SPECIAL PROJECTS

limited-edition bicycles

SOPHIE Beach Cruiser

(commissioned project)

March 2009

Specially designed and built classic beach cruiser. Made for our friend, Karen.

BUGS II Speedway Roadster

(commissioned project)

March 2009

Custom designed and hand sculptured bobber-style inspired ride.  Made specially for a client.

OREGON single-speeder/fixed wheel bike

(commissioned project)

January 2009

Specially hand-built and designed single-speeder/fixed wheel classic commuter. Made specifically for our friend, Warren.

Vintage British Military Scout Bike

January 2008

We spent two fun months customising and sourcing for parts from around the world for this bike.

KATANA Messenger bike

(commissioned project)

September 2009

[Chrome, Red, Yellow & Blue]

A fully-fabricated and custom-built fixed gear ride, Katana is Vanguard’s latest commissioned project for our friend Akira.  Inspired by the BMX craze of the 80s and Tokyo’s avant garde fixie culture, Katana is redesigned and built using a 1970s Bridgestone Multi-speed racer frame. An ultra-light and fast free-styler, Katana is ready to slice the streets. Osu!

BAXTER Messenger Bike

(commissioned project)

November 2009

[Matt Black. Chrome & Brown]

Our friend Claire commissioned us to build a bike as a wedding gift for her fiance. Claire told us that her special guy is 1.95m tall, likes vintage and classic bikes, and plays the guitar. We took cue from there and conceptualised Baxter as a tall, classy and handsome bike in matt black, chrome and brown. Built up from a. restored, re-fabricated and chromed 1970s Panasonic multi-speed racer frame and fork, with vintage British and Japanese components, Baxter is a timeless vintagent that runs on classy 27-inch tires, a rear safety coaster hub brake and dressed in leather gear.

ESTELLE Velocommute Bike

(commissioned project)

March 2010

[Baby Blue]

Estelle was specially commissioned as a birthday gift for our friend John’s special girl Maryanne and her house-mate, Room-ey. Estelle is designed to pair with John’s Vanguard bike Islington. Meticulously restored and custom built using a classic 1970s  Bridgestone step-through city bike, Estelle is sweet ride that cruises through the city with comfort and ease.

Go Maryanne and Room-ey!

‘CHINATOWN’ and ‘LITTLE INDIA’

Hybrid Choppers for ‘Many Ways of Seeing’ Workshop and Exhibition

November 2006

Check out these two crazy bicycles for this fun workshop project and exhibition, which was organised by the DesignSingapore Council and Singapore Polytechnic in 2006.

ARAFURA Street Cruiser

(commissioned project)

May 2010 [Copper & Matt Black]

Arafura’s inspiration stems from the agressiveness of urban assault street bikes as well as the forgotten downhill cruisers of the early 1970s. Fully-restored, re-fabricated, and custom-built using a 1992 Alphinestars Cromega, this ultra smooth street cruiser craves for all things dirt, grass and gravel. We’ll like to thank our brother Fandi for the opportunity to give this sweet ride a new lease of life.

ARTEMIS Messenger Bike

[Chrome]

July 2010

Artemis is the epitome of speed and light. Fully hand-crafted by Vanguard for one super cool girl – Yishu, Artemis is a sleek urban sprinter in full chrome that is built up using a 1960s collector’s Raleigh Sport frame as a canvas and fiited with puncture-resistant 700c tyres. This classically proportioned fixed gear ride also received a touch of contemporary chic with new glossy rims, bar grips and saddle.

Go Yishu!

BETSY Messenger Bike

[Baby Blue]

September 2010

Betsy is simple stylish cycle chic at its best! Commissioned by our good pals Mark and his fiancé Phuong, and custom designed by Phuong herself as her pre-wedding gift from Mark (Mark chose Bryon as his gift ;), we specially restored and custom-built a single speed urban cruiser for this sweetest girl ever! Using an Ishiwata constructed touring frame as a base built, Betsy now comes with Pasela White tyres, coaster hub brake as well as a LED converted headlamp.

