ACE CAFE RADIO

    lundi 7 avril 2014

    Let The Games Begin


    Let The Games Begin
    If drifting is a fad, it’s been one hell of an 11-year ride so far. With attendance numbers higher than ever before – prompting Formula Drift’s organisers to provide extra grandstand seating for the first round of the new season – I think it’s safe to say that the automotive action sport is here to stay.
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    Once again, the series is kicking off in beautiful Long Beach, California. Sun shining, engines revving, smoke billowing out from under high horsepower drift machines. It feels good to be back.
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    When you come to Long Beach we can’t forget about our good friend Bil Baldwin – the corner worker with legs borrowed from Chuck Norris. I know the FD season has begun when I see Santa Claus throwing yellow and red flags.
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    The first round of competition is always hectic, as there’s almost no time for practice. However, there is a media day where a select few drivers have a chance to let it rip.
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    Given the little margin for error on this tight k-rail-lined street course, crashes come with the territory at Long Beach. But in all my years of covering Formula Drift, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a incident at the media event as big as the one earlier in the week.
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    Odi Bakchis’s LS3-engined Nissan Silvia lost its power steering going into the final corner and plowed straight into Ryan Tuerck’s refreshed 2JZ-powered ZN6.
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    It was unfortunate, but these sort of things happen. It is drifting after all.
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    Ryan and the rest of the team put their heads together and did what they could. In the end though, they took the car back to old sponsor Sam’s Auto Land for some emergency body repair work.
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    You wouldn’t believe it, but just two days after the rear end resembled this, the Scion FR-S was back in the paddock and looking absolutely brand new again.
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    Even though it was not really his fault, I think everyone felt bad for Odi. Some things are out of your control, and there’s no way he could’ve known that the hydraulics in his steering system were about to fail.
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    Irish drifter Dean Kearney didn’t have much luck either, stuffing his 1000hp Dodge SRT backwards into a tire wall.
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    It looked really bad – so bad in fact that there were whispers of the chassis being a complete throwaway.
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    But just a few days later the Oracle Lighting team showed up with the car looking straight again. Dean ended up qualifying the Dodge in 18th position.
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    With refreshed cars and new builds there will always be teething problems. During the media day Tony Angelo spent much of the morning under his dash, but eventually got it all buttoned up in time to lay down a few practice runs.
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    Kyle Mohan was worried that he would have to run the season without a tire sponsor, as his supplier pulled out of Formula Drift all together. After spending thousands on building a turbocharged 3-rotor Mazda rotary engine for his RX-8 things were looking bleak. Thankfully though, GT Radials stepped up at the last minute and put Kyle’s program back on track.
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    PRESENTATION MODE
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    The start of the season is especially hard for those who have to come to grips with a brand new chassis. Jhonnattan Castro signed up with Chris Forsberg Racing this year in an all-new Nissan 370Z powered by a VK56.
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    Ken Gushi still drives a ZN6, but this year he has a high-power 2JZ lurking under the hood.
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    Daijiro Yoshihara is driving a ZC6 chassis, but his is powered by a Chevy LS7. It’s definitely a very different beast compared to the rest of the FR-Ss and BR-Zs running the series.
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    Bring the first round, there are rookies competing in the Pro ranks for the very first time.
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    San Diego native Tyler Wolfson had a tough Pro-Am season in 2013, but he moved up the ranks and definitely earned his ‘Rookie of the Year’ accolade. Like every new driver that steps into Pro, he’ll have his work cut out for him this year.
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    The ‘People’s Champ’, Danny George ran into problems of his own. Even though he got a three-month head start, Danny only just made it to qualifying in time after crashing his Miata in practice.
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    No one has had it harder than Joon Maeng though. Armed with with a brand new car, he wasn’t messing about on his first qualifying pass.
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    But he went in too hot and ended up in the marbles, which led him straight into a tire wall.
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    Still hard on the gas, he continued at speed into the concrete k-rail, doing some serious damage to the front end in the process.
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    And if that wasn’t enough, the momentum swung the car around and finished off the rear.
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    When the Nissan finally came to rest it was evident just how bad of a shape it was in. This is definitely the worst wreck I’ve seen in Formula Drift for a while.
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    It’s game-over for Joon at Long Beach, but hopefully he and his team can get the car back together in time for Round 2 in Atlanta.
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    PRESENTATION MODE
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    The top qualifying spots were filled by the usual suspects; Chris Forsberg landing in seventh place.
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    Chris has gone to the dark side this year with a total dry carbon look. It’s pretty cool.
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    Appearing to have finally got that Long Beach monkey off his back after embedding his car into the k-rail during qualifying last year, sixth place went to Justin Pawlak.
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    Fifth place went to our very own Fredric Aasbø, whose Scion tC was sporting its new one-off Rocket Bunny kit and a fresh new livery.
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    People are often surprised to hear that Fredric hasn’t won a Pro championship round yet. He’s come very close with a second, though.
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    The only person who beats Fredric is himself. If he’s as consistent as he was in 2013, he’ll definitely be in with a chance to nab the championship this year.
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    Tyler McQuarrie finished off last season with a bang, crashing out in the finals against Daigo Saito in a ‘One More Time’ battle. Well, Tyler is back with a rebuilt car, and obviously has his mind in the game. He took third with a clean line and big angle.
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    No one hates Long Beach more than Monster-backed Speedhunter Vaughn Gittin, Jr. In 2011 he mis-shifted during a critical moment, causing him earn a zero scoreline for the round and putting him at a disadvantage for the rest of the season. Yesterday he came out swinging with a perfect wall scrape that helped land him in second.
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    Was there any doubt that Micheal Essa would not qualify in first place? I don’t think so, because this guy is on fire. He even forfeited his second qualifying run, because he figured there was no way he could do any better.
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    As the battles are about to begin here at Long Beach, I really can’t wait to see how Round 1 pans out. This is the start of what is going to be a crazy year, and I’ll be there every step of the way.
    Larry Chen


