a fresh spin on city cycling
Remember the giddy excitement of exchanging cards in school on Valentine’s Day? For the romantic fantasies they inspired, we liked the ones from secret admirers best. In honor of sweet amour on two wheels this week, we’re asking you to share your (secret) bike crush on our facebook page! Details after the jump… Read more…
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about cap-like hats reminiscent of bicycle helmets that popped up on fashion runways for fall and spring. With the couture connection fresh in my mind, the new Bianchi by Gucci bicycle helmet (above) caught my eye.
This limited edition, offered in black or white polycarbonate, and available in two sizes, sports some pretty hot features. I love the Mystery Woman, or Mystery Man, visor that probably looks equally sexy when flipped up as when pulled down. And there’s a buttery sheen to those adjustable leather straps. The signature green/red/green Gucci stripe down the center? Elegant.
Of course the chic features of this collaboration between the Italian bicycle manufacturer Bianchi and the venerable Italian leather-goods maker come at a price. Read more…
photo: burberry
A recent article in the New York Times Style section asked “Which came first — the bicycle helmet or the caplike fashion visor?” It was a reference to helmet-like caps that topped off many runway looks for fall/winter 2011 and then popped up in the spring collections.
The question was provocative for this reason: Bicycle helmets were being mentioned in the same breath and within the context of high fashion. It’s hard to imagine that having occurred even 5 years ago. Crash protection and couture! It’s a heady mix that fires the imagination. Could the world of couture influence a category as prosaic — until now at least — as protective head gear for cycling? And what influence might it have on helmet use?
photo: hermès
What has my bicycle helmet done for me lately? I mean, aside from protecting my brain in case of a sudden impact on the streets of New York City? Well, how about this: My hot head gear recently helped me meet the sexiest man alive.
Imagine it: There I was, cruising contentedly up the First Avenue bike lane, when a fellow cyclist pulled up next to me at a red light. Lost in thought, I neglected to look to my right.
“That’s quite a helmet you’re wearing,” I heard.
Tony-award winner and cyclist Mark Rylance. photo: getty images
I turned to acknowledge the voice, which sounded familiar in timbre, if not in accent. And there on a folding bike and wearing a pretty darned awesome helmet himself was none other than the Tony-Award winning star of last season’s acclaimed Broadway hit Jerusalem.
I drew in a sharp breath, then managed to cough out, “You’re Mark Rylance!” And mumbled: “The sexiest man alive.” Read more…
Ever since I posted a velojoy street scene photo of a city cyclist riding a bright orange bicycle accessorized with glossy orange panniers, this color has been on my mind. I’m hardly alone: The sunny hue is one of the hottest fashion trends for summer.
Someone must have been reading my mind, because a sweet animation that cleverly captures the carefree fun of summer riding, Orange, from Language Department and Meghan Eplett for Kate Spade, recently landed in my inbox and made me smile.
Orange from Language Dept. on Vimeo.
All this craving for citrus led me to an online shopping expedition, where I discovered a bumper crop of ten fresh city cycling accessories in orange:
Pryme 8 V2 Lite Bicycle Helmet, Tangerine, $19.99
Cruiser Candy Flower Bling Bike Bell, $12.99
Casrona on Etsy Orange with Dots Bike Basket Liner, $32 Read more…
photos: Kim Burgas
Guest post: Kim Burgas, avid cyclist, graphic designer and host of the Get Fancy art
gallery rides, shopped the New Amsterdam Bicycle Show for velojoy last weekend and shares her faves here. Kim regularly rides in heels — with toe cages.
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Many cyclists found refuge in the quiet streets of Chelsea during last weekend’s successful and well-attended New Amsterdam Bike Show.
The timing of the show, presented by the New York Press and benefiting Transportation Alternatives, couldn’t have been better. It was a pleasure to see familiar faces, reinstate a sense of community and be reminded that, despite the current complexity of cycling politics in New York City, riding a bike is still a simple, innocent pleasure.
Geared toward city cycling, the show featured bicycle and accessories manufacturers, local retailers and cycling organizations on three floors of Center 548 on West 22nd Street. Also on tap: panel discussions, book signings, a bike demo area and a fashion show that drew a mid-afternoon crowd.
