Sawblade Smile: Volumes I - IV

Beautiful work by the TCB Crew. Line and photography work describing their bicycle travels. Pick a copy up here. Via Prolly.

Toro Quality Goods

Been away far too long, busy writing for my other blog. But when I saw an email in my inbox from Toro Quality Goods, announcing their remodelled webstore, I suddenly got the 002 urge back. Beautifully crafted and home grown goods from America. Love their leather bar wrap and beanie, top quality and design.

Santiago Uceda

Since I've been editing my other blog, I've been coming across A LOT OF frame builders from the Portland area. That's why I was pleasantly surprised and at the same time not really surprised at this painting by Santiago Uceda on My Love For You is a Stampede of Horses.

Time goes by so slowly for those who wait

One of my favourite blogs, Secret Forts, recently dropped into the workspace of one of my favourite leathergoods manufacturers, BillyKirk, and shot enough quick flicks to give a good insight into their production facility! Here you can see the BillyKirk D-Lock holders, toe straps and top tube bags being created, and get a bit of an idea about the detail and design ethos that goes into each of their pieces. Good to see the Freeman Transport Gravel Racer has found a corner of the workshop.

I know that it's not easy to be calm when you've found something going on

My mate Dan from Flailings is in the US on an all-conquering tour, I've been checking out his flickr with great interest, and these shots of the polo match really took my eye. Bike polo is truly becoming the next World Game! Have fun Dan!

Now the neighborhood's cracked and torn, the kids are grown up but their lives are worn

Nice shooting over on the Mild Manners blog of Venice Be-atch. One day I'll make a pilgrimage over there!

The more broken baggage we carry the larger the load

Love these paintings by Rory Kurtz, an illustrator from NY. Dream girl would make a great tattoo! Like Rory's Facebook page! Via Crooked Tooth!

You know better daddy I can't stand it 'cause you put me down

I've never been a huge fan of Marilyn Manson's music, but I actually can relate to to these watercolors of his. Not the subject matter per se but the medium, and the childlike naïveté. These are part of a collaborative exhibition with David Lynch in Vienna called Genealogies of Pain (naturally). All images courtesy of the Sydney Morning Herald.

You make me happy when skies are gray

Signal Cycles continue to impress me with their impeccable quality and attention to detail. Here's a mixte they created for Nihanni, the orange is definitely the color of the season, and the Trucker racks in white are a perfect complement. A custom build like this is a lifetime investment, guaranteed to bring years of riding pleasure. See more images on the Signal Cycles flickr and hit them up on their website!

You're weird, in tears, too near and too far away

Fast Boy Cycles has produced yet another perfect example of refined class and simplicity in this tall frame for Chris D. Once again, a combination of fenders, Brooks, cork grips, Paul Components (a change from his usual choice of White Industries), leather straps and those tones are complemented nicely by the British Racing Green paint. Another satisfied customer, and another that's now British Racing Green with envy!

I just go out walking with my favourite piece of wood, with a 4 inch nail driven through it

If you're in Long Beach Cali around June 12 you should head along and check out the Born Free Vintage Chopper and Classic Cycle Show. You could win yourself a rad Panhead. It's a sight for sore eyes, and it will be guaranteed to be a great day.

You talked me into the game of chance

I'm usually loathe to repost anything from Chari & Co, although they're one of the many reasons I'd consider moving to NY. But this recent Colnago build for Claudio has made my day! Bask in the glory of celeste and pink awesomeness! More pictures on their blog!

I'm here alone on the telephone line, I'm right where you want me to be

I've always loved Walnut Studio's work, this tall-boy holder is well designed and very robust. Pity the tall-boy isn't a standard size in Australia. I may have to fabricate a longneck holder...

Maybe I'll find on the way down the line that I'm free

Original hill bomber... Gravity bikes!!! The new Cafe (racer) Society!

How far you are I just don't know, the distance I'm willing to go

Pure NY style, courtesy of 007 and Squid. More on the CycleHawk gallery! Thanks Prolly!

You should feel what I feel, you should take what I tell you

MAKR is a manufacturer of some very fine leather goods that I look to for inspiration... clean, simple and well built. They have also started a blog which is filled with images that are relevant to their style and document their creative process. Keep an eye on it!