I’m pretty certain I’ve talked about cycling before on here. Though, it seems I cannot find the post which leads me to think I may have purged it (I have a really bad habit of doing this with posts) in the summer. Nonetheless, here I am, talking about bicycles again, because yes, the bicycle bug has hit me once more. I go through periods of really wanting to cycle in everyday life – the thing holding me back? I hate my bike.

Image by Gingerlillytea

“But, why talk of bicycles?” I hear you cry. On the face of it, nothing to do with fashion or style. But the girls (and guys?) at Cycle Chic would have you think differently. I first stumbled across Caz’s blog in err… ‘07… I think – when the cycle bug hit me the first time. Promptly, I bought a Bern helmet (this was before the actual shop was set up, but I presume the service is just as good, if not better now, so a shop stamp of approval from me) which I am ashamed to admit, has remained in the cupboard save for 3 times I think. Leading me back to my problem – the loathing of my bike. Which, according to this film, appears to be one of the key reasons teen (including late teens such as myself) girls don’t cycle. That and the terrifying roads in Britain!

So, what is a girl (or guy) who is style-conscious (most are, let’s face it, especially if you’re reading this) but wants to cycle to do? The answer is simply get a bike you like. Obvious really! I am, quite naturally, drooling over dutch, dutch-style and “vintage” bikes. Heck, if you’ve followed Copenhagen Cycle Chic for any length of time, you would be too! I’ve tried over the years to find a secondhand bicycle I liked. But to no avail. The ones I like are ridiculous money for something which may or may not be reliable. So, I’m now thinking to spend a little more (but still as little as possible because though biking would save me money, the initial output is still expense) on a new bike which is more certain in reliability.

The very lovely remixr La Meow on her beautiful cycle.

Well, Cycle Chic do stock some lovely bikes – but all way out of my price range. Then there are Pashley cycles (also stocked at Bobbin Bicycles, which have a range of pretty decent bikes methinks). Seriously lovely and I’d totally get one. Except my budget is about half the price of their cheapest ‘classic’ cycle – the Poppy. Such a shame because I’m certain they’re built beautifully. But my UK-based friends (because alas, I think all these links are solely for UK cyclists – sorry international readers! But I’m sure with some hunting, you’d be able to find a bike you love quicker than I have) there is one more port of call for an affordable dutch bike – Dutchie. This is coming across as a sales pitch now I fear (it’s not I promise – I genuinely stumbled upon them & was swayed by their passion for bicycles) but with Dutch bikes starting at £240 it’s the most reasonably priced dutch bicycle I’ve found. Save err visiting Scandinavia & getting an older one there (even then, it’s probably more expensive unless you live there or are visiting for a holiday/work etc). Anyway, once I’ve persuaded the parents that I would actually use a bike (any cycle, despite the heckles I am likely to get from close-minded folks in my area), I am going to buy one and cycle with a grin attached to my face! (The ultimate accessory?!)

The equally wonderful Jennine on her cycle.

Problem one more or less sorted. Problem two is, I admit much more tricky – the hellish roads. If I’m honest, there is no way to overcome this easily unless you happen to live in a city which is cycle friendly (Oxford anyone? I visited my friend at uni there and so many cycles! I was lusting after quite a few…) or you cycle on the pavement (which you are not meant to do) or you just suck it up & ride the roads in style! Your choice. Anyway, one final link for you – Bike Belles. And though that is again UK specific, the actual information & cycle tips are useful for anyone, anywhere.

So, though it might be December and everyone in the Northern hemisphere is probably thinking about bundling up rather than cycling; I personally don’t think there is any better time to consider it, than a looming new year (new decade even) and a Climate Change summit going on as we speak. All in favour of turning over a new leaf? (Ha! That was a terrible pun, sorry!)