Tokyobike’s NYC Outpost
The Japanese bike-maker sets up shop with a crisp yet warm store and a cohesive collection of design items
Japanese bike-maker Tokyobike has steadily expanded from their HQ in Japan’s capital since selling their first bike back in 2002. Tokyobike has stores in London, Berlin, Milan, Bangkok and Melbourne. After a stint as a pop-up, Tokyobike’s New York store permanently opens in Nolita on 20 March 2015 at Bowery and Prince Street. Coming off a recent frame and shoe collaboration with New Balance, the design-forward brand is enjoying increased recognition stateside, and the American brick-and-mortar means the US market can now easily get rolling on one of the brand’s sturdy chromoly steel frame bikes—just in time for warmer weather.
With thoughtful design playing such a role in the brand’s products, it’s no wonder that every detail of the store’s design was carefully scrutinized to best communicate their values. “The intention of the Tokyobike store design is to complement the clean lines and color palette of our bicycle line,” says US Partner Dean Di Simone. “In contrast to most bicycle shop experiences, our intention is to eliminate the noise associated with excessive product merchandising, and allow for a more intimate, focused engagement with our product line.”
Aside from the expansive line of Tokyobike bikes, the store features an incredibly well-selected array of third party goods, many of which are from relatively unknown makers in Japan. Eye-catching canvas and leather bags from Superior Labor dot the walls of the naturally lit, spacious yet compact space. Artisan-made wooden tea vessels from Syosen appear almost too beautiful to actually use—but upon further inspection, the time-tested designs are equal parts form and function. Leather accessories, stationary and select apparel items are on hand from Tokyo-based Postalco. Most delightful though is a selection of vintage Japanese beer glasses—because everyone knows nothing goes better after a bike ride than a beer or two.
Tokyobike NYC is open to the public from 20 March 2015 at Bowery and Prince St, New York.
Images by Hans Aschim
