Friendship becomes partnership as Packer and L39ION of Los Angeles come together for our first collaborative project. A few years back, owner, Mike Packer’s love of cycling led him to crossing paths with the Williams brothers, as well as the L39ION team and the head-turning movement they’ve brought to their sport.
With the Harlem Skyscraper Classic, also known as the Harlem Crit, taking place right in our backyard this weekend, a race that Justin Williams has won twice, it seemed the perfect time and place for Packer and L39ION to do something special together.
Based on the design by Elena Aker, with the help of legendary bike customizer, Ron Jones of Pro Bike Design, and support from Brooklyn based Hammerhead cycling computers, we’ve created a collaborative edition of a Specialized S-Works Venge, an iconic frame that was also the first bike that Mike got when cycling became more than just a hobby or exercise.
The bike features the same Zipp wheels ridden by L39ION, a Carbon 4D-printed saddle, SRAM groupset, and a Hammerhead Karoo 2 with hand painted customized co-branded shell. A one-off custom size 54 frame will be auctioned in support of CYCLE Kids (cyclekids.org), an incredible organization with a strong relationship and history with both Packer and L39ION. Auction details will be announced soon.
In celebration of the moment, the Packer x L39ION bike will be showcased at a special event in New Jersey this Friday, hosted by Hammerhead and Strictly Bicycles, who’s owner, Nelson Gutierrez, first introduced Mike and Justin and helped kickstart this whole journey. Members of the L39ION team will be in attendance Friday night before embarking on a Saturday mini-tour of some NYC area shops where they'll have the opportunity to interact with the public and display the Packer x L39ION bike and custom Hammerhead head unit.
Finally, there will be a special limited edition Packer x L39ION capsule available Sunday at The Harlem Crit with all proceeds being donated to CYCLE Kids.
FRIDAY 6/17:
Strictly Bicycles
2347 Hudson Terrace
Fort Lee, NJ
5:30 -8pm
SATURDAY 6/18:
Hilltop
128 Clinton St
New York, NY
2-3:30pm
RAPHA Soho
159 Prince St
New York, NY
4pm
