Velotica Calender shoot - Friday 30th Oct

Its ladies night to night but not just any kind of ladies night. Get yourself down to Tabernacle, Powis sqaure in London Town from 6pm for Cycle Erotica...

"An open invitation to all "Ladies Who Cycle" in Greater London to join our club and come down to our first gathering of like-minded ladies who ride.
We are making a calendar in celebration of the freedom the bicycle gave women in the early parts of last century. 1890's-1930's.
This Calendar is a celebration of those two gifts of life adjoined at the groin......A woman and her bicycle.
Backdrop will be Victorian. We will provide vintage ladies bikes. Costume need not be strict, more a recreation of those bygone times, a recycling of the ideals and the aesthetics. The feel is very much a romantic notion of life and the sexual freedom the bicycle gave women.
There will be a dressing up box, although best to bring your own outfit.
Hair and makeup will also be available.
The photo booth is private so you and your friends can have fun within it......The calendars will be printed up before Christmas through www.photobox.com
Please RSVP ladieswhocycle@gmail.com to let us know you are interested and we look forward to seeing you astride your bike!!
PS If you MUST bring a man, have him in appropriate attire.
May you ride Happily Ever After
Milena and Karta
www.TWOnFRO.com

Velorbis's Easyrider: The Studine Balloon

The Studine Balloon is a bike that will make you smile. It's the latest from Velorbis, the experts in elegant bicycles. What I love about this bike is the mix of old and new. It has the basic design of a classic Dutch bike but with a modern, edgy twist. If you find the regular Dutch bikes a touch twee and fancy something with a bit more macho, the Studine is your man .. or woman, the Studine Balloon comes in both a ladies and a gents version.
My partner, who has now come to accept my bike porn problem, barely bats an eyelid when I arrive home on a new bike. However when seeing the Studine Ballon parked outside the house he rushed in proclaiming it was the Harley Davidson of bicycles and whisked it off for a test ride before I could say... Harley Davidson. There is an undoubtable coolness about this bike, it attracts attention and gets eyed up like a girl in a short skirt.
What makes a Velorbis bike so special is the design. The combination of components have been extremely well thought, the aluminium grey frame, the cream Fat Frank tyres and the honey leather brooks saddle, compliment each other superbly. The Fat Frank tyres are my personal favourite feature, it is this contemporary twist that sets the Studine apart from other dutch bikes on the road, making it so easy on the eye and easy to ride.

The Studine has 3 gears (sturmey archer) which personally suits me down to the ground. This may not suit everyone but if, like me, you cycle day to day; to the shops, the office, school run and you don't have copious hills to contend with, 3 gear works just fine. It's simple and cuts out a whole lot of faffing.
And finally all Studines have the all important Kickstand, as this is a bike that deserves to be upright and on display!
This unique take on the Dutch bike also has a respectable price tag of £545. Order from us at cyclechic.co.uk or get in touch if you would like more information

Are you ready to Pedal it Pink?

Cycling for a good cause - what could be better? Charity Breast Cancer Campaign has announced its new cycling challenge for women, Pedal it Pink. The idea, backed by Olympic cyclist Victoria Pendleton pictured above, is to challenge ladies to cycle a full marathon (26.2 miles) or half-marathon (13.1 miles) and raise funds to help beat breast cancer.
Make it a family day out by encouraging the men and children in your life to complete the family 5K lap.
The event will take place this coming Saturday, October 25 at Nottingham's National Water Sports Centre, Holme Pierrepont. Come along with your bike and helmet ready to ride! Registration for the marathon is £15, the half marathon is £10 and the 5K family lap is £5 per person. Set up your fundraising page here and invite all your family and friends to sponsor you. Why not get into the pink spirit completely with one of these Bern Nina gloss pink helmets for little ones and this Bern Muse Hard Hat with Graphic for you.
As if cycling to beat breast cancer wasn't enough of an incentive, participants will also receive a fabulous goody bag containing one of these CycleChic saddle covers.

The Cycle Show 2009

It's that time of year again and Earls court is awash with all things bicycle from 8th-11th Oct. Lavinia and myself popped down to check out what's new in the world 2 wheels.
As we arrived the new Cycle Hire bikes were being unveiled and we were one of the first to hop on and have a go. They are an attractive navy blue colour, they feel sturdy and strong and very pleasant to ride. We suggest our Navy Blue Bern Baker as the perfect helmet to match them.

We met Anthony from I Bike London with his rather fabulously colourful collection of, I bike London, T-shirts. A simple but very effective concept that celebrates the vibrant, dynamic cycling culture and community in London. We liked them so much we hope to be selling some of our fave colours very soon so watch this space.

We also got very excited by Knog's forthcoming Bicycle lock. At last a cool bike lock and a keyless one at that... Pic courtesy of Urban velo. And all their wonderful lights were flashing, Check out this season's favourites the Beetle and the Skink.

Our friends Two and fro were unloading their vintage ambulance with all their wonderful products as we arrived bringing further cool to the event. Check out their Reflective spats, claqs and cream cycling hat for this Autumns cycling must haves.

So all in all a good event. But perhaps a slight overload of brand new, brightly coloured, expensive looking bikes. Riding home I spotted a bike that to me was every bit as Cyclechic. A Raleigh shopper Piazza, this vintage gem was the perfect antidote to a busy day of shiny and new.

Autumn days

It's the time of year to wrap up warm before getting on your bike. Autumn is full of frosty sunshine and brisk showers, but the chic cyclist is always prepared. Here are our top tips for autumn cycling.

1. Stash our waterproof cape in your bag or pannier in case of an unexpected downpour - it is 100 per cent waterproof and will keep you dry as a bone should the heavens suddenly open.
2. Choose light but warm layers that will keep the chilly air off your skin, but not overheat you. We like the range of knitwear in Topshop at the moment. This oversized jumper, £40, will look gorgeous and is loose-fitting, making it ideal for cycling in colder weather.

3. Merino wool has numerous benefits for cyclists, as it wicks moisture away from the skin and keeps you cooler in summer and warmer in winter! If you are feeling particularly extravagant, consider splashing out on these merino socks, £15, from roadwear specialists Rapha, to keep your feet toasty-warm. Uniqlo, the high-street chain with a great line in basics, also stocks numerous merino wool long and short-sleeved jumpers and cardigans, and this rather gorgeous v-neck dress, £19.99.

4. Thank god they are still in style - leggings are ideal for autumn cycling as they keep the cold air off your legs but won't get caught up in your chain as you pedal. Wear them with shorts, skirts, or on their own with an oversized jumper (although for the sake of your modesty and everyone else on the road please check your leggings are not see-through before you step out in them!).
5. Visibility is crucial as the nights draw in. These wonderful ankle spats will keep you visible at pedal-level which is where most car headlamps will focus on you.