It’s quite common for car brands to extend their leisure appeal into the cycling world by launching bicycle product lines. Today, we’re introducing Audi, a brand that has consistently performed well in the global market in recent years. In collaboration with Renovo, a bicycle manufacturer based in Portland, Oregon, Audi has launched three models of Duo bicycles: City, Sport, and Road.
Up close, the hollow hardwood frame emits a two-tone glow that’s hard to resist touching. The solid wood construction gives the bike a luxurious appearance, while the hollow structure means it’s not as heavy as it looks. An average person can easily lift it with one hand to carry into an elevator (all Renovo bikes weigh less than 9 kilograms). The exquisite Audi four-ring emblem is engraved on the front of the frame. Renovo also highlights historical examples where wood was used to enhance speed and agility. “The most successful combat bomber of WWII was the all-wooden British de Havilland Mosquito, which could reach speeds of 400 miles per hour and around 7,500 were built. For many years in the 1970s, all-wooden hydroplanes like the Slo Mo Shun, Miss Budweiser, and their counterparts raced across water at speeds well over 150 miles per hour. And the fastest hydroplane ever, reaching 511 miles per hour, was also made entirely of wood.”
The handlebars of the Duo City bicycle are wrapped in thick brown leather, with the word “Metropolis” engraved on the matte black grips — a nod to early urban cycling culture and the 1927 German avant-garde film of the same name. The hand-stitched detailing on the Dapper Dan leather grips feels incredibly comfortable and adds a premium tactile experience.
In terms of riding pleasure, the Duo City bicycle brings to mind a classic Cadillac, or an effortless two-wheeled Audi A8. It comes equipped with a Shimano 8-speed internal gear hub. As you ride the Duo City along the road, it offers a bouncy, responsive feel over bumps, almost as if it had a carbon fiber chassis. This setup makes long rides surprisingly easy on the back and waist. The rear seat features a bag for storing your phone and handbag — a thoughtful design beloved by commuter cyclists.