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Whether it's five miles or five hundred miles, riding a bicycle is more fun than anyone ever told me! My New Year's Resolution to cycle 10 miles a day or 40 minutes on a spin bike has meant that by the end of May I have cycled 2,600 miles! Because of my cycling wardrobe the weather has not stopped me from cycling (unless it really is -5 degrees or with wind gusts of 25 mph). Cycling in style and in comfort is really important to me as I don't really want to be covered in logos looking like a Ninja as I buy groceries or attend meetings. I have found some things that work for me but am always looking for new pieces. For me, Evans Cycles and Cycle Surgery for the basics. My two favourite brands for my wardrobe are www.velorution.com and www.velovixen.com but I am always looking for new pieces. I would love to know what works for you and why. Happy cycling!

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Mice Gets Wet! 11 miles across to East London,



An appointment in the City allowed me to bring my road bike. Cycling on the Boardman is such a different experience to the Brommie! Thank you Sir Chris - I love my road bike!  Into a headwind at 20mph no problem! (Maybe it was a tailwind!) I whooshed along the Embankment, tweaking the handlebars with no effort, cutting my route as though it was a knife making effortless steering.  I saw 24mph at one point - I must learn how to use the Cateye so it gives me all the stats.

I took a diversion to Spitalfields which I had confused with Smithfields (D'oh) to see how Pelotonco.cc is coming along.  I met them at Spin London and they are about to open a cafe at 4 Market Street.  Hopefully their doors will be open within the week - am much looking forward to it! 

Spitalfields is a bit modern!  Just eastside from Liverpool Street Station. I rather liked it and will definitely be back.  There are lots of one way streets so I got a bit lost.  I did find Petticoat Lane though!



 I also found the sort of notice that certain night time cyclists I know might approve of...!
 

A trip up a cul-de-sac led me to Swift Cycles.  The bicycles were shiny, bright and sparkling.  




I was particularly attracted to these two! Oh how I would love to have wheels like that!  
Not likely to happen but I can dream - and avoid a cross wind which would put me on the pavement!

Swift Cycles are about to increase their stock (which was practically albeit temporarily at nil!) of womenswear - focussing on Castelli.  They are going to have a bit of Assos and this really made me realise the gap in the market that fortunately Velovixen is filling.   

In terms of clothes or rather "what to wear on a bicycle" manufacturing the technical fabrics exist - close fitting, breathable polyesters and merino. But the cycling shops on the high street just don't seem to understand the issue and the designs of the finished garments are so disappointing. Leggings are not flattering!  The so called Ladies Tops from the major brands - Endura, Altura and Pearl Isumo all seem to have ridiculous squiggles and go faster stripes (as if!) on them that shriek "I'm a Cyclist" rather than being a performance top that happens to be worn by someone riding a bicycle.  Grrrr!

Now that Levis and H&M are at least giving it a go even if it's just menswear hopefully things will improve.  I notice that Evans now has a Casual Clothing section online which is a step in the right direction although I don't exactly see myself wearing a hoodie anytime soon!

I do keep my eye on non cycling shops for above-the-knee length skirts and sleeveless dresses in Lycra and cotton t-shirt fabric which at least allow me to mix and match.

It may be a bit extreme but just imagine if one of the high street brands like M&S met Altura or Pearl Izumi.  Or Max Mara met Assos. Or Castelli met Velovixen alongside one of their designers.   If only I could draw...  


 In the meantime I shall ride my bicycle!