Model Kate Veronneau rehearses for the "City Styles" fashion show at interbike. photos: velojoy
As Interbike, North America’s largest cycling expo, gets underway in Las Vegas today, it’s great to see that, amidst this bastion of road and performance riding, representation of city cycling continues to grow and gain recognition.
“Urban cycling culture is here to stay and it’s providing our industry with an incredibly dynamic landscape of products and lifestyle identities,” Interbike Managing Director Pat Hus said in a statement last week.
Within that landscape, Momentum Magazine stylishly projects the pleasures of bicycling as a part of daily living — whether for commuting, running errands around town, socializing or sharing the joy of cycling with family. For the fourth year at Interbike, the magazine is sending the newest urban bicycles and cycling clothing and accessories down the runway in its “City Style” fashion show today and Wednesday. Read more…
B Spoke Tailor knickers with Nutcase helmet and Gazelle bicycle.
The Ready to Ride fashion show of urban styles for men and women at the Interbike trade show delivers all the fizz of a runway show — with a twist.
You’ve got over-the-top ensembles, attractive guys and girls, and a cool playlist to help animate the action. But, instead of strutting, the models inside the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas ride the hottest new city bikes around an oval track, pausing to vamp on a ramp. Thankfully, instead of the wan, blank looks seen on fashion models, the riders here project energy and wink-wink humor.
View the Ready to Ride fashion show finale in HD here.
Sponsored by Momentum Magazine and Interbike, Ready to Ride, now in its third year, is all about motion, tapping into the growing popularity of city riding and commuting in urban centers across the nation. The point is to inspire. This popular show culls from among Interbike exhibitors apparel and accessories that offer functionality, comfort and opportunities for creative self-expression.
Back in the day, cycling apparel mostly meant spandex jerseys and shorts, but a growing number of smaller, independent makers are catering to urban and lifestyle cyclists for whom biking represents transportation and an ordinary part of the day. They’re interested in comfort and performance, like stretch, moisture-wicking, water resistance and utility pockets. They may be into projecting cycling pride or riffing on classic biking looks, but spandex? No thanks.
Among the cycling fashion categories represented:
- Tailored performance versions of traditional slacks and shirts, such as those made by Outlier (Ahem, only one style for women?)
- Fashion designs that combine traditional and performance fabrics and incorporate details and features for cyclists. Example: Nona Varnado
- Makers of popular road cycling apparel, such as Terry, offering performance basics that fit well into any active lifestyle.
- Made-to-measure, including woolen cycling knickers for men and women by B Spoke Tailor.
Unisuit by Movmoda shown with Triple B hip pouch and Raleigh bicycle.
Nobody wants to be a slave to fashion. After all, freedom is the core of a commitment to urban cycling. The good news: City riders have more options than ever before in cycling apparel that they can integrate into their daily wardrobes for riding comfort and style.
For most urban cyclists the foundation of a biking wardrobe is a pair of pants. Readers, please recommend your favorites for girls and guys in the comments section!
All photos: velojoy
With Day One of the Interbike industry trade show in Las Vegas behind me, here’s a quick round-up of some of the products, people and trends in women’s cycling that I encountered in the exhibit hall:
City bike sage: The new Mixte 8 women’s bicycle (above) from Linus was one of my favorites among the large array of city bikes on the show floor — a reflection of the popularity of cycling among women in urban areas. The Mixte packs great features for city riding — Chromoly frame and 8-speed gearing — along with urban-ready details: leather grips, leather-covered touring saddle, and rear rack.
“Sensual” performance apparel: Movmoda premiered a stylish line of performance lingerie (left) that aims to eliminate some of bulk of cycling and active wear, blending “functionality with sensuality.” The line, whose name was inspired by the Italian words for women and movement, includes 10 pieces in soft but supportive nylon microfiber and Lycra elastomer geared toward casual and commuter cyclists.
Social side of women’s cycling: At a morning press conference on cycling advocacy, I lucked into sitting with Leslie Prevish, the new brand manager of Trek Women. Prevish talked about the leading bicycle company’s goal to create community around women’s cycling and triathlon through sponsored events and social media. “It’s about broadening the base and getting women to engage others in cycling for fitness and fun,” she said. Coming up Oct. 9: Trek Ride for Breast Cancer Awareness to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For information, visit trek or find trekwomen on Facebook.
I
rresistible bibs: Nine out of 10 women don’t wear bib shorts for road cycling and I’m included. But after I checked out the female friendly features on these new Castelli Body Paint women’s bibs, I’m ready to give them a try. The seamless straps (right) criss-cross at the back for a more comfortable fit across the shoulders and through the chest area. Overall benefit of bibs for women: less shifting of the chamois.
Bike shops and women: A National Bicycle Dealers Association seminar on bicycle market trends and opportunities outlined keys to future business growth, including a more customer-centered and less product-oriented approach to selling bicycles. Among recommendations to better serve women bike shoppers: less condescension, more focus on crafting solutions for individual needs of customers. Amen.
Bike bling for teens: The over-the-top bike below created buzz around the booth of Cruiser Candy, a vendor offering every imaginable bell and bits of bling for teens to trick out their bikes.
