September's bike of the Month - The Velorbis Victoria

This is Cyclechic’s first bike of the month review. Each month we will pick out a bike that meets Cyclechic’s strict requirements of encompassing practicality, safety and of course, style.

This month’s bike is The Velorbis Victoria.Velorbis bicycles are designed in Denmark, made in Germany and are sold all over the world. For more details on suppliers and ordering email sales@velorbis.com

When first setting eyes on the Velorbis I was overwhelmed by its gravitas. The Victoria is a grand bike that instantly makes you feel important when you hop aboard. Over the next week of riding the Velorbis around town it was clear that it was not just me that noticed its regal quality. It seemed my social status was elevating as a result of my new set of wheels.

Having recently moved house to a new area we have found the neighbours a little less than forthcoming. However, one evening last week, as I was arriving home on Lady Victoria, our first neighbourly friendship was formed. As I cycled up to the house, the couple next door turned their attention from the gardening to gush over the bike and after polite introductions we had secured an invite over for drinks! I have also noticed that cars give me more space, I have received complements at the lights from fellow cyclists and even had one chap insist on holding open the gates to my local park as I cycled through. It seems this bike is opening doors to me both socially and literally.

On a more technical note the bike is a dream to ride. Velorbis manage to combine the classic style of a Dutch bike with the agility of a good city bike. Some Dutch bikes can feel a bit like hard work on hills but the Velorbis does not seem to struggle. The upright position can take a little bit of getting used to but you’ll soon adjust and reap the benefits of being more visible to traffic.


The details on the bike are exquisite. The mechanics at the bike shop, where I picked it up from, were pointing out all the different features and components to me in true bike geek excitement. While a lot of it went over my head, I particularly like the leather Brooks saddle, handle bar straps and leather mud flaps. Another really nice detail is the stabiliser at the front that prevents your steering from going wonky due to the weight in the basket.


I took my Velorbis for a day out in Hampton; it seemed very at home in a traditional English village environment. Stopping at the butcher and the baker and finally ending up in the good old-fashioned British pub!