Happy Christmas!

Whether you'll be out on your tandem on boxing day (with Santa??) or your hanging up your helmets for a few days break, have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year!

Caz & Lavinia x

Free Delivery for 24 hours! (noon 18th Dec - noon 19th Dec)

Got some last minute online shopping to do? Well, for 24 hours you can order from us and get delivery for FREE! 

We also offer a Guaranteed next day delivery service for £8.89, allowing you to continue shopping over the weekend and right up until 12pm on the 23rd Dec, and still get your Christmas gifts in time. See full Christmas delivery details here.

Happy shopping!

Caz & Lavinia x

The Cyclechic Awards 2013

No. 1 The Cranberry Bern Lenox, £49.99

We' like to take a little moment to look back on the year and congratulate the products and brands that have triumphed with all you discerning cyclists. Here we have our top 5 sellers of 2013:

In first place we have the brilliant Bern Lenox helmet and are pleased as punch that it's our exclusive cranberry shade that has been the biggest seller this year. This is a helmet close to my heart as Cyclechic was started, all those years ago, when a tracked down a sample of a Cranberry Bern Muse and knew it would be the first product I would sell. Five years on and the Lenox is a marked improvement on the Muse as it has added vents but still has the flattering shape with peak and remains the most comfortable helmet I have ever worn. Big shouts to Denis and the gang at Bern!

No. 2 The Linus Sac £49.99 

The fact that we were not able to get stock of these babies for more than half the year and they still rock in at No. 2, is pretty impressive. It has to be one of the most stylish and versatile panniers ever created. Your particular fave is the navy with yellow base and we have to say we agree - there's something about those two colours together that just works. Well done Linus and well done to you all for having such impeccable taste. 

No. 3 The Bobbin Gold helmet £36.99

In at number 3 is the cool-as-can-be Bobbin Gold helmet. This helmet has stolen the show this year and has been featured all over the place; in The Times Style, Evening Standard and Living etc to name just a few. It's a helmet that likes the lime-light and we love the fact that so many of you cycling starlets are whizzing around town in one! Big shouts to our good friends at Bobbin Bicycles for coming up with this gem of a helmet. 

No.4 Georgia in Dublin Leggits £44.99

The Mother and daughter team from Ireland really know there stuff when it comes to rain and bicycles - the Leggits are quite simply a life-saver for cycling on those rainy days. Well done ladies!

No. 5 Sawako Furuno Leopard Helmet

An lastly but by no means leastly, the stunning Leopard print helmet rocks in at number 5. Sawako Furuno has achieved something that many might think impossible... the talented entrepreneur has created a sexy cycling helmet and for that we take our hats (and helmets) off and applaud.

Product review: Samsung Galaxy S4 Active

I've not had too much luck with phones. I jumped on the iphone bandwagon in 09 only to have my screen crack well before I was due an upgrade. Ok - I may have been taking ariel shots of myself whilst cycling, and I may have dropped it but I expect my phone to be able to cope with my occupational hazards. I then moved onto a blackberry curve but it never really liked me connecting to the internet and then it just gave up altogether after less than a year... and I didn't even drop it.

So when I was asked to test out the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active, I was eager so see if this was a phone that could actually work for me instead of wimping out on me!

So what is it that I need from a phone and does the Galaxy S4 Active deliver??

Out and about on the bike: I need a phone that I can connect to my handlebar with my incredible bike band and use GPS as I cycle: The S4 works very well for this with it's huge viewing screen and it was very easy to activate Google maps. The bike band fits well and the phone is stable as I cycle;  also, I don't need to worry about putting it back in my pocket when it rains as it can more than handle a spot of drizzle. Perfect.

Blogging/social networking
Facebook and Twitter are already on the phone and it takes me seconds to download the app for my new favourite, Pin interest, and my old favourite, Blogger. Again the big screen makes all the Social networking apps really nice to view and use. I was able to upload my images below directly from my phone onto this blog post which saves tonnes of time.

Work
I am often out and about and need to check and send emails, access files in my dropbox, check sales on our website or check Google analytics. It was very easy to set this up and is already making my working life much more efficient. The internet is pretty fast, sometimes I've had to wait a few seconds for a page to load but on the whole it's good and I can get the info I need pretty quickly.

