Cycle friendly Fashion from London Fashion Week AW10

From Vivienne Westwoods tartan mini skirt suit with pink tights, to Aquascutums's paper bag waist trench, here are some of our favourie Autumn/Winter styles from London Fashion Week that we think would work fabulously for cycling.






Designers; Modern Classics, Jaeger, Mulberry, Vivienne Westwood, Aquascutum, Betty Jackson. See LFW website for full collections.

Cyclechic's little black book: Bells Bicycles, Hastings

We are always interested in new bike shops that have charm and originality so Bells Bicycles in Hastings is certainly ringing our bell. I visited Hastings a couple of years ago and although I was not particularly taken with the main town the Old town is fabulous. Lots of wonderful vintage and brick-a-brac shops and some really great old pubs and cosy chippys. I was therefore very excited to here about Bells bicycles launching in the vicinity.

"Founded and run by Meg Williams-O’Mara, a twenty four year old vintage bike enthusiast, the shop contains an ever-changing selection of bicycles. From the super fast fixed wheel track bikes of the 40’s, the ultra elegant Dutch loop frame of the 20’s to the very simple town bikes made in the 70’s/80’s.
Bell’s is a cornucopia of elegance and engineering. Even the names of these bicycles conjure up another world- the Hero Royale, the Raleigh Caprice, Cameo Classic, Carlton Reynolds, the Auto-Mini."



So if your in the area, pop in between pubs and brick-a -brac shops and check some of these beauties out, I am particularly keen on the pink shopper..

You can visit Bell’s from Wednesday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm at 49 High St, Hastings. TN34 3EN.
For more info email Meg at hello@bicycleinfo.co.uk or call 01424 443033.

Know any other up and coming bike shops, let me know?

Don't try this at home kids...

Loving this image from Diesel new campaign. Perhaps not the safest way to take your sweetheart down he pub but for those lovers who can't bear to be apart, it could be an option...

The Multi-tasking helmet for ladies who ski and cycle...

For all you active gals who both cycle and ski the Bern multi-tasking helmet, will be right up your street (or slope). The Muse, Baker and Watt all come with snuggly knits that attach for cold weather keeping your ears and neck warm and then unclips when the sun comes out.
It strikes me that skiing and cycling have a few similarities. Both give you a tremendous sense of freedom, both make you feel like you've done a huge amount of exercise without having to do that much work and both have a glamorous history generating some beautiful vintage posters.

Bicycle Brides.. part II

Now this is taking Bicycle Brides to a whole new level!!! These fanatical filly's have been so in love with their bikes they've declared it to the world by marrying their trusted steeds. Thank you to Kirsty and handlebarsandhandbags for alerting me to the happy couples, full wedding albums for Elicia and Steph at BikePortland's flikr page.

Bicycle Brides

I was flicking through a wedding magazine last week , only to find 3 photos of ladies on bikes, this one being my favourite of Bride and Groom with the beautiful pink Pashley Poppy. I am getting married in April and as a proud owner of a blue Pashley Poppy, (the perfect wedding bike if such a thing exists!) I am currently trying to work out as which point in the day we can jump on our bikes. I think cycling to the wedding could be dangerous as may be too nervous and cycling home afterwards is definitely not a good idea as we will have had a few drinkees, so I'm thinking we should cycle to the reception, after the ceremony. It may not be the most practical way to travel in a rather delicate vintage wedding dress but it will be fun.
I've found some great photos of like minded couples who have saddled up for the big day on great blog Green Wedding Shoes





Has anyone else pedaled their way to marital bliss?

Miss Dior's on her bike

Doir uses the bicycle's modern yet classic elegance to promote their new Fragrance, Miss Dior Cherie. We love the bright pink coat and purple Beret, not sure how far she'll get with that big bottle on her lap though...

The Great Cycle Fashion Ride 2010

Looking for a challenge this year, The London to Paris Great Cycle Fashion Ride, could be right up your street. Not only will you raise funds for the Environmental Justice foundation's fairer cotton Campaign but you'll get a days shopping in Paris and a chance to have an absolute ball from the looks of the film from last years ride.

