Smooth Rides: Budnitz Bicycles

Paul Budnitz is an interesting guy. We interviewed him here on Empty Lighthouse back in February and we had to follow up with him on his newest venture, Budnitz Bicycles.

We use the term 'newest' lightly since Budnitz Bicycles has been around for several years. Budnitz Bicycles has received a lot of press on the beauty and aesthetics of their bikes, which is something the modern bike is sorely lacking.

Back in the 50's and 60's, bicycles were as beautiful as the cars being produced, and Budnitz takes the same approach now.
These bikes are cool, sleek and take owning a bicycle to the next level.

We got a chance to ask him a few questions:

You are a serial entrepreneur... first with films, then a MiniDisc business, KidRobot, now Budnitz Bicycles.

Was this industry variation intentional or did the opportunities present themselves?
I am just interested in a lot of different things.

What usually happens is that I I begin to explore something, like bicycles, and after a while realize that the things I'm making are pretty awesome, and they might make a good company.

So it really just comes out of what I'm interested in.

After all your other businesses, why name the company after yourself now?
Actually, I have an investor in my bicycle company -- and he wouldn't give me the money to start it unless I used my name! He just thought it was good branding, and I'm well known enough now that it did help get the company off the ground.

Also, having a unique name like mine is great for Google searches, etc.

Budnitz bicycles are beautiful, bringing a luxury-car like style back to bicycles. Did you recognize these as pieces of artwork from the beginning?
Yes.

The goal was to design bicycles that will never look outdated, and will ride immaculately. Actually, the real goal was to make something nice enough for the Museum of Modern art!

Would you consider the company a luxury brand?
Some people perceive it that way, but we have many, many people riding our bicycles that are not in the luxury income tax bracket.

In the same way that many people who are not actually rich drive BMWs.

KidRobot is famous for collaborating with other artists and designers.

Did you continue that spirit of collaboration into Budnitz Bicycles?
Yes, but that's top secret right now.

Where are the bikes manufactured and how long did it take to design some of them?
All of our bicycles as built here in Vermont.

Some of our parts are made for us in Colorado, Washington State, Taiwan, and California. Depends on the model and options.

The new mountain bicycle No.2M took two years to design.

Model No.5 went through a half dozen prototypes.

What are some of the future goals of Budnitz Bicycles?
To not get any bigger. We want to continue to know all of our customers.

Lastly, you mentioned in the last interview that you were working on a new book entitled 'The Power of Superficiality'. How is your book coming along? Can you tell us more about it?

I have 48 chapters of the book finished (they are short chapters!). I will finish it this fall, when I get some free time!!

Check out Budnitz Bicycles on their website!