Proudly Made in Ontario
By Greenspoke
At Greenspoke, every bike rack is more than just a product—it’s the result of thoughtful design, material expertise, and years of hands-on experience. This month, we sat down with our industrial designer to get an inside look at how our products come to life.
With over four decades of design experience, including playground equipment, site amenities, and—of course—bike racks, Dave Hammer’s perspective offers a rare blend of technical know-how and timeless design principles. Whether you’re a contractor looking for durability, a planner with an eye for sustainability, or a cyclist who appreciates good design, this Q&A offers insight into what makes Greenspoke’s products stand out.
Tell us about your experience as an industrial designer.
I’ve been designing a wide range of products since 1980 – so about 45 years of experience. My portfolio includes everything from cabinets and housings for electrical items to playground and outdoor fitness equipment, site furnishings like benches and litter receptacles, and of course, bike racks. I’ve also worked on countless custom fabrication projects.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
From a young age, I was artistically hindered by colour blindness. That ruled out a lot of creative fields where colour is essential. Fortunately, industrial design is primarily a “black & white” technical process, making it the perfect fit. Plus, I married someone to help me pick out my clothes.
How do you account for durability and weather resistance when designing products?
All Greenspoke products are designed to endure the rigors of repeated use and harsh Canadian weather. We select the most durable materials and surface coatings to be utilized.
How does sustainability factor into your material choices and manufacturing processes?
Sustainability is always a priority. Greenspoke products are primarily made from materials such as steel and aluminum, which can be repeatedly recycled without significant quality loss. These metals are also made with a high content of recycled material.
Are there any recent trends or innovations that you are influenced by or look forward to trying?
Trendy products typically have a short lifespan before they become outdated. Greenspoke designs are timeless and contain classic design elements that never go out of style. We make extensive use of innovative processes such as laser cutting and CAD modeling, which allows us to provide a greater amount of customization.
Can you walk us through your approach to designing a custom product?
Fanciful concepts are fun – if cost is no object. However, we owe it to our clients to create solutions that are not only attractive, but also functional, safe, manufacturable, and cost-effective. Every Greenspoke custom product is a unique blend of those factors, and finding the right balance is both the challenge and the reward
If you could create your own custom bike parking or repair product, what would it look like?
Every Greenspoke product must meet my personal standards, meaning it needs to be well-balanced, practical, and visually appealing. As an avid fisherman, I am partial to our marine-themed racks, with one of my favourites being the Salmon-Run Rack. I would love to add a few more fish species to the series.
Do you have a favourite Greenspoke product?
That’s like asking a parent to choose their favourite child! I consider all Greenspoke products to be my “babies.” Each one is designed with care and intention.
Whether it’s a classic rack or one-of-a-kind custom build, Greenspoke products are a direct reflection of our designer’s decades of expertise and commitment to quality. His thoughtful approach ensures that each product isn’t just built to last – but also built with purpose.
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