The multi-gifted French designer Philippe Starck has unveiled four specialised bicycles for four uniquely demanding environments. 

Starck’s MASS collection (that’s Mud, Asphalt, Sand and Snow), broke cover on 27 August at Germany’s Eurobike 2014 bicycle trade fair. Along with the bikes, the collection includes a range of complementary gear — colour-coordinated helmets, gloves, glasses and backpacks.

The stylish two-wheelers, created in collaboration with French cycle-maker Moustache Bikes, include electric-motor assist systems and a laundry list of high-end components, and each incorporates features intended to help the rider conquer its respective namesake environment. Said Starck: "I wanted the bike to be able to go over all kinds of terrains and especially infinite and poetic territories."


Mud bicycle. (Philippe Starck)

The gray-framed Mud model features a dual-suspension frame, a low-range gearset, beefy Shimano XTR off-road brakes and a Bosch electric-drive system.


Asphalt bicycle. (Philippe Starck)

Available in 25- and 45kph versions, the urban-minded Asphalt bike employs a road-biased shifting system and smooth Schwalbe Crazy Bob street tires.


Sand bicycle. (Philippe Starck)

The Sand bike features oversized tires to keep the bike aloft over soft surfaces, and a pocketed cover to shield its electronic bits from the environment.


Snow bicycle. (Philippe Starck)

The most dramatic of the bunch, the Snow bike wears a mono-arm front fork that won't clog with ice, fat tires, and a synthetic-fur frame cozy that protects the battery and electronics from sub-zero temperatures.



This article is taken from BBC News, 29 August 2014
http://www.bbc.com/autos/story/20140829-a-bike-for-every-terrainn