Brother Cycles

ooops...

2012-02-17T12:19:00.001Z

saw this on the way to work today

And the winner is...

2012-02-13T21:52:00.003Z

We've had some awesome entries to our reflective sweatshirt competition - thanks to everyone who got involved.

After much deliberation we reckon skint Bristol student Andreas Wersäll needs one of our sweatshirts the most; if only to protect the locals from this disturbing sight...

Congrats Andreas!

On a side note, Richard, you need to get yourself some gloves. That's one step away from frost bite:

Brother 'Keirin' Build

2012-02-13T12:28:00.004Z

Just seen pictures of this sexy 'Keirin' build by Cyclope over in Paris - the Dura-Ace and Sugino components compliment the frame perfectly...

About town...

2012-02-10T16:08:00.001Z

crazy Eddy Merckx in Soho today...

The French Give Cyclists the Right to Run Red Lights

2012-02-09T13:09:00.004Z

Just seen this awesome story on how the rules of the road in Paris are being relaxed for cyclists - giving them the right to run red lights at 15 of the city's busiest intersections. The idea being that if cyclists use their common sense over when to cross the junction it will avoid the standard rush hour build up of cyclists at a red light - then leading to a dangerous scramble when they turn green.

Sounds like a great idea to me and you can read more on the story HERE - however what I like most about this is the long overdue realisation that it may actually be safer to allow cyclist to rely on their own judgement rather than forcing them to abide by every little rule:

"it's a long-overdue nod to cyclists' greatest asset: the instinct of self-preservation..."

Some new Brother builds...

2012-02-08T12:49:00.003Z

Some great new Brother builds out there at the moment. Pick of the bunch are this beauty from Goldsprint in Berlin:

And this stunning Tokyo Fixed Gear Build, inspired by the approaching track season at Herne Hill - this bike is actually for sale in the shop so get in contact with them if you're interested - more info HERE

Brother Cycles Reflective Sweatshirt + Competition!

2012-02-05T17:12:00.010Z

We're super excited to announce that our reflective winter sweatshirt is now available in our online store.

This crewneck sweatshirt features our oversized 'leaf logo' on the front and the 'Brother' logo on the rear. The 'Brother' text is in highly reflective 3M ink - so you can be seen on those dark winter nights. Stretchy cuffs and waist ensures cold air is kept out and 300g organic cotton will keep you warm whilst riding. This product is also made using EarthPositive Apparel meaning it has a 90% reduced carbon footprint.

Find full details and images in our online store HERE.

COMPETITION!

To celebrate the release of this item and with the ridiculous cold spell in the UK at the moment we thought we'd give everyone a chance to win one of our new sweatshirts. We thought it only fair to give it to the person who needs it most - so to enter simply post a picture of yourself looking cold on our Facebook Page, whoever we think needs it the most, wins - simple!

Another one bites the dust...

2012-02-01T17:29:00.003Z

a sad picture just sent to me from a mate who literally just had his wheels stolen. What annoys me most about this is the amount of disruption that's caused for so little return - the wheels were a very heavily used set of Halos, factory built, that had seen their fair share of scrapes... I doubt the thief would get more than £50 for the set, what's the point.

However for the victim they're left in the middle of town with no ride home, a lock that's been cut in two, the expense of replacing all the parts and most annoying a walk home with half a bike slung over their shoulder... I've been in this position too many times.

W*nkers.

Tokyo Fixed Gear's New Workshop

2012-02-01T12:35:00.004Z

TFG are ramping it up a level with an all new off-site workshop, check out the pics below... can't wait to see even more incredible custom builds from Max and the gang.

Custom Reynolds

2012-01-31T08:52:00.002Z

A beautiful custom red Reynolds frame heading off to Antwerp, Belgium, this week...

Nando's New Brother

2012-01-26T23:19:00.003Z

Just got pictures back of Nando's new ride over in Zurich. We weren't quite sure how the custom mahogany paint job and Black decals would look in the end but combined with the all black components this has turned out a beauty - one of our favourites to date!

Bespoked Bristol - The UK Handmade Bicycle Show 2012

2012-01-26T12:47:00.003Z

Only a couple months until this year's Bespoked and we need to get planning for our stand. Let us know if you'll be there and drop by for a chat...

Brother on his back...

