backhello.html

MESSENGER

BIKES

and restored classics!

v  archive

[more bikes from our archives] >>messenger_bikes_2.html
[more] >>messenger_bikes_2.html

AUGUSTINE Messenger Bike

[Hairline Finished Steel & Bronze]


Augustine messenger bike takes its reference from the raw and sublime beauty of pseudo-Victorian ‘steam punk’ culture. Augustine also expresses the subtle changes in light and texture at the end of the summer month of August. Specially custom-built and is fully-fabricated using a classic lugged Bianchi mini velo frame and fork, this single-speed mini ‘pista’ city commute is fitted with a coaster brake for zipping through sidewalks and alleyways.


sold

limited-edition bicycles

ICARUS Messenger bike

[Chrome & Black]


A simple, classic fixed gear ride, Icarus is fully re-built and fabricated using a 1980s ‘Tange’ multi-speed racer. Ready to take flight, this two-wheeled ‘agkelos’ is an ultra light and strong speedster. Fitted with a Selle San Marco saddle and a safety Shimano 600 front brake, you’re ready to take to the streets and go the distance!


sold

DEUX Messenger Bike

[Copper & Matt Black]


Deux, or ‘two’, is an expression of the double. Deux is composed with double forks (front fork and seat stay), and copper-plated to reflect the essence of city commuting – fast living and city lights, heightened senses and novel discoveries. This stunning single-speed courier-inspired bike is meticulously fabricated and re-designed using a 1970s Peugeot men’s multi-speed racer frame, and custom fitted with original vintage quality Japanese racing components for a light, responsive and experiential ride.


sold

PASHA Messenger Bike

[Brass & Brown]


Pasha – the epitome of luxury – is inspired by the rich cultural landscapes and striking hues of North Africa. Pasha is designed both as a kinetic sculpture as well as an urban commuter. Re-fabricated using a 1970s Japanese ‘Bridgestone’ men’s multi-speed racer frame, this beauty is fitted with all-terrain urban tyres to run effortlessly on gravel and asphalt. Pasha also comes with leather wear and a rear coaster hub brake for that ultra smooth glide.


sold

AXL Messenger Bike

[Chrome Yellow & White]


Small in size but big on speed, Axl is your ticket to a quick getaway on a mini vélo. Inspired by and designed for the urban cyclist in major metropolis, Axl is built as a interchangeable fixed-gear and single-speed messenger bike. Easy to manage in the smallest of apartments and with a fuss-free maintenance, Axl is a go-getter created for the progressive minded cyclist.


sold

SPENCER Messenger Bike

[Cream & Chrome]


Tall, elegant and classy is how we describe Spencer. Specially re-fabricated and restored from an early 1970s Raleigh TI bike, this superb city slicker powers up those urban hill and sprints through avenues with grace. Dressed in leather and fitted with a coaster hub brake, Spencer will take you on enjoyable city rides.


sold

SABINE Messenger Bike

[Ash Grey & Chrome]


An ultimate ladies’ and gentlemen’s ride, Sabine is chic, simple and responsive. Built using a restored and re-fabricated 1970s Bridgestone multi-speed bike, Sabine is a no-nonsense single-speed ride that comes stripped down and presented in its purest form and function. Low on maintenance and high on the chic quotient, this ride comes ready fitted with leather gear as well as a coaster hub brake.


sold

BUBBLE Messenger Bike

[Royale Blue and Post Box Red]


Cute but tough, Bubble reinvents and refashions the classic proportions and feel of a collectible 1950s Raleigh Sport bike. Using references from the avant garde bike cultures of Japan, Vanguard redesigned and fabricated Bubble into a contemporary and hip single-speed urban commuter that comes fitted with a coaster brake.


sold

GIRES Messenger Bike

[Matt Black & Pearl White]


Slither through dirt and grime, dark alleys and quiet streets. Like spinning plates, Gires races you into the grey zone somewhere between ‘black’ and ‘white’. Specially custom-built with a rare 1980s Motobecane track bike and fitted with a rear coaster brake and Brooks saddle, Gires bolts through the city with pure grace and power.


