Palace x Cannondale Mad Boy Bike Collection Hits the Streets

London skateboard brand Palace has brought their wild design senses to a multitude of collaborations. Adding their iconic penrose triangle logo and colorfully chaotic collage graphics to co-branded merch with such cultural giants as Stella Artois, Italian soccer club Juventus, and even Polo Ralph Lauren. Palace's road racing kit collab with cycling apparel powerhouse Rapha during the 2020 Giro d’Italia created one of the most exciting moments of the race, fitting the EF Pro Cycling team with fantastically graphic designs from helmet to shoe, down to the team Cannondale bikes.

Now today, Friday 3 September, we see the introduction of Palace x Cannondale, and again Lev and the lads at Palace have been let loose to pull design inspiration from the depths of their unpredictable minds, delivering a limited release collection that shifts focus from the pro peloton to the streets.

Noticeable influences on the collection include everything from '90s bmx racing to '00s motocross to rave-flyers and VHS tape jackets. As a result, the line of tees, caps, jackets, and pants hit the nail on the head for the contemporary fashion landscape. Though the crown jewel, and undoubtably the most limited piece in the collection is an actual bike, dubbed the Mad Boy.

The Mad Boy is the Palace remix of Cannondale’s signature Bad Boy mountain-style urban bike, now celebrating its 50th anniversary. The black-to-silver fade seen here is decorated with hits of Palace artwork throughout. Even components like the saddle, grips, and headset top cap have been painted by Palace’s funky brush.

Wide 40mm tires and hydraulic disc brakes make for a swift but solid urban cruiser that doesn’t need to be too careful dropping off a tall curb or taking a shortcut down a set of stairs. The Mad Boy’s crowning feature is the inclusion of Cannondale’s proprietary (and forever funky) Lefty fork that has just one leg to hold the front wheel on strong and true.

The original Cannondale team bikes debuted at the Giro d’Italia were never meant for the public to get their hands on, but the Mad Boy and accompanying apparel certainly is. That said, it’s a limited release so if anything tickles your fancy then act quick (Update: a lot is already sold out). The apparel is available in stores and on the Palace web shop, but the Mad Boy bike is available exclusively from Cannondale, so don’t bother your local bike shop with a bribe. But, definitely tip them for their hard work during these crazy times!