2012-01-25T21:37:00.001Z

Seen HERE

Vintage tourers...

2012-01-24T08:01:00.000Z

Seen on the Velo Orange Tumblr

Ingenious...

2012-01-23T12:57:00.002Z

use of bike tyres to carry a frame across London...

Best day ever...

2012-01-20T17:41:00.002Z

spent the afternoon at one of the UK's leading vintage VW campervan suppliers... whether for cars, motorbikes or bicycles there's nothing like a quality workshop!

Alpkit Gourdon Dry Bag...a cheap bag alternative

2012-01-19T12:36:00.005Z

With the likes of Chrome, Mission Workshop, T-Level and a whole host of others we're truly spoilt for choice when buying a new bag... as long as you have a MINIMUM of £100 to drop, and you'll be looking at over £200 for a fair few as well.

Personally I don't have that sort of money to drop on a bag; and I'd rather spend it on some new wheels, flights to Berlin, extortionate London rent etc. So I was pretty stoked when I stumbled across the Gourdon Dry Bag from the British climbing company AlpKit:

At £25 this thing is an absolute bargain, it's got padded straps that hug your shoulders perfectly, removable padded back, chest and waist straps, a rolltop closing system and is 100% waterproof... honestly not a drop of water will even come close to getting inside this thing - I've seen pretty much every bag out there and the build quality of this can compete with the best of them. Personally I reckon it looks pretty slick and you're supporting a home grown British company by buying it... it's a no brainer.

Whaaaaat...

2012-01-17T23:33:00.002Z

I know nothing about surfing but this video blew my mind - stolen from dropthebeatonit

More Surfing Videos

ESCAPE

2012-01-13T00:23:00.001Z

Love this poster done by Mr Booth for Manchester shop Keep Pedalling

NEW: Brother Cycles 'Reflective Winter Sweatshirt'

2012-01-10T21:57:00.015Z

We've been working on some Brother winter clothing for a while now so you'll see some new pieces going up on the site over the next few months. However we're most excited about our 'Reflective Winter Sweatshirt' which, as you can see from the snaps below, has our oversize logo on the front:

However the best thing about this sweatshirt is when you turn around - we've used highly reflective 3M ink to print the 'BROTHER' logo across the back so when a car headlight hits you the whole thing lights up:

Looks cool and most importantly there's no way drivers won't notice you with this on. we'll let you know when this is available from our store.

Reynolds frame now with drilled forks...

2012-01-09T12:31:00.004Z

We've had a lot of requests from people wanting our Reynolds track frame with drilled forks so this is now available as an option when purchasing through our online store - if you're purchasing the frame through one of our retailers then they can request a drilled fork directly from us.

PLEASE NOTE this frame has very tight clearances so we cannot guarantee that it will work with all combinations of brake caliper and tyre. Please contact us first if you have any questions:

Brother in the Big Apple

2012-01-06T09:03:00.001Z

Some pics of one of our first Reynolds frames to hit the States, now on the streets of New York. More pics to come...

Little Brother

2012-01-03T13:24:00.006Z

My bro has been telling me about the ULTIMATE city bike he's been building over the last few weeks... his frame came back from a re-spray... new crankset arrived... lightweight rims finally laced to the original hubs. I was racking my brain as to what it could be; perhaps he'd splashed out on custom Kierin frame or gone crazy and got himself a Lo-Pro?

Finally the wait was over and he sent me a picture:

Yep, there it is, in all its glory.

At first I thought he was joking but on closer inspection this thing is pretty cool. Apparently it was originally a Dawes Kingpin, one of the first British made small wheel folding bikes and a precursor to the Raleigh Twenty (one of Sheldon Brown's favourites). He's stripped it down, polished up to its original condition, removed all the mudguards and replaced a lot of the components with modern light weight alternatives and I have to say it looks pretty slick.

So if you see this thing riding around London then no my brother hasn't stolen it off a helpless old lady, he owns it, and apparently it'll beat anyone off the lights... for the first 10 feet.

Big News for the New Year

2012-01-02T15:39:00.004Z

Hi all, hope everyone has fully recovered from their new year celebrations, after a week off Brother Cycles is now up and running again and getting plans for the new year in place.

