Michael's "Porteur" bike

Today bike couriers, or messengers do most of the light deliveries in our busy city centres. Long before the modern bike couriers light deliveries in Paris France were done by "porteurs" on specially constructed bikes with large carriers fitted to the front forks. These carriers were initially designed to carry newspapers but were found to be useful for carrying any load.

Discovery Channel team member Michael Barry asked us to build a bike that he could use for all his errands around his winter hometown of Boulder Colorado. We decided that a "porteur" style bike might be ideal. The large front carrier comfortably handles a loaded gym bag and rear panniers filled with groceries can be fitted to the rear carrier. A generator lighting system helps to ensure safety at night.

Specification

Frame: Mariposa. Porteur. Columbus SP tubing.
Fork: Mariposa. Columbus SL blades. Wide semi sloping crown.
Rims: Fiamme Explorer, 700C
Front hub: Shimano Nexus hub generator.
Rear hub: Shimano Nexus 7 speed internal gear.
Tires: Vredestein 'Classic' white.
Crankset: T.A. Pro 5 Pin, single 46t ring.
Brakes: Shimano Nexave 'roller brakes' attached to hubs.
Controls: Shimano Nexave brake levers and trigger gear control.
Handlebar: SR North Road.
Stem: Cinelli 1A.
Saddle: Brooks B17
Seat post: Kalloy.
Chain: Sram.
Lighting: Front and rear lights mounted to carriers and powered by Nexus hub generator with photo electric switch.
Carriers: Mariposa front "porteur" carrier and No. 1 rear carrier.
Fenders: Honjo with Mariposa stays. Painted accents.
Finish: Dark blue with gold box lining, chrome fork crown and front and rear ends.
Recent Work Contact Us Our Prices About Us