The Biggest Bikes and the Pinkest Hats

A pair of small Australians ordered a couple of bikes recently. This isn't too unusual, since we ship bikes all over the globe, often in groups of about two. But these bikes were special.

At first the looked like bridges:

Here, Bob is attacking one.

Then they started looking like dinosaurs.

Here, one is attacking Brian. Look out!

Now they are looking pink and green, respectively. They are made to ride on beaches and transport surfboards. The rims are four inches wide. They are, fortunately, herbivores. I will put more pictures up when they're done. 

We've acquired a new intern. His name is Sam and he is translucent. 

"Lights are unsafe! Helmets are unsafe! Brakes are unsafe!" 

Hopefully his sojourn here will lend him some common sense, as well as opacity.

We've also acquired a bunch of sweet Bilenky hats. It's a limited edition and going fast, so call us up to order yours ASAP. 

Here's one on Carl:

And looking epic, too.

Here's one on me:

Get that camera away from me!

Here's one on Kasy's front rack:

Don't ask what's all over his bars. 

Bilenky hats look great on everything. 

If you happen to live in NYC, you should go to the New Amsterdam Bike Show this Saturday. We'll be representin'. 

I better scram. Shop's a little full right now:

We're chipping away, slowly but surely....

See you in NYC!

Isis 

BCW

Spring Update!

Happy spring from the grimy crew at Bilenky! As the weather warms we are removing our winter clothes for the first time in months, shooing the hibernating animals out of our hair and beards, and considering carrying our fifty pound snow bikes into the basement at last. My hat has turned pink from excitement.

It was a black beret all winter

Spring brings announcements, some exciting, some bittersweet. In the latter category is Simon's departure to start his own brand, Hanford Cycles. I did a longer story about it on my Wheelgrinders blog. We all wish Simon the best of luck and miss his noisy presence (but NOT the BBC Radio 4. Not even a little.)

CXHairs came by the other day to work on a documentary on our Junkyard Cross. They're going to show it in the Bicycle Film Festival!

Here's one of last year's winners looking contemplative

Also, we have an unprecedented number of demos and display models for sale. If you want a Bilenky and don't want to wait, now's your chance. 

Oh to be a few inches taller

NAHBS was a success as always. Our ridiculously fancy mixte won best lugs, and impressed everyone with its overwrought majesty.

Thanks to Urban Velo for the studio shot

Look for us at the San Diego Bike Expo next month, too. 

Steve would like to add that he left two bananas in his bag and they totally mummified, without leaving any banana slime anywhere.

It's a good omen!!



So here's hoping for a good spring full of new ventures, shiny bikes, adventures, and panniers unsullied decaying organic matter.

Isis

BCW

Brooks Saddles and Woodchucks

...Because now is the time to get your Brooks refurbished, since you wouldn't dream of taking it out in the rain, sleet, snow, and various other nasty substances that are coming out of the sky (right? Right?)

Anyway, Simon graciously allowed himself to be pinned down for a long-overdue interview about his Brooks experiences, which you can read in full on our Brooks page.

We are super proud to have the Only Brooks Repair Guy in the Colonies at Bilenky-- and he's back, now wielding an enormous cane which makes everyone a lot more cautious about teasing him.

For those of you who keep asking, no, Simon did not keep his toe bit. But he does keep showing people pictures which make some of us (well, me) run away screaming.

Our NAHBS bike is off to get painted, and it is AWESOME. If I were six inches shorter I would covet it tremendously. As it is, I just covet it. Here are some in-progress pictures, check back for some studio-style shots that Carl took.

Sexy seat tube lug.

Sexy head tube embellishment.

Sexy mini rack being installed.

We really went all-out on this one. I can't wait to see how it looks painted and built up. 

It's probably gratuitous to mention how hard it is not to go stir-crazy in this endless winter that never seems to let up. Tune up your summer bike, drink hot toddies, and remember that the days are getting longer, if not warmer. I've been planning epic tours, looking at maps, watching cycling movies, and acquiring new bikes, which is very warming to the soul. 

And tomorrow is Groundhog Day, when the Punxsutawney oracle will be dimwitted enough to get out of bed and into the elements, where he will hopefully be hardcore enough to remain. 

Here he is!

Wait, no! That's a Gammaracanthuskytodermogammarusloricatobaicalensis! Everyone knows they're wusses.

This is who I mean.

Here's hoping for hardcore woodchucks. 

Isis 

BCW

WAL-ah-ROOOOSE yourself, Ray!

Let it be hereby stated that the all-important decision of which animal gets the honor of representing the Bilenky name was made by Ray and Ray alone-- without the blessing of those of us who don't have beards and/or can't swim, and therefore feel no kinship with the mighty WAL-ah-ROOOOOSE. 

Here are some other options, presented entirely without bias (not even a little bit.)


What about the humble Lake Baikal Giant Scud, better known as Gammaracanthuskytodermogammarusloricatobaicalensis? See, unlike Leopard Trek, a phonetic pronunciation guide would actually be necessary.

No? Really? Awwwwww.

Kasy suggested one of the junkyard cats, but they are way too snooty to hang out with us. Then he suggested a woodchuck.

Really says "Swift and sleek cyclist," doesn't it? Team  Woodchuck Bilenky!

Bob suggested Steve. 

Go Team Bilenky Bilenky! I mean, BILENKY BILENKY!

My vote goes towards the grubby and underrated possum. 

Hey, they hang out around junkyards, are hairy, and hiss, just like us!                                        

And, like us, they clean up really well...

And know how to party. 

Just sayin'!

-Isis

BCW

WAL ah ROOOOSE BUY-LINK-E

It’s been an exciting week for Bilenky Cycle Works as we announced our co-title sponsorship of WALRUS BILENKY. The anticipation behind this launch is understandable, considering the fire power in the roster. There will undoubtedly be a significant portion of media coverage surrounding the team as the season kicks off.

Please follow these naming standards when referring to the team in the media:

 (Given last years drama, WALRUS BILENKY riders will adhere to a strict seafood diet, free of all beef products.)

The team name is WALRUS BILENKY Please do not insert the word “Team” before WALRUS BILENKY, in writing or conversation, as that is not part of the official name.
Please do not hyphenate WALRUS BILENKY.

(What would I have done? Interesting question, I'll tell you what I wouldn't have done, I wouldn't have dropped my chain.)

In written communication, WALRUS BILENKY must be set in all caps.
In spoken communication, please use the appropriate pronunciation: WAL ah ROOOOSE BUY-LINK-E
INCORRECT: The new Team WALRUS BILENKY includes…
CORRECT: The new WALRUS BILENKY team includes…
INCORRECT: Walrus-Bilenky was presented to the media…
CORRECT: WALRUS BILENKY was presented to the media…
INCORRECT: Bilenky announces sponsorship of Team WALRUS BILENKY…
CORRECT: Bilenky announces co-title sponsorship of WALRUS BILENKY…
Thanks for your help in establishing the proper team name standards. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.