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“She’s So Charming!” is the tagline that renovations enthusiast Jin “Buick” Hidaka has given to his Bianchi Mini Velo-7, a bicycle that now sports panache and sass in addition to function. The vehicle has both charm and charms alike, and is fitted with a number of vintage pieces that add a bit of shine to the ordinary and a hint of old-world sophistication to the modern. A small aluminum bottle and cage of a 1950s American design is an upgrade from a typical plastic fixture, and a vintage padlock from Henry Squire & Sons of the UK hangs on leather straps as a cable-lock alternative. The seat of the bicycle is an upscale leather Brooks saddle and is accompanied by a 1980s Garrick Anderson tool roll in the same natural palette. Hidaka also embellishes with new items such as orange LED headlights in a retro aluminum casing that blends nicely with the mix of hardware. Wooden handle grips from Abici Miele allow the rider to cruise in style on a bicycle that is equipped for the road and accessorized for the runway.
