Apparently Flying Pigeons have arrived in Vancouver, and to announce their arrival the importer has made this rather artsy film:The Flying Pigeon Bicycle from yulu canada on Vimeo.
It shows young, attractive, and presumably hip individuals out and about on Flying Pigeon roadsters. I have to say that I find this somewhat amusing and ironic. In China, the young, attractive and presumably hip crowd would not be caught dead on a bicycle, let alone a Flying Pigeon. Maybe they should reconsider.
Adding to the lifestyle statement, the bikes are being offered through a rather chic clothing boutique Roden Grey.
You can also get them directly from the importer. And, in what is perhaps a bicycle first outside of Italy or France...you can get them with a wine caddy.
Yes...the one time communist icon, and tool of the proletariat, is being peddled (and pedaled!) as a bourgeoisie toy. Times have changed.
The marketer in me wonders whether this lifestyle approach will be successful. Nonetheless, I wish them luck.
Eeesh.... "Marketing" people.... ;-) Interesting film though as you mention... will it sell bicycles? Hard to say.
And the irony is fun to ponder also. You do find the most interesting stuff!!!!
Posted by: Larry "Boneman" Bone | September 05, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Chairman Mao would not be amused!
Posted by: Kapok Kid | September 07, 2011 at 04:28 AM
I traded emails with one of the folks at Flying-Pigeon bikes in Canada, trying to find out what the gear-ratio is for the bikes they're bringing in. They said they didn't know ... which was disappointing, but oh well.
I'm debating which would make the most sense - and curious what you think: I travel to Guangzhou 2-3 times/year for work, and have thought about buying a bike (probably a Wu-Yang) to bring back to states with me.
Although I imagine this would be a pain in the butt (train to HK, taxis, bringing bike back (in box?) to states as checked baggage, etc.) - it might be cheaper than dropping US$400 on a Flying Pigeon I get in Vancouver, BC (I live in Seattle). What do you think?
And one more question - Whatever bike I get, I think I'd want to put an internally geared hub (Shimano Nexus?) on it - better for the hills in Seattle. Thoughts on this?
Adios
Ken S.
(currently in GZ, contemplating a bike purchase....)
Posted by: Ken S. | November 08, 2011 at 07:23 AM
Hello. My name is Frederico and I just custom re-build a vintage Pheonix double top tube frame. I would like to know if you could help me with some parts I am still missing. My contact is fredericobraganca@sapo.pt. Thanks
Posted by: Frederico Bragança | November 23, 2011 at 11:56 AM
The video on its own is great. Taken in consideration with with how the "real world" is though, it is hardly believable. Wholesale clothes can't be marketed like this.
Posted by: wholesale clothing | December 15, 2011 at 04:58 PM