Bob Martus Shoots For Compass Quarterly

Rotational Movement

By Clint Carter

From Boston commuters to Miami cruisers, Brooklyn cobblestones to LA trails, cycling scenes are microcosms of their communities.

 

Fewer than 200 years ago, the bicycle was considered revolutionary. With two wheels, a simple drivetrain, and the occasional downhill boost from gravity, riders from coast to coast could reach speeds unattainable on foot. Early frames were made from wood, but the bicycle rapidly evolved — upgrading to iron and steel, and later, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber— elevating with every iteration.

Today, America’s bike engineers deploy an arsenal of frame dimensions, gear ratios, and braking technologies to adapt these machines to their native terrains — be it the concrete jungle, rugged hillsides transected by trails, or warped, wooden boardwalks. And this is all done with intricate intent, designed with an eye for beauty as much as for performance.

Conceived and often manufactured in top markets around the country, the models and cycling accessories featured on the following pages represent just that: the intersection of form and function. Celebrating the aesthetic of their respective localities and the distinct topography for which they were produced, these bikes — much like the Compass agents who offer their personal cycling insights alongside — adeptly navigate their way through their cities. Admire their machined elegance and then — take off .

NEW YORK CITY | Priority Classic aluminum urban commuter by Priority Bicycles, prioritybicycles.com, Smart cycling gloves by Chari & Co NYC, chariandconyc.com, The Super Macchina Pista Columbus Steel fixed-gear by Continuum Cycles, continuumcycles.com BOSTON | KryptoLock Series 2 Mini-7 steel U-locks by Kryptonite, kryptonitelock.com

“Evidence of a bike renaissance, Brooklyn’s influx of cycling lanes makes travel between apartment showings and to appointments a literal breeze. For a whirlwind ride, first traverse the Brooklyn Bridge to encounter tree-lined brownstones as far as the eye can see. Then make your way to the verdant Prospect Park, where every sense of city life is left behind.”

Gabriele Sewtz | Compass NYC

“I’ve fully urbanized my 1998 Cannondale 400 for Manhattan’s streets: White Brothers carbon forks, Shimano disc brakes, Panaracer Pasela tires, and a carbon crankshaft. For an otherworldly experience, ride on Saturdays in August, when select Manhattan byways are closed, allowing you to coast up a trafficless Park Avenue, all the way from Union Square Park to Grand Central Terminal.”

Aaron Seawood | Compass NYC

MIAMI | The Drifter 6061 alloy cruiser by Sun Bicycles, sun.bike, The Utrecht Merino wool-blend cycling jersey by Road Holland, roadholland.com BOSTON | The Boston 7005-alloy single-speed folding bike by Montague, montaguebikes.com

“Over the last decade, Boston has made significant improvements to encourage biking throughout its many neighborhoods. Cycling culture here encompasses everyone from seasoned commuters dashing along the Southwest Corridor to weekend enthusiasts enjoying the Charles River paths.”

Joe Cunningham | Compass Boston

“Miami’s idyllic weather and gorgeous scenery make it a cyclist’s paradise. From Key Biscayne’s Rickenbacker Trail to Coconut Grove’s historic Peacock Park, the city presents limitless routes for locals and visitors alike.”

Claudia Villar | Compass Miami

“In Southern California, bike paths traverse the coastal communities from Manhattan Beach to Santa Monica, offering views of fishermen-dotted piers, volleyball in the sand, and dolphins at play. Further inland, a citrus-infused breeze sweeps through the hills and canyons of Valencia.”

Andrew Rhoda | Compass LA