Louis Vuitton x Maison Tamboite Bike Is High Fashion on Two Wheels, Gorgeous

Louis Vuitton hardly needs an introduction. It is one of fashion’s biggest and boldest names and has turned its luggage pieces into a staple. We can all agree that 2020 has not been a year for traveling, even though those who can afford said pieces of LV luggage still got in their usual quota of miles.

So, to round up this year, Louis Vuitton has delivered another exclusive, luxe product, one that fits just perfectly with the image of the chic Parisian in designer clothes, cycling for pleasure on city streets on his or her equally chic bicycle. For the LV Bike, the fashion giant has teamed up with Maison Tamboite.

Whereas Louis Vuitton could have gone without this intro, a few words are in order for Maison Tamboite. It is a century-old bicycle maker that delivers only the highest, most exclusive bicycles to its select clients, including the likes of Josephine Baker, Maurice Chevalier, and Edith Piaf. All Maison Tamboite bikes are hand-made and hand-crafted, using a combination of steel, wood, and leather, in what is described as “a subtle combination of materials, often noble and oftentimes unexpected.”

These bikes are all custom made: in order for one delivery to go through, there’s a several months-long process behind it, starting from the 15 or more appointments for measurements with the client, which can occasionally involve traveling across the world. Then, for another three months or so, the skilled team at Maison Tamboite builds the perfect bicycle for each client.

The philosophy behind each Maison Tamboite bike is that “like a tailored suit or shoe, a bicycle is the extension of the owner’s body. It must embrace his morphology without restricting it.”

The LV Bike is based on the Maison Tamboite Paris model, which has been modified and upgraded in typical Louis Vuitton style. There’s expert leather craftsmanship and woodwork, and styling cues that make it an instantly recognizable LV product and, at the same time, a very elegant appearance on any street.

The metal framework is made of enameled and chromed steel and has been stretched and lightened without compromise to strength and reliability. The frame is clad in monogrammed brown leather, and there’s even a monogram flower chainset. Red accents make the LV Bike really pop: a red leather, monogrammed saddle, red leather-clad handlebars, and red wheel trims and mudguards.

A few old-school touches go hand in hand with the retro look of the bike: the mudguards and the wheel trims, which are branded Louis Vuitton, are made of wood. But that’s not to say that this gorgeous, eye-catching bicycle is a relic from old times. Keeping up with the modern times, the bike comes with discrete LED lighting, built-in tracker, and shock absorbers under the seat. You’ll want all of them, considering this thing probably costs a fortune and has no suspension.

Other features include airless tires and a leather luggage rack in the front. It’s also made from brown monogrammed leather, of course.

Four models of this special bike are available at LV stores on a made-to-order basis: the LV Bike monogrammed with red Louis Vuitton perforated Mahina leather, the “Damier Graphite” model with black, gray, and yellow details, a special “Lime Yellow” colorway, and an exclusive Nicolas Ghesquière-designed “Since 1854” Monogram. For each of these four models, you can opt either for a step-through or closed frame, with a two-speed drivetrain.

The LV Bike was revealed at the beginning of December 2020, with no mention of pricing, but the very sane word of advice is to always use a lock when taking it out. That said, Maison Tamboite bicycles start at €11,000 ($13,400) for the most basic model (they also do e-bikes), but with the LV stamping on it, this probably sells for an actual fortune.

 

 

 

 

 

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