Racer Rosa Bikes - Bicis hechas en Londres

johnfrancis · 24 Ago 2010 a las 14:57

Página web:
http://www.racerrosabicycles.co.uk/index.php?main_page=our_bikes

Artículo:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/green-living-blog/2010/aug/24/racer-rosa-bicycles-bike

The bike manufacturer that aims to be greener than the rest

Based in east London and using recycled Italian steels, Racer Rosa Bicycles are more than 90% manufactured in Europe

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Bike blog : Racer Rosa Bicycles Racer Rosa Bicycles are a study in clean lines and retro chic, with none of the lumps associated with modern welding techniques. Photograph: Racer Rosa Bicycles

A new small British bike maker claims to craft ethical and environmentally friendly bicycles. But what's wrong with the rest of the manufacturers?

"Just because you're green on one side of your life, that doesn't justify just ignoring another part. You should be as green as you can be," says Diego Lombardi, co-owner of new start-up cycle maker Racer Rosa Bicycles. While bicycles are undeniably a green and pleasant form of transport, their production is largely tainted.

If you've bought a high-end bike from a big name manufacturer recently, then it may well have been air-freighted and its production certainly involved planet-damaging chemicals particularly so if it was made from carbon fibre. For most cyclists, there is little ethical and environmental consideration of the manufacture of the bike itself something Lombardi is keen to counter: "Multinational bike companies are like McDonalds. They produce disposable products for maximum profit."

While an estimated 95% of bikes sold are produced in Taiwan or China, Racer Rosa prides itself on riding in the opposite direction. Lombardi assembles bikes in his Walthamstow, east London, workshop. The frames are made-to-measure from recycled Italian steel, by Italian craftsmen. Then they're shipped by sea to the UK. The entire process, from measuring you to the arrival of the assembled bike, takes six weeks.

Of course, several other British bike makers build their frames in the UK. "We would love to do everything here," says Lombardi. "But we cannot find British-sourced steel or reliable frame makers." Britain's big bike tube maker, Reynolds, sources some steel from America, according to Lombardi.

"The quality of the silver fillet brazing we get is also very rare." These are the joins between the steel tubes that form the frame and certainly the bright blue, minimalist bikes dotting Racer Rosa's workshop are a study in clean lines and retro chic, with none of the lumps associated with modern welding techniques.

Racer Rosa's ethos doesn't just extend to frames though. Lombardi encourages buyers to use secondhand parts taken off their old bikes and refurbished by Lombardi, or from vintage sources of quality "warehouse leftovers" that Racer Rosa sources. New parts, where used, are picked for quality and environmental credentials using companies who manufacture entirely in the EU.

The end result is that the average Racer Rosa bike is more than 90% manufactured in Europe. "Tyres all seem to be outsourced to Taiwan, but we're trying to find alternatives," says Lombardi.

The next step for the company, only running since February (Lombardi has been repairing friends' bikes for years), is sourcing greener bike consumables chain oil, cleaning products etc. Even the office and workshop equipment is all secondhand. Racer Rosa employs freelance bike mechanics, but also an ethical researcher to further improve its credentials.

Based in east London, Racer Rosa is keen to expand by "riding the wave" of the cycling fashion explosion in the area: "We want to colour east London blue," says Lombardi, referring to Racer Rosa's paint colour of choice.

There is, of course, a downside to such niche, environmentally and artisan-friendly bike buying: the cost. Racer Rosa refurbishments of existing bikes start from £500, new bikes start from £1,000. To which Lombardi points out that you can pay much the same for "a custom-made bike from a niche brand and the frame would be made in Taiwan or China".

"I'd rather shop at my local market, than a big supermarket," says Lombardi. "My soul is at peace when I ride a bike made by a small, family business. It's a return to an arts and crafts approach."
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pbarallat · 24 Ago 2010 a las 21:23

Esta claro que no son las mejores ni de cerca, pero me parece una bici muy cachonda para ciudad, playa...

johnfrancis · 25 Ago 2010 a las 13:07

Para ciudad a mí me parecen estupendas. Y para los precios que se gastan en Londres, siendo autóctonas y de calidad, son baratas.

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Racer Rosa Bikes - Bicis hechas en Londres

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