Today we are introducing Rust Heap, a multi-brand collaboration BMX bike that was over a year in the making. Brought together by longtime BMX pro Mike Ardelean and Tim Swart of UNIV, the two friends connected their network of eight other friendly brands to build a customized project bike. The entire collaborative brand roster includes Verde, UNIV, Odyssey, Duo, Defgrip, Ludwig Van, G-Sport and The Laboratory. The bike was put to the test this past weekend by pros Mike Ardelean, Jim Bauer and Gary Young.

Rust Heap features the highest quality parts from the various collaborative partners. The Verde Cartelframe/fork/bars were painted by The Laboratory to look like rust. It was given many layers of paint in different textures over a multi-week period to achieve the look of something that had been pulled from the bottom of the ocean. The custom-made UNIV head badge adds to the bike’s D.I.Y. personality.

The bike is now on display at Univ. Check out the bike in more detail, as well as some action shots, after the jump.

One People Project got together with retailer Univ, not only to collaborate on a couple of t-shirts, but they also set up a shop-in-shop at Univ. The shop begins April 17th and runs until April 19th, with an opening party featuring DJ’s Gabe Vega and Aesthetic. The two limited edition t-shirts will be released at the opening event.

Take a closer look at the One People Project x Univ T-Shirts and the store after the jump.

Introducing the UNIV for Ellsworth Moment Mountain Bike. This collabor­ation is an extremely limited run of the most versatile full suspension bike. The concept for the UNIV for Ellsworth Moment was to create a detail-oriented, full-suspension street shredder with maximum flare, in contrast to the trend of simplistic throwback re-issues that are now commonplace in street culture. UNIV brings a coastal influence and laid-back outlook to the project, making it a high tech mountain bike for the street. UNIV and Ellsworth worked together for months on the building of the bike and all specifications are to suit the limited collaboration project. The bike had been in discussion for a long time as both brands are located near each other in North San Diego County California. Only six of these bikes will be made and will retail for more than $5000.

The frame and components are 100% made in USA at the Ellsworth facility in Vancouver, Washington. Featuring 6″ of rear travel and Ellsworth’s proprietary Instant Center Tracking suspension, the Moment is the one bike that can go anywhere and do anything.

Images of the Univ For Ellsworth Moment and a t-shirt related to the bike collaborations after jump.

We showed you the first bag from UNIV earlier in the week. It came from the re-vintage collection, using salvage fabrics and old school know how. The rest of the bag offerings for fall 2008 focus on quality materials and function. Three styles – the standard, miner and supply – with leather pulls and YKK zippers. Look for them at robust flavor. 

Close up views of the three UNIV Fall 2008 bags after the jump.

UNIV’s latest collection utilizes salvaged materials and the construction savvy of old-timers. The first in the "re-Vintage" set is the rambler. A quality, heavy duty canvas tote bag. Good for books. Good for setting sail, either figuratively or literally. An example of yet another move in the right direction for reusing fabric and preserving know how. Now out at the UNIV concept shop at Robust Flavor. 

See more of The Rambler after the jump.

With the NFL season just around the corner, UNIV pays tribute to their local San Diego Chargers with a special tee. The shirt features Boner, the store dog, sporting the lightening bolt helmet worn by the team. Be prepared for the season and stand out from the crowd. 

UNIV started life as a concept shop in Encinitas, CA. Founded in 2006, the shop features UNIV apparel and other selected clothing and footwear. Incorporating vintage and eclectic with the contemporary, UNIV continues to push a diverse aesthetic. Summer t-shirts play on the brands Dachschund logo. The boots tee has the dog on its hind legs in the classic pose of an explorer. UNIV is now at Robust Flavor.

Check the other tees after the jump. 

Summer hats have arrived from UNIV. If the mesh panels of the trucker style caps don’t keep you cool enough, a plush terrycloth inner band will whip any perspiration that does appear swiftly away. All are available now at Robust Flavor.
Further views after the jump.

UNIV presents the “Chris Cote For UNIV” surfboard project. The surfboard features the original artwork of surfing’s most illustrious character and Editor-In-Chief of Transworld Surf Magazine, Chris Cote.

The art and board is a colorful take on the weapons and contraband featured in popular streetwear prints of late. The surfboard is a progression in design and four-fin double-ender meant to be ridden both forward and backwards with ease! As the project rolls out over this summer, the “Chris Cote For UNIV” surfboard is going to be shared amongst the world’s top surfers and highlighted in an upcoming issue of Transworld Surf Magazine. Also to be released is a t-shirt commemorating the art and the project launch.
Check out the full board after the jump.

Following the recent introductions of a UNIV + Haze skateboard, the UNIV + Fiberops skateboard, UNIV is pleased to announce its introduction of even more skateboarding products. Featured are four sizes of UNIV skateboards with the famous “Boner The Dog” graphic as well as Boner diecut griptape. These items are for sale at the UNIV shops in Encinitas CA and South Beach Miami FL as well as online at Robust Flavor.