    Enduro: great start for the new season! / la saison est bien lancée !


    The first round of the World Enduro Championship offers a thrilling start of season, with some great battles and a first hierarchy before the GP of Portugal next week. Christophe Nambotin (KTM, E1), Ivan Cervantes (KTM, E2) and Daniel McCanney (Beta Michelin, Junior) all got a double win in Spain, while Antoine Meo (KTM) and Pierre Alexandre Renet (Husqvarna Michelin) share the wins in the E2 class that is for sure the “main class”.
    Moving from the E3 to the E1 class, Christophe Nambotin had something to prove in this category and the Frenchman showed to his rivals that he is well prepared for this new challenge. Winner of six and seven stages, the double E3 World Champion doesn’t lose his talent and motivation and got an important double win. Behind him his main rivals share the points, and Cristobal Guerrero (KTM) leads Anthony Boissière (Sherco Michelin) in the standings, both of them finishing runner-up one day with some stage wins.
    Also moving to a new class, Antoine Meo (KTM) impressed everyone with six stage wins during the opening day but couldn’t repeat this domination the second day as Pierre Alexandre Renet (Husqvarna Michelin) beats him by just one second! Third on day one behind Meo and Johnny Aubert (Beta Michelin) the 2012 E2 World Champion controlled the final rush of Meo to get an important win. With Aubert third on day two we had twice a French podium; Lorenzo Santolino (Sherco Michelin) is currently fourth in the standings, followed by Alex Salvini (Honda).
    Ivan Cervantes (KTM) had a winning comeback in the E3 class, as the Spaniard got a home a double win. But he had to fight with his new teammate Matthew Philips on day one, as the Australian won more stages than him! On Sunday his main rival was newcomer Matti Seistola (Sherco Michelin), who is third in the standings followed by Luis Correia (Beta Michelin) and Mathias Bellino (Husqvarna Michelin).
    Team Beta Michelin dominates the junior class, with a double win for Daniel McCanney who beats twice Giacomo Redondi. Injured at his neck after an impressive crash in the super test, Loic Larrieu (Husqvarna Michelin) secured a third overall; winning all the stages, these three riders were far ahead their rivals this weekend.
    Teams and riders will now move to Portugal, home of the second GP of the season next weekend.
    La première épreuve du championnat du Monde d’enduro a tenue ses promesses, avec d’âpres bagarres au terme desquelles une première hiérarchie s’est dégagée. Christophe Nambotin (KTM, E1), Ivan Cervantes (KTM, E2) et Daniel McCanney (Beta Michelin, Junior) ont signé un double succès en Espagne, alors que la catégorie reine qu’est devenue le E2 a vu Antoine Meo (KTM) et Pierre Alexandre Renet (Husqvarna Michelin) se partager les victoires.
    Avec son changement de catégorie, Christophe Nambotin abordait ce premier GP en E1 avec quelques doutes qu’il a rapidement levé, s’imposant bel et bien en nouveau patron des petites cylindrées. Vainqueur de six puis de sept spéciales, le double champion du Monde E3 a réussi son entrée en lice, prouvant à ses rivaux qu’il n’avait rien perdu de son talent et de sa détermination. Derrière lui, la bagarre a fait rage et les points ont été partagés entre ses différents challengers ; Cristobal Guerrero (KTM) s’empare de la seconde place du championnat devant Anthony Boissière (Sherco Michelin), chacun des hommes terminant une journée sur la seconde marche du podium.
    Auteur d’une première journée exceptionnelle avec six succès en l’espace de neuf spéciales, Antoine Meo (KTM) a été tenu en échec le second jour par un combatif Pierre Alexandre Renet (Husqvarna Michelin). Troisième de la première journée derrière Meo et Johnny Aubert (Beta Michelin), le champion du monde 2012 n’a pas tremblé face au rush final de Meo, qui échoue dans sa quête du doublé pour un peu plus d’une seconde ! Avec Aubert troisième, les Français monopolisent les podiums dans cette catégorie, Lorenzo Santolino (Sherco Michelin) prenant la quatrième place devant Alex Salvini (Honda) diminué par sa blessure.
    Retour victorieux en E3 pour Ivan Cervantes (KTM), qui signe un joli doublé sur ses terres. L’Espagnol a dû se battre jusqu’au bout le premier jour pour venir à bout de son ambitieux équipier Matthew Philips, avant de contrôler Matti Seistola (Sherco Michelin) le second jour. Luis Correia (Beta Michelin) et Mathias Bellino (Husqvarna Michelin), moins en verve dimanche, complètent le top cinq du championnat.
    Doublé des officiels Beta Michelin dans la catégorie juniors, Daniel McCanney ne laissant aucune chance à Giacomo Redondi en s’imposant lors des deux journées. Bien que blessé aux cervicales après une chute spectaculaire lors du super test, Loic Larrieu (Husqvarna Michelin) assure courageusement une troisième place, ce trio ayant survolé la catégorie en s’imposant dans toutes les spéciales.
    Teams et pilotes vont maintenant se diriger vers le Portugal, qui accueille le weekend prochain le second GP de la saison.
    Classements provisoires après GP1 :
    E1 : 1.Nambotin (FRA, KTM), 40 ; 2.Guerrero (ESP, KTM), 30 ;  3.Boissière (FRA, Sherco Michelin), 27 ; 4.Remes (FIN, TM), 26 ; 5.Tarroux (FRA, Sherco), 26 ; 6.Betriu (ESP, Husqvarna Michelin), 22 ; 7.Oldrati (ITA, Husqvarna Michelin), 19 ; etc …
    E2 : 1. Meo (FRA, KTM), 37 ; 2.Renet (FRA, Husqvarna Michelin), 35 ; 3.Aubert (FRA, Beta Michelin), 32 ; 4.Santolino (ESP, Sherco Michelin), 23 ; 5.Salvini (ITA, Honda), 21 ; 6.Mena (ESP, Beta Michelin), 20 ; etc…
    E3 : 1 Cervantes (ESP, KTM), 40 ; 2.Philips (AUS, KTM), 32 ; 3.Seistola (FIN, Sherco Michelin), 27 ; 4.Correia (POR, Beta Michelin), 26 ; 5.Bellino (FRA, Husqvarna Michelin), 25….8.Planet (FRA, Sherco Michelin), 14 ; etc…
    Juniors : 1.McCanney (GBR, Beta Michelin), 40 ; 2.Redondi (ITA, Beta Michelin), 32 ; 3.Larrieu (FRA, Husqvarna Michelin), 32 ; 4.Mori (ITA, KTM), 24 ; 5.Ventura (POR, Gas Gas), 21 ; etc…

