Swishy skirts

Swishy Skirts are the big trend for 2008. Not only are they glamorous and feminine but they're comfortable and cooling to cycle in, perfect for the spring and summer .To protect your modesty should a sudden gust of wind blow your skirt up a little too far wear hotpant style shorts or even 3/4 length leggings underneath.

A designer option is this striped linen skirt by Sonia Rykiel from net-a-porter

Or from the high street this Hi waisted garden skirt from Urban Outfitters


Top photo from inspirational Danish blog Copenhagen Cycle Chic

My top 3 bike shops in London

1. Bobbin Bicycles is my current favourte. They sell range of elegant Dutch bicycles, pictured above is the Bobbin Play bike, along with vintage style accessories. Based in Clerkenwell they operate on an appointment only basis so you can be sure you will have the undivided attention of either Sian or Tom, the company owners. The shopping experience is about as differnet as you can get from your 'Evans' style service, the focus being much more on how you feel on the bike than the technical details. The icing on the cake is the price, bikes range from £200-£260 around half the price of other Dutch bikes on the market.

2. Camden Cycles is a fantastic shop if you're looking for a bike to get you going and don't want to spend much money. They specilaise in re-conditioned second-hand bikes, prices starting at around £60. They also sell last years models of reliable brands like Ridgeback, Tiger and Claude Butler, prices range from £100-£200. For the nervous beginner they operate a 2 week return policy and a 1 year guarntee for repairs if anything goes wrong with the bike. Tony, the manager is friendly and enthusiastic and will go out of his way to find the right bike for you.

3. Velorution is by far the most stylish bike shop in London. Selling a wide range of high end bikes from your classic Pashleys and Bromptons to unique European bikes that you just dont see anywhere else in the UK. If you have some money to spend and are looking for a bike to impress Velorution is your shop. Even if the bikes are beyond your budget it's worth popping in to have a look, the shop is just off Oxford Street and really is a feast for the eyes. They also have a range of stylish accessories on sale.

Let me know other Bike shops you like...

Road sense Sally: Know your route

To sail through the streets with confidence and style it's important to know where your going. There is nothing glamorous about getting lost, stressed out and finding yourself in a dodgy industrial estate in Wandsworth.
If you are just starting out stick to routes you know to begin with. When you feel ready to venture further a field arm yourself with the relevant maps.

If you go to TFL's website you can order printed maps of various areas in London with suggested routes for cycling... and they're completely FREE of charge.

Also try TFL's online journey planner. Enter your starting point and your destination and it will mark out a route on either cycle routes or quieter roads.

If your not in London try Sustrans interactive mapping for details of your nearest cycle route anywhere in the UK.

My new hompage

My new Homepage is now up at cyclechic.co.uk . It is designed to take you to the area of the blog you are interested in by simply clicking on the pretty pictures.

Let me know what you think?

The beautiful bike is from Bobbin Bicycles and the photographs were taken by Natalie Pecht

Cape about town

A cape can be an ideal alternative to a coat for a cyclist. They don't restrict your back or shoulders when cycling as some coats can and don't cling to the body so you stay well ventilated. Most importantly they look fabulous as capes have a classic elegance that suits riding a bicycle.
The rather delightful cycling cape pictured above is by Dashing Tweeds and has a reflective yarn woven into it so by it's not only an elegant, tailored garment but at night time alerts drivers to your dazzling presence.


This bonny cape is by Giuliana Testino, comes in assorted colours and costs £275 from Browns, London.


If you want to go for an authentic vintage cape that wont break the bank, charity shops and vintgae shops are the best way to go. I got my cape (pictured left) from a charity shop in the Yorshire Dales for the bargain price of £3.50. Try one of the Traid charity shops in London they tend to have good vintage sections.

Fancy Folding?

Folding bikes are great for jet-setters like the lovely Dawn Porter pictured above. You can fold them up and take them on a train, plane, boat, coach… unfold and cycle away at the other end.

