Yup, that's it, I'm getting a bike! Really, I've been telling everyone that I'm going to start biking to work...I mean why not! For exercise, for fresh air...and to bypass the pump, it just makes sense. I'm only 4 miles each way to work (not that close but not too far) ...which makes me believe I can do it...but people are surprised by it. "You on a bike!" or better yet, my mom said "Yeah right honey!"
This Skeppshult Ladies Bike has a nice classic look to it and includes a basket...this could be in the running I think!!
This is a Jorg and Olif Bike, modified for U.S. conditions...apparently their first two customers were stylish celebs Chloe Sevigny and “Splash” star Daryl Hannah. (Sourced from BikePortland.org)
And then there's the cute Cynthia Rowley beach cruiser, with it's aged leather accents (and classic bell)...it comes in pink, green, and blue. I think this would make a good city bike too!!
This red beauty is called "One Fine Lady" from Velorbis...great color options, styles and even better are all the accessories!!
And already since my post a few hours back, two readers suggested I take a look at the Electra bikes, cute and moderately priced...on REI I found this Amsterdam Classic Cruiser above....so cute, and only $600
So, do you bike to work? Just started (because of gas prices) or always have??
Or just plain don't ride a bike, I wanna know...
Or just plain don't ride a bike, I wanna know...
36 comments:
Ok, I got on a bike for the first time in probably 25 years just the other day. It was hilarious for everyone involved. And probably a wee bit scary too for the neighbors observing. But, I surprised myself! I can still do it! My husband bikes to work and for fun and he has been begging me to try it, but for some reason I had started to get a phobia about falling off. But now that I have made a brave first step, I might give biking to a destination a whirl!
Good luck! It sure would save on the gas bill AND give a great workout too!
I'm lucky enough to work from home but think I might bike to work if it was close enough. Gas is so outragous these days!
Go for the first bike, it's a cross between chic and service.
Post a picture and show your mom!!!!!!!!!!!
I bike to work from time to time, and yes I can ride a bike in Manolos! (I live a little over a mile from work, so I walk and take public transportation as well, depending on timing and what I am wearing!) Right now I have a Trek hybrid, but what I'm really coveting is an Electra Amsterdam Cruiser in white!
You should Melissa! That's great, love the story too :)
~Kate
I wish I could work from home Zenadia, but I know I'd have my head in the fridge too much...so better to bike to work!
~Kate
Yes, I think I will Dianne!!
~Kate
I was on a hunt for a euro looking city bike myself, and ended up getting the Electra Amsterdam. It looks like all of the bikes that you posted, but at a more reasonable price. There's a few different versions/colors ranging from $450-800. Mine was about $550, and I love it! Check out www.electrabike.com to see the various styles. Definitely go test drive a few to find one that's comfortable, before you buy. It's kind of like car shopping! :) Good luck in your search.
I say halleleuh to riding in Manolos!! Ooo I'll have to check out this cruiser you mentioned, thanks!
~Kate
Thanks for the recommendation anon!!
~Kate
(previously posted as anon)
You're welcome!
Have fun bike shopping, and post pics when you get it!
Btw, I'm new to your blog. Love it!
what a great post...i would love to ride a bike in a cute outfit like that first picture. too bad no one in LA looks that good doing it!
xo
I just bought an Electra Townie and I can't wait to ride on over to my local bakery for scones this wknd. Check out Giant bikes and Gary Fisher's Simple City model (it's gorgeous).
I have a cute vintage cruiser that would be perfect with a little paint. I have ridden it to work a couple of times but in our climate, the morning is nice but the afternoon is either too warm or windy so my husband has nicely driven over and picked me up wherever I've decided that I can't go any farther. We do love to take leisurely family bike rides on the weekends.
My favorite bike is the bamboo look from the June 2006 Domino Cover.
Kate, I really thought that was you on the bike!! You will look equally chic. I would love to bike to work here in Dallas, but it is too hot in the summer - I would be pretty gross by the time I got there. You should take advantage of your great CA weather and do it!
oooh - I love the Jorg bike! Have you ever seen the bamboo bike? so cute. what do you do when it rains?
you need to talk to insidetheloop - she's the bike queen of the design blogs - she's from Houston.
