Reagan and I, have on occasion had discussions regarding the integrity of retailers (lifestyle pushers) like Urban Outfitters. My argument is that, by providing all of those reproduced “vintage” (FYI, I hate the term vintage) tees, etc., in one location, and charging a ton of money for them, Urban Outfitters has effectively taken away everything that may have been cool about the items.
Whereas, if one happened upon the item at some mothball laden Army surplus store, thrift shop, or flea market, the item would have been oozing with character etc.. But because of the advent of Urban Outfitter-type organizations, even the flea market/thrift shop variety has been downgraded in character, coolness, and novelty. Which, I can see how this probably wouldn’t affect Reagan’s purview of the chain much, because I feel like the aspect I’m complaining about isn’t as prevalent in the products for women. Especially since Reagan doesn’t really buy the logo tees and stuff.
So that was my rant about UO, generally. Well, last month the Chain took things to the next level. Now not only can you buy your prepackaged hipster costume at Urban Outfitters, you can also purchase a custom fixie (pictured above) to parade your new faux-vintage duds around town.
I’m not really even sure where to start on my list of things that is wrong about this venture. I mean most of the guys that are legitimately hard core enough to call a fixie their main mode of transportation, most likely also call it a tool of their livelihood and have also most likely never heard of a chain called urban outfitters.
To wrap up this little outburst, lets mix in a little bit of positivity. Check out these hot handlebars that I came across yesterday.
These beauties, made by Nitto, are the B123 model. They are a hot choice for velodromers, messengers and casual commuters alike. This particular bar comes custom painted by Death Spray Custom with the iconic love/hate tattoos (so you don’t have to get real tattoos on your real knuckles).