RIDE LIKE THE WIND: Hermès, the French luxury firm with its roots in the equestrian world, is branching out with the launch of its first bicycles.
The company has unveiled two ultra-lightweight carbon fiber bicycles, Le Flâneur d’Hermès and Le Flâneur sportif d’Hermès, which come in three colors – charcoal, red and white – and feature bull calf leather on the saddles, handlebar grips, carry handles and luggage rack supports.
François Doré, head of the Hermès Horizons division that worked on the project, said the bikes were handmade in France by local manufacturer Time.
“We really want to work with people who have a very deep expertise, and wherever possible, we try to find them in France,” said Doré, whose department also develops interiors for cars and private jets. “We set out to make a real bike, not a decorative object. It had to be simple, efficient, easy to use, pleasant and elegant.”
In addition to a shock-absorbing frame, the bike features belt-driven transmission, hydraulic disc brakes and a choice of eight or 11 gears integrated into the rear wheel hub. It will retail in November in Hermès stores worldwide for 8,100 euros, or $10,750 at current exchange.