Vintage Charmers

Raleigh launched their Raliegh Twenty range of pint sized bicycles back in 1968, when people still dealt in shillings! They have proved to be sturdy little fellas as there are still plenty about today and have become quite the fashion accessory amongst trendy East London folk.
Raleigh do have a modern version but they are nowhere near as cool as these vintage charmers. But It's not just charm the R20's have to offer they are highly practical city bikes being easy to store in your flat and nice and light if you have to get them up stairs or on trains. The Raleigh shoppers are my personal favourites with a basket and a saddle bag and they come in a wonderful range of colours from Neptune Blue to Flamenco red...they just don't make them like they used to! Do not fear however if you want to get one of these rather special little bikes have a look on ebay or a nice website I have found that specialises in recycled vintage bikes Re-Buy-cycle

Cyclechic warriors

This is my first blog, showing real people out on the streets fighting the war against Lycra. I spotted Lori bringing some much needed glamour to a rather drab Wednesday evening in Shepherds Bush. Her outfit perfectly complemented her rather lovely black Brompton with her red bag and scarf matching her rear light...Cyclechic indeed.

A boy bringing beer on a bicycle...

..where can I get one??

Cyclechic shopping: Knog Frog Lights

Lovin these Knog Frog lights. Finally a bicycle light you can actually get excited about buying.....They look great and come in a full range of wonderful colours to suit your bike or your mood.....

Tip 5: Boyfriend's T shirt

When cycling to work go for 'the boyfreind fit' look and borrow one of your man's T-shirts. Loosefitting T-shirts look great with the right jeans and hide a mutitude of sins. They are also nice and cool to cycle in so you don't get too sweaty before the day begins. You can then change in to your nice clean top when you get to work..Viola - fresh as a daisy and image still well and truly in tact!

Tip 4: save money

Ok so you might not save millions but you could save £100's maybe even £1000's on travel in a year. What with constant Oyser top ups, congestion charge and overpriced Taxi's, getting about in London can cost you a small fortune. Cycling on the other hand is FREE!!!!! Leaving you to spend your money on the far more interesting things in life.

Even if you don't cycle everyday it is the perfect solution for those weeks just before pay day or the next installment of your student loan when you have the painful prediciment of choosing between a weeks bus pass or a Friday night out. Such dilemmas can be avoided by cycling for the week and spending the money on having a good time rather than the boring cost of getting from A to B.

The search for a stylish helmet...

‘Hats should be worn with confidence and nonchalance’
Stephen Jones, Milliner.

Apparently the same does not apply to cycling helmets, that it seems should be worn with reluctance, embarrassment and shame. The only reason I sport one of these monstrous inventions, is that when cycling on busy roads, despite feeling like a fool, I feel safer with it on.
…And so begins my search for a stylish helmet. I have identified 2 helmets currently on the market that are at least making an effort but both are BMX/Skate styles and not particularly ladylike, The Bell Faction and the The Giro Makai

I was very excited at seeing a rather fabulous, ladies helmet at the Prêt a Rouler cycling fashion show in East London earlier this year (pictured above) and am currently on a mission to find out if, when and where this will be on sale…watch this space!

Tip 3: Legwarmers are the new bicycle clips

Legwarmers are a modern day alternative to the bicycle clip. If you are wearing wide legged trousers or boot cut jeans just pop legwarmers on over them and you will avoid any unpleasant chain scuffing. (Long socks work just as well)

An extra safety tip is to wear bright 80’s style colours. Your ankles are moving as you cycle so they can catch a drivers eyes, alerting them to your presence, more successfully than bright colours on your upper body.

Both Topshop and American Apparel do great legwarmers in a wide range of colours from bright pink to more subtle autumnal shades. For a slightly more stylish warmer of the leg go to hosiery boutique Tabio

Tip 2: Indulge in some cycle flirting

As a cyclist in London you are part of a sub culture, giving you an automatic connection with other cyclists. This makes flirting easy. Quick nods, winks, and smiles to fellow passing cyclists are perfectly acceptable and should be actively encouraged. (Prolonged gazing whilst waiting at the traffic lights, not advised!)

It can also be a great conversation starter if you've spotted a boy on a bike that you like!

Tip 1: Like your bike!

It doesn't have to be bright pink but it's important that you like your bike. If you like riding it and like the way you look on it you'll ride it more often. So although you may be tempted to resurrect that mountain bike you got for your 12th birthday that's rusting away in the garage at your parents house, I wouldn’t advise it. Sell it on ebay and put the money towards a bike that you really like.

There are some great ladies bikes about and they don't have to break the bank.

My current favourites for style and value are CRUISERS. They are big in the States but have not had the recognition they deserve with us Brits..check out this green Schwinn Cruiser for only £159...bargain!

I also love Dutch Bikes, Pashleys, Bromptons, they all look great and come in all sorts of lovely colours...more details coming soon!

Way to go!

This is my first blog on the quest to make cycling cool. Natasha Khan and Lily Allen do a fine job of it but they are of course in pop videos not hooning around Shepherds Bush roundabout in rush hour. Coming up soon there will be tips and advice on how to be safe and stylish (at the same time!) when you are out on the streets...