The bike you need.. for a thousand reasons, is a Batavus Favoriet.. from Holland..
just go to the batavus website.. you'll see why
I like the yellow bike!!! My husband just bought a scooter and loves it! He drives it everywhere!
Great post! I so want a bike. I've been telling my fiance we should get a couple so we can go riding together.. So far, my request has fallen on deaf ears. I may just have to take this matter into my own hands! It's great for the environment, saves money, and a fabulous workout. Enough said, I'm in!
You're almost Dutch! As an American living in Holland, I am surrounded by people who think nothing of biking 30 and 40 minutes to work wearing a suit or high heels regardless of the weather sunshine, rain, or snow! While I tend to be a "fair weather biker" (a fact my Dutch friends tease me about), it's the perfect mode of transport! It's free (once you've bought the bike), is heart healthy (and gives great definition to the legs!) and environmentally friendly. My husband and I host about 10 sets of American visitors per year and each set that visits us here in Holland returns to the USA with an interest in biking more often! We like to say that we're changing the world, one guest at a time!
The Antiques Diva
I live in Manhattan and don't drive in the city, but have been looking into bicycling for a few months now, because finding time to work out is a challenge. I used to love it, and would ride along the beach in California almost every day.
Hi Kate! I own the Electra Amsterdam and absolutely love it! I bought mine in white and attached a few baskets so it could be functional. My moon shaped picnic basket is perfect for carting around a bottle of wine to the neighborhood restaurant! ...here's a pic
My sister has that yellow Daisy Electra and it's adorable in person! Electra's bikes are so comfy. Would be happy to answer any questions you have about bikes that are comfy, functional and, most importantly, cute!
I just adore your bike Courtney!! I send that picture to my mom and some friends to see what they think too...might have to copy you :) Thanks for stopping by!!
~Kate
I have a three-speed British bike by Raleigh called the "Bobby" bike as the U.K. police use them, so sturdier frame than your usual English
This is cute:
rachttp://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/women/special/er.
I'd buy every one of those bikes! You should check out the Electra post on Hygge House - she loves that one. I think if I had to pick I'd do the Gucci!
Good for you! Love the Gucci bike, I wouldn't mind one myself!
We just got back from Portland, where it seemed like everyone was on a bike.
I applaud the trend, but I'm curious about one thing: How do you bike four miles to work, and not show up smelling a bit, uh, fragrant?
I'm honestly dying to know ... do bike commuters shower once they arrive at the office?
what a wonderful post!~ i live in portland (where everyone bikes) and thus loved seeing some beautiful fashion bikes. lovely blog!~
good for you! i wish i could be "that girl", but in all honesty, I love the IDEA of it, way more than the "practice" of it. However, the pics of bikes you posted are great!!! It makes me want to change my ways!
Love your site! I found you via Simplygrove and must catch up on your great postings!
Yes, many Portland businesses and govt. offices supply their employees with showers and sometimes lockers, or passes to a nearby gym. You carry your work clothes on the bike (neatly folded in a pannier) or just leave them at work and bike to and from work in biking clothes. If you're willing to ride a little slower and leave a little earlier, you can pace yourself and avoid much sweat. If there are no showers, you can often freshen up in the restroom. A pack of those baby wipes and some deodorant can also work wonders. Congrats on deciding to help your health and the planet's by biking to work, even occasionally!
I'm on the hunt for a bike! Love the post.
I wish I had a bike. But I work too far to bike to work two days a week. But MWF, I could use a bike and would love to finally get around to purchasing one.
I have a 7 speed Velorbis Victoria and I looooove it.
See some great Velorbis reviews here:
http://www.copenhagenize.com/2007/11/bikes-we-like-velorbis.html
http://chiccyclist.blogspot.com/2008/05/test-rode-velorbis.html
The bf and I bought bikes this year. They're both just cheapy ones from Walmart, but they do the trick. Unfortunately, we both work too far from home to make the commute but we had optioned it at one point.
Ahhh.....all these bikes are lovely. I adore your blog.
FYI:
Electra Bicycle Company Expands Recall of Amsterdam Bicycles; Chain Can Derail and Pose Injury Risk to Riders
The interior alignment tabs of the bicycle's chainguard can be pushed against the chain causing it to derail, which poses a risk of injury to riders.
This alert was issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. For more information, see http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08365.html
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