Sorry the blog's been so quiet recently, been trying to get down to some study for my Anaesthetic exams and bike porn is far too distracting. That said, thanks to Micheal Jensen for emailing me the link to this truly exquisite bit of HD fixie cinematography - it oozes cool from every frame.

OK, so I may have shown a Youtube video of this before but Cinecycle (the production team behind it) have just posted this high quality Vimeo version of their recently commissioned Hutchinson tyres ad. It oozes cinematic style, go fullscreen and enjoy. Apparently the tyres/tires (UK/US) aren't bad either. Directed by Daniel Leeb, it features riders Alfred Bobe Jr. and Fatimah Durkee.

In Cinecycle's own words . . . "The film spins a visual ballad between the two cyclists experiencing the city in their own unique ways. Both cyclists are city dwellers who amidst the chaos of the concrete jungle have created a private and peaceful psychological space as they traverse the streets. They are both alone and yet they are both very much aware of each others presence. The film speaks to the harmony with one's environment that can be found while riding a bicycle in a city and the synchronistic connection we can have with those we have not even met."

Discovered Tour de Ville yesterday and it was like stumbling into a wet dream . . . vintage bike paraphenalia, Rapha gear, 70s European bike frames, Dutch graffiti, Cog magazine and coffee in a minimalist, warehouse conversion off London Fields, Hackney (see map). They've been open 6 weeks now and are aimed squarely at the high-end vintage bike chic market, perfect location given Broadway Market's right next door.

The outfit is owned and run by former Dutch junior cycling legend Jos Van Veldhoven, apparently London’s fastest courier (a title he backed up this year with numerous wins riding for Rollapaluza CC) and Keith James previously of Condor Cycles. Keith was telling me how they'd bought a large old Dutch (or was it Belgian) bike shop and shipped over all the old frames, most are fixie conversions but there's geared vintage European bikes here too, even ones for kids. They also offer fixed gear conversion services, wheel building, spares and repairs with plenty of high end crankets, hubs, wheels and clothing on display for drooling over. For the more budget bike enthusiast they've apparently got boxes and boxes of spare odds and ends upstairs if requested.

The exterior has been decorated by Dutch graffiti artist “Erosie” from Eindhoven and he's done a great job. Glad to have found this place and looking forward to future film nights and events they've got lined up. Keep up to date at tourdeville.co.uk.

Was pleasantly surprised to find this fixie chic theme to TopShop's January Sales window display. As commented by Cyclodelic before me one BIG problem with it is - where are the girls? It may be more than a bit OTT, but still, given cycling interest is usually hitting a nadir at this time of year, it's welcome.

Took a trip to Lille on the Eurostar just before Christmas with Ellie, couldn't resist snapping some bike shots whilst strolling round Vieux Lille.

Popped by to check out the relatively new Bike Yard East that offers bicycle repairs and servicing. A friend got a puncture repaired on the spot, had a nice bit of banter and heard about the bike repair, building classes they offer too. They're based in log cabin next to Hackney City Farm, just off Hackney Road and down from Broadway market, see map. It's a great local example of what I've read is springing up more and more now - on the spot repair shops near major urban cycle routes - great idea, nice location and friendly, helpful staff.

They're open Tuesday - Sunday, til 18:30 on weekdays and 16:30 at weekends. Check out BikeYardEast.com for more details. Tune up service £30, puncture repair £13 (including tube), brake or gear adjustment £8 (+ parts), wheel true from £10.

The first Christiania factory/workshop opened in the hippie, carfree Christiania suburb of Copenhagen in 1976 and produced bike trailers. In 1984 it launched the first Christiania trike or cargo bike. The pioneering function of this new family bike was child transport and this continues to be the what their classic model is famous for. Christiania bikes are robust enough to transport just about anything you care to imagine it seems, from pianos, animals, the Christmas shopping to full blown flat removals. They're simply a solidly built and supremely practical utility bike.

There's a sound case to be made that as the epitome of versatile, sustainable, healthy, transport solutions every modern city home should have one! Indeed one day soon maybe they will, with Denmark already awash with them and their increasing kudos amongst environmentally conscious urbanites throughout the world. Despite their fame the original workshop still stands and it oozes the laid back rustic charm that typifies the concept and brand.

For more info and details on ordering see the the Christiania website. Prices for the classic Light Trike are around £1000/$1500US.

Great velocouture article and cycle chic photo mash up over at Sydney Body Art Ride. It reads "Cycle chic or bicycle chic is the culture of cycling in fashionable clothes. It is now associated with the strong utility cycling movement. Cycling is an everyday transport choice and many cyclists choose to wear their regular clothes, as opposed to outfits generally associated with cycle sport, such as bicycle shorts, lycra, gloves and shoes."

Just discovered Bicycle Pirate courtesy of Mikael at Copenhagen Cycle Chic. She's eccentric and wonderful and in her own words . . .

"I am a bicycle pirate. I was born on a the back of a tandem bicycle and it is on a bicycle i have stayed. i have had many wonderful bicycle friends through my life . . . I have been on wonderful adventures with all of them through forests, across oceans, through suburban mayhem, and through fields of daisies. So join Mary Anne, Jack, Theodore (my trusty camera), Mr green bin (my trusty tripod) and i, as we embark on and adventure full of beautiful fashion, photography and words . . . " Check out more Bicycle Pirate here.