The trend for single-speed fixies saw many things stripped from the urban bike that most of us would regard as ‘essentials’. Gears, brakes, mudguards, common sense, all gone and in their place an admittedly cool, clean and stripped-down frame. Now Funked Up (what a truly terrible name), a Dublin-based brand founded in 2010, is putting an end to some of this hipster madness. They are forging a third path that yields great-looking bikes which still have the simple geometry and sharp lines of the fixie, but which also boast niceties such as brakes and even gears.
Their Ride Series uses double-butted 4130 CrMo frames, internally routed cables and an 8-speed Shimano Alfine rear hub. They come with Continental Sport Contact II tyres and are available in six colours (funkedupfixies.com).
Price: £700 (with free delivery to Ireland and the UK)
Frame: 4130 CrMo
Gears: 8-speed hub
Lock it or lose it
Once you’ve treated yourself to one of these natty new bikes, you’ll want to look after it – and that means locking it securely to a fixed object. If, like me, you spend a lot of time losing your keys and then when you find them struggle with gloves and cold fingers while you fiddle about trying to get it into an awkward lock, you might want to consider one of these. Master Lock has just released a range of Bluetooth smart padlocks. The clever locks do away with the need for a key as they are operated via your smartphone. You can also share a code with other smartphone users if you want to give bike access to a friend or family member. The locks are fully weatherproof and cost from £89. Batteries last for up to five years and back-up codes are available from Master Lock if you lose your phone or it dies. For more information, go to masterlock.eu/bluetoothsmartpadlocks
Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter at @MartinLove166