sold

CASTELL Messenger Bike

[Deep Metallic Blue & Fuchsia]


Classic cycle chic is what Castell is all about. Fully-restored and custom-built from a 1960s Elswick Hopper Racer, this heritage series has been brought back to its racing glory. Specially fitted with a coaster hub brake, Brooks leatherwear and vintage Japanese racing components, Castell is an all-about-town speedster that makes a fun and delightful ride.


sold

ALEXANDRIA Messenger Bike

[Copper & Matt Black]


Rediscover the intrinsic value of a well-built British bike with Alexandria. The Vanguard atelier restored and redesigned a 1960s Raleigh Sport bike using design references from the GT Gutterball Track bike and the long wheelbase of 1960s path racers. Alexandria was stripped down and refabricated into a cyclo cross/urban single-speed bike that comes fitted with a coaster hub brake and Brooks saddle.


Vanguard’s private collection

BYRON Messenger Bike

[Brushed Stainless Steel & Chrome]


Byron is conceived as a minimal, raw and sleek velocipede. Vanguard used a rare 1960s Kobayashi 10-speed touring frame as a canvas for this unique ride. Byron is paired with classic 27-inch aero rims, Nitto ADB-X bars, matching saddle and grips. Simple in both its form and function, this steel stallion comes fitted with a fixed wheel/single speed combo for all your urban pursuits!


sold

NEW!

CLAIRE Messenger Bike

[Chrome & White]

Taking references from vintage Pathracers and Porteur Bikes from the early 1940s, the Favoriet Batavus Bike is a chic single-speed messenger-style ride that is designed for both speedy commuting and relaxed weekend afternoons. Running on classic 28-inch Araya rims and fitted with a coaster hub brake, Claire is a splendid ride that takes you around town in effortless style.

sold

SUMMER Messenger Bike

[Celeste, Cream & Brown]


Breeze through promenades and tree-lined quays in the city with Summer. Re-designed, rebuilt and restored using a 1970s multi-speed Ishiwata road bike that is stripped bare and made over with a coaster hub brake, an ultra sleek Brooks saddle, specially ordered cork grips and a pair of dashing cream/white tyres, Summer is your all season all occasion companion.


sold

CHURCHILL Messenger Bike

[Vintage Gloss black]


The team from Vanguard’s atelier had been itching to build a classic ride of this scale for awhile. And with the motivation at hand, we decided to give it a go! Churchill, a fully hand-built scaled-down version of the original fixed gear bike – the Penny Farthing of the 1800s, a.k.a. The Bone Shaker is designed using the strongest and lightest high tensile steel tubing available, hand-made steel-belted full rubber tyres, our signature headlamp and fitted with Brooks B33 saddle, Churchill is a ride for all to revel!


sold

RUFUS Messenger Bike

[British Racing Green]


Rufus is a fully-reconditioned, ultra rare 1931 Raleigh Gents “Irish Cross-Frame” Roadster that was made for the Irish police force. Meticulously rebuilt using the finest British and European components that includes a coaster hub brake, handmade Irish saddle, a handsomely crafted Brooks bag, 28-inch Deli Tyres and a handsome North Road handlebar. The special “X” formation used gives the bike the additional strength exactly where it is needed. This dashing, super sturdy roadster is truly a unique piece of history and craftsmanship that guarantees a quality ride that will last a lifetime.


sold

HENDRIX Messenger Bike

[Ash Grey & Bronze]


Hendrix – your all-terrain urban warrior. This steed takes inspiration from Japanese customised SR400 motorbikes and is created as a pure pedal powered single-speed bike. Constructed and custom fabricated from a fully restored 1950s Raleigh Superb Sport frame, this tough little cookie also comes fitted with a rear safety coaster hub brake and a vintage downhill rigid fork. Put on those gloves and hairnet helmet ‘cos Hendrix rolls hard and rolls fast.


sold

SUNDAE Messenger Bike

[Chrome, Baby Blue & Tangerine]


