Missoni Bicycles for Target, who knew?
Missoni for Target collection
Missoni is an Italian fashion house based in Varese that’s known for making colorful knitwear, housewares and such. The kind of stuff your wife asks you to go shopping with her for and you’d rather have a root canal instead. Turns out they partnered with Target stores not long ago to produce affordable apparel and other goodies known as the Missoni for Target Collection. I know what you’re thinking
Who cares?
Missoni scarf and whatever. Can you believe people waited in line for stuff like this? Me neither
Today the Missoni line was introduced at Target stores and you would have thought it was free tickets to a Katy Perry (yum as they say) concert or some Harry Potter thing. Madness took it’s toll as stuffs flew off the shelves and customers held each other up at gun point. Just kidding, they used knives and pitchforks.
Who cares?
Missoni for Target, in Target. photo - San Fransico Chronicle
Well not only was it madness at Target stores all over North America, both the Target and Missoni web sites were/are downed due to the increased volume of traffic. Again, you ask…
Who cares?
Missoni for Target
I care.
I care only because after reading about all the buzz I learned Missoni has included a couple of bikes in the Target collection that look, well very urban and kinda cool. I have no idea who actually manufactures them, or the cost or components, but they look better than your typical Target bike offering.
I also like seeing fashi0n, style and art blended with cycling, it’s just good for the cause. And this is not a new trend, for some time now retailers such as Kate Spade and Urban Outfitters (just to name a couple) have offered stylish urban bikes. UO will build one for you.
Kate Spade
As far as actual bike companies go, Nirve sells bikes inspired by Paul Frank designs, and Electra Bike offers several Alexander Girard inspired designs in their Amsterdam collection. Speaking of which Free People recently featured the Girard Amsterdam in their January 2011 catalog:
Electra Amsterdam Girard in the Free People January 2011 catalog
Keep in mind many times “department store” bikes are really bad investments because they’re so heavy, the components are so crude that even upgrading them can be more money than they’re worth. So you have to scrutinize bikes being sold outside of bike stores to be sure.
Also note that your local bike shop, at least if you’re in the Dallas area, carries many very stylish and urban bikes that are made by regular bike companies such as Linus, Nirve, Pashley, Jamis, Raleigh, etc., and all of the big manufacturers like Specialized and Trek offer several good choices for the urban cyclist (finally).
But If you’re brave enough to go in a Target any time soon (you not me) see
Missoni mens comfort bike
what the Missoni bikes are all about and report back here.
Thursday update – I was able to get these details from the Target site which calls them “comfort bikes”, I do not see the single speed flat bar bike there:
- Gear Speeds: 3
- Bicycle Frame Height: 22″
- Bicycle Frame/Component Features: Adjustable Handlebars, Chain Guard, Alloy Rims
- Bicycle Frame Material: Steel
- Seat Features: Adjustable Seat Height, Quick Release Seat, Cushioned
- Seat Material: Leather
- Front Brake System: Coaster
- Rear Brake System: Coaster
- Brakes Manufacturer/Type: Shimano Nexus
- Derailleur Manufacturer/Type: Shimano Nexus
- Shifter Manufacturer/Type: Shimano Nexus
- Bicycle Chain Material: Alloy
- Pedal Material: Plastic
- Wheel Features: Pneumatic Tires
- Rim Material: Metal Alloy
- Front Wheel Height: 28″
- Rear Wheel Height: 28.0 “
- Tire Type: 700c
- Tire Width: 3.5″
- Includes: Shimano Derailleur, Front Fender, Rear Storage Rack, Rear Fender, Kickstand
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 225.0 Lb.
- Dimensions: 75.0 ” L x 26.0 ” W x 30.0 ” H
- Weight: 41.4 Lb.
The comfort bikes are listed for $399 and those don’t appear to be leather saddles, yet the single speed bike is indeed sporting a Brooks. I wonder if the weight given is how much it weighs to ship or the weight of the bike only.
- Chris
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Tags: alexander girard, kate spade, missoni, missoni bicycle, missoni bike, missoni for target collection, nirve bikes, paul frank industries, target, urban outfitters
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