Life
My mornings are often hectic - getting my daughter in her seat on my bike, getting her strapped in, helmet on, both our bags in the basket - and I have been known to drop my phone when doing a quick time check. So the fact that the Galaxy S4 Active doesn't mind a few knocks and bumps is a very good thing for those clumsy mornings!
It has a nice selection of ring tones and is easy to use for calls, although it did take  me a few times to get the swiping technique right to answer but I can do it with ease now. It makes nice plinky- plonky noises when I type things and open and close apps, although I was aware this might be a little annoying to others when I was playing around with it on the train earlier this week (note to self, turn off the plinky plonky noises when on the train). I am eager to test out the walking and fitness apps and the underwater camera and video but may wait until the weather warms up a little for the latter...

Camera
I am very excited to at last have a good camera on my phone as I love taking snaps when I am out and about. And after a cycling accident with my digital camera (yes, I dropped it) I have decided to stick with phone photos for a little while. Below are some photos taken on a Sunday jaunt out on my bike. My only crit is that the zoom is a little fuzzy but on the whole I am really happy with how the images look and the different finishes I can put on them and how easy they are to upload in other apps.

A quick stop at one of my fave antique shops

cheap delights at the market

flowers at the market

quick snap of the little one on the way back from school

Pretending this is my house on a Sunday cycle along the river...

Dreamy inspiration on Pin Interest...

Have a look at our boards and follow us if you like what you see

I have finally got around to setting up a Pin Interest account  -very slow on the uptake I know but better late than never as am loving it!  Simply looking through an eternal stream of pretty pictures and pinning the ones one likes is not just a treat for the eyes but is also remarkably calming and satisfying . So if you have a spare 5 mins and can't be bothered to tweet or talk have a look at our boards, and get taken on a journey of discovery on the smorgasbord of inspiration and  loveliness that is Pin Interest.

See our board of nice Bicycle pics

See our favourite pics from all our photoshoots

See our board of random stuff we like

PS. I have not yet figured out how to add a Pin interest widget to my blog... when I upload the widget it just published as a link not a button (see below) and Pin interest is not on the share options in blog settings. If anyone knows how so it and has the time to explain it, pls email me...caz@cyclechic.co.uk

Cyclechic

Half price helmets!

2 x Casqu' en Ville - XS (52cm) & XXS (54cm) was $79.99 now £39.99 (last ones left of range)

We have a selection of products which we are selling with a whopping 50% off! They either have very minor damage, damaged packaging or are the last one left of a discontinued range. Most of the helmets are small sizes and are simply the last in the range - these may fit older children and teenagers.

If you are interest in any of the products on this post you would need to come and pick it up from Cyclechic HQ, 58-60 Rivington street, London, EC2A 3AU. You don't have to commit to buy, feel free to come and take a look first but Please do call or email us first. 

Tel: 0207 613 7316
Email: sales@cyclechic.co.uk

1 x Purple Bern Lenox - XS (52-53.5cm was £49.99  Now £24.99 (damaged packaging) 

1 x Turquoise Bern Lenox - XS (52-53.5cm was £49.99  Now £24.99 (damaged packaging)

1 x White/turquoise Bern Lenox - XS (52-53.5cm) was £49.99  Now £24.99 (damaged packaging)

Yakkay Cover Herringbone Paris Size Small was £35 now £17.50

Yakkay helmet base small (51-54.5cm) was £44.99 now £22.50

1 x Bobbin Basket large with support bracket was £34.99 now £17.50 (slight scuffage to the wicker on the inside)

Yakkay Cover Black oilskin Paris Size Small was £35 now £17.50

1 x Bern Brentwood (mens helmet) XL 59-60.5cm was £64.99 now £32.99

Bolzano pannier was £55 now £25 has a 2 small scratches on the white flap

If you are interested in grabbing any of these bargain, please call or email us first and arrange a time to pop in and see us. Contact us

The Michaux Club Lightening Rucksack

This is the first post in our New Product Review Section. Our business is about finding products that enhance your cycling experience by doing the following 3 things:

1. Helping you cycle safely
2. Helping you reduce the faff factor of cycling
3. Helping you cycle in style

So we will be testing all products and letting you know how they measure up and how they meet our strict criteria, here at Cyclechic.co.uk.

First up we have the Michaux Club Lightening Rucksack (£250)

1. How does it help you Cycle safely?  The most obvious safety feature is the reflective piping sown into the front of the bag. Most reflective fabric comes in grey but Michaux have gone the extra mile to find reflective piping in tan brown to match the leather exactly (when not reflecting). Nice touch. Having a reflective element on your back as you cycle is a great visibility aid as it will shine out to cars behind when the beam of their headlights catches it. A more general safety bonus of a rucksack is that it frees up you arms and shoulders so you can cycle in a comfortable position -ill fitting shoulder bags can be dangerous if they slip and slide and get in the way as your ride.