They are also great for the social butterfly as you can take them into pubs and bars and pop them under your table or, if going the the Theatre, put them in the cloakroom

They are also the perfect option if you commute into London from Brighton or somewhere similar that’s just too far to cycle everyday. Take them on the train with you and then cycle to the office and avoid the overcrowded tubes.

The Brompton seems to be the ‘daddy’ of the commuting folders. Incredibly well crafted, they fold and unfold in 15 seconds and will last you many years if looked after well. Phoenix cycles in Battersea, have a fantastic range of Bromptons in an assortment of colours from baby pink and blue to more elegant cream and royal blue to outspoken bright orange and green. Another good shop for folders is On your bike which also sells slightly cheaper brands such as Dahon’s.

Road Sense Sally - Road Positioning

Worries about safety are the main factor that put woman off cycling, a lot of ladies I know think they are immediately going to get flattened by a bus. Cycling is a bad advert for itself, to onlookers it looks terribly scary but it does not have to be dangerous or risky. One major factor that will considerably improve your safety is the correct road positioning, approx 1 meter from the curb. The 3 main reasons why..

Contrary to popular belief motor vehicles do not want to hit cyclist, it’s only when they don’t see them that accidents happen. If you have the correct road positioning you will be much more visible and will significantly reduce any risks.

Be aware that drivers will give you the same amount of space you give yourself so if you give yourself a meter they will be inclined to give you the same.

A lot of cycling accidents happen by cyclist riding too close to parked cars and getting hit when the door opens, so if you give yourself a car door width when passing them (or if this is tricky slow down) you will vastly improve your safety

Safety advice courtesy of Cycle Training UK

Let me know the safety tips that help you??

3 Cycle-friendly slip-ons

These lovely shoes from Vivobarefoot are made out of recycled or locally sourced materials they are lightweight and have a little stretchy strap to keep them on your feet. The shoes are designed to be both good for your feet and your posture have a look



Swims are for those wet and windy days when you want to wear your ballet shoes but know they'll get soaked. Just pop the swims over your shoes and take them off when you get somewhere warm and dry.



The Arche Sagone is ballet shoe style but has a cushioned leather footbed so are a little more comfortable on the pedals. They are also made from natural fibres so are breathable and eco.

Tip 10: Get involved

When you start cycling in London you have an immediate connection with your fellow cyclists becoming part of a blossoming subculture. Indulge in a little cycle flirting in your everyday riding and perhaps get involved in some of the following

Critical Mass meets at 6.30pm on the last Friday of every month on the South Bank under Waterloo Bridge, by the National Film Theatre. There is no planned route just a whole lot of cyclists cruising around the London streets.

Brick lane bike Polo You can take part yourself or just come and watch… lots of fun and a good chance to meet the right kind of cyclist.

Rolla Paluza... Bicycle racing, DJ’s and beer

After the huge success of last yeas event, Freewheel is back again for 2008. London roads will be closed off to cars and bicycles will reign the streets, put 21st September in your diary now and join the ride

Meandmybicycle.com The social networking site for cyclist.

Join my Cyclechic facebook group and upload photos of yourself looking wonderful on your bicycle.

Tip 9: How to stay fresh as a daisy...

A lot of people think cycling = getting hideously hot and sweaty and having to shower and change when you get to your destination. This need not be the case if you cycle at a leisurely pace and put a little thought in to what you wear.

A few clothing tips for avoiding cycle sweat and remaining fresh as a daisy with minimum hassle

• Use panniers or messenger style bags instead of rucksacks which can result in a rather unpleasant sweaty back. See stylish bags and panniers post

• Get yourself a pair of Green cycling knickers. They have a removable pad for comfort and are made from 70% Bamboo and 30% Organic Cotton ensuring they are breathable, antibacterial and absorbent.

• As summer approaches go for floaty dresses (pictured above), They are perfect for keeping cool on your bike and floral & floaty is very much en vogue this season

• Cycle in a loose fitting top and take a smarter top with you for a quick change when you get to work. Try a nice brightly coloured jersey from American Apparel they look great with skinny jeans.

