Another addition to the women's cycling movement...

Sometimes even we are surprised to be reminded that men are still three times more likely to cycle than women.
Shockingly, three quarters of women will never even get on a bike at all. Whether it’s down to fear of traffic, a lack of confidence or simple practicalities like wanting to arrive for work fresh as a daisy as opposed to sweating through endless Lycra, there is still much work to be done to encourage women across the UK to try out the two-wheeled form of transport.

With this in mind sustainable transport charity Sustrans has launched BikeBelles, its new website exclusively for female cyclists.
Billed as ‘what every woman needs to know to get out and about by bike,’ the site is a combination of practical hints and tips including getting started, staying safe and looking good on two wheels, and diaries from real-life ‘bike belles’.
The latter is a panel of women from different backgrounds from across the UK, with differing levels of cycling experience, who share their views, opinions and experiences.

Although the belles have varying levels of commitment to their online diaries – some have only posted once – these short snippets provide an insight into the lives of female cyclists.
Some also review products, such as these fabulous Knog Gekko bike lights.
Users can sign up to email updates for news and offers, and the site carries a host of useful links including to this very website and to Sustrans’ range of information and services.
BikeBelles is a nice concept and the addition of real women in the Bike Belles themselves is a quirky little twist. Anyone visiting the site can easily be guided to hints and tips on everything from choosing a bike to how much money you can save swapping a car trip for a journey by bike.
It is also very visually appealing – Sustrans’ main website, although excellent, is rather lurid and not terribly easy on the eye. BikeBelles is far prettier with a good use of inspiring photography.
All in all we’re giving the site the thumbs up, as anything that encourages more women to get on their bikes has to be a good thing.

A tart up for TFL

Transport for London went and got trendy! We love their new cycling micro- site. Inviting pics of girls in skirts with long hair floating in the breeze..., some great info on rides and events. A cycling specific journey planner, competitions and blogs from various types of cyclists. Info on the forthcoming cycle hire scheme.. all very exciting.
It wasn't long ago that any promotional pictures of women on bikes would be geeky, sporty and generally unappealing. Times are indeed a changing.

Saddle up for the Strike...

With the tube strike looming, what better a time to try cycling to work. A bit nervous about your route go to LCC's fab site Bike Tube. They have info on organised bike rides into town from different areas in London or advice on how to plan your own route.

TFL also have their fab new cycling site up

We also have some tips and advice to get you started and you need accessories, you know where to come... cyclechic.co.uk

New Cape in town

Budding new designer Claire Smith has created this rather beautiful garment. The 'Orenna' Reversible Pleated Cape is made from 100% pure wool on one side and 100% recycled polyester on the other, the reversible cape allows the wearer to adapt the look and function on and off the bike. The generous cut and sunburst pleats enable the rider the move easily and provide ventilation. Whilst the recycled polyester side provides a water-resistant function for the ride into work, when reversed the pure wool side creates a smarter look for when worn off the bike. Scotchbrite reflective binding is used around the hem and sleeve edges for subtle high visibility.


The cape is put on over the head and closed with magnet fastenings to allow the cape to drape beautifully from the neck. The cropped sleeves provide further ventilation for cool winter mornings and can be worn with the 'Rena' knitted arm length finger-less gloves, which extend upto the shoulder to create easily removable sleeves. Allowing for a highly adaptable cape depending on the wearers physical and social environment.

Claire is currently studying at The London College of fashion. We are digging the cape and think she has a bright future ahead. Let us know what you think?

Loving your work boys...

OUTLIER is a company after our own heart, firmly understanding the basic human right to cycle and look good doing it. They design classic clobber for the stylish cycling chaps of NYC.

OUTLIER is about classically tailored garments made with the best
technical fabrics around. Clothing that works from both bike to boardroom.

Outlier's strives to create future classics, clothing that
works as well a century down the road as it will tomorrow.

Aimed at the urban dweller that has a slightly different world view than
the rest. They ride their bicycles to work because of the way it makes
them feel, refreshed yet exhilarated. They ride to work because it is the
best way to navigate the city, with complete freedom. This audience is
well-educated, opinionated and have a keen sense of style that others
often look to.


Two years ago, Abe and Tyler began to search for a solution to a basic
problem; how to ride their bikes to work and show up looking crisp, fresh
and clean. The stresses of cycling wore out their jeans. On days when they
needed to dress up for clients, they either suffered the train or
performed awkward superman maneuvers in bathrooms to change. Rain of
course was a persistent problem too.

Not knowing each other at the time, they both independently started to
tackle the same issues, convinced there was a better way. It wasn't until
an insightful barista at their local coffee shop, Gimme Coffee, put two
and two together and connected the pair. It was at that point Outlier was
born. Tailored performance clothing for cycling in the city.


We love their climber pants and Navy waxed cotton cap.. and the rather lovely fellas wearing them.

20% of Bern Brighton Helmets

Just started cycling to save some dosh and don't want to spend a fortune on your accessories? Well look no further.. the beautiful Bern Brightons now have a whopping 20% off at only £32!
The Brightons are the perfect for summer cycling, eliminating sweaty head syndrome. They have air vents at the top and back as well as being lined with Brock foam which unlike most cycling helmets has a porous quality that circulates air and soaks up moisture.

