Bicycles and elegant accessories are reflected in a gilt mirror at Bobbin Bicycles. photos: velojoy
I first discovered the charmingly illustrated website of Bobbin Bicycles through a twitter post last fall, and since then, I’d been craving a visit. Thus, it was a special treat to meet the owners, husband and wife team Tom Morris and Sian Emmison, on my recent trip to London.
What’s so special about this trim little storefront on St. John Street in London’s Borough of Islington? In a word: Romance. A love affair with beautiful bicycles paired with stylish, well-crafted accessories. Bobbin’s customers, says Morris, tend to prefer upright city bicycles; often come from art or design backgrounds; share interests in aesthetics and ecology; and “quite like tweed.”
The owners’ business philosophy combines their fondness of bicycling’s sociability and carefree spirit with a touch of inspiration from the Golden Age of the late 19th century, and an appreciation of the entirely contemporary ease, utility and economy that increasingly attracts Londoners to everyday cycling.
The Need for Tweed
The two were ahead of the curve when they launched their first shop in 2007 as enthusiasm for cycling accelerated, urged on by London’s transit strikes, rising transportation costs and traffic congestion.
“At the time, no one was specializing in Dutch bicycles,” observes Tom. “You’d see a few Pashleys or German-made bikes mixed in with road or mountain bikes.”
Adds Sian, “It was difficult for people to get good service in bike shops, especially women.” Today, she says, 80 percent of Bobbin Bicycles’ customers are female.
Colorful vinyl bicycle seat covers help protect leather saddles from rain.
