The Paul Smith Bike manufactured by Mercian is true design crack. Paul Simth is what I consider to be the Tommy Hilfiger of the UK. That is, he takes an interesting fashion concept, like the bold, multicolored vertical stripe, and beats you over the head with it until you never forget it. The Mercian manufactured bicycle is in this stripey extension of design heavy-handedness.
There is no doubt that the craftsmanship is absolutely beautiful. The handmade, vintage lugs and paint job of the bicycle is stellar. But, I live in a town where sexy fixed gear bicycles are a dime a dozen. This one barely stands up on the coolness factor. For instance, this bike has a break. Weak! Anyone who is going to glom onto the fixed gear bicycle trend better pay homage to why people find them cool in the first place. People appreciate their stripped-down simplicity and the fact that they require a highly skilled riding technique. That's what makes them unique.
Also, the pricepoint on this bike feels a bit like brand-zealotry to me. People who love Paul Smith will buy this bike even though a very good comparable fixed gear bike goes for 25 to 50% of the Paul Smith sale price. This is a crack dealer in action.
The Paul Smith Track Bike
Where Fashion and Sports Collide
Trend Themes
1. Handmade Bicycles - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the bicycle industry by creating unique and bespoke handmade bicycles.
2. Fashion-inspired Sports Gear - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the sports gear industry by incorporating fashion-inspired designs into functional athletic equipment.
3. Affordable Luxury Bicycles - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the bicycle industry by offering high-quality, stylish bicycles at a more affordable price point.
Industry Implications
1. Bicycle Manufacturing - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the bicycle manufacturing industry by incorporating unique design elements and craftsmanship into the production process.
2. Fashion Retail - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the fashion retail industry by partnering with sports gear manufacturers to create fashion-forward athletic apparel and accessories.
3. Luxury Goods - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the luxury goods industry by offering high-end bicycles that combine fashion and functionality at a more accessible price point.