Cork Cycle Chic Fashion Show

November 19th, 2008 | written by : finn

On November 1st in Cork, Ireland, the city council and various European and local designers put on the CYCLE CHIC Fashion Show. It's aim was to reflect the spirit of Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Paris where cycling is less about wearing gawky reflective jackets and more about style, grace and simplicity. Did they succeed? Long video but cut to 1.09 mins in and it looks like they did. More photos here.

OUTLIER | Tailored Clothing for Cycling in the City

November 19th, 2008 | written by : finn

OUTLIER just emailed me a press release, they sound interesting. They're based in NYC and produce tailored clothing from performance technical fabrics. Clothing that their press release says . .

"works from both bike to boardroom, for a world where bikes are the best mode of transit. Designed for versatility, both socially and technologically, whether you're riding to work, meeting with clients, or out on the town. Aimed at urban dwellers who ride their bikes to work because of the way it makes them feel, refreshed yet exhilarated, because it's the best way to navigate the city."

Two years ago, Abe and Tyler began to search for a solution to a basic problem; how to ride their bikes to work and show up looking crisp, fresh and clean. Cycling wore out their jeans. On rainy days or days when they needed to dress up for clients, they either suffered the train or performed awkward superman maneuvers in bathrooms to change. An insightful barista at their local coffee shop connected the pair and Outlier was born.

The OG Pant is their flagship garment, made in NYC with Schoeller Dryskin Extreme fabrics. Apparently the stuff keeps you cool and dry no matter how hard you ride and has a "self cleaning" coating, water just rolls off, taking with it any dirt that might remain. Water resistant and quick drying, it will eventually saturate in the craziest storms, but get indoors and you'll find yourself dry in 10-20 minutes. The style is versatile, could go with brogues and a jacket or sneakers and a hoodie. Designed to be a classic that works for any occasion. They retail for US $240. Interested? Check out more at Outlier.cc

Urban Legend Bike Fashion Show

October 9th, 2008 | written by : finn

Momentum Magazine has been doing a good job of getting people excited about being regular cyclists. Their recent Urban Legend Fashion Show ups the ante by putting fashion on regular cyclists. This small Vancouver magazine with global ambitions was invited to show their fashion at Interbike in Las Vegas, the largest bike manufacturer and retail expo in North America.

"Cycling for transportation is one of the hottest sectors in the bike industry today. A change is happening on the streets and people are integrating bikes into their everyday lives. 'Urban Legend' is about expanding our perceptions of what it looks like to ride a bike. See new urban cycling trends and a range of stylish, smart, sexy and professional looks that fit into everyday life and work great on a bike." Full fashion show program available at Momentum Planet.

More Agyness Deyn cycle chic . . .

September 15th, 2008 | written by : finn

Agyness Deyn, much lauded cycle chic guru and supermodel from Manchester has been in the papers again. Since her move from Primrose Hill, London to NYC to be with fiance Albert Hammond Jnr, guitarist for The Strokes, she's been snapped many times out and about on her 'Amsterdam Electra' Dutch bike. Last week she was caught shopping for lingerie in SoHo. Despite her East London grunge chic she truly is a beautiful girl, no question, and one with an adorably quirky sense of style. How can you not love a girl who rides a bicycle with rainbow tassles on the handlebars? Here's a roundup of recent Agy bike chic (courtesy of Shelly at Riding Pretty) and how to get it . . .

Classic 3 speed SRAM DUTCH Retro OMA BIKE black NEW
Classic 3 speed SRAM DUTCH Retro OMA BIKE black NEW US $389.99
End date: 5d 2h 41m
Buy it now for only: US $389.99
Buy it now | More info

Adie Front Cycle Wire Basket White RRP £1295
Adie Front Cycle Wire Basket White RRP £1295 US $12.00
End date: 5d 7h 16m
Buy it now for only: US $12.00
Buy it now | More info

Messenger Photography

August 27th, 2008 | written by : finn

Tim Defrisco, a Denver based photographer has just completed a photo shoot for a bike messenger project. The results are worth checking out at his blog.


