Chic Cycling Through Mid-Life
Whether it’s cycling to work, or running errands on the weekend, there’s a lot to love about pedalling around town while the sun’s out.
The benefits of cycling as an accessible and easy-to-learn form of exercise make it an excellent lifestyle choice and it’s never too late to start. One of the joys of cycling is that it’s genuinely a sport for all ages. From toddlers on their first balance bikes to club stalwarts riding every Sunday into their seventies and beyond, there’s no reason why it can’t be a lifelong pleasure.
Looking good when two-wheeling is part of the fun. Forget technical-wear, lycra and clips on shoes: you don’t have to conform to the tyranny of sportswear just to ride your bike. Instead, embrace the cycle-chic movement.
Cycle chic was a phrase coined in 2006 by the controversial urban designer Mikael Colville-Andersen who runs the Copenhagenize Design Company. Working with city planners all over the world, he’s transformed urban environments to make them better places to live – and that includes the clothes we wear. It all started in Copenhagen when he snapped a photo of a fashionable cyclist and posted it online. The movement has grown exponentially since, spreading across the globe to cities such as London, Charleston, San Francisco, New York, Melbourne. The idea is to encourage more bicycle trips by presenting powerful images of beautiful people using bikes as transportation while wearing everyday clothing (sometimes without a helmet).
But what if you care about your safety and still want to pull together an outfit that looks stylish when you reach your destination?
As long as we share the same enthusiasm of Mikael Colville-Andersen for urban bicycling, here at Crunchytales.com we do believe wearing a helmet is important to protect your head while commuting, as well as bringing some glam to your cycling without losing functionality.
So, if you want to add some sparks to your bike-journey, these are the brands you should you look out for:
Dashing Tweeds create modern, urban tweeds woven in the UK for bespoke and ready to wear tailoring. Their cycling range is designed with the knowledge that the time spent cycling to meetings in the city is only a small part of the day, so it is made with a Lumatwill cloth woven with 3M. The 3M reflects car headlights at night, but by day the fibres look like elegant silver threads. Their range includes blazers, bomber jackets, tailored trousers and capes.
The grey sheen of Geek leather cycling shoes is subtle in appearance in daylight, but at night, once illuminated, it reflects the light with an incredible high-vis impact. These look great when cycling and great when you’re not – the perfect peddle to pavement footwear.
Dashel Helmets by Catherine Bedford
One of the most important items for cycling safely is the helmet. Traditionally this has been one of the ugliest items in a cyclist’s wardrobe but that has changed with the creation of the Dashel range of retro-styled cycle helmets. The only cycle helmet that wouldn’t look out of place with your Prada shorts. Made in the UK from carbon-fibre, a Dashel helmet is extremely slim fitting and light, without compromising on safety. Tailored to fit, via some special coolmax pads inside which keep you cool and prevent any helmet hair.
Casual Cyclist bag range by Ally Capellino
Pendle Travel and Cycle body bag is a handy marsupial zip-up pouch that can be worn in a number of ways. Crossbody and close to the chest or around the waist. Named after British cycling hero, Victoria Pendleton, these bags work brilliantly from bike to office. No more clunky rucksacks that need to be dragged around during the day, and no need to carry an extra ‘going for drinks after work’ bag with you too. This bag is practical and will look stylish all day long.
Any clothes made from natural fabrics allow breathability when cycling and merino wool is prized by cyclists for its warmth. Findra, a Scottish company, only use ethically sourced merino from Australia. Their neck warmers are more practical than a traditional scarf when cycling and have no seams for the ultimate in comfort.
Bookman Metallic Bike Coffee Cup Holder Copper
A leisurely commute would ideally involve coffee, but carrying your coffee on the bike was pretty impractical and unsafe. Not anymore, with this elegant, copper holder that affixes to your bike with a spring mechanism that holds fast over any bumps in the road.
There are nearly as many styles of ‘cycle clothing’ as there are commuting cyclists. Whatever ‘look’ you choose in the end, just remember to enjoy the ride.
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