    HONDA CB550 BY EASTERN SPIRIT


    Honda CB550
    Charlie Trelogan’s insightful piece on café racer design emphasized the importance of good lines. No one understands this concept more than Poland’s Eastern Spirit Garage: They helped build the Honda CX500 that Charlie used to illustrate his point. Now they’ve turned their keen eye to another Honda—the ever-popular CB550.
    This 1980-model is the second CB550 K3 that Eastern Spirit has customised. As with most of their builds they’ve given it a distinct café racer slant, stripping it of any superfluous bits and pieces.
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    The frame’s been de-tabbed and shortened, and the electronics and battery now hide under a custom-made tail hump. Knee indents and 60s-style Honda badges have been added to the stock CB tank. Up front is the headlight from an old Polish-made WSK, flanked by clip-ons of Eastern Spirit’s own design.
    The standard front suspension’s been retained, but the rear shocks have been replaced with aftermarket units, just under 1” longer than stock. The wheels are wrapped in Avon rubber, and the front’s received an additional brake disk, with a new, more modern master cylinder.
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    Upon stripping the engine, the guys discovered that it was actually in great shape—so the decision was made to up the capacity to 600cc with a new set of pistons and rings. The engine also got a new clutch with stronger springs, a new cam chain, and polished cylinder heads and intake manifold.
    Velocity stacks were added to the carbs—which were completely rebuilt and synchronised—improving both the CB’s power and exhaust note. The engine now breathes out through a pair of reverse cone mufflers.
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    A predominantly black paint scheme adorns the bodywork, with tasteful brass-coloured pinstripes that complement the many hand-made brass and aluminium parts. These include a mounting plate for the clocks and warning lights, a vent on the rear brake drum, the rear-set pegs and controls, and a finned plate mounted behind the carbs, which acts as a mudguard. The engine covers have also been modified, and the Honda logo replaced with the same “Hm” emblem as on the tank badges.
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    With perfect lines, a performance boost, suspension and brake upgrades and gorgeous finishes, Eastern Spirit seem to have ticked all the right boxes.
    Honda CB550
    from BIKEEXIF

