This Week in Desire | September 18th
There's a mixed bag this week. We've got luxury folders, superbike e-bikes, ingenious winter-wear and Batman's city cruiser. Welcome to this week in Desire, presented by Swiss Tourism.
Desire
Met Rivale MIPS | Shop the range in the Rouleur Desire Emporium
We like fancy lids and we like Steve Cummings, put the two together and what have you got? Controversially, MET has their pro riders sporting their redesigned Rivale MIPS helmet, a mid-range offering with top of the line looks, in our humble opinion. Why controversial? Well, it's somewhat unusual for pros to not use top of the range gear, but that tells you a bit about MET's intention with Rivale - pro performance at a reasonable price. Seen here in holographic white on the aforementioned Cummings and, on a positive note for Met, topping the head of one rather young, successful, Slovenian Tadej Pogačar.
Roval Alpinist | Specialized.com
Component brand Roval, best known for being pride of place on all of Specialized's extensive range, recently released a range of weight-weenie territory components dubbed Alpinist. Roval have introduced their CL wheels weighing in at 1365g for the pair and have followed on with these featherweight one-piece handlebars hitting the scales at 247g. You can see where we're going with this. Add in a 136g seatpost and you've got high-end builds heading south of 7kg with ease. Fancy.
Brompton x CHPT3 | Brompton.com
Were you surprised to not see Rouleur's own Stuart Clapp in Brompton and CHPT3's latest promo shots? Us too, but we've heard he's broken both arms, skateboarding of all things. The collab, which this time features a design inspired by the labyrinth of streets in CHPT3's Girona home, is sure to get the collectors knocking on the door.
S-Works Roubaix - Tuned by Tyler | @tunedbytyler
The work of Specialized's in-house Paint Developer Tyler Marchesana (well worth a follow on Instagram) has crossed our threshold on many occasions due to his exquisite custom paint jobs. Followers of Rouleur Desire will recall the drool-worthy marble-effect Allez Sprint and the cosmic S-Works Roubaix from a while back. His latest project, designed with artist Jono Heath, features an intricate typographic cobble effect, paired with a vibrant fade to dramatic effect. The essence of Roubaix captured in a bike? We think so. Photo credit to Collin Chappelle on this one
Extans Akhal Shadow | Extans Design
Look! No seat tube! This extraordinary-looking machine is a UK-built work of art on wheels – all sweeping lines and form over function, with the carbon monocoque frame being the focus of a real head-turner. Ultimate commuter, café racer or clothes horse? You decide.
Isadore x Osram | Available from the Rouleur Desire Emporium
If the brand Osram sounds familiar, that’s because they probably make your lightbulbs: household, automotive – you name it, they light it. Those clever people at Isadore have teamed up with a world leader in illumination to make dark, plain colours stand out in the gloom. Clever stuff.
Scott Addict E-ride | Scottsports.com
A little motorised assistance goes a long way, undoubtedly, especially on the big climbs. No shame in that. But we all want our bike to look the part – no unsightly bulges in the frame, no undue weight penalty. Scott to the rescue, with what the Swiss-based manufacturer claims is the lightest in its class at a very reasonable 10.75kg for the top of the range version. Amongst a raft of cool features is an extra battery that attaches to the downtube bottle cage bosses and plugs into the frame for those really big days in the saddle. Are friends electric? They are now.
Rapha's Autumn/ Winter collection | Rapha.cc
Autumn is upon us, along with cooler temperatures and changeable conditions. As ever, Rapha have it covered, with unfussy men’s and women’s ranges to keep you toasty and classy at the same time – even toe warmers. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.