"The 2009 fashion cycle ride was AMAZING! I met so many lovely people and although every inch of my body is hurting it was one of the best things I've ever done in my life!" Caroline Reader, Sept 2009

Dates: 14-18 July 2010
Challenge days: 4 days cycling, 1 day in Paris
Registration: £99
Sponsorship: £1300
What’s included: Travel by ferry to France and return to London on Eurostar, accommodation (3* hotels), mechanics, guides, medical support and meals

'Combine your love of fashion and feel for adventure by making a 300-mile bicycle journey between two of Europe’s iconic style capitals – London and Paris – to promote a fairer future for the fashion industry.'

So if like me cycling and shopping rate highly on your 'ways to have fun' list and you want to raise some funds for this fantastic cause give the EJF a call on 0207 239 3310 or check out their website for more info

Bicycle Blues

With all the excitement of Christmas over and done with there no wonder we can feel a little blue come January. Our poor bicycle feel it to as they often get neglected in favour of warmer modes of transport on these crispy Januray mornings. So cheer yourself up and your bicycles with our Blue Sale. For the whole of January we are giving you 20% of selected Blue Products. Cyclechic products singing the blues so you don't have to are Swrve jeans, midnight blue Bern Baker, Lowie Merino handlebar covers and the rain poncho

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Last minute stocking fillers under £10

If, like me, you have left your Christmas shopping to the last minute, don't panic... You still have 5 days to order with us and ensure delivery in time for Christmas, within the UK. (Orders can be taken until 2pm on Monday 21st Dec) Simply go to cyclechic.co.uk or phone us on 0207 613 7316. We will also be doing appointments on Mon 21st & Tues 22nd at our office in Old Street but please call us before hand to book a time! A few stocking filler ideas for under £10:

Reflective claqs £4 each

Frog Lights £8.50 each

Knog puncture repair kit £6.99

Bicycle clips £5 for a pair

Reflective safety wing £7

Top 10 products from 2009 No.1 Deluxe Shopper Pannier

This was our top seller this year! From Wimbledon to Wyoming you guys ordered the Deluxe shopper Panniers in abundance. These panniers look marvelously vintage, you can cram enough into them for a short break and they are easy peasy to clip on and off your bike... but most importantly they are excellent value for money at £40 a pop.

No.2 The YAKKAY helmet

The YAKKAY has caused quite a stir this year. A touch of the 'Marmite effect' about them (you either love them or you hate them) We love them so they have made it in at no.2 this year..

No. 3 Po Campo bags

The Po Campo bags wins our best newcomer award. These bags fresh, innovative and beautifully made. Our first customer to buy the rack bag liked it so much she bought the handlebar bag straight after and another rack bag for her sister! A true investment buy.

No.4 The Knog Beetle

Just as easy to attach as the frogs but with a larger/stronger bulb, the Beetles £13.99 are our favourite light this year!

No.5 Bern Muse

Revolutionising the cycling helmet, the Bern Muse £44.99, has been our top selling helmet this year. And its a sad far well to Gloss Cranberry as we have new colours coming in for next year. We still have a few Mediums left though so get in there quick...

No. 6 Dashing Tweeds Flat Caps and Legwarmers

Classic style with a contemporary twist. Dashing Tweeds designs have a reflective weave sown in, that by daylight is hidden but by night dazzles and shines. I adore the legwarmers £40 and am giving the flat cap £55 to all the cycling men in my life this Christmas.

No.7 The Fjallraven Kanken Classic

The Kanken classic was a new product this year and we love it's retro appeal. We selected a few of the colours we liked but would love your suggestions for colours to get in next year? Take a look at the extensive range on the fjallraven website and post comments with the colours you like?

No.8 The Rain Cape

The Rain Cape in red and navy, £35 has been a firm favourite with the all-weather cycling brigade.

No.9 'I love my bicycle bell'

We get them up in the morning to face the wind and the rain, we leave them on the street while we go to the pub for a drink... Isn't it about time you showed your bike some love!
The wonderfully Kitsch 'I love my bike' bell £5.99, as featured in the Metro gift guide, wins our best value for money award for 2009