    BSMC GEAR GUIDE #4


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    DAVIDA NINETY2 HELMET
    Davida’s iconic low profile Ninety2 helmet has now been significantly improved with a quilted leather-lined interior. Their smallest profile helmet has a traditional old school shape, with a profile no larger than is absolutely necessary for it to be road legal. This is achieved by introducing three shell sizes that are as profile hugging as possible.
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    Constructed with a Kevlar reinforced fibreglass composite shell, it’s lined with a polystyrene shock absorber that is bolstered around the ears, and finished with a quilted leather interior with cloth trim. It conforms to British Safety Standard certification BS 6658, 1985 Type B. The Ninety2 comes with a standard goggle retainer strap and optional studs for a traditional visor.
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    Davida have been producing British designed and handmade helmets for more than thirty years, and have been uncompromising in their commitment to quality head protection. Driven by the spirit of tradition and a love of motorcycles, they have developed a range of helmets that capture the desire for adventure and freedom.
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    The Ninety2 is available in over fifty colour-ways, and are hand sprayed in their factory in Liverpool. A personal bespoke service is available for unique one off designs.
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    PRODUCT REVIEW: UNION GARAGE/VANSON LEATHERS ROBINSON JACKET
    Rarely a jacket comes along that will get me out of leather when I’m on my bikes. My vintage Belstaff Trailmaster had seen it’s glory years, so I took the plunge on the Robinson jacket, the product of a collaboration of Brooklyn’s Union Garage NYC and legendary American manufacturer Vanson Leathers.
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    The jacket is named in tribute to the Jackie Robinson Parkway that runs from Brooklyn to Queens. A dangerous strip of crumbling asphalt, its blind curves and heavy trucks make it a challenge for even the most urban-savvy riders.
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    I ordered the Robinson on spec so I nervously awaited it’s arrival. I could not have been more pleased. Straight out of the box the quality was evident. The fit was perfect, and I went straight out for a blast. Unlike a new leather jacket, there’s no wearing in period, this was comfortable from the get-go, even with the CE-certified D3O armour in back, shoulders and elbows. I have a personal issue with armour, as consumer grade body armour tends to be uncomfortable, bulky and of questionable effectiveness, but in this case it’s ergonomic and fits the contours of the jacket so well I’m not aware of it being there. A really useful detail is the interior leather panels in the elbows, shoulders and in the jacket openings offering extra abrasion resistance. This is a well built jacket fit for purpose.
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    Second time out I got caught in a storm. Union don’t claim the tough ten ounce Martexin wax cotton shell to be 100% waterproof, but It kept me bone dry in very heavy rain. It snaps tight, and fastens high on the neck, so insulation is excellent. The length is perfect, covering my tackle and my lower back without being too long and bunching up. Worn with decent base layers it stands up in cold weather, and on the couple of warm days we’ve had so far it feels airy.
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    This is a tough and good looking jacket finished with a red tartan lining and satin lined sleeves. I particularly like the generous zippered ‘rabbit pocket’ built covertly inside the rear base of the jacket. This pass through pocket is big enough for another layer, or the Sunday paper, a scarf etc. It’s utilitarian exterior design is refreshingly free of fussy detail and shiny strips. Just four deep secure pockets.
    The Robinson Jacket  is available in black or tan, and is 100% American made.
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    PRODUCT REVIEW  – PIKE BROTHERS MOTOROAMER JEANS
    So after some time companies are starting to think about this scene and how to better serve it. One thing that is always important is the jeans. Like myself, most people like a selvedge denim that conforms to your body and develops character over time. Finally they are combining a proper jean with motorcycle protection. But very few get this right. Pike brothers do just that, offering quality denim with the protection of Kevlar and padding in the hips and knees. The idea behind the new MotoRoamer: The first protective selvage motorcycle jeans with EN 13595-1 certification.
