I got an email from Joe at Brooklyn Machine Works ( @BrooklynMachine ) last week telling me about a new project bike the team was working on. All he said was something to the effect of “we just built up a new townie bike, come check it out”. Ambiguity is Joe’s forte and luckily for me, since Iive around the corner from the shop, I swung through to check out this “townie”.

Check out some more photos below.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. This just looks like a Launchpad. It’s true. It does. Still the same ol’ made in Brooklyn craft with the BMW detailing that everyone’s got a soft spot for but there are a few surprises in this particular build.

By now, chance are you’ve noticed the shifter on the handlebars.

… and that new cleave in the seat tube.

But there’s a fender mount hidden on the seat tube.

The rear is spaced at 135mm to accept an 8-speed internally-geared hub. Combined with the rapid fire shifting, this bike is the perfect city bike. There are even rack mounts on the dropouts. It’s got attitude!

Cleaving the seat tube lets you slam your wheel.

Some of those BMW-bred details.

Like gussets.

This particular build uses one of BMW’s new fastback clamping stems.

Like the bike, it too is made here in Brooklyn.

Sure, this isn’t a rando or a touring bike. It’s BMW’s version of a city bike. Built to take a beating and ready for a quick ride around town. Even with the freewheel, this bike’s a slightly more masculine response to the ever-increasing demand for a zippy, yet sexy townie. The frames are ready for purchase and the guys will build them to your taste. Maybe some dirt drops and barcons? They’ll do anything you want!

Hit them up to inquire about purchasing one!