The Iconic artwork of Keith Haring is now available on Affinity Cycles’ latest collection, including a kids’ balance bike. Brooklyn-based Affinity Cycles has been making everything from track racing bikes to urban fixed gear frames since 2007. We’ve covered a number of bikes and products from Affinity over the years, from the high-end stainless steel Anthem SL road bike to its carbon fiber tire levers. In that time, the brand has collaborated with the Wu Tang Clan, made custom bikes for Levi’s, and even partnered with Hennessy to honor Marshal “Major” Taylor.

These days, Affinity is focused on producing limited collections of frames, components, and soft goods. The brand’s most recent collection features the artwork of Keith Haring, an artist whose work permeated pop culture in the 1980s, 1990s, and beyond. Indeed, Haring’s distinctive style catapulted him to international fame, and he became a pop-artist icon.

(Photos / Affinity Cycles)

Keith Haring

Keith Haring (Photo / Keith Haring Foundation)

If you grew up in the 80s and 90s — and even if you didn’t — it’s incredibly likely that you’ll recognize Keith Haring’s work, even if you don’t recognize his name. Haring got noticed as a graffiti artist in subways, and his work ultimately ended up on MTV, the covers of magazines, and exhibitions and murals in buildings and museums around the world. His unique style of outlines of human figures and animals often included vibrant colors and invoked a sense of motion. It was truly one of a kind. 

Haring’s rise to artistic stardom was swift, and he became friends with celebrities like Madonna, Grace Jones, Yoko Ono, and Andy Warhol. He used his platform to convey a range of social messages, including his famous Crack is Wack mural in New York City. He also used imagery to create awareness about the AIDS epidemic before his untimely death from the disease at the age of 31.

Haring’s Tuttomondo, located on the rear wall of the Sant’Antonio Abate church in Pisa. This was one of his last works before his death. (Photo / Keith Haring Foundation)

Keith Haring’s Barking Dog (Photo / Keith Haring Foundation)

Keith Haring’s Radiant Baby (Photo / Keith Haring Foundation)

His work lives on through the Keith Haring Foundation, which Haring founded in 1989. The foundation “perpetuates Haring’s artistic and philanthropic legacy through the preservation and circulation of his artwork and archives, and by providing grants to children in need and those affected by HIV/AIDS.” Affinity Cycles is among the many brands that have licensed Haring’s artwork and uses it in its latest Affinity x Keith Haring Collection.

Affinity X Keith Haring Collection

Affinity’s latest collection, featuring the artwork of Keith Haring, includes a small range of products. Affinity is offering its single-speed track frames in both colorful and black and white designs, along with handlebar tape, bike socks, long and short-sleeve t-shirts, and five-panel hats. Perhaps the most interesting piece of the collection is the kids’ balance bike, giving parents an opportunity to share the artwork of Keith Haring with their little ones.

The Affinity X Keith Haring balance bike looks like the perfect starter bike for kids to get a feel for riding before graduating to a pedal bike. It has a whitewash birch panel with colorful screen-printed graphics featuring a variety of Haring’s figures and imagery. The balance bike comes with a matching bike stand and a screen-printed tote bag to carry it around. Adults also have the option to match with their future cyclists on the “colorful” single-speed track frame.

Balance bikes are great starter bikes. They can be much safer for the budding cyclist than a bike with training wheels. Afinity says that this balance bike is recommended for little ones who are over 2 years of age.

The Affinity x Keith Haring Balance Bike was co-designed with David Mawhinne/ Franklin+Emily.

The saddle height is adjustable, so the bike can grow with the child. Choose the colorful, matching Affinity x Keith Haring single-speed track frame and get the whole family involved.

The balance bike comes with a very cool matching bike stand and an oversized, lined tote bag. The tote is black with the same style, screen-printed graphics. It looks like it’s also big enough to carry the bike when the lil’ one gets too tuckered out to finish the ride.

Affinity x Keith Haring Collection: Pricing and Availability

The Affinity x Keith Haring Collection is available now. The kids’ balance bike costs $225, while the adult track frames cost $999. For $35, you can pick up some handlebar tape to match your new frame, five-panel hats for $30, and bike socks for $22. Short-sleeve t-shirts cost $30, and long-sleeve shirts cost $40. Check it all out on the Affinity Cycles website.

AffinityCycles.com

Keith Haring Foundation

The post Affinity Cycles x Keith Haring Collection Gives Iconic Artwork Its Own Wheels appeared first on Bikerumor.