The Bespoke Craze

Woodstick Handlebars

Hand-constructed frames. One-of-a-kind paint jobs. Custom-fitted brake levers. To say that Berlin – and the world, for that matter – is in the fierce grip of a certain brand of bespoke bike lust, would be the Understatement of the Internet Age. If the thought of a vintage frame or beautifully burnished Brooks seat makes your heart rate rise, then it’s probably safe to say that your favorite two-wheeled accessory is more than mere beloved possession – it’s akin to a close family member.

Enter Woodstick Handlebars, a Latvian brand inspired by all the halcyon beauty of the Baltics. Founded in Riga in 2010 by Reinis Salins and Reins Viba, Woodstick creates hand-carved handlebars crafted from hardy, illustrious trees like Maple, Walnut and Kaya. Throw in a bit of stainless steel for strength, and you’ve got a combination that melds the sleek durability of metal with the natural beauty of Gaia’s most giving of perennial plants. Perfect for fixie fanatics, mountain bikers and other two-wheeled obsessives, it’s little wonder that bike enthusiasts from Barcelona to New York have taken to Instagram to document their love for Woodstick’s handcrafted creativity.

Some might call the brains behind the brand an unlikely pair. At MONOQI, we’re of the belief that it’s a match aligned in the stars. Salins provides the creative inspiration and brings his background in product design and conception to the table. The architect’s love of linear form and precision are all evident in the superior craftsmanship of Woodstick’s gems: the clean lines, the solidly functional construction—it’s all there in spades. And what Viba lacks in design chops, he more than makes up for with his finance skills and fiercely analytical mind. After all, creatives often need Masters of the Universe by their side to bring truly innovative ideas to the market. The twosome have a love for stunningly functional design and believe that it can be sourced from nature’s bounty. This desire to refashion natural materials into new forms inspired the duo to create sustainably produced bike accessories that celebrate the power of the wheel—and the handlebar!

And can the importance of superior handlebars be overstated? Not really. Think about it: when you place your hands on those guiders of destiny, you determine posture, riding style, and a whole host of other factors that contribute to your riding experience. So, go forth, oh intrepid ones, the road awaits.

Text: Lis Owuor / Images: Tokyo Bikes, Woodstick Handlebars

Craving a bit of handcrafted handlebar joy? Check out Woodstick Handlebars on MONOQI now.