Great for night cycling

2. How does it help you reduce the faff factor? A rucksack can be a great faff reducer especially for those who don't use a rear rack and panniers. It may be that you don't like the look of a rack on your racer or that you have child-seat obstructing your rack, either way a rucksack means you can just hop and your bike, carrying your stuff with ease.
A rucksack is also good if you do a combination of cycling and walking in your day to day life. Rucksacks are more comfortable for walking, spreading the weight evenly across your back and shoulders than bags with handles or one strap. The straps of the Michaux rucksack are wide so sit comfortably on your shoulders and you can tighten them without taking the rucksack off, by just pulling the strap down.

Great for walking 

Another feature I LOVE is the secret pocket (facing your back) that you can zip open and slide things in and out whilst the bag is still on your back. So you don't have to swing the bag off when ever you want to get your phone or wallet out.

And last but not least you don't need to worry when cycling in the rain as the Michaux Lightening is waterproof. It doesn't look it - its not shiny or waxed but it has been treated and although it will get wet on the outside, the water will not seep through. It also has a roll down top to ensure no drips of rain will reach the contents of your bag (a big bonus when commuting with a laptop/ipad) 

3. How will it help me Cycle in Style? I don't need to rant and rave to much on this, the bag speaks for itself. It's beautiful. It has been expertly made and the attention to detail is second to none. The colour options are graceful an tasteful and the leather features give it a stamp of quality and a classic feel. The Claret seems to work like a dream with my entire Autumn/Winter wardrobe! This bag has bags of style.

Verdict
This rucksack exceeded my expectations. It's not cheap but that's because it is not cheaply made and the look and feel when you use it, sets it apart from cheaper versions you may find on the high street. Having never been a big fan of the designer handbag, this rucksack is my urban substitute, Beautiful, classic and less than half the price of a Mulberry handbag, I know which one I would choose.

Also comes in Olive

...and classic black

Check out the full range of Michaux bags in our new product section 

Press: Time Out Oct 13

Congrats to our Reflective Helmet Bow £12.99 and Star Reflectors £5.99 who are among the line up in Time Out's Reflected Glory Feature, today! Also featured are the Bookman lights and Rydesafe Bike decals and fabulous hat from our friends over of Lflect. Leflect stock coming to Cyclechic soon, watch this space...

Tips for stylish night cycling

It's that time of year again... On Sunday 27th Oct, the clocks go back and suddenly its dark at 4pm. So you must get visible on your bike...

But don't worry this doesn't mean you have to abandon style and bust out a builders bib, you can do night cycling in style. Here's a few tips to help you glow glamorously:

1.Visible Upper Body- To ensure you won't be missed by drivers go for a reflective garment that can be seen clearly from front and back. The best solution for style is something you can put over your regular coat. Our complete favourite this Autumn is the Day Glow Doris Swing Jacket (middle), cute, vintage and highly visible. We also love the Miss Bobbin Sash (right) an the Two n Fro vest (left). All will give you are strong reflective element while keeping your style well intact. See High-vis/Reflective Clothing for all options.

2. Get creative with your bike lights - Its is a legal requirement to have a white front light and red rear light on your bike when cycling at night. Your lights should go on as soon as dusk descends, don't wait until its dark. Lights might be a serious matter but that doesn't mean you can't have some fun with them, check out our top 3 stylish bike lights: The Bookman lights (left) are ultra-modern and have a flexible fastening so can also be attached to your basket, bag or helmet. You can either go for battery operated Bookmans or rechargeable with USB.  The Bobbin Retro light is one of our best sellers and works a treat on a vintage style bike and finally if you want some bling for your ride, try the Ring or Light Bulb rear lights! 

3. Make your Bike and Helmet Glow too! To be even more visible in traffic have some reflective elements on your bike. Try adding these delightful star reflectors to your spokes to really make your wheels light up (also come in hearts and snowflakes). Or go for some Butterfly Rydesafe stickers, stick them on mudguards, back of a child seat and they will shine like a beacon when under the gaze of a cars head-lights. And last but by no means least customise your helmet with a reflective helmet bow! See all reflective accessories here.



So there's no need to sink into the shadows this Autumn, Be Safe, Be seen and Be super stylish!
A few more tips for night cycling:

Stick to busier, well-lit roads - Although little lanes may be lovely for summer cycling when darkness falls they can feel scary. Stick to well-lit roads when the sun goes down. 
Keep an extra eye out for pedestrians - it can be hard to spot people on foot as they don't make a habit of strapping lights to themselves. Be extra vigilant at pub closing time as you may find a few wobbly pedestrians who's road crossing skills leave a little to be desired.
Make the bar or bike decision early on- If you know you will be having a few drinks on a night out, leave the bike at home so you can wend your drunken way home by public transport or taxi. Don't put yourself at risk and cycle home drunk - its' just not worth it. 
. 

