Clambering over rock beds and through snowfields on a fully-packed fatbike is all well and good, but nothing can compare with the glory of carousing French roads on a full-dresser randonneuse road bike.

Victoire Cycles last project was to create a tribute to the Golden Era of frame building, but with modern conveniences; A Rohloff internal rear hub, for instance, with it’s natty handlebar-mounted twist-shifter, and the SON dynamo front hub and lights.

Without luggage, the weight comes in at 13.4kg, complete with pump, lights, fenders and racks. That’s pretty comparable to any modern tourer, but as far as style goes, Victoire’s Randonneuse takes the gâteau.  You can read more about the details of this bike on CycleEXIF

Chinese artist DU Kun has long harbored a reverence for music and rockstars and he has created these amazing oil paintings.  Each oil painting depicts the face of a musician as if it were a temple built in devotion to a god and borrows elements from Buddhist and Confucian architecture. Eyes are depicted as windows, tree branches or waterfalls as flowing hair, and the surface of skin as ornate wood facades gilded with gold.

Kun is currently exhibiting the “Revels of the Rock Gods” series as part of his first solo show in Japan at Mizuma Art Gallery in Tokyo through February 13, 2016. You can explore close-up details plus an archive of Kun’s work on his website.





Source: Colossal

It was a sad day for DJ's and vinyl fans when the best turntables in the world suddenly went out of production. Well that mood is finally about to change due to Panasonic has announced that the Technics SL-1200 line is back with the brand new Technics SL-1200GAE Turntable ($TBA). This marks the 50th anniversary of the classic table, which is not only the preference for DJs, but also makes a great centerpiece in any home audio setup. The resurrected deck added some subtle design changes, along with a high sensitive tonearm and a brass top platter. The SL-1200 line will officially be back this summer and I for one will have to get me a pair.

Welcome to the New Year and to The Collective Loop Playlist-81! A new year means new music and new sounds to get your ears listening and your feet moving.  In this installment we have new music by Zhu, Christine and the Queen, SWIMM and more...

If you want to check out any of the other Playlists, then click on TCL Playlist in the menu.


Cover art & photo by: Damion S. 

Tracklist

This year we have a softer take on 2016's Color of the Year. Let me introduce you to Rose Quartz and Serenity Pantone 13-1520 & Pantone 15-3919. Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace. This is the first time Pantone has blended two shades. Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times. Check out Pantone for products that you can acquire with Rose Quartz and Serenity.

What a beautifully designed speaker. The House of Marley's Get Up Stand Up ($300) combines the unparalleled audio with a stunning design. Soulfully crafted featuring FSC-certified and responsibly harvested dark walnut and birch wood with a satin velvet finish as smooth as the tunes played from this handsome system. Get Up Stand Up is powered by precisely engineered dual 4.5" speakers and 1" tweeters for that signature Marley sound. Recycled plastic enclosures and Bluetooth convenience round out this home audio system for superior audio quality that should be heard and seen.





Source: Uncrate

Stumbled upon Kevin Dart's Science and Nature collection today and I'm glad that I did. His style is interesting with the fact that it's such a mixture of shapes with a little realism's, but has that futuristic look.  If that even makes sense. Well check out his work on his site and if you like any of the ones below they're for sale and he has more than just these.

So Google and Samsung have both come out with a type of VR for Android phones, however it seems that Apple made it an afterthought for iPhones.  Not anymore though, Figment VR ($55) is the world's first virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) phone case.  Its slim and sleek design makes it pocketable and accessible.

This combination headset and case lets you snap in your iPhone 6S or 6S Plus and enjoy immersive, high-quality VR right on your phone. Its built-in case offers protection, and its unique folding design means you don't have to remove it every time you want to go somewhere — just fold it to the rear and use/pocket your phone like you normally would. Available in white or black.  Back them on Kickstarter.

Welcome to TCL Playlist-80. One more month till 2016 and the end of 2015. So let's chill and enjoy the lasting moments of the year. In this months installment. We have new music by ODESZA, Day Wave, Grimes and more...

If you want to check out any of the other Playlists, then click on TCL Playlist in the menu.


Cover Art by: Damion S. 

Tracklist