Say no to damp clothes with Cyclechic's rain cape!

We've all been there... Getting drenched on the way to work and having to either sit in wet clothes or decorate the office with your garments in an effort to dry them out while you wear the office cardigan that no one seems to own.. not fun! Our new rain cape can solve all your damp problems, will keep you and your lovely outfit dry and then conveniently fold into its own pouch so easy to stow away when the sun comes out again!




I tested it out this morning and was very happy with the results...



Buy the rain cape at our new online shop, only £35

Cyclechic's springtime must haves

I am very much into all things pink, blue and flowery this spring. It may be something to do with the arrival of my baby girl, Florence Sybil on the 27th March and that our flat is now a sea of flowers, pink teddies and frilly dresses. So from baby blues to blossom prints here's my top 5 springtime cycling must haves...

1. The Pashley Poppy £395 Those lovely people at Pashley have got it just right with these pastel blue and blush pink shades and the fabulous creamy wheels.

2. The Cherry blossom double pannier £35.99 - Perfect for spring days out on the bike or to brighten up your daily commute



3. Sawako Furuno Helmet £40-60


4. Joules Cag in a bag - Best to be prettily prepared for those April showers


5. Paul and Joes jumpsuit £389

Topshop gets cycling

Our friends at Cyclodelic have launched their fabulous products at the big Topshop in Oxford Circus... How exciting!

If however you can not get down the big smoke to check them out you can buy the Cyclodelic Bra bag, cuff and the wonderful cape from cyclechic.co.uk

Cycling short

It's Your Ride from Cinecycle on Vimeo.

A beautiful little film. "Directed by Daniel Leeb of Cinecycle Productions.
This short film features Alfred Bobe Jr. and Fatimah Durkee. The film spins a visual ballad between the two cyclists experiencing the city in their own unique ways. Both cyclists are city dwellers who amidst the chaos of the concrete jungle have created a private and peaceful psychological space as they traverse the streets. They are both alone and yet they are both very much aware of each others presence. The film speaks to the harmony with one's environment that can be found while riding a bicycle in a city and the synchronistic connection we can have with those we have not even met. The short was commissioned by Hutchinson tires."
We are loving the girls strawberrys and cream outfit and bike and the particularly stylish bonnet style hat.

March's Bike of the Month - The Oma Classic from Dutchie

March … The perfect month to buy a bike and start cycling. I bought my first set of wheels in the month of March a few years ago and have never looked back.

When you begin your search for your two-wheeled friend, don’t get bullied into buying some charmless hybrid. Consider all your options, one of which should be to ‘go Dutch’.

I am a big fan of Dutch bikes so am particularly excited when a new brand comes on the market. The new kid on the block this spring is Dutchie and they seem to be causing quite a stir. They do both mens Dutch bikes and ladies Dutch bikes so something for everyone.

We test rode their flagship bicylce, the Oma Classic , of it’s many redeeming features what is particularly inviting about the Oma is the price…. only £289. A lot of the Dutch Style bikes on the market tend to creep up to twice this amount so the Dutchie is an aptly timed bargain!



The elegant Oma was delivered to my door and as I excitedly climbed aboard, I was quickly reprimanded by my partner. At 8 months pregnant he did not think I should be trying out a new bike no matter how pretty is was! After a little sulking I turned to my Cyclechic colleague to do the dirty work and decided to talk to a real Dutchie customer to get a full rounded view.

We first spoke to recent, very happy customer, Rachel Kinnaird. Rachel came to us to buy a helmet and, on seeing our Dutchie parked outside, stopped dead in her tracks and lovingly proclaimed “I have this bike!”. I asked her how she found it and she simply replied, “I’m effervescent….

So over to Rachel…

I am LOVING my Dutchie, as are others judging from the number of head-turners I've clocked up ! Great design, fabulous looking, rides like a dream. It’s an effortless, smooth ride, great seated position enabling better visibility of traffic, feeling safer.

Extras like the demobilizing lock & bike stand are really smart and the Skirt & chain guards take the hassle out of wondering what to wear, wardrobe as per usual, hoorah !

Dutchie is currently an online retailer, which makes them quick, and easy to buy from, wherever you are in the UK. They will deliver to your door FREE of charge and the bike will be 95% assembled on arrival so you don’t need to be a grease monkey to put it together. It’s simply a case of tightening the front wheel and handle bars… phew!

At Cyclechic we are using the Dutchie for all our chores and errands and my colleague, the lovely Lavinia, has been in the hot… saddle. Lavinia was also very taken with Dutchie but as a stoic cyclist she did point out that if you have only ever ridden a regular bike, you do need to ease yourself in gently. Dutch bikes have certain features that at first can be a little confusing. Her 3 things to look out for are;

1.Back pedal break – Instead of breaking with two brakes on the handle bars you back pedal to bring the bike to a stop and you have one break for the front hub on the handle bar . If you wanted to stick to regular breaks you could go for Dutchie’s Starlite bicycle

2.The handle bars are wider so your steering action will differ.