See our full range of reflective/high vis and bike lights at cyclechic.co.uk

Fancy folding? I certainly do...

Following on from Jude's blog post about the wonderful Brompton folding bikes I have found myself surrounded by all things folding this past week.
The first folding product that  caught my eye is the rather clever Carrera Foldable helmet. Now, it doesn't so much fold as sort of scrunch together. This was actually a relief for me as I cant be arsed with complex folding mechanisms. I like foldable products to be easy and practical so if the folding process is tricky and takes more than a few seconds, my interest wanes.

The Carrera foldable helmet is a simple design. It consists of strips of helmet that are linked by evenly spaces straps so you can pull it apart to wear and push it together to store away in your bag - its a concertina effect of sorts (the concertina being invented by my Great, Great Grandad, Sir Charles Wheatstone... just thought I'd throw that one in there).

 Anyway back to the helmet... The fact that this helmet is both lightweight and scrunch-downable is a big bonus for those of us who get fed up carrying helmets around when off the bike. Do you ever leave your bike at the station and commute the rest of the way by tube and struggle with laptop and helmet? Or stop at the shops and have to carry your helmet around while picking up various bits and bobs and find you soon run out of space and hands? Okay, so you will still have to carry the Carrera but it can be stuffed easily in a bag or you can put the belt over it and attach it to a strap on your bag.

 Its not just the helmets fold-ability that is a plus point, it's also very comfy to wear. Its unique concertina design ensures it clings to your head comfortably and is so lightweight you hardly notice its there. It would be a good option for those who get neck ache from cycling with a heavier helmet. It also has a very user-friendly elastic strap at the back that attaches to the helmet with velcro so can be adjusted to make sure the helmet fits you just right.

 So impressed by the Carrera helmets we have ordered stock and have them up on cyclechic.co.uk. We have currently got the Gloss white and Gloss Black helmets both at £59.99. They do a really nice array of colours so watch this space and will have some of the brighter colours soon. Email us if there is a specific colour that you want to get hold of. Take a look at the Carrera website so see the range. And have a look at this video for more more product details.

 So what else in my life is folding I hear you ask... Well, I have recently had the pleasure of testing out a Bordo Folding lock from stalwarts on the industry Abus and I have been very much impressed with it. It passes the easy to fold test, only taking a few seconds and it's Gold standard so super secure. The folding mechanism makes it easy to store when you are cycling and the lock comes with a pouch that you can Velcro to your frame or you can simply pop it in your basket as it's a much less awkward shape than a large D lock. The  added plus of the shape is that you have more flexibility when trying to get it around things so the whole process of locking your bike is easier.

 And finally a completely non cycling related item but I hope you don't mind me sharing it with you... its a rather stunning foldable 1930's Walnut dressing table. I spotted it yesterday during one of my regular auction room snoops but alas have no space for it at home (despite it being foldable).

Its a gem though and goes on sale at Chiswick Auction rooms today (Tues 13th Aug) so if you have a penchant for art deco and all things folding get down there or I believe you can bid online. 
 Perhaps one day I will be looking at myself in the mirror of my very own foldable art-deco dressing table but for my now I am happy enough cycling along in my foldable helmet and keeping my bike safe and happy with my foldable lock.

Brompton Style Stalk

This weekend saw the 2013 Brompton World Championship take place at Goodwood's historic motor circuit. To mark the occasion we took to the streets and stalked out some stylist Brompton riders:

This one is for all the fashionistas out there. Designer backpack, vintage style bowler hat helmet, chunky knit scarf, knee length socks and statement coat. This look is very Parisian chic. Girl at Shepherd’s Bush roundabout, we are loving your work.

We like to think that this guy was about to leave home wearing a black t-shirt then panicked that he might get mistaken for a Goth So he changed into this pink t-shirt to inject a flash of colour to his otherwise monochrome look.

We are BIG fans of matching our shoes and bags to our bikes. Lady stuck in traffic behind a bus, we salute you.

Cleats? Check. ‘Bring me my Fix’ messenger bag? Check.  Hi-vis trouser clips? Check. Who says you can’t seriously kit yourself out on a Brompton? Not this guy, that’s for sure. 

If you want to see more from the Brompton bunch here is a video from their eventful weekend :

Jude Brosnan