Wheelmen & Co. Bikes + Mustaches
Two things that are inexplicably hip and guys are into right now: bikes and mustaches. Based in the Little Tokyo district of Los Angeles, Wheelmen Co has both. Owner Bradford Ryan Riedell (what else could be done with a handsome name like that?) makes backpacks, bike bags and other accessories, “that are meant for commuting with.”
Riedell was inspired by his great grandfather, who was one of the first bicycle mechanics in Ireland in the 1800s (some of the original tools used back in the day are artfully photographed in the Wheelmen Co. lookbook) and his line follows the handmade aesthetic of that era in the types of materials and construction details used.
As a bipedaled explorer, Riedell said he found most bags made for biking were functional, but didn’t flow with his tailored ensemble. The pretty bags were not so cyclist-friendly. Using water resistant wax canvas, glass cam locks and easy access design, he said the Wheelman Co's Smithston Brief/Carryall “fully opens fully like a luggage to fit everything you need for overnight, but you can bring this to the office while presenting in meetings the same day.”
The brand also makes awesome home accessories, like leather coasters and stamped leather highball cozies, which are sure to make cheap booze taste more expensive.
So far the brand is sold at Melrose Luggage Fred Segal and United Arrows Japan and has plans for the brand to travel further as it is showing at Capsule in New York now.