• Treat yourself to a merino wool top ... "Merino wool is a naturally high performance material, absorbing perspiration and eliminating smells. It keeps your body warm if its cold but is breathable so in warm conditions it keeps you just right too" Designer Alexa Pearson

Lovely picture from The Sartorialist

Please let me know of other cycle friendly clothing that works for you…

Road Sense Sally - Useful exercises

If are just getting back in the saddle this spring and haven’t cycled for a few years here’s a few exercises to do off road to get you ready for the city streets.

Exercise 1) High 5
You will need to Indicate clearly to turn left and right so need to be confident cycling one handed. A good way to get used to this movement is the hi5 exercise pictured above. Entice a friend or boyfriend along to be your high five partner and practice on both hands until you feel full comfortable taking each had off the handle bars while still moving.

Exercise 2) Do look back
Checking traffic behind is an essential part of cycling on the roads. To perfect this skill practice twisting round and looking behind you first keeping both hands on the handlebars and when you feel confident taking one hand off and twisting round a little further. Try this at varying speeds until you feel fully comfortable and balanced.

Exercise 3) Emergency stop
Practice cycling at a reasonable speed and then stopping abruptly at a chosen spot. Use both brakes and push your weight down on the bike whilst stretching your arms out. once you have come to a stop keep your hand on the breaks to secure the bike until you are ready to get going again

All exercises courtesy of Cycle Training UK. Lessons are all one to one and in some London boroughs are completely free!

Stylish Bags & Panniers

Whether it’s just a handbag, a laptop for work, a spot of shopping or an overnight bag, most urban woman have Stuff!
This need not put you off cycling as you can actually carry a lot on a bike with very little stress and strain and it does not mean you have to sport a geeky rucksack. A few Cyclechic recommendations for girls who have stuff…

The Basil Mirte is a bag and pannier in one. It clips easily on to your back rack and when you detach it, transforms in to a wonderful shopping bag, great for everyday bits and pieces. Available from Velorution


The Cyclodelic bra bag designed by cycling fashion guru Amy Fleuriot not only looks fantastic but is highly practical. It either attaches on to your handle bars or goes across your shoulder designed so the bag sits on your back and doesn’t swing forward



This rather delightful famous five style pannier from Bobbin Bicycles is great for everyday urban riding. It’s the perfect size for your lock and your handbag... or for jam sandwiches and ginger beer!


This Ollie&Nic number is a good example of a cycle-friendly designer bag. It has an adjustable long strap so can be worn over one shoulder and fits snugly on the back, it's also a nice bright colour ensuring you are seen on the roads.


The Zwei U12
A stylish and secure bag designed to accommodate a laptop. It can be clippd on to your rack or worn messenger style

Pretty in Pink

Bright colours are in this spring. This is is great news for the stylish cyclist about town who wants to be seen... and seen to look good.
My top 3 cycle-friendly, bright pink coats from designer to high street are...

Chloe’s Bow-Front jacket from Net-a-Porter

Urban Outfitters Full Circle Trench Coat Urbanoutfitters.co.uk

Pink Parker from Topshop

Cycling Celebs

Its good to see that Chloe Sevigny, a woman known for her impeccable style, is also a cycling lady. I also love the fact that her bottle green vintage bike matches her wallpaper. Not too sure about cycling whilst on the phone but think we can let Chloe off for looking so dam cool!

Road Sense Sally - Have a lesson

Last weekend I embarked on a spot of cycle training and what a thoroughly enjoyable and fruitful experience it was. Liz, my local instructor, arranged to meet me at a park a stones throw from my house. She talked to me about my level of cycling and what I wanted to get out of the lesson and proceeded to tailor the 2 hour session to my needs. We started off with some bike control exercises (pictured above the Hi-5) and thanks to Liz, I finally understood how my gears work! (in the past I have been a bit of a girl and just moved them up and down hoping for the best)
As I cycled away after the lesson to meet a friend for coffee I felt noticeably empowered about my right as a cyclist and felt entitled to take more space on the road. It was both an eye opener and a confidence booster and the bill was kindly picked up by Hammersmith and Fulham, who fund all the cycle training in the borough.
I would recommend a cycling lesson to both those starting out and those who have cycled for a while but do still have a few questions. Contact Cycle Training UK for more details and to find out if you are eligible for funding.
More advice on road safety coming soon to cyclechic.co.uk