Sundae is an über chic baby blue and chrome sister bike of Sherbert that also comes fully restored and crafted from a 1970s Ishiwata racing frame. Cool, sophisticated with a hint of nostalgia, Sundae is designed as a quintessential ultra-smooth single-speed commuter that comes fitted with limited-edition deep-section rims, cream tyres and Brooks leather saddle.


sold

CALEY Messenger Bike

[High Gloss White & Chrome]


Meet Caley – a fully restored and reconditioned 1960s Raleigh Sport Bike that is set up as a sweet yet no-nonsense, speedy machine. This custom-built single speed unisex ride is fitted with a  coaster hub brake, long wearing touring tyres, a pair of sassy handlebar grips and the quintessential plush metallic finished saddle.


sold

DEXTER Messenger Bike

[Frost Bite Metal finish]


Dexter – a specially restored and custom built 1960s Raleigh Superb Sport bike – takes its references from early British board track racers and the Steam Punk culture. With limited-edition reptile print rims, compound cork grips, internal brake levers and an option of  free-coasting/fixed gear setup, this British steed is ready to roll! Wicked!


sold

SAINT GERMAIN Messenger Bike

[Classic Red, Black & White]


Saint Germain is a speedy, sexy racing machine. This rare, exquisite piece of kinetic sculpture is an all-original vintage 1975 PEUGEOT PR10 in unbelievably pristine condition. It is a cult collector’s piece in top racing form. Built with 531 Reynolds tubing and Nervex Lugs, this complete original setup comes fitted with Stronglight 49D Cranks, 10-speed Simplex Prestige gearing system, sewn up Wolber tyres, Mafac brakes, Ideale Record Saddle and pump.


sold

RAPIDE Messenger Bike

[Team Raleigh Colours]


A superb racing machine! Rapide is all about British-made craft and engineering. A charming collector’s piece, Rapide is a fully reconditioned and tuned up top tiered 1970s TEAM RALEIGH Rapide. A solid long distance roadie, Rapide comes in its ultra rare full original setup. Running on Rigida rims, 10-speed Suntour VX gearing system, Maillard hubs with the soul of Reynolds tubing, this stallion is ready set go!


Price: on sale [click here to find out more]

available

TRITON Messenger Bike

[Matt Black & Chrome]


The inspiration for Triton came from a singular thought where speed meets metal. Triton is a revved up pedal powered café racer that’s custom built and fabricated from a 1970s Panasonic 10-speed racer. Fitted with a coaster hub brake, Nitto Bullhorn bars and a Sugino crank set, this fierce record racer is ready to roll!


sold

DERBY Messenger Bike

[Chrome & Matt Black]


Feel the pulse of the city with this sleek terrain climber/downtown sprinter! Specially fabricated and restored from a 1970s Dawes classic lightweight machine, Derby now comes with a fresh setup of Vittoria Randonneur tyres, B17 Flyer saddle and the quintessential Cinelli drop bar. Its all cruise control from here on!


sold

EVAN Messenger Bike

[Matt Black & Bronze]


Evan is conceived and rebuilt with the image of an all-rounded urban single-speedster inspired by Flat Track Bikes for its striped down proportions and raw functionality. Restored and re-fabricated using a 1970s ‘Nishiki’ multi-speed Japanese road bike, Evan is dressed with an uncompromising Brooks saddle and coaster hub brake for clean lines and low maintenance. Dirt, grass or gravel, Evan is ready to roll!


sold

EDDY MERCKX Messenger Bike

Special release from Vanguard’s private collection

[Classic Metallic Blue]


The Eddy Merckx velocommute bike is indeed a prized collector’s piece. This original vintage bike is in exquisite condition, and is tuned up to be race ready. This bike was built by Ugo De Rosa in tribute to one of the greatest racers of our time – Eddy Merckx – for Le Tour de France, the Giro  d’Italia, Paris-Roubaix and the World Championships of the 60s and 70s. It comes fully-fiited with mint-condition Campagnolo Record parts and original vintage componentry right down to its tyres and spokes!


sold

RAIN Messenger Bike

[White & Chrome]


Rain Messenger Bike expresses the moment when the bicycle “slices” through falling rain, seen through a sheet of rain that falls in horizontal lines. Custom-fabricated and crafted using a 1970s Ishiwata touring frame, Rain was brazed and re-proportioned, and built as an elegant single speed bike that comes fitted with a coaster hub brake.