We've got some exciting plans for 2012 and although we're not quite ready to release too much information right now I think the following picture should give you an idea... keep your eyes peeled for more information to come

Ulf's new ride...

2011-12-30T19:59:00.001Z

Lovely pictures just sent in by Ulf of his new Brother build

Brother in the wild...

2011-12-29T23:37:00.002Z

One of our Reynolds frames spotted in Fitzrovia Cycles today

It's Christmas Time!!!

2011-12-28T16:38:00.004Z

But obviously that doesn't mean shit to London's bike thieves as I spotted this fresh crime scene in Soho today... although judging by the picture they hadn't actually secured any of their bike to the railing with the D-Lock which is, unfortunately, a bit stupid.

Surprise!

2011-12-22T09:54:00.002Z

what could it be?

Think this is the winner of Charge Bikes' 'Decorate Your Bike' competition... love it

Represent!

2011-12-20T12:34:00.003Z

James representing Brother on another level the other night...

Christmas Whippet Charity Roller Racing

2011-12-15T12:34:00.001Z

If you live in the area then definitely worth checking out Restrap and Fixed Gear Leeds' charity event tomorrow night:

'Too Fucking Long'

2011-12-14T17:44:00.003Z

My man Mingo just sent me an image of some stickers he had planned to post up around London had they not got rid of the bendy buses... almost wish they'd come back into use just to see these cruising around town:

Good riddance...

2011-12-12T12:42:00.002Z

to the Bendy Buses of London! All cyclist will be glad to hear that the 9th of December was the last day that these badly designed and dangerous vehicles would litter the streets of London:

My winter bike...

2011-12-09T22:30:00.003Z

I put on some chunkier tyres, mud guards and some serious lights on my bike and thought I was properly set for the colder months, but then I saw this and realised I was wrong, this guy has got it SORTED

Brother Down Under

2011-12-07T12:22:00.003Z

Great pics of Johannes Brother build in Melbourne:

Dan's new ride...

2011-12-06T18:14:00.000Z

The Restrap Christmas Giveaway

2011-12-01T13:03:00.003Z

Head over to their website NOW

Slick retro bike...

2011-11-29T16:43:00.001Z

on the Irish fiver

About town...

2011-11-24T12:37:00.002Z

Awesome 90s Giant Peloton Superlite spotted in town the other day - love the retro colours and saddle bag. Picture doesn't do it justice but these bikes are so slick.

Tron Bike

2011-11-22T07:14:00.002Z

Seen at Bicycle Store Paris

This is amazing...

2011-11-18T12:33:00.003Z

it's not often I make posts completely unrelated to bikes, however every now and then something special enough comes along that I simply have to share it. Just watched this video on the BBC website of 2 American cops being completely outwitted by... a poodle... check out the dog's move at 43 seconds, leads the cop over to the left and then BANG switches it to the right and leaves the cop staring at his own feet. Idiot. God forbid he ever have to chase a real person.

Watch the full video for yourself HERE Trust me, it's worth it.

Bristol Dropouts x Brother Cycles

2011-11-17T22:41:00.003Z

Bristol Dropouts is Bristol's first fixed and single speed bike shop to open - we're stoked to have our frames in there as Bristol seems to have an awesome bike scene going on, definitely check them out if you're down that way. Check out their website HERE and some slick pictures they just sent our way...

Some thoughts from the road...

2011-11-13T19:57:00.006Z

Just got back from a great mini-tour out to the Brecon Beacons - nothing too brutal, 3 days riding at about 60 miles a day.

Although I was meeting people out there I did the ride alone, it may not be to everyone's taste but I love solo missions like this, nothing to think about other than riding, your route and where the next cup of tea will come from.

You think of all sorts of stuff whilst riding but the main thing that struck me on this ride was you really don't need to leave the UK to find yourself in stunning surroundings - my route went from London through Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and finally Monmouthshire in Wales. Each unique in its own way, and all equally amazing for cycling. Although the hills of Monmouthshire were painful on tired legs.

Other things that struck me were that no matter HOW hard you try to take photos of the countryside, regardless of how incredible it looks at the time, they always come out a little boring...

Trying to take photos of yourself, whilst riding, is even harder to get right...

