specialized’s red hook crit milan custom bicycle is drawn from memphis aesthetics

scandinavian rule-breaker erik nolhin has constructed a custom bicycle to be ridden by two series leaders for the red hook crit- an annual race which takes place in brooklyn, london, barcelona and milan. american manufacturer specialized, commissioned nolhin along with three other designers to create a new radical design which would take center place at the competition.

all images © dylan buffington

erik nolhin‘s design for specialized is influenced by the memphis group – an influential postmodernist collective who drastically changed the field of design within the 1980’s. the bike features colored panels juxtaposed against marble and wooden parts. this may perhaps sound vulgar in description, the result however is a harmonious balance between contrasting elements. individual details include a single red ball seen above saddle, and black and white patterned frame, both of which reference the loud and garish nature of eighties.