When Mike Perreten and Tom Edstrand first started their handmade longboard company Landyachtz while studying at the University of Victoria two decades ago, they thought they might one day expand their venture to include bikes. They just didn’t realize how far away that day would be.
“When we first started making boards, we were like, ‘What if we want to make bikes in a year or two?’’ laughs Edstrand. “When you’re 20 years old, that seems like so far away. Here we are 20 years later, and we’re just starting.” Though it took them longer than they anticipated, the childhood friends from West Vancouver understand the importance of getting something done right, no matter the time it takes.
The 1146 Landyachtz Bikes model is made entirely by hand in the brand’s East Vancouver studio. Named in ode to the shop’s Union Street address, the 1146 uses Columbus steel tubing that results in a quick and slick ride. It is sleek but not showy, the cycling equivalent of a classic white tee.
“For us it’s important to build stuff here in Vancouver,” Perreten says. “It’s almost—it might sound cheesy—but it’s almost like you’re riding a piece of art. It’s kind of neat: it was made here, it was made specifically for this purpose.” Now to pedal off into the Vancouver sunset.
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