And NEVER trust anyone working in a Halfords to actually know what they're talking about (apologies to anyone reading this who does) - as I found out when I got a flat tyre in the middle of the foggy Brecon Beacons, with no signal on my phone, about 45 minutes of daylight left and it had started to rain. I pulled out the inner tube I been sold and it was the wrong f*cking size! My fault for not checking, I suppose?!

Just as I was getting ready to do a Bear Grylls and sleep inside a skinned cow an ancient old man cycled out of the mist who miraculously had a spare tube. We chatted about frame builders for a bit and he even cycled me on to the town where I was staying... I don't know of many other sports where you find comradery like that.

Crisp new Milltag jersey...

2011-11-10T06:43:00.001Z

for the second day of my mini tour to Wales.

165 miles to go...

2011-11-09T06:53:00.001Z

Bicycle Film Festival, Paris - in pictures

2011-11-08T10:39:00.005Z

On our way to the event...

Opening party with photography by from Anna Gorvits and Peka Deve

After party at Favela Chic with Goldsprints (we learnt our lesson from the BFF Liverpool and just spectated this time!)

We had to leave early the next day but got a chance to watch some of the bike polo, unfortunately we missed the other events including the alleycat where the 1st place prize was a Brother frame...

A badass motorbike...

Vandals...

2011-11-07T17:44:00.003Z

Reynolds Track Frame - TFG Build

2011-11-07T08:10:00.002Z

A great new build by the guys at Tokyo Fixed Gear using our new Reynolds Track Frame...

Perfect weekend bike...

2011-11-06T17:31:00.007Z

my bro and I just got back from the Paris BFF (more on this to come...) and both took our bikes on the Eurostar using some pretty slick Cinelli bike bags. I have to say although here in the UK my focus is now more and more towards geared bikes (more on that to come as well...), there can't be an easier and more practical type of bike to travel with than a track bike. No gears, cables or brakes meant I was up and riding within 10 minutes of getting to Paris... it definitely reaffirmed why I love the simplicity of these bikes so much.

I think the following pictures of my brother packing up at the end of the trip, struggling with his bike (using a Sturmey Archer 3-speed), reiterates my point. Notice my neatly packed (smug) bag to the right, I did offer to help him... after I took some photos.

Paris!

2011-11-05T10:08:00.001Z

Bags packed...

2011-11-04T09:03:00.001Z

Custom Brother Build - Goldsprint Berlin

2011-11-01T22:16:00.003Z

Goldsprint in Berlin seem to be coming out with some incredible builds recently - this one particularly caught our eye. A black on white frame, custom painted by us in London, nicely matched with all black components... such a slick look.

Full set of picutres HERE

Fair enough...

2011-10-30T22:25:00.001Z

Check it out...

2011-10-28T08:54:00.003+01:00

Notice anything about this screen grab from Chrome's website? Look closely at the bike... one of the few Brothers to be over on the west coast of the States, stoked to to be represented on the Chrome site!

Faster Than You Crew - Winner

2011-10-27T23:40:00.002+01:00

Great pics from one of the winners of the Faster Than You Crew Tournament races over in Amsterdam... they picked themselves up a Brother frame and built up this beautiful bike:

We're sponsoring the BFF Paris...

2011-10-25T12:18:00.001+01:00

so come along if anyone is in the area - promises to be a great night as always with the BFF and you even have a chance of winning a Brother frame in the alleycat!

A Dutch way of thinking...

2011-10-24T17:19:00.006+01:00

I got back from Amsterdam the other weekend, this time to run the marathon and not destroy myself in cafes, so I actually have some fresh memories from the trip. I was pretty excited about checking out the bike scene whilst there, what with the city being known as one of the most bike friendly in the World!

On the flight over I had visions of streets full of beautiful bikes; I should have to clamber over piles of vintage Gazelles just to get out my hotel. But in the 3 days I was there I didn't see one nice bike... not one. Literally every single bike was the classic Dutch style 'sit up and beg' style town bike, which although cool in their own right, aren't that exciting once you've seen a couple.

But then I realised it's a totally completely different way of thinking there, cycling seems SO engrained in every day life that maybe it seems unecessary to have anything more than is necessary to get you from A to B? Riding a bike isn't a novelty, or a statement, it's literally just a way to get around.

Personally I love taking a bit of pride in my bike but this way of living definitely has some benefits... check out the picture below...