London Fashion week's Wheels and Heels

A wonderful night of beautiful bicycles, beautiful people and most importantly beautiful clothes and accessories. Designers included Dashing Tweeds, Swallows, Two and Fro, B:inc, Sarah Rose and Natalia Buck, Archies Gro Bags, Boulder Boutique, Smeer, H1 Designs and Glovedup

Top 3 stylish cycling helmets

If an unsightly cycling helmet is cramping your style, do not fear there are some alternatives

1. The Bern Muse (main picture above) is my current favourite. These are beautifully designed and a very different shape from traditional cycling or skate helmets with a rather stylish peak at the front. They are multi-purpose helmets so can be used for snowboarding or any other extreme sports you care to indulge in. Great colours and affordable price at £39.99. Email me at caz@cyclechic.co.uk for info on where to buy. Check out the Bern Website for full range.

2. The Cycle fashion range (pictured above right) is the brainchild of London based designer Sawako Furuno. They come in carefully chosen feminine colours and have hand painted designs cleverly positioned on the back and on the left hand side so drivers and pedestrians can admire you as you go. I caught up with Sawako and tried on the beige helmet with Hanabi print and was very reluctant to hand it back. The really do look good on. Price £60. Check out the for more products details. Cycle fashion website

3. Bell Faction is more of a boyish/skatey style but they come in a nice range of colours and you can buy online at Chain reaction for £17.99…Bargain!

If you know of any more stylish helmets out there, please do let me know. I think there is still room for improvement….

Tip 8: Pace yourself

If you are thinking about taking to 2 wheels this spring be sure to ease your way in. You are then much more likely to enjoy it and stick with it, rather than ending up red faced, achey and frustrated.

A few tips…

• Cycle at a leisurely pace rather the racing along with the Lycra clan. You will look far more graceful and will arrive at your destination fully composed with out any unsightly sweat patches.

• If you have not cycled for a while start off by doing a few laps of your local park then graduate to short routes that you know, to the shops or local café.

• If your journey to work seems a little daunting start off by cycling to you’re nearest tube or train station, ensuring you lock your bike up securely.

• When you feel ready to cycle all the way to work check your route on TFL’s Journey Planner Select the cycling option and type in your starting point and destination and it will recommend a route on quieter, more cycle friendly roads.

• Armed with your map choose a nice sunny day at the weekend, when you have no time restraints, to explore your route. Do not cycle to work for the first time on a Monday morning if you are not entirely sure where you’re going. It could result in you getting lost and turning up at work late and flustered.

• When you have mastered your route just cycle in twice a week to start with to get your fitness levels up. Never force yourself to cycle when you don’t feel like.

Do not feel you have to cycle when….

• You have the mother of all hangovers

• It’s a blowing a gale or chucking it down with rain or both

• You are wearing a pencil skirt and 6 inch heels and have just spent an hour on your hair for a big meeting or date.

• You are reading a particularly good book and quite fancy a bus journey.

More advice on getting started coming soon on cyclechic.co.uk

Tip 7: Colour co-ordinate

Dawn Porter, TV presenter on Channel 4’s How to Look Good Naked, looks rather fabulous fully clothed on her baby pink Brompton

I caught up with Dawn after a busy day zipping around Soho for various meetings, "I am addicted to my bike! I would never be able to fit so much into the day with such little stress with out it’

Dawn gave London Cycle Chic her top tip for looking stylish on your bike….
‘Pick a colour and go with it, for me, it is all about pink! Dawn has a Cyclodelic bespoke front pannier to match her bicycle along with bright pink leather gloves and rather fetching cream earmuffs for the nippy winter weather.

See Dawn on 'Dawn gets Naked', the first in her series of documentaries coming soon to BBC3.

The Sartorialist

More recognition of cycling’s style. The Sartorialist was selected as one of the Times Magazine’s top 100 design influencers. He takes to the streets everyday snapping stylish people and has penchant for people on bicycles. This is one of his all time favourite photos.