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    Safety first! To achieve this high level of safety they teamed up with a European PPE manufacturer who specialises in bullet proof vests and protection gear for military and police forces. The result is a combination of our hard-wearing 11oz selvage denim jeans and a removable inner pant made 100% DuPont™ Kevlar® – an extremely robust combination, as the pant will withstand 12 seconds of abrasion, keeping your skin protected. The MotoRoamer comes with EN 1621-1 certified hip and knee protectors (height adjustable) as standard.
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    Now Pike Brothers are known for producing high quality heritage gear, from shirts to dungarees. Their traditional styling gives a well fitting, low rise waist with straight cut legs. The stitching has a nice contrast to the dark blue, promising to slowly settle in and give a handsome detail once you’ve worn these jeans for a spell. The back pockets are deep and generous to allow your wallet to fit nicely without interrupting your riding position.
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    The one thing that stands out most is that the removable Kevlar lining. If you’re like me and prefer to wears jeans like this whilst riding through the south of Europe in the summer when it is baking hot, they are comfortable on the bike. Get to your destination, two minutes later you have the lining out and your are free to roam in the comfort. Very good thinking.
    As far as sizing goes, order your favourite Levis or traditional cut jeans size. As with every selvedge jean expect this denim to give and expand to allow your legs to create a custom fit that you will love for years. If you are looking for jeans that works for you on the bike, and are comfortable after riding or on a night out, you need the Pike Brothers MotoRoamers.
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    FLEUR DE BAGNE – WORK SHIRT/JACKET ST JEAN DU MARONI
    French brand Fleur De Bagne produce low quantity high quality work wear with a contemporary angle. Whether it’s wool watch caps, deck shirts, thermal Ts or military jumpers, these rugged garments work well on the bike and look pretty cool.
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    The designs have a distinct Gallic angle, taking it’s inspiration from the Le Millieu, the French criminal underworld of the early 20th Century that thrived around the port of Marseilles. Tough uncompromising garments that can roll with the knocks.
    The St Jean Du Moroni is a well constructed thick cotton work shirt that can be worn as a light jacket or as a layer under leathers. It’s up to job for working on the bike, and looks good enough to hang out in.
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    The shirt is named after the Saint -Jean du Marconi penal colony in Guyana where French convicts, often just children and vagrants, were sent to languish. A shirt fit for hard labour.
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    SHARPEYE LAMP AT BOLT
    Our mates down at Bolt are retailing some very cool reading lamps converted from Bates motorcycle headlights by Barrie Sharpe’s Sharpeye.
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    Mounted on an aluminium machined base with a brass Sharpeye plaque, they come in three variations, the round 16cm Roadsta, the smaller round 13cm Speedsta, and the  triangle 13cm Tracka, each encased in a chrome surround. They are 240 volt, 25watt, 12 amp. Robust and cleanly finished, these look equally good in the workshop or in the living room.
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    Barrie, one of the founders of the London Rare Groove movement and founder of legendary clothing label Duffer Of St George, is a DJ, musician, fashion designer and motorcycle builder.
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    Bolt is the love child of scooterist and biker Andrew Almond; a showroom for professional bike builders, a gallery for artists and photographers, and a retail space for independent apparel and vintage collectables.
    These guys are at the heart of the East London bike scene.
    You can buy the lamps online or in person at Bolt, Arch 3 / Fieldworks, 274 Richmond Road, Hackney, London E8 3QW.