It was a brave decision to produce such vehicles within the framework of his professional activities, but this student from Białystok has succeeded proving that he can conquer world markets with his bicycles. Today his bikes are bought by clients from Germany, Holland, the USA, and he still receives inquiries from new regions: the Republic of South Africa, Chile, France, Indonesia or Russia. Recently, two-wheeled vehicles from Podlasie were bought even by a bison-breeder from Pennsylvania.
He started his activity in 2014 when within the framework of the scholarship Young Creators he constructed three bicycles in the Podlasie stylized folk designing. The modern and clear form of expression – combining the Podlasie folk design with designer custom bicycles – was to store up the memory about disappearing folk design of the Białystok region. Within the framework of his scholarship, Adam Zdanowicz constructed bicycles in three stylisations:
- The wooden architecture of the Białystok region – via the Open Shutters Trail,
- The Podlasie cut-outs – Tradition of the colour paper ornamentation,
- Double-warp fabrics – The greatest achievement of folk handicraft.
Adam Zdanowicz was a 24-year-old student when he decided to launch his start-up in which he creates – as he says – bicycles “with a heart”, and more precisely: bicycles with everything the client’s heart desires.
Each model produced by MAD Bicycles is unique because it is made-to-measure. A bicycle is created firstly on a piece of paper, then it is sketched and drawn according to the client’s instructions or with his approval. Then, the client is measured because the bicycle must fit – it should neither be too small nor too big. The sketch is entered in the computer graphic programme where it is scaled. The crossbar size is adjusted and details are added. Then, decorative elements such as upholstered saddle and laser details are added. After the final design is approved by the client, the model of such bicycle is printed out at a scale of 1:1 which then is delivered to the metalwork studio where the design is implemented – appropriate tubes are shaped, cut and welded. Then, all the parts are varnished and some of them are chromed. Assembling all the parts is the final stage. All these works take about 3-7 weeks.
The motto on the website of the Adam Zdanowicz’s firm is: If you look for a bike with a heart which will make your dreams come true, I welcome you to the world of MAD Bicycles. The catalogue offers a number of various models of which Fury is the real king among the bikes. Only the cycling position – with hands spread wide on a handlebar stem – shows self-confidence. Rooster is like a bird with a long stork-like beak – we can just jump on the saddle and fly …. Spike forces the cyclist to keep his body straight as this model is designed for long bike rides.
When asked about why he chose the start-up path instead of professional career at the architectural design studio, Adam Zdanowicz replies – I did not want to design any buildings and bridges. For me it is the scheme reproduction. I did not feel any enthusiasm or passion for this area. I prefer working on my own or with a team but for myself because then it is me who determines a goal and vision, and I feel that I have control over everything what I do.
Adam Zdanowicz fully combines professional activity with his passion. Thus, there can be only one result: further expansion onto foreign markets.
