French luxury brand Hermes entered in new field – the world of two-wheelers. The high-end luxury goods specialist, best known for its leather goods now expands interests and launches its very first bicycle called ‘Le Flaneur‘ – french for strolling around. Two ultra-lightweight, carbon filter bike models–Le Flaneur d’Hermes (a relaxed ride for the city) and Le Flaneur sportif d’Hermes (a sportier racing bike model) will be realised next month.
Weighing just over 24lbs (11 kilos), the eight-speed bikes will be manufactured by racing specialists Time and come in three sizes and colourways (charcoal, red, and white). Each model each includes bull calf leather saddles, a shock-absorbing frame, luggage rack supports and the option of eight or 11 gears integrated into the rear wheel hub.
“We really want to work with people who have a very deep expertise, and wherever possible, we try to find them in France,” said Francois Dore, head of the project. “We set out to make a real bike, not a decorative object. It had to be simple, efficient, easy to use, pleasant and elegant,” he added. Dore is managing director of Hermes’s Horizons department, the division which was created in 2011 to extend the labels reach beyond fashion and accessories.
Priced at $10,750, the new Hermes bikes will hit the brand’s stores in November.