Courtesy of Mandiberg @ Flickr

This is a style referred to as a "Sit up and Beg", Classic, Retro, Traditional or most commonly Dutch bike. Of course the Dutch don't call them Dutch bikes - in the Netherlands and Denmark they just call them bikes or Grandma bikes, 'Oma' or 'Opa' bikes in Dutch or "bedstemor cykler" in Danish. Major manufacturers of this style include Raleigh, Batavus, Velorbis, Gazelle, Kildemoes, Taarnby, MBK and Jaguar.

Courtesy of Ubrayj02 @ Flickr
Courtesy of Ubrayj02 @ Flickr

The Oma or "Grandma" is the most well known Dutch style. Its classic and convenient step-through design is enjoyed by men and women alike. It is especially suited to those wanting chic upright comfort and ease of use.

The Oma has all the modern design and quality construction features which are the hallmark of hand-made Dutch city bikes - relaxed frame geometry, fenders, generator, lighting system, locking system, rear wheel spoke guards (skirt guard) and a chain case. Built tough and corrosion-resistant to live outdoors in all climates. All these features add up to the ultimate in utility, low maintenance, comfort, ease of use, longevity and style. Check out our suggested frame size charts.

Courtesy of Placid Casual @ Flickr
Courtesy of Placid Casual @ Flickr

Classic 3 speed SRAM DUTCH Retro OMA BIKE black NEW
Classic 3 speed SRAM DUTCH Retro OMA BIKE black NEW US $389.99
End date: 5d 2h 41m
Buy it now for only: US $389.99
Buy it now | More info
ClassicDUTCH Retro BIKE black NEW Oma bike
ClassicDUTCH Retro BIKE black NEW Oma bike US $188.67
End date: 4d 4h 11m
Buy it now for only: US $188.67
Buy it now | More info

Audrey Hepburn’s enduring cycle chic

August 6th, 2008 | written by : finn

Audrey Hepburn to this day is a beauty and fashion icon. She has often been called one of the most beautiful women of all time. The queen of style was often snapped on a bicycle whether on a film set or taking her pooch out for a spin. These pictures are a perfect example of how with the right outfit (and admittedly an extraordinarily pretty face in Audrey's case) a bicycle can accentuate femininity. The lady's got class and her casual and comfortable style continues to endure. Thanks to Caz at the London Cycle Chic Blog for rediscovering this one.

Classic 3 speed SRAM DUTCH Retro OMA BIKE black NEW
Classic 3 speed SRAM DUTCH Retro OMA BIKE black NEW US $389.99
End date: 5d 2h 41m
Buy it now for only: US $389.99
Buy it now | More info

Adie Front Cycle Wire Basket White RRP £1295
Adie Front Cycle Wire Basket White RRP £1295 US $12.00
End date: 5d 7h 16m
Buy it now for only: US $12.00
Buy it now | More info

The Copenhagen Effect

August 3rd, 2008 | written by : finn

'Copenhagen Cycle Chic' has discovered another bike renaissance article from August's Washington Post and goes on :

All in all, looking back over the past year, it is quite amazing to see how things have snowballed. It was as lonely as a Finnish winter until other sites started cropping up, followed by Flickr groups and then, late in 2007, we started seeing coverage in newspapers in the UK and the US. It's increased in intensity here over the summer in the US as the media has realised the people are taking back the bike culture.

Read the full article here.

Copenhagen Harbour is cycle heaven

August 1st, 2008 | written by : finn

From the exquisite Copenhagen Cycle Chic Blog. Here's what we should be aiming for, surely no more validation for bike culture is required. Check out the mass of bicycles and Copenhageners hanging out, sunning themselves, drinking, flirting and enjoying the heat. Apparently ten years ago, the harbour was filled with commercial shipping, unfit for swimming and now it's a refreshing focal point in the urban landscape.

Canadians do it in style

July 23rd, 2008 | written by : finn

Canada's Globe & Mail reports on the growing body of urban cyclists who dress more appropriately for a 'Tour de Paris' than the 'Tour de France'. The style savvy cyclists who with a little planning, ride in the outfits they wear throughout the day. Besides label dropping Pashleys and which cycle bags and basket brands to watch out for it gives ladies a few clothes tips. Read the rest here.