Congratulations you two! – from us at Vanguard

AMARELO Messenger Bike

[cream, mocha, chrome]

A special commissioned build for our friend Leon, Amarelo is a classic bike that we used a collector’s 1960s Raleigh Superb Sport frame for and crafted it with similar colourways as Leon’s favourite Vanguard ride – Hedford. We built Amarelo as a single speed ride with a basic mechanical setup. Amarelo is fitted with classic 700c tyres, coaster hub brake, Brooks saddle and a pair of handmade maple wood fenders.

BECKHAM Messenger Bike

[Matt Black & Fire Red]

A special commissioned build for our lovely friend Wei who named his new ride ‘Beckham’. This stylish, edgy piece is an all terrain urban warrior that has been custom restored and fabricated using a 1970s Bridgestone touring frame. Working through the customisation with Wei, we took references from our earlier bikes named ‘Triton’, added a Sturmey Archer 2-speed kick shifter, integrated a foot brake hub and fitted it with 700c knobby tyres, riser handlebar and laced it with a pair of Velocity Chukker rims. Behold!

CINELLI SUPERCORSA PISTA

[59cm frame, fixed wheel]

[Azzurra Blue & Chrome]

A fully-restored 1970s Cineeli Supercorsa Pista! This steel beauty was specially built up for our buddy Daniel, who scoured the globe for all its period correct NOS parts for over 6 months.  Fitted with Campagnolo Super Record componentry, ultra sleek Nisi tubulars, Veloflex tyres and a Vintage Unicator saddle, this special ride is now being flat packed ready to be shipped ‘Down Under’ where it will hit the velodrome again!

BIANCHI REKORD

[54.5cm frame, 10 speed Campagnolo Valentino]

[Celeste]

Fully-stripped, cleaned, tuned and reconditioned, Matthew’s freshly built up 1970s Bianchi Rekord comes fitted with Campagnolo Valentino group set, ultra sleek Nisi Tubulars and a Ciussi bottle holder. Bringing sexy back!

SE FIGHTER

[Cruiser Class BMX]

[Wood Grain Finish, Gloss Black & Gloss White]

Custom-built and powder-coated with 80s parts and componentry have transformed this classic OM FLYER into an urban beast. Specially done up for our man Budi, be sure to catch him rolling hard and fast wicked style!

CINELLI SPECIALE CORSA PISTA

[57cm frame, fixed wheel]

[Silver & Chrome]

Vanguard’s guest-of-honour comes in a meticulously restored and classically rebuilt ride comprising a rare1968 Cinelli Speciale Corsa Pista frame. Fitted with period correct componentry from the very best in track performance – Fiamme Red Label rims laced with tied and soldered spokes, Clement Criterium Seta Extra tubulars, Campagnolo Super Record hubs, Campagnolo Inch Pitch crank, a Unicator saddle... just to name a few. To top it off, this authentically pure bred Italian stallion comes with two beautifully patinaed Cinelli badged headtube and stem. And what better way than to have our buddy Daniel ripping it in his hometown velodrome!

TANGE INFINITY MTB

[17inch, 16 speed Deore XT]

[Cream]

Re-used, re-designed and recycled – Gloria’s 1980s Tange Infinity MTB has been given a classy, cycle chic street-style makeover. With a fresh coat of paint, re-conditioned XT components, vintage gum-wall English threaded tyres, matching grips together with that quintessential ATB saddle from Brooks, this spruced up baby is ready to go!

ROBIN HOOD II

[50.5cm frame, single speed coaster brake]

[British Racing Green]

Specially reconditioned and custom built frame for Chris, this beautifully patina-ed 1970s Robin Hood frame is overhauled with new bearings, 3 headed Heron crank, custom laced Araya rims, a Brooks Swallow saddle and matching bar wraps.

OLMO SLX

[52.5cm frame, single speed]

Custom built and fitted for our mate Zaidi, this rare Olmo SLX frame in green now runs on wooden rims and incorporates vintage Japanese components including a Dura Ace Pista Bottom Bracket shaft, Alloy seat post as well as a MX brake lever rolling single speed style.

+ email us at info@vanguard-designs.com to find out more about customising your bike.

ZEZE

[48cm frame, single speed]

[Gloss Black]

A humble Shimano road frame with a makeover! This 48cm ride now sport classy alloy crank set, Panaracer touring tyres, a vintage LED converted headlamp for country roads and a little Millbrook saddle bag for the day trip essentials. Be sure to cheer its owner Priscilla on when she does the coastal to Desaru!