sold

MIST Messenger Bike

[Ash, White & Chrome]


Mist Messenger Bike is an expression of heavy mist precipitating at the break of dawn, glistening in half darkness through its reflection of a water droplet in light. Specially restored and custom-built using a 1970s Ishiwata touring frame, Mist comes fitted with a coaster hub brake, chrome finished handlebar grips as well as puncture resistant 700-C tyres.


sold

DEW Messenger Bike

[White & Chrome]


Dew Messenger Bike expresses the changing densities of atmospheric moisture through condensation as the bicycle moves forward through time. Dew Messenger Bike is designed to capture the experience the first formation of water droplets, as if charting the precise moment when night transits into day. Dew is meticulously restored, re-welded and fabricated using a 1970s Ishiwata touring frame, and fitted with a coaster hub brake and a magnesium alloy aero rim.


sold

CLOUD Messenger Bike

[Pewter, White & Chrome]


Our inspiration for Cloud Messenger Bike dwells in the overlapping layers of cloud and sky. Using the bicycle as a visual portal to express these two sublime layers –as if the bike is passing through these layers that are frozen in time – qualities of light and space that are transmitted through this interaction are captured. Cloud is custom-fabricated and crafted using a 1970s Ishiwata touring frame, and is designed as a sleek single speed ride that comes fitted with a coaster hub brake.


sold

n.1 BROJ Messenger Bike

[53cm frame, coaster brake]

[Clear Metallic Finish]


Custom-fabricated, restored and built! BROJ is created from a 1970s Classic Bridgestone racing frame. This classic Brit-inspired stallion is made for the city streets. If fast pursuits, traffic busting and chic outerwear are your daily staples, BROJ is the one for you!


sold

n.3 TROJE Messenger Bike

[53cm frame, fixed wheel/freewheel]

[White & Gold]


Our inspiration for TROJE came from one of our all-time favourites by the Smashing Pumpkins, “Bullet with Butterfly Wings”. We wanted to create a bike that is strong, light and edgy – and a little rock-ish. TROJE is custom-fabricated, restored and built from a 1970s Classic Bridgestone racing frame and using art and craft to build an ever evolving interpretation of a vintage track bike.


sold

FABRICIA Messenger Bike

[48cm frame, coaster brake]

[white & bronze]


Zip around the city with Fabricia! Hand-crafted and custom built, Fabricia is a smooth, classic ride that runs on 20-inch tyres and built with a cruisey coaster-hub ride that are perfect for shuttling around town for appointments and the occasional expresso break.


sold

DOVER Messenger Bike

[50.5cm frame; coaster brake]

[Classic Matt Black]


Dover is a simple, elegant, fuss-free bike built up from a reconditioned 1960s Raleigh Sport frame. Sporting 700c balloon tyres and a wicker basket, Dover is your everyday reliable city commuter. From a solid British constructed frame, Dover is setup as a single-speed, back-to-basics bike for all occasions. Boardtracking, café runs or beach cruising, this is truly yours.


sold

on sale now!
sale.html

FREJUS Messenger Bike

[52cm frame; single speeder]

[Chrome]


Specially designed, fully-restored and custom fabricated using an early 1980s Frejus track frame, Frejus is sleek, beautifully-proportioned and rides like a dream. This classic single speed ride  is crafted and re-proportioned to accommodate wider tyres, vintage parts and accessories from our atelier. Laced with Bianchi Sport hubs, classic 700c Michelin tyres, Atlas stem, Triumph cottered crank and a Brooks Swallow saddle, this dapper ride is now ready to roll along the banks.


sold

ATHENA Messenger Bike

[52cm frame, single speed/ coaster hub]

[Olive Grey]


Athena is for fast inner city commutes or that weekend round island ride. We picked a strong and relatively light Bridgestone RB-T frame from the late 1970s for your race against modern machinery. Steering would a breeze with its classic touring geometry. The frame has been re-fabricated, new laser-cut drop outs have been inserted, stays and forks shortened from its 27 inch setup to a 700c to bring out the clean lines of a traditional track bike. For that finishing touch, we added a vintage Phillip stem with a new riser bar and it’s good to go!


