Outdoors

More than just a bicycle, the Ridley 1903 Vintage Motorbike (available at Ridley Vintage Motorbike retailers for $2,499) is an impeccably designed throwback in both form and function to a time when single cylinder motorbikes were the primary means of transportation.  With a Cruiselite aluminum monocoque tank frame, a 75 oz fuel tank (good for approximately one mile of travel per ounce of fuel), and antique white Quick Brick tires among a slew of other features, the Ridley 1903 Vintage Motorbike provides you with the flexibility to pedal along at zero emissions or engage the engine for difficult stretches when your legs and lungs decide to give out.  It’s the ideal urban transportation option for those who value getting their heart rate pumping while maintaining the option to go motorized when they’ve run out of energy for the day.

Bicycle, Gear, Outdoors

When you want the job done right, sometimes you can’t rely on somebody else to understand and articulate what’s going on in that mind of yours—which is why the best person to manage the steps in any project is invariably going to be you.  And if having complete control of the creative process is something that appeals to you, then welcome to the Trek Project One Custom Bike Program.  Based off either the Madone 5 Series or Madone 6 Series bicycles, Project One allows you the creative license to build your dream bike by breaking down the entire custom bike process into three basic steps using a simple and intuitive online tool:

1. Build your Project One bicycle online: choose your options, paint scheme, custom signature decal, and then submit the information to your nearest Trek dealer.
2. Stop by your local Trek dealer and receive a Project One Pro Fit Consult to tweak and refine your colors and specs (as well as make a downpayment).
3. Once your custom bike is finished, it’s as simple as picking it up from the dealer and then riding off in satisfaction!

Bicycle, Gear, Outdoors

The Dutch Master by Core77 (available at Core77 for $1,560) is an amalgam of many things: an acknowledgement of New York’s Dutch heritage, the beautiful offspring of a partnership between design magazine Core77 and independent US manufacturers steeped in American bike culture (many being local to Brooklyn, NY) and finally, an amazing limited edition bicycle.  Based off the Worksman cruiser frame (used throughout the New York delivery community), the Dutch Master is fitted out and hand built by bike mechanic KT Higgins in her Bushwick Bike Shop using a host of exceptional components, with each one carefully selected and then integrated to create one stunning bicycle that’s even greater than the sum of its individually impressive parts.  Brooklyn Machine Works pedals, Sturmey Archer brakes, Schwalbe “Fat Frank” cruiser tires, Brooks saddle and even custom Core77 cable clips and badge comprise just some of the many components that make the Dutch Master something more than just a bicycle—it’s the embodiment of the persistently creative and independently entrepreneurial drive that makes the borough of Brooklyn and the city of New York worth celebrating.

Bicycle, Gear, Outdoors

In operation since 1866 producing bicycle saddles (a.k.a. “seats”), Brooks England simply makes some of the most absurdly beautiful bicycle seats we’ve ever seen.  Whether it’s the standout blue leather, the Brooks logo or the metal studs, the Brooks England Blue Swift EHBPC London Bicycle Saddle (available at Brooks England for $242) displays the hand craftsmanship and detailing that defines exactly why Brooks England is an exceptional purveyor of bicycle accessories.  This limited edition saddle (of 250) is but one sterling example of the many Brooks England saddles you should be considering as you build out your customized dream bicycle one singular component at a time.

Related Item:
Freeman Transport Gravel Racer

Bicycle, Gear

The Trek District Bicycle (available at your local Trek dealer for $930) is Trek’s first production belt-drive singlespeed, which means no chain and a nearly silent ride.  The belt drive is built of a carbon fiber composite never requiring lubrication while weighing significantly less than a conventional chain.  But beyond the bike’s innovative technology, its styling and design is what impresses.  An aggressive aluminum frame painted gray contrasts the more vintage-styled brown leather seat and handle bar grips.  The bicycle sits atop racy orange wheels matching orange accents throughout.  And with hardly a sound, the Trek District is like the Prius of commuter bicycles as you silently startle pedestrians en route to your next destination.

Recommended Storage Idea:
Cycloc Bicycle Storage

Bicycle, Cycling, Gear, Outdoors