F MOSER

[59cm frame, fixed gear]

[Hot Pink]

Matthew’s fully re-conditioned and custom built 1980s F Moser has been given a super spunky new look with Campagnolo Record parts, anodised blue Origin 8 crank and cog, Izumi NJS chain, baby blue moletti straps, Gransport brakes, neon pink tyres and Cinelli bartape. Be sure to check him cruising by the quay side!

© Vanguard Designs

NEW!

JENIX’S MINIVELO

[48cm frame, Shimano 18 speed]

[Matt Black & Pastel Pink]

Jenix’s minivelo was custom made over with black powdercoat paint work on the cranks, handlebar, frame and fork, and fully tuned up with pumped up tyres. To further enhance it is overall matt black theme, brake and gear cables were replaced and the LED converted headlamp shell were also done up in matt black. Additional feminine touches to the bike comes in custom painted rims, leather grip tape as well as a Broks Colt saddle.

LEVEL 24/24 Messenger Bike [commissioned project]

[58cm frame, 8 speed Suntour Superb Pro]

[Metallic Burgundy Champagne]

April 2012

Handmade by Master Matsuda San himself, this ultra rare 1980s Level TT frame is fully reconditioned and fitted with nothing but the very best from Suntour’s Superb Pro group set! Featuring a unique geometry for a front and rear 24-inch wheel setup, this extreme ride is now paired with a rear  HED disc rim and an Araya Aero front rim. With tubular tires specially ordered from Vittoria, and a custom fabricated chromed up 62-tooth chain ring, Matthew and this sleek city sprinter are all set to go!

Iden Messenger Bike [commissioned project]

[52cm frame, fixed wheel]

[Gold & Satin Matt Black]

March 2012

Iden was inspired by early evening rides in Brighton, where cool breeze and light from the south western sky of British coast is magical. Hand crafted from Nervex lugs and Columbus Spirit tubing at Vanguard’s atelier, this ride was specially created for our friend John. Fitted with Aerospoke front and rear rims, a 52:20 gearing ratio (you know we dig big cranks!), nicely fitted ‘E’ brake at the rear and a vintage Radio Flyer handlebar, Iden is setup as a fast and nimble ride in all urban conditions.

Denissia’s Velocommute Bike [commissioned project]

[44cm, 3-speed Sturmey Archer]

[Rich Burgundy, Gloss White, Azzuro Blue] April 2012

Denissia – the great grand daughter of founder of the Delangle bike company – found this bike from her family heritage in a country barn north of France after months of searching [mostly through Raymond - her dad’s hard work]. The Delangle bike company ceased production during the 1960s and this 1950s beauty is one of the few still in existence. Since shipping to our shores 3 months ago, this bike went through structural re-enforcement, intensive restoration of the frame, fenders and components. Specially built with period correct parts that span over France, Poland and the UK, Denissia is now reunited with her heritage and heirloom again – enjoying for generations to come!

Emmelle Ladies

[55cm frame, Sturmey Archer 3-speed]

[Cream]

April 2012

Fully re-conditioned and custom built for our friend Catherine, this 1988 Emmelle Ladies Town Bike now sports 700c wheels with Panaracer Crosstown tyres, a vintage 3 speed Sturmey Archer hub gear, knitted skirtguard, Mahogany wooden grips and Pashley’s wicker basket. Specially fitted with a 14:38 gearing ratio and Vanguard’s very own Porteur handlebar, this charming ride adds to another one of Singapore’s cycle chic rides!

BOULEVARD Messenger Bike

[61cm, fixed wheel]

[Chrome & Moss Green]

Boulevard is custom built using a rare 1960s Carnielli bike constructed from a mix of Columbus and BCM tubes and lugs for Carl who wanted a classic fixed gear commuter. Spinning on Suzue high flanges and vintage Rigida rims, Boulevard is also fitted with custom made leather cables for that added dash of dapperness.

PADDY Velocommute Bike

[20 inch, 3 speed Sturmey Archer]

[Matt Black]

May 2012

What started out as Alex’s 21-speed Silver Decathlon mountain bike has been turned into a cool commuter bike. Completely stripped down for a fresh coat of paint, Paddy was refitted with a cruiser handlebar, Maxxis Hookworm tyres and a pair of sleek fenders by Biomega. New hardware includes a pannier rack, single speed bottom bracket, durable track pedals as well re-fabrication works to accommodate a 3-speed Sturmey Archer internal gear hub.