sold

COLNAGO CT-1 Messenger Bike

[54cm frame, single-speed/ optional 10-speed]

[Titanium / Carbon]


A classy and contemporary ride with a twist! This custom-built early 1980s Colnago CT-1 in beautiful used condition re-lives the glory days of Italian owned and made craftmanship. The Colnago CT is stripped down to its essentials and custom built with Nitto handlebar, inverse brake levers, Campagnolo Eurus wheelset and its original Ultegra groupset. Hella!

[Optional set up: original 10-speed group set, Flight Deck Shifters and Ergal 7075 drop bar.]

Price: on request

available

© Vanguard Designs

LEGNANO ROMA OLIMPIADE Messenger Bike

[48cm frame, 10-speed Campagnolo]

[Transparent Green, White & Red]


Living the life it was made to live, this sweet ride has been fully reconditioned with its original wonderful patina kept intact. This rare small frame built in 1958 by Legnano is paired with Campagnolo parts from the 1950s to the 80s. We refitted the front and Crank set with Campagnolo Athena, keeping the original Campagnolo Gran Sport rear derailleur intact. Simply Pedalicious.


sold

LUCIANA Messenger Bike

[48cm frame, single speed / coaster hub]

[Blue, Light Blue, Pearl, White]


Luciana is built as a sweet and simple ride around a 1980s Olmo road frame. With a fresh coat of paint over a pair of N.O.S Alessa rims, a plush Concor saddle and a matching Olmo shaped laser cut high flange hub, this chic Lolita is ready to roll.


sold

SORRAIA Messenger Bike

[60cm frame, single speed / coaster hub]

[Frost Bite Steel Finish]


Handcrafted with Columbus Aelle tubings and pre-cast lugs from the 70s, Sorraia is an elegant ride that is conceived and created as a one-geared speeding machine. With our very own laser cut dropouts and an Olmo fork, this ride just needed that magic touch from Ghisallo’s rims, Victtoria tubulars, a vintage Raleigh aero drop bar and is ready to hit the streets.


sold

SALUKI Messenger Bike

[58cm frame, single speed / coaster hub]

[Chrome & Frost Bite Steel Finish]


Fully restored, re-fabricated and built, Saluki’s Tange road frame sports a sleek two tone metal finish, and with a shorter wheel base and clearance from its original 10-speed set up. Designed as an upright urban commuter and paired with charming Ghisallo wooden rims, Saluki is kept simple and lightweight in both its form and function.


sold

TRISTAN Messenger Bike

[52.5cm, single speed / coaster hub]

[Gun Metal Silver]


Tristan is a back-to-basics urban commuter that is specially built up using a strong and lightweight double butted Tange Cr-Mo frame from the 1970s, and equipped with Tange componentry for an ultra smooth ride. He is fitted with a rear coaster hub brake,  a front handbrake incorporating vintage N.O.S Japanese parts, mid-sized 26inch tyres, Brooks leatherwear as well as a Nitto moustache bar.


sold



SUNTOUR Messenger Bike

[53.4cm frame, 12-speed Shimano AX/600/105]

[Teal]


Specially released from Vanguard’s private collection comes a fully restored and custom build collector’s 1970s Suntour racer. Equipped with Shimano componentry for round island weekend rides and long distant cycle tours up north, this bike gets the job done in classic form!


Price: on request

available

COLNAGO MASTER X LIGHT Messenger Bike

[55cm frame, 12-speed Dura Ace]

[Art Décor Paint Schema AD10]


The multishape, special tube set of this fully re-conditioned early 1990s Master X Light was developed in collaboration with Gilco Design, and is probably the most famous model in Colnago’s production. This frame has won most of all the International races in the professional race calendar at least once.  This masterpiece is built to accommodate a full Dura Ace setup, which ensures a strong, light and superb ride. It also spins buttery smooth on Fulcrum Racing wheels, making it the perfect professional weekend warrior!

Price: on request

available