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
Thanks for sharing the video, I do love bikes. and I can relate with the that.
Alvin
Posted by: biking Philippines | March 13, 2012 at 09:37 AM
This video makes me miss my bicycle. This was stolen a week ago and I don't have a chance to bring it back.
Posted by: garage equipment | June 23, 2012 at 11:36 PM
Thanks for sharing this great video.
Matt
Posted by: Matt | June 25, 2012 at 05:47 PM