CIKLO glasses from Viniliza give new life to old bicycle cables

As sustainability and circular design gain more traction in the design space, greenwashing is also on the rise. Brands are enjoying the popularity of new materials, with a clear approach to the unfortunate consequences of using new materials. Not so with CYCLEline of glasses from Vinylize which takes reclaimed bicycle cables and turns them into eye glasses and sunglasses. Breathing new life into previously discarded (and notoriously difficult to recycle) material, this line sparks a welcome conversation about where things go when we’re done with them.

A range of dynamic designs make CIKLO feel modern and fresh. The temples are made from bicycle cables and are fitted with lightweight cellulose acetate fronts made from old vinyl records, offering cohesion within the styles. With multiple finishes, including a lovely striped variant, each offers embellishment while also offering prescription protection and UV protection. Because the cables are reversible, it means no two pairs can be the same, offering a unique, luxurious product that also does good for the country in tandem.

First invented in 1896, the Bowden cable brake allowed the burgeoning bicycle industry to really take off, providing reliability and much-needed handling when navigating rocky terrain or city streets. It is ingenious in its simplicity, with a simple three-layer design, yet has had a huge impact on design as a whole, quickly adapting to multiple industries, including transportation, manufacturing and industrial design. This somewhat humble invention has touched an immeasurable amount of products and processes, enabling freedom and innovation.

Due to their ubiquity, an incredible amount of brake cables are made and thrown away each year, which are difficult to recycle due to their layered design. A thin steel wire is in the core, tightly wound for tensile strength. A spirally wound layer of flat steel wraps the wire, while a layer of polyethylene holds the entire structure together. Instead of breaking these components down, using a lot of energy to do so, Vinylize goes the other way: all the discarded cables from local bike shops are sorted, cleaned, cut to size and laser engraved before assembly. This process takes an often forgotten invention and brings this legacy of innovation full circle, reminding us that even humble inventions can have incredible impact.

The result is modern glasses that are comfortable to wear, long-lasting, hypoallergenic and easily adjustable. The collection consists of six models, including three designs named after key members of Queen – Mercury, Mai and Deacon – which are available in five colors. The other three styles are named after famous cyclists – Bottechia, Franzt and Aimo – and come in three colors each.

Vinilize is an eyewear brand that creates unique and innovative designs for decoration and inspiration. The first Vinylize frame was hand carved from a 12″ Creedence Clearwater Revival album and held together with cigar box hinges. From this first prototype made in 2000, co-founder Zachary Tipton set out to find a way to produce frames from panels. In 2004, he teamed up with his brother Zoltan and founded their first factory in the EU. Since then, they’ve reclaimed tons of records from landfills, working to create a connection between audio and visual fans.

To learn more about CIKLO bi Vinilize, visit vinylize.com.

Photo courtesy of Vinylize.

Growing up in New York gave Aria a unique perspective in art and design, constantly striving for new projects to immerse herself in. An avid baker, crocheter and pasta maker, handwork and the personal touch are central to what she loves about the built environment. Outside of the city, she enjoys hiking, biking, and learning about space.