It’s probably a good idea if you are making the switch to get yourself used to these features in the park before you take to the busy roads. It will soon become second nature but don’t give you the stress of adjusting while contending with busy traffic.

Oh and most importantly...

3. You may find yourself being drawn to your reflection as you pass shop windows because you look so darn good. Please have a quick glance but no prolonged staring as this could lead to accidents as well as an inflated ego!

You can however send photos of yourself looking wonderful on your Dutchie to Me and my Dutchie and they will publish it in their family album on the website.


In summary the Dutchie Oma Classic is the perfect for a gentle commute, school run or errands around town. It also looks fabulous and makes you feel fabulous, and being cheaper and lighter than a lot of its competitors … you can’t go wrong!

Cyclechic shop: Frog Knog Front and Rear Bicycle Lights

Product information
Price: £8.50 each
Colours: White, translucent, Pink, Ice Blue, Olive Green, Lime Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple, Blue, Black
• SuperBright LED
• Flexible silicon body
• Integrated clipping feature
• Variable beam direction
• Visible up to 600 metres
• 2 Function

Cyclechic's verdict:

Finally a bicycle light to get excited about. Enjoyably tactile, the Frog is quick and easy to clip on n' off - the flexible 'tail' wraps around the handlebar etc, to be re-attached to a clip on the back of the main light body.They come in a myriad of colours to suit your bike, your outfit or your mood...

Click here to buy from the new online shop

More Cycle freindly fashion at LFW - Twenty8Twelve

Are Sienna Miller and her sister Savannah secret cyclists? The pair's clothing label - Twenty 8 Twelve - made it's London Fashion Week debut and showed distinctly wearable, but still uber chic, collection for Autumn 2009. The fashion critics argue that it's too wearable for LFW, but we heart their unpretentious, street influenced style.

Thick tights, denim hotpants and loose layers are ideal for riding two wheels at the weekend (above)

Beige traditional mac styles were prominent, perfect for work:

If you're a night rider, there's edgier items too - from this Grecian, loose dress; a grunge revival style leather jacket & floral mini dress combo; or go 80s with shoulder pads and denim leggings:

www.Twenty8Twelve.com

Pictures from Handbag.com

Paul Smith's cycle friendly fashion at London Fashion Week

Paul Smith is known to have a penchant for bicycles. We wonder if this has influenced his Cycle friendly designs at his recent London Fashion Week Show.

This Beautiful Bright pink Coat, perfect for stylish visability and the cape like shape looks wonderfully comfortable to cycle in..



Bright Green swishy skirt; the perfect length and fullness for Spring cycling

With so few decent rainmacs on the market, this is ideal for being Cyclechic in a down pour

Tapered trousers, always a cyclist friend and in my opinion tweed and bicycles are a match made in heaven

Bright yellow dress, teamed with cute hat and leather back pack.. this is the perfect cycle to work outfit.

Inspired bicycle photography by Gemma Booth

With any eye for vintage gorgeousness - and a big love for bikes - London based photographer Gemma Booth often features two wheels in her work, both in fashion editorial and advertising. All with a whimsical 70's feel.

With clients including Roxy, Amelia's magazine, Paul Smith and American Eagle, she's also permanently exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery. 

Check out her website gemmabooth.com and her blog gemmabooth.blogspot.com for more beautiful shots and intimate portraits.

Cyclechic's Valentines goodies

So Valentines day is approaching and lets face it, who wants to be wasting money on fluffy Teddy bears and roses this year? No, No, No... it’s all about romantic yet practical pressies. Cyclechic suggests...

Something for your lovely ladies… Warm her heart and her bottom with Lucky Saddle Bamboo Knickers and vest set £25


Something for your macho chaps.. Knog's Love'n'Hate Gloves £25

Cycle Chic Down Under

As the Cycle Chic movement grows we enjoy perusing the various blogs, finding fine examples of stylish folk on bicycles from all over the world. We especially love these Photos form Brisbane, Australia by photographer Brett Kerr from The Vine
Style lessons to be learnt from Carly Paddington, pictured above, teaming Stirrup leggings and tanned brogues. And 10 out of 10 to the chap below for his understated style... not to mention being rather easy on the eye.

Cyclechic loves... Satchels

I have always loved the classic old school satchel. They are great for cycling as you can sling them over your shoulder and rest them on your back as pictured. They can, however, be a little hard to get hold of. You either pay over the odds for a trendy designer number (see Chloe bag left) or scour the charity shops for a vintage find.




Cyclechic have been on the hunt and have found this rather lovely Satchel pannier bag (see below). They not only fit over your shoulder but have a pannier attachment so can be fixed on to your back rack to carry a heavier load. Click here to buy from our new online shop

Happy New Year!

The sun is shining; you’ve got a few days off work… the perfect time for a spot of winter cycling. Strap on the gloves, scarfs and Christmas jumpers and off you go. There’s nothing like a bike ride to put you back on track after too much Christmas indulgence. You can start to feel truly healthy and good about yourself; just in time for the onslaught of booze & partying that is New Years…