We’ve known ever since the successful collaboration with Pelago that Carhartt WIP is certainly keen on cycling collaborations. Now comes a new project – this time in partnership with the Danish cargo bike brand Omnium. The result is the Omnium x Carhartt WIP Mini-Max, a special edition limited to just 150 units.
Stainless steel with acid accents
The well-known Mini-Max serves as the basis; with its compact cargo bike design, it sits somewhere between a classic bicycle and a full-size cargo bike. However, this collaboration involved more than just introducing a new colour. Instead of the usual chromoly frame, Omnium has opted for stainless steel – specifically, KVA-MS3 tubes. A transparent coating gives the material a largely untreated appearance, so that weld seams and the typical discolouration around the joints remain visible. This gives the Mini-Max a pleasingly technical and industrial look.
Added to this are jointly designed details in Acid Yellow and black, which can be found on the DT Swiss wheels, the luggage net, the handles and the saddle, amongst other places. The saddle features titanium struts, whilst special MKS x Carhartt WIP XC-III Bear-Trap pedals complete the spec. The matt black pedals, featuring hand-painted branding and a cut-out C-logo, also reflect Carhartt WIP’s connections to BMX culture.
Technically, the bike remains relatively traditional. It is fitted with a mechanical SRAM Apex 1 groupset offering eleven gears and a range of 11 to 42 teeth, complemented by hydraulic SRAM Level TL disc brakes. The tyres are Continental Cross Kings, 2.0 inches wide, fitted to a 29-inch rear wheel and a 20-inch front wheel. The distinctive front rack measures 70 × 50 centimetres and can carry a load of up to 50 kilograms. In size M, the complete Mini-Max, including webbing, stand and pedals, is said to weigh just 19.5 kilograms.
The collection for the bike
The collaboration isn’t limited to the bike itself. To complement the Mini-Max, Omnium and Carhartt WIP are also launching a small joint collection. This includes a sweatshirt and T-shirts in black and white, complemented by a Nalgene water bottle featuring the joint design. The MKS x Carhartt WIP Bear-Trap pedals fitted to the bike are also set to be available separately in limited quantities.
Price and availability
The Omnium x Carhartt WIP Mini-Max is available in three frame sizes – S, M and L – and costs 4,500 euros. Sales begin on 24 September at 10 am – Omnium has announced that the edition will be available not only via its online shop but also through its own flagship stores and selected retailers. With only 150 units produced, however, the stainless steel Mini-Maxis likely to be more of a special collector’s item than a common sight on cycle paths.
