Instant Gratification

• TATI customs like the one pictured above take a long time to design and build. So what to do for folks in a hurry?

  TATI is not, in fact, about to bring in bicycles that look like this, so don't panic.

  But the truth is that, in case you haven't figured it out yet -- I can be obsessive about builds, from a full custom titanium randonneuse to a humble Model T. And this is, you know, a business model that does not exactly scale. While I do still insist that the waiting is delicious, and that it builds character -- some folks just aren't suited to it, and would rather just ride. In the past, I've been very direct about referring folks elsewhere: to Yojimbo's, Blackstone, or more recently, to Blue City. And while I will continue to do so, I suppose it's time for TATI to make a slight accommodation for the impatient among us.

  It took over a year to research the carbon road market, and I couldn't be happier with the decision to go with Storck. As for the so-called entry level market, it's really a mixed bag. For the sake of simplicity, I decided to avoid pure "commuter bikes," mainly because I really haven't found an offering that is both durable and affordable, or anywhere as beautiful as a Batavus Old Dutch.

  The urban single speed/fixed market is a crowded one for sure. Over the past few years every major maker had released one or more models. Boutique brands have popped up like mushrooms in autumn. The segment spans a wide range, from SE and Bikesdirect/Motobecane to Specialized and Felt to Surly, IRO, and even Urban Outfitters. This market confusion might explain the popularity of the TATI Model T. Or it might be attention to detail, customization, and build quality. But the Model T business is not infinitely scalable and the bike it not infinitely malleable.

  So let's cut to the chase, yes? What's coming?

  

  Swobo Sanchez, $550

  Designed by Sky Yaeger, the Sanchez isn't the most innovative fixie in the world. But it offers very clean asthetics (interesting "galvanized" metal paint job, white handlebars & chain & rims), and a saddle that doubles as a bottle opener. The bike is a terrific value, but does suffer from disposable plastic pedals. If you're considering a Bianchi, KHS, or Specialized fixie -- you will want to take a look at the Sanchez.

  

  Subrosa Malum, $650

  And now, for something completely different. The Subrosa Malum is the first 700c offering from the Florida-based BMX brand. It's not the first (see Volume, SE, FBM) of this ilk, but it is the most innovative to date. If you're going to buy a Malum, you'd better learn to wheelie, because the frame offers stock bar spinnability -- no 650s required. The frame is gussetted. The headset is integrated. The bottom bracket is external. The rims are 30mm deep. It's ready to leap tall buildings, play bike polo, smash into very hard objects, and live to tell the tales.

  The Malum includes a high end BMX chain from sister company The Shadow Conspiracy. The pedals, saddle and seatpost are racing-caliber offerings from Subrosa's own BMX catalog. And best of all, it comes with its own tattoo, so you don't have to get one.

  

  Focale 44 Noble & Relax, $650-$750

  Focale 44 hails from France. Think of the brand as the parkour of the bicycle world. Nimble, surprising, and downright beautiful. These bikes are already pre-sold and the first container hasn't even landed! One piece stem/handlebars! Embossed head tubes! Matte powder coat! What?!