Nelson Vails Inspired “Teaba” By Raleigh

The folks from Raleigh and cycling legend Nelson Vails collaborated on a new fixed gear/single speed complete called “Teaba”. The all black frame features artwork by renowned grafitti artist/author Zephr.

PRESS RELEASE
“Designed for street riding and track racing, the Teaba is a fixed gear single speed steel bike with higher-end componentry for serious riders. This bike boasts a lightweight alloy frame, carbon fork, FSA stem and seat post, and fixed free capabilities (to run as a single speed or fixed gear), as well as removable brake hardware/cable guides for a clean, finished look. The Teaba comes with bullhorn pursuit bars and toe clips (for legal racing), an extra set of riser bars to swap out for riding around town, and extra brake levers and grips.”

“The Teaba was inspired by Nelson Vails—the first African-American cyclist to win an Olympic Medal in cycling. Created by Raleigh in collaboration with Nelson and his best friend, famous graffiti artist, Zephyr, the Teaba’s story actually takes place before Nelson’s Olympic days when he rode fixed gear bikes as a messenger in NYC.”

“The frame features unique top tube art and meaningful original illustrations by Zephyr including Nelson’s signature Converse Chuck Taylor Hi Tops, an iconic dime (what Nelson used to call his messenger service for the location of his next job), the flags of the Checkered Cab (onto which Nelson grabbed bumpers to catch rides), the notorious TOGA bike shop (where messengers hung out), and Cat’s Paw Hill in Central Park (where Nelson and the crew met to ride and skate), among others.”

Below is a series of video Raleigh produced featuring Nelson Vails and Zephr talking about the Teba and their early days in NYC