Locked up in the centre of town with a only a tiny rim-lock on the back wheel and no fear of it getting stolen, in London I guarantee that would be gone in under 5 minutes as my previous blog post illustrates.

Although I loved this about the city I'm sure there were some awesome bikes hiding somewhere from me... I'm back in December and I'll hunt them down then... although that time it's a stag do so unlikely I remember.

Milltag Glow in the Dark T-Shirt

2011-10-23T14:25:00.001+01:00

Loooove these from Milltag... pick yours up here

Guillaume's new Brother...

2011-10-20T09:06:00.001+01:00

Exp. Minors

2011-10-12T20:40:00.003+01:00

Just got some info through from the guys at Fixed Gear Oxford of their new clothing label Exp. Minors - head over to the website and check out their selection of t shirts, hoodies and hats. Some nice designs... definitely snapping a couple up for myself!

Brothers in the wild...

2011-10-11T18:16:00.003+01:00

Some cool pictures sent in from Brother customers over the last few days.

A brother enjoying the last few rays of summer sunshine:

And a well used Brother from Brooklyn!

Stolen Bike - Part 34,576

2011-10-10T21:15:00.007+01:00

The curse of the lowlife scumbag strikes again.

That's a photo of the spot where my mate Guy tied up his beloved bike for no more than two hours the other night. When he came back, as well as a chunk of railing, this was missing.

The crazy thing is they chainsawed clean through a properly thick 19th century railing. The bike wasn't even down an alley out of sight, it was directly opposite Sadler's Wells Theatre at 8pm on a thursday night, on the main stretch of Rosebery Avenue. Next to a bus stop. WTF. Here are some photos taken the day after.

He always ties it with a Kryptonite and the chord through both wheels and the saddle. But however well he'd tied last night, they still would've taken it. It's a piss take. What the hell is there left to do now, other than leave your bike at home.

Now all he's got left are photos of good times, and jack shit insurance.

Sounds pointless, but keep your eyes peeled. It was an old pea green frame w silver lugs and a black head tube. Brushed chrome stem and chrome moustache handlebars. Silver mavic wheels with gum coloured Halo tyres. Chrome forks, and chrome Foffa cranks. Real nice Brooks saddle.

Niiiice....

2011-10-05T21:25:00.002+01:00

pictures of Patrick's new Brother build over in Zurich

London BFF - 2011

2011-10-04T08:07:00.004+01:00

It's back! The BFF is running from the 5th of October to the 9th at its usual home the Barbican... tickets are bound to sell out quick so make sure you snaps yours up early. Full details HERE.

Can't wait for Friday's 25th anniversary screening of 'Rad'... word is Bill Allen who plays the lead character Cru is flying over from the states especially for it... see you there

Chrome City Series - London!

2011-09-29T17:45:00.003+01:00

Love this new line from Chrome dedicated to our very own London Town - in their words "inspired by all things punk, ale and tweed". Personally I would have gone with JLS, Horlicks and Primark but hey each to their own...check out full details HERE

Another Brother from France...

2011-09-27T19:28:00.003+01:00

Goldsprint Brother Build

2011-09-27T12:36:00.003+01:00

some beautiful builds coming out from Goldsprint in Berlin... here's the latest:

Check out the full set of pics HERE

Guest Post - Quotes About Bikes Part 1

2011-09-22T21:07:00.008+01:00

Yeah it's that time of the month, the moment you've all been waiting for, when we naively open up the Brother Blog to the random and vaguely entertaining bicycle related ramblings of DropTheBeatOnIt... so this month's guest post is Quotes About Bikes Part 1

"To be in a position to prove Albert 'Theory of Relativity' Einstein wrong, you would think a couple of prerequisits might include a passing interest in astro-physics and a 15 digit IQ.

Or you could just be a bike nut.

Einstein was a keen cyclist, and most well-known in the bike world for drawing a parallel between, as he saw it, the conduct of life and the two wheeled phenomenon that we all love so much and gets us into shit with our girlfriends.

He wrote that:

'Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you must keep moving."

All well and good, and i'm sorry to be anal Albert, but am i wrong in arguing there is one glaring element you absolutely failed to consider?

drumroll....

THE TRACK STAND.

