Always passionate about bikes, the story of Derringer Cycles began one year ago
when Adrian Van Anz took his “bicycle-cum-engine” that he had built by himself out
for a ride to meet with investors for a design project. Whatever may have become of the intended project
seems irrelevant because they were so taken aback by this hybrid bike that they sealed the deal on it
right there and then. So it was a stroke of luck that made the successful product designer, who is the
creative mind behind the conspicuous designs of such objects as the special edition Sony PlayStation®,
or the luxurious Voce phone, change gears and now dedicate his time entirely to the making of what came
to be Derringer Cycles.
Building his own fixed-gear
bike in his early youth, and later an avid admirer of motorcycles, Derringer Cycles are truly a combination
of both worlds: a bike that allows for a smooth muscle-powered ride (although it is a bit on the heavy
side) which, when needed, can speed up to 35 mph with a turn of the throttle. With an amazing 180 mpg,
the moto-hybrid is perfect for short – and, definitely, sophisticated – commutes.
In
terms of design, the bikes’ shape, colors and accessories pay homage to 1920s track racing motorcycles.
Anz has a modified version of these frames custom-built to allow for a more optimized and safer ride.
Even though every single bike is custom-made to order, Anz is pretty firm when it comes to the overall
aesthetics of each bike. Offering 250 colors to choose from, he will yet only let monochromatic versions
leave the store. Anz points out that the color of the bike should just support the design, look and
feel and not be otherwise distracting in any way, so it is unlikely that there will be mixed-colored,
super-bright Derringer Cycles on the road one day.
Orders are coming
in from all over the world, with customers who are an eclectic mix of bike freaks, design conscious
enthusiasts and collectors of early American design who surely appreciate that it is still Anz himself
that does the final assembly and puts on the finishing touches on every single bike.
Link:
www.derringercycles.com