HENDRIX II Messenger Bike

[50.5cm frame, Coaster brake]

[Matt Dark Grey & Copper Dust]

Commissioned by Desu, Hendrix II is fully restored and custom fabricated from a 1950s Raleigh Superb Sport Gentleman’s bike. With its raw but refined stripped down proportions, this ‘rock and rolla’ now runs on extra wide dirt jump tyres and a vintage Gary Fisher MTB fork. Be sure to catch Desu when he rolls along the streets and trials of Bali!

LEGNANO GRAN PREMIO Velocommute Bike

[52cm frame, 10 speed Campagnolo Valentino]

[Transparent Green]

Fully reconditioned down to every nut, bolt, spring and bearing, this elegant 1970s Gran Premio in transparent green has been given the major mechanical overhaul treatment. Cosmetic improvements include new Vittoria tubular tyres, handlebar wraps and a freshly re-holstered Selle Italia saddle. In a span of 8 days and loads of elbow grease put into it, this machine is ready to ride again with its new found happy owner, Vince.

RALEIGH 50/11

[50.5cm frame, 10 speed Shimano 600]

[Vintage Gloss Black]

A special ride that has been with Yong Liang’s family for generations, this 1950s Raleigh Sport has been fully restored and custom built into a 10-speed classy racing machine. The 6 week restoration process included re-enforcing of the frame’s structure, galvanising as well as re-fabrication of damaged parts. Fully equipped with N.O.S Shimano 600 setup and dressed in dapper brown leather wear, this ride has been given a new lease of life to ride into the 21st century in classic style!

FIZ’s MOULTON

[inseams 27-36” frame size]

[Black & Copper]

Fiz’s Moulton TSR 9 has been given the complete custom treatment. Running on 22-inch weels and Schwalbe Durano slicks, this 9-speed machine sports a Shimano 105 drive train with copper accentuated parts. The cockpit has been given a major overhaul with a custom made handlebar, Dia Compe inverse levers and a modified vintage Shimano downtube shifter fitted onto the steering tube. Sleek and simple, this ride is all about the details.

ANDRE’S BIOMEGA BAMBOO

[51cm, 8-speed Shimano Nexus]

[Apen White]

June 2012

Taking a notch up from its original setup, Andre’s Rio has been fitted with a custom made and painted handlebar and an LED converted headlamp to match the bike’s silver and white. Handmade bamboo fenders and touches of leather trimmings have been fitted for a comfortable ride in any weather conditions. A rear rack ready to take up to 12kg of belongings and specially ordered 26-inch balloon tyres have been added to make it a chic bike that’s a blast to ride.

A BIKE NAMED STELLAR

in collaboration with Underscore magazine

[44cm, single speed] [Matt Black & Copper]

August 2012

It is said that copper originates from the stars. “A Bike Named Stellar” is inspired by the recent discovery of a supernova billions of years ago that lit the darkness of the universe, throwing out wonderful light and energy, and hurling copper and other minerals into space. With influences of Victorian Steampunk statements, A Bike Named Stellar is created using a 1980s Matt Black Japanese made loop frame, Vanguard’s own Porteur handlebar, hand painted rims, dashing white wall tyres and componentry such as saddle rails, rivets and crank that have been dripped in copper.

OWL

[Uni size, Shimano Tektro 6 speed]

[Blue & White]

August 2012

8 dashing city bikes in variations of blue and white were built for a special commissioned project from our friends from OWL International. Taking the reliable Raleigh Venture bike, we added vintage wicker baskets, re-holstered saddle and grips, Moustache handlebars, fresh tyres and custom made headbages riveted onto the headtube for that extra bit of sophistication.

PINK PANTHER

[57cm frame, Campagnolo Chorus 10 speed]

[Pink]

Pink panther is a fully re-conditioned 1980s Pursuit Bike that we had the honour of building for Matthew. This ultra rare speedster was made with aerodynamic Tange Prestige steel tubings and is fully decked out in Campagnolo Chrous groupset. Pink Panther is fitted with a period correct honey comb wooden disc wheel, aero Columbus seat post, aero water bottle and a set of Dura Ace AX calipers!