Brother in Death Valley

2011-09-21T12:51:00.002+01:00

Apologies to everyone for the slight delay in online deliveries over the last 2 weeks - this is because my bro, 50% of Brother Cycles and our all-round bike mechanic guru was touring the States! Here he is reppin' his Brother T in Death Valley... I'm not at all jealous...

Dia Compe Front Track Brake - Now In Stock!

2011-09-20T17:24:00.004+01:00

Just got these beauties in - the Dia Compe Track Brake will clamp to round fork blades if you don't fancy drilling the crown of your track frame. Works perfectly with our new Reynolds frame... pick one up HERE

London Cycle Map Campaign

2011-09-20T13:08:00.003+01:00

Personally I don't like cycle routes, I find they're full of day dreaming commuters who like a small child find it impossible to pass me without veering directly into my path. that being said I still think that a clear London Cycle Map, outlining the capital's network of signed routes would be a good idea... if you agree sign it HERE

Cheers to Boneshaker for the heads up on this.

Some recent new builds...

2011-09-13T19:19:00.004+01:00

From Tokyo Fixed Gear

From Fixerati

Wow...

2011-09-11T19:04:00.002+01:00

these 'scary' anti-theft tactics in Kilburn really seem to be working...

About town...

2011-09-10T12:09:00.002+01:00

lovely old track bike spotted in Soho last night...

Dude gets a ticket for riding outside the bike lane...

2011-09-07T12:53:00.001+01:00

this is his response - legend.

Cobble Wobble x Milltag Jersey

2011-09-06T12:47:00.002+01:00

Loving this design... get involved with the pre-orders HERE before September 17th to guarantee one...

Cog on the Tyne

2011-09-05T12:13:00.001+01:00

Proud to be sponsoring what looks to be an awesome event up in Newcastle...

I like your style...

2011-09-02T09:59:00.000+01:00

Brother Build

2011-08-30T08:15:00.002+01:00

So many nice builds coming from the guys at Fixerati these days...

I Feel Good Today

2011-08-28T11:52:00.000+01:00

Restrap and Boikzmoind Event - Tokyo Fixed Gear

2011-08-24T19:17:00.001+01:00

This looks awesome - I'll be there...

MUST SEE: Kuwahara BMX For Sale

2011-08-23T23:28:00.002+01:00

Our man Adam, who has one of the most insane bike collections in London, is selling off this very hard to come by Kuwahara BMX - check the details and drop him an email if you're interested:

Kuwahara Looptail classic BMX bike.

Original 80's Japanese BMX.... (they rode Kuwahara bikes in the film E.T.)

This is a rebuild using Skyway recreation parts.

The frame is in great condition for its age as all original chrome and stickers.

Going on ebay at the end of August but get it first here. Buy it now price.. £330.

Pick up only from west London (W10) Area.

Inquires: adam@adamwhitehead.com

Keirin Training Gym

2011-08-23T15:24:00.000+01:00

Love this picture...

Look what arrived in the post...

2011-08-22T22:57:00.004+01:00

a container full of our new frames!

So excited to finally have these in our hands - all those who made pre-orders your shiny new frames are now in the post. They are also now available for purchase through our online store HERE. Sorry we don't have any proper product shots available yet - these will come shortly.

Needless to say the first thing I did was grab myself one and build it up...

Rides like a dream, pretty much haven't got out the saddle for the last 24 hours.

New Milltag Website

2011-08-21T19:45:00.003+01:00

Ed from Milltag has just launched his new website which is looking seriously slick...

The new site makes it easy to navigate all of Milltag's beautiful jerseys and also features the Brother x Milltag collaboration on the home page. As well as the jersey, frame and t shirt a photo shoot with extreme cyclist James Bowthorpe has also been released on the site... check out the pictures of James sporting the jersey and also the collaboration bike which will be coming up for sale very soon.

Fixerati Build

2011-08-18T12:16:00.001+01:00

Lovely Brother build by the guys at Fixerati - Brussels

Preparing...

2011-08-15T08:06:00.004+01:00

the Brother Cycles x Milltag 'Comrade' frame over the weekend. This one-off custom bike will be for sale soon so keep your eyes peeled.

Reverse Brother

2011-08-12T16:01:00.003+01:00

Going out to a customer this week...

Guest Post: Soma Everwear Tyre Review

2011-08-10T22:38:00.006+01:00

This is a guest post from our good friend over at dropthebeatonit - I've said this before and I'll say it again if you don't read his blog you should... it's amazing.

