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Test drive a prototype

Posted Apr 21, 2009

Milan design week 2009 kicks off officially tomorrow. Swide intends to be out there (in the rain) finding the curious and the quirky. We kick off today with Italian bike producer Orco who are offering design-goers the opportunity to try out their new prototypes.

Orco bikes are only made to order and made to measure. Case closed. There are no bike series, no "limited editons", each bike is made by hand one at a time: the measurements, the colour, the accessories and components can all be changed, but what remains the same, is the unique geometry of the frames and the craftmanship.

The company's Orco trademark is discreetly placed on the handlebars and on the rear case that holds the bike’s worksheet, which can cleverly be removed and used a business card holder.

The company itself believes quite rightly that "well made things are not just for the rich". Believing, "the art of the craftsman is not threatened by impoverishment but by the vulgarity that criminalises its culture. Purchasing something is an individual necessity, sometimes a sacrifice, not a casualness caused by imitative neurosis". How refreshing, and how very correct. Revise that immaginary shopping list now with a piece to last.

In the meantime, avoid the taxi queues and test-drive a prototype (given Milan's current weather, water-proof trousers are advisable).

For more information email info@orcocicli.com or telephone +39 2 45498444. Their store is located on via Pastrengo 7, Milan. www.orcocicli.com

For more Milan Design Week Previews see:

Red Light Design www.swide.com/Red-light-design

The Morfojet Armchair www.swide.com/Don-t-move-from-your-chair

The Salone Del Mobile 2009 Preview www.swide.com/The-Salone-del-Mobile-preview

 

 

Source & Photo Credit: www.orcocicli.com

 



 

 

 

TAGS: orco bikes milan design week salone del mobile test-drive morfojet armchair red light design milan design week 2009

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