Amy lives in the beautiful state of Vermont, where she embarks on a 20-mile commute each day to her job as a teacher for inmates at a state prison. For her, having a reliable and stylish bicycle is essential, not just for the daily grind but also for light touring adventures on weekends and everything in between. Her new Vanilla commuter will be her trusted companion, revealing delightful details and features over the years that enhance her riding experience.
At the heart of Amy’s Vanilla Commuter is a custom bar/stem combination designed by Sacha White himself. This unique setup includes integrated braking for a streamlined look and improved functionality. One standout detail is the mini head badge, elegantly filled with red, which adds a touch of flair to the handlebars. The custom bend of the bars is carefully crafted to match the natural angle of Amy’s wrists, ensuring she rides in comfort without the strain of awkward positioning. This thoughtful design reduces fatigue, allowing her to enjoy longer rides without discomfort.
Just below the handlebars is a Schmidt dynamo-driven Super Nova LED lamp, meticulously mounted to the fender with a custom-designed bracket. Sacha has ensured that all wiring is routed internally, keeping the bike’s appearance sleek and organized. This not only enhances the aesthetics but also contributes to the bike’s overall functionality by minimizing exposed cables that could snag or wear out over time.
In addition to the lighting system, Sacha has integrated a seat mast that simplifies the connection of the rear lamp, which is custom-mounted just under a classic Brooks saddle, to the bike’s power supply. This feature underscores the attention to detail that is a hallmark of Vanilla bicycles and ensures that Amy will have reliable lighting for her daily commutes, regardless of the time of day.
A frame-mounted pump, fenders, and a rear rack round out the essentials for any commuter bike, and Amy’s Vanilla Commuter includes all these necessities. The fenders will keep her dry during rainy rides, while the rear rack provides the perfect solution for carrying everything from books to groceries.
Amy has a deep appreciation for the clean, modern aesthetic of Speedvagen machines, and Sacha made sure to reflect that in her build. He chose Speedvagen seat stays that gracefully embrace the rear fender, curving smoothly into a pair of stainless steel Vanilla dropouts on this fillet-brazed frame. The minimal branding—limited to the bars and chainstay—enhances the bike’s sleek design, maintaining an understated elegance that Amy loves.
Ultimately, Amy’s Vanilla Commuter is more than just a bicycle; it’s a carefully crafted machine that embodies the spirit of adventure and the joy of everyday riding. As she navigates her daily commute and explores new routes on weekends, this bike will prove to be an indispensable part of her life, reflecting her unique personality and the joy of riding one Vanilla. With every pedal stroke, she’ll discover just how much thought and passion went into creating this remarkable bicycle.
