Rack-maker scores New Belgium cruisers contract

Two things about the front bicycle racks made in a small Fort Collins, Colorado, shop caught the eye of a New Belgium Brewing Co. designer:

— The racks used beetle-killed wood from Colorado's forests;

— The racks could hold a case of beer.

So the beer brewery, which supplies cruiser bicycles to charities and its new employees, ordered 2,600 front racks from the shop for its new line of New Belgium 2010 cruisers, left.

That's a gold strike for Carver Surf Racks owner Orlando Baker, reports the Coloradoan.com.

Baker's small firm had been located in Hawaii, where it made uniquely designed bicycle racks to haul surfboards to the beach and back. High costs in Hawaii and slumping demand prompted him to relocate, however, and he chose Fort Collins because of its bicycle culture.

Baker had been experimenting with different types of bicycle racks. New Belgium's Ryan McKee decided to use one of those styles in the company's latest model cruiser bikes.

“I wanted to give the bike that nice extra touch and Orlando was one of my first stops. Aesthetically, I really like the front rack. It gives this really nice utility look to the bike. The size of the rack was inspired by its ability to hold a case of beer.”

New Belgium strives to support sustainable products, so it liked the use of beetle-infested wood.

This year's cruisers are made by Felt Bicycles. Some bike aficionados are interested in the cruisers because the style and design changes every year. The bikes will be on display at this summer's Urban Assault competitions and Tour de Fat events.

The New Belgium cruiser above is shown on display at the Art Lab Fort Collins.