Every kind of rider is catered for in the exhibition, with four ‘tribes’ of cycling represented: High Performers, Thrill Seekers, Urban Riders and Cargo Bikers. There are 77 frames adorning the walls in the gallery and almost every kind of bicycle you can imagine is on display: from an 1880’s safety bike to the Hour Record steeds of Merckx and Moser and prototype Moulton's and Brompton's - it’s practically all there. Cycle Revolution doesn’t just cover bikes - you can expect to see vintage cycling jerseys (a lot of which come from Paul Smith’s incredibly impressive private collection), modern cycling clothing and gorgeous cycling photography from masters of the art, including Juan Trujillo Andrados (the breathtaking image that greets you at the entrance is his work).
If you love the beauty of the build, the Design Museum, along with The Bicycle Academy, has recreated a bike builders workshop. This is incredible bike porn and an education for those who wonder what goes into the design and execution of a custom build. Spread across six stages of building, the workshop features artists including Hartley Cycles (shout out to women STRONG in the game), Donhou Bicycles and Toad Custom Cycles, along with videos of them telling their stories.
There is a lot to see at the exhibition, and I found myself there THREE TIMES this week alone. I strongly urge the bike lover in you to get to this if you can… and there is a glimmer of hope that the Design Museum may tour the show internationally (no announcements on that yet, but fingers crossed). Make sure you do exit through the Gift Shop too - there are some cycling related delights in there which will end up coming home with you.
I’m not going to give too much away about the show, so pedal over to Shad Thames to see it! Cycle Revolution at The Design Museum runs from 18th November 2015 - 30th June 2020.
