Avenue offer a range of distinctive urban bikes that haven't really received the exposure they deserve. Here, BikeRadar take a look at the striking Airbase Pista singlespeed.
It's fair to say that the people behind Avenue have bikes in their blood. In fact, the Christiansen family first began making bicycles in Denmark way back in 1903 under the name HF Christiansen AS, the oldest family-owned bicycle company in the world. Four generations later, in 1996, they created Avenue.
The first thing you'll notice about the Airbase (once you've looked past the ghost bike-like paintjob) is probably the intricate and distinctive look of its frame. Designer Flemming Rasmussen is a fan of the aesthetic qualities carbon fibre frames offer, something he's referred to as the 'one piece' look. Rasmussen wanted to achieve the same look but with an alloy frame.
Many of the shapes are created using hydroforming, while the tube junctions are filled with extra material in special moulds to create a carbon-like finish. The fork is also made from hydroformed aluminium and features an unusual profile that Avenue say is designed to provide optimal strength and comfort.
The Avenue logo is hydroformed into the down tube
This Airbase is the Pista model, which gets a flip-flop hub – a 7-speed Nexus hub-gear version is also available. Avenue also use their own crankset, a four-arm design that comes complete with a CNC chain protector.
The wheels are of the high profile, aero-styled variety, and use an unusual spoke lacing that Avenue refer to as "4 by 4". Own-brand anti-puncture tyres are also included; in this case, rather silly white ones.
Another feature worth mentioning is Avenue's 'OPB' one-piece handlebar and stem system, a smoothed alloy component that they also sell seperately for £80. Meanwhile, braking is taken care of by Shimano caliper stoppers.
The Airbase Pista is available in four sizes – 55, 58, 61 and 63cm – and retails for £1,025. If you're interested in performance, this bike will be reviewed in the next issue of Urban Cyclist magazine, available at myfavouritemagazines.co.uk or as a digital copy from the free Cycling Plus app.
So if you're looking for an urban bike with a difference then Avenue are well worth a look. They've got a wide range of models, and right now you're pretty much guaranteed not too see another one while out riding.
