Cycling in Style

Cycling in Style

Introducing an alternative way of cycling, we are calling it cycling in style.

If you want to cycle in your ordinary clothes, if you want to take it easy on a bike and look great, this type of cycling is for you.

Anyone can do it. No matter what your age or level of fitness. All you need is a great bike, great clothes and the right attitude. Cycling in style is the way most ordinary people in the great cycling countries of the North of Europe have cycled for years. Check out the amazing photos on the Copenhagen Chic Blog, www.copenhagencyclechic.com

There is a growing movement of people in this country who want to cycle in style. See Cycle Chic, www.cyclechic.co.uk, based in London, or The Slow Bicycle Movement www.theslowbicycle.blogspot.com. Sustrans have just launched a website called Bike Belles for women who want to look good and stay safe on a bike. Check out www.bikebelles.org.uk. And the Darlington Beauty and the Bike Project www.bikebeauty.org/english/.

There are a few key things to bear in mind that may make cycling in style easier...

A Great Bike

Any bike will do, but is easiest to look stylish on a Dutch-style bike. To the uninitiated, this is also known as “sit up and beg” and “granny style” bikes. These are some of the best-looking, coolest bikes in the world.

Check out the Gazelle at www.gazelle.nl/brochure_uk_2008.pdf.The Pashley at www.pashley.co.uk. Batavis Bikes at www.dutchbikeshop.co.uk. The sleek Velorbis at www.velorbis.co.uk. All these bikes enable you to cycle in an upright fashion which has many advantages. You can see where you are going. You can wear ordinary clothes on them. And you look great.

And what about a folding bike – the Brompton, the Birdy, the Dahon Mu, the Mezzo are just some of the many great brands out there. With cute, small wheels in fab colours and light enough to lift and store them easily and pop on a train or a bus. Www.cycleheaven.co.uk has a great range on its website.

Or why not a laid-back cruiser? Check out the great colours and styles at www.electrabike.com

As a note - it makes cycling in style easier if your bike has the right equipment. A chainguard is essential so you can wear what you want, as are mudguards and a rack. A skirt guard is useful. And a rack to attach a set of panniers to so you avoid the need to carry a bulky rucsac. You can buy some great patterned panniers from Basil. And why not a wicker or metal basket? You can get these from most bike shops.

Helmets, as you know, are optional. But Cycle Chic (www.cyclechic.co.uk) have found a great-looking alternative. And why not get a cute set of lights – Minx-girl (www.minx-girl.co.uk)stock great "Frog lights" which are very easy to attach. Just be careful no-one runs off with them!

Great Clothing

No special clothing is required as we are talking about that leisurely bike ride to the shops, the gym, around town, not performance racing/mountain biking/ BMXing.

Here are some tips about wearing stylish, everyday clothes on a bike, while not compromising comfort, practicality and safety:

Coats/jackets/tops that are brightly-coloured to make you more visible and fasten all the way down the front (in case of chill winds)
Trousers with skinny legs (not to catch in the chain) and not too tight around the waist so you can bend and breathe
(ladies) Skirts that go just below the knee or "skorts" (skirts with shorts underneath them)
Three-quarter length macs/ waterproof jackets
Waterproofed shoes/ boots with a good sole.
Good, waterproof gloves

There are some good websites for women with stylish, performance–orientated clothes. Try
www.minx-girl.co.uk; or www.sheactive.co.uk.

The right attitude...

... for cycling in style is a laid-back one. Steady, even slow if you wish. But, most importantly, at your own pace. No sweat (literally!). Confidently gliding along.

All you need to do is take it easy. And cycling in style could easily could be the most enjoyable thing you do all day.