Less Is More

Raffaele Iannello designed a limited edition bicycle where technology and tradition perfectly blend together, giving life to an object halfway between design and contemporary art. The bicycle has no fenders, chain cover or even brakes… braking occurs through the drivetrain. All of this is not strictly necessary and was eliminated from the design, whereby the name: Less Is More.

True to the philosophy of minimalism, Less Is More is designed with pain staking attention to even the smallest details. Each bicycle is ‘sartorially’ built, based on the height and weight of the client. Each piece therefore is a unique work, which cannot be easily industrially manufactured. The Italian highly skilled craftsmanship involved in manufacturing each product and the circulation of only 99 pieces (numbered and with a certificate of personally authenticity signed by the designer) allows this bicycle to grow in value over time, like a work of art.

The handlebar, made of wood but stiffened by a steel core, is made with the same technology as the most renowned kitchen knives, a clear reference to other famous designer products. The bicycle is available with two types of drivetrains: fixed gear (also known as a “fixie”, a term that’s popular with urban hipsters) or a backpedaling system (with an invisible brake integrated in the rear wheel hub).