He got in contact a few days back with a review on Everwear tyres in response to our recent slating of the Schwalbe Durano 'Skid'... here's what he has to say:

Somachbetter

Two days ago i looked down at my rear tyre and was met with a heart wrenching sight. My first thought was the rioters had started getting detailed with their mindless destruction. But it soon dawned on me the unthinkable had finally happened. My Soma Everwear had worn through.

I literally thought this couldn't happen. My Everwear was putting up with all kinds of ugly domestic abuse, going on literally five months of daily ragging around the capital. I like skidding a lot because i think it makes me look cool - i'd skid if it didn't even slow me down - but the meaner i treated it the keener it became. I'd say the best time in our relationship was 4 months in, the tyre had squared off a lot by then, but was still scything through tarmac and cornering like a greyhound. The Everwear is literally indestructible. But most of all it's the smoothest ride of them all. For me it evokes one word above all: Buttery.

I held an emotional memorial service for it yesterday, and buried it out back with the hamster.

Part of me died with that tyre. But hey there is a time to mourn, and a time to rejoice. there was only one way of coping with such a loss, and only one tyre i was hitting the road with again this morning. So i went and bought myself another straight off. You should too.

Sad times...

2011-08-09T22:48:00.002+01:00

PUSH Cycles in Newington Green...

90s Pin-Up of the Week

2011-08-08T08:11:00.001+01:00

... I'll never get bored of the Cannondale Track, this is a perfect build as well... spotted outside Flat White in Soho

Brother in the wild...

2011-08-07T17:41:00.000+01:00

spotted by the canal today.

Brother at the Anjou Velo Vintage

2011-08-02T22:07:00.003+01:00

Beautiful classic styled Brother at the Anjou Velo Vintage - a cycle rally in France dedicated to vintage style bikes.

Custom Brother frame...

2011-07-31T19:30:00.003+01:00

beautiful green frame heading out to a customer this week:

Brother Cycles - New Frame Video + Pre-Order

2011-07-25T22:24:00.026+01:00

AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE NOW!

Took the new frame out for a ride around London a few weeks back - photographer Angus Sung was on hand to document a perfect day out...

As of today we're taking pre-orders so please get in contact (info@brothercycles.com) if you want to guarantee yourself one - we'll be shipping them out to customers from August 15th. Numbers are strictly limited and we've been inundated with requests so don't miss out.

More details on the frame here HERE.

Billy's Brother

2011-07-25T08:26:00.002+01:00

Beautiful single speed Brother sent in from Billy... one of our favourites...

Schwalbe Durano Skid - tyre review...

2011-07-24T20:18:00.003+01:00

Verdict: shit...

That MAY seem a little harsh, but I really don't skid that much and these squared off in under a week and have now worn through in about 2 weeks. I wouldn't normally care too much if this happened to a tyre, even one that costs £28, as let's face it tyres aren't made for skidding... HOWEVER... Schwalbe actually named these the 'Skid' and in their own words they are:

"Specially developed for "fixie" bikes where transmission braking can lock the back wheel and is extremely tread abrasive. Durano Skid can withstand such "abuse" considerably longer than other tires thanks to its deeper and abrasion resistant tread. Its strong rubber-coated side wall also affords better durability."

They're just asking for trouble with a description like that.

Chrome Familia Road trip

2011-07-21T12:55:00.003+01:00

Sharkey, Wonka and John Cardiel (childhood hero), all part of the Chrome Familia, recently embarked on a Californian road trip up to one of the Chrome bag factories... Sharkey was riding a Brother at the time and was kind enough to send us some awesome pictures of their ride... you can see the full set HERE

In the studio...

2011-07-19T22:46:00.002+01:00

shooting the Brother x Milltag collaboration bike in the studio... with a special CELEBRITY guest! More to come on that soon.

Ghostriders II x Gesaffelstein

2011-07-16T13:01:00.003+01:00

Incredible video from the guys at Bicycle Store Paris... sent shivers up my spine!

Coming Soon - Brother Cycles Video

2011-07-11T22:33:00.002+01:00

Some nice snaps of our recent video shoot with Angus Sung for our new frame... we'll be dropping this in a couple days so keep a look out