As part of our series Pro Tool, we’re looking for that must-have device in your line of work, be it a pair of scissors, notebook, or microphone. 

The sixth item in our series? A bicycle. 

Professional: Ben Harper, New York City bike messenger. 

Pro Tool: Steel-frame, fixed-gear Franklin bike. 

Why it’s a Pro Tool: “Steel, I’ve come to find is the most durable, soaks up a lot of the shock … even though it’s got no paint left on it and it’s all dented — it just goes and goes and goes and goes.”

Click the media player above to hear more.

Additional production from Justin Ho.