Cycling, as an alternative urban transport, is spreading at lightning speed in European metropolises. A few decades ago, cyclists were people who took their mountain and road bikes out just for the weekend to enjoy the nice weather on the embankment. There were only a few brave souls who decided to take to the streets of the big city on two wheels to get to work or for fun. Nowadays, travel in cities crowded with endless rush hour traffic is changing irresistibly, and cycling is becoming a rational and fashionable choice even for those who otherwise love comfort.
The iconic name Favorit was brought back to life by enthusiastic entrepreneur Richard Galovič, who acquired the company from bankruptcy five years ago. From the beginning, he set out to create a bicycle like no other, to preserve the spirit of the legendary brand and successfully bring it into the twenty-first century. The first responses were not long in coming, and the reddot Design Award and IF Design Award design awards speak for themselves about the international success.
The handmade bike follows the tradition of the old Favorit in the original factory in Rokycany with the philosophy of creating the best possible bike for any rider. Each machine is custom-made for its new owner, just like a suit. First, Favorit employees take your exact measurements to achieve the perfect frame geometry, and then you have the opportunity to design your unique bike. You choose the type, color, gearing… You can even have your name engraved on the bike frame. Then all you have to do is find an activity that will keep you busy for six to eight weeks so that you don’t bite your nails in anticipation until a Favorit employee brings your new work of art right to your door.
But enough talking about what it's like to ride a Favorite to work? The first impression you'll immediately get from the Favorit is its incredible beauty as an art object, something that's very difficult to describe in a bike. But the minimalism combined with the attention to detail is simply stunning. You see super-modern aero materials in perfect harmony with traditional leather, all wrapped up in a beautiful yet simple whole. The sleek design is also aided by the cables hidden in the frame, giving the machine stunning and clean lines. And the two-tone tires that play with the leather saddle and handlebars are the icing on the cake.
Thanks to the carbon frame, the bike is very light and easy to handle. Something that really comes in handy not only when you are maneuvering the machine in city traffic, but also when you need to take it to the office at the end of the trip. From the moment you start pedaling, it is clear that the Favorit is not just about design and its technology is at least as impressive as the design. Instead of a traditional chain, the bike is driven by a belt, which makes the ride incredibly smooth and easy. Moreover, you don't have to worry about arriving at work with black pants, because the belt does not need to be lubricated. Despite this, it lasts more than ten times longer, it does not even need to be tightened and it will never fall off. The smoothness of the ride is also contributed by the great gearbox, which, unlike conventional bikes, there is only one on the Favorite, so you don't have to worry about the front and rear gears separately.
A special "trick" are tires that not only look good, but in the event of a puncture, they seal the hole themselves with a special gel impregnated inside the tire, so you don't have to inflate the wheel, service it, or worry about anything.
The reincarnation of Favorit bicycles is a truly beautiful project and every single product is proof of the passion put into the rebirth of the brand. It is undoubtedly a worthy successor to the original Favorit. Try leaving your car at home for a while and experience what it's like to ride a Favorite to work. We are sure that urban cycling will catch on even those who drive to the refrigerator.
Photo: Pavol Zachar www.zacharphoto.com
However, the image of a guy stretched out in tight leggings, dirty from a chain, was not very attractive to many of us. Therefore, the idea of commuting to work by bike has always been somewhat pushed into the background. That is, until now. The reincarnation of the Favorit legend finally brings with it the cycling that our inner gentleman has been waiting for.
You sit on a fantastic saddle made of calfskin, which after a few rides will perfectly adapt to the owner, creating the most comfortable bicycle saddle you have ever sat on. You grab the leather handlebars made of identical leather and you are ready to go.