These were some of my favorite finds:
Biria Bicycles (photo above): This line of affordable, commuter, Dutch-style bicycles is a good choice for the first-time buyer who is looking to cruise around town without having to worry about inevitable dings that come with street parking. Although I currently ride a road bike, I have been thinking about purchasing a second bicycle for more leisurely outings and consider Biria a fitting option. Biria bicycles can be found at several retail stores throughout the city.
Corset Safety Vest: Newcomer Vespertine makes reflective safety vests with a kick. The Gogo, in citron or nude orange, is one of several styles designed around a “safe is sexy” philosophy. A front zipper makes it easy to slip the garment on for day- and night-time riding visibility. The vests are manufactured in New York City’s Garment District using sustainable materials. Available at Hudson Urban Bicycles.
Biomega LDN: It’s not for the New York City commuter, but the LDN is still one of my favorite picks from the show, as it pushes to the max the use of design aesthetics to engage a new audience. It would be great to see more companies embrace style as a functional element in city riding.
Truce Bags: As a city cyclist/commuter/wannabe fashionista, I am always looking for a stylish yet functional bag to wear to work and out in the evening — something that doesn’t shout “college student” or “messenger,” because I’m neither. Even with lots of recommendations from fellow cyclists, I hadn’t found the bag…until the show.
Portland-based Truce offers a line of beautifully designed, weather-proof, and environmentally-friendly bags, totes and patch kits made from re-purposed fabrics.
Spoke Reflectors: These little buggers made by Cycleogical attach to your spokes, transforming your entire wheel into a reflector. A necessity for city riding indeed; my only concern would be theft. Would people really steal tiny spoke reflectors? Sadly, in New York City, I wouldn’t put it past them.
Cycling Caps: Outlier believes that cycling should be embraced as a viable means of everyday transportation, so they tailor their apparel and outerwear to the needs of the commuter. These cute caps fit the bill: simple, well-designed, water-resistant and breathable, they’re a great accessory for both on and off your bike.
photo: velojoy
velojoy street scene
Stitch, the well-behaved Norwich terrier belonging to fashion designer and avid cyclist Lela Rose, waits patiently on an upholstered seat in the rear cab of Rose’s custom tricycle, which recently was parked near Manhattan’s High Line.
‘UK Cyclists To Shun Royal Wedding En Masse’
What’s this tabloid-style headline on the British cycling website bikeradar.com all about? Has the bicycling population been slighted in connection with Kate and William’s nuptials? Not quite. Turns out that a poll by the site reveals cyclists plan to use Friday’s holiday to get in some extra riding rather than focus on the royal wedding.
In my own highly scientific survey, I reached across the Atlantic to Look Mum No Hands to ask if this popular London cycling cafe is planning any special events in conjunction with the wedding. According to Lewin Chalkley:
“No, we’re not. We’ll be a refuge from all the fuss. We will be showing the Tour of Turkey at 12:30 on the big screen and drinking beer.”
Cheers to Chalkley and company!
photo: velojoy
Whether or not “the fuss” will affect the a.m. cycling commute here in New York City is anybody’s guess. Still, if you yearn for communion with royal watchers on Friday, ride on over to Greenwich Avenue for some Tea & Sympathy. The restaurant of that name (above) and neighboring Lyon will host a street party to celebrate the royal wedding. Read more…
Nobody would argue with the need for a wider selection of stylish city helmets. That’s why I was happy to see this new entry at the recent Interbike industry trade show. Giro, maker of high-performance road cycling helmets worn by Lance Armstrong, has introduced the Surface line of urban helmets. A clean and simple shell with integrated sun visor takes its cue from skate helmets. Inside, it’s adjustable for stability and comfort, and features channeling, plus six vents. An array of solid colors and prints is offered, but, from a commuter fashion standpoint, the beige and black hounds tooth fabric style shown here fits right in with the tailored and tweedy looks for women this fall. Price: $55
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Scene on the Street: Artfully Parked Bike
photo: velojoy
When I lock up on New York City streets, I sometimes return to discover a novel ride hitched up next to mine. Last Monday’s find was this cruiser, spray-painted gold with a plastic flower-encrusted basket and glitter-flecked handlebar grips. Guess I shouldn’t have been surprised: I’d parked outside the Museum of Modern Art.
Readers: What’s been your favorite street find?
