Cyclr Magazine Volume Two

volume 2

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Cyclr 5

For windblox review go to page 90

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Editors Letter Welcome, dear reader, to a new volume of Cyclr. You’ll hopefully notice a change as we decided to employ the services of a real designer, one able to bring our artwork and editorials to life in an aesthetically pleasing shell. Thank you Tom Fricker.

I’ve always loved magazines, flicking - or in the case of this digital publication - swiping through a comprehensive catalogue of articles celebrating a particular topic. At Cyclr we bask in the glory that is bike culture and design.

Our journey of celebration is still in it’s infancy -- we are only a group of adolescent bike-doting publishers after all. Even though I’m pleased to share this publication with you, I believe editorial content is at its best when one can physically engage with it. Ultimately, the goal is to bring Cyclr to life in a physical publication, but for now, thank you for supporting and thank you for entertaining our opinions.

They say a chef “is a mixture of artistry and craft” - we believe the same is true about bike design. An understanding 8 Cyclr

of craft is necessary for any maker, but artistry separates exceptional from ordinary. I’m sure Jake Rusby on pg.

80 would agree. The involvement of Tom Fricker represents a pivotal step forward for volume two, but so do the features. James Kennedy, a dear friend of Cyclr, is an individual whose ideas on aesthetics and product for the city cyclist are ones we appreciate. I interrupt James’ daily movements to discuss his cycling bag collaboration with fellow London-based startup, Derek’s Bags. I also spoke with Jake Rusby, a craftsman whose work could be observed as a form of expression that gives birth to a functional piece of art. My ramblings conclude with brand spotlight features on Pilen Cykel AB, This Is Cambridge, Walnut Studiolo, and a wee guide to minimalist bike style, because like Richard Bach said, “the simplest things are often the truest.”

As you may know, Cyclr started life in London; we wanted to bring your attention to some of the burgeoning brands from the London bike scene.

Steph Mann delivers her opinion on

London-based Michaux’s leather handlebar tape, whilst South East London bike designer Dani Foffa recommends some of his favourite brands, places and designs. My guide to minimalist bike style also shares the designs from a couple of London-based designers.

Deputy editor Steph Mann provided cycle clothing insights with her editorials, interviewing Stich-Mi-Lane and Route Clothing. In succession to her interview with Team GB cyclist Lizzie Armistead in volume one, Steph caught up with 4 x World Cup Series BMX champion Rachel Atherton. Her editorial exploration into the realm of professional cycling continued with a retrospect of the Le Tour and La Course, two road cycling events that further raised the profile of professional women’s cycling this year.

a chat with NYC Bike Style author, Sam Polcer. Reviewer Jack Sadler tests out the new VANMOOF Electrified, and the Cyclr team share some of their favourite designs in our new ‘Cyclr Love’ series.

So, despite the new faces and location (the USA), Cyclr is more than ever about the artisans and celebrated individuals from the bike scene. We operate in the grey area, we talk about bikes, but we’re, by no means, traditional cyclists. I’ve given up on finding a phrase to describe who we are. We just friggin’ love bikes, design and the lifestyle bicycles allow us to enjoy. Until volume three friends.

Cyclr Gerry Newton

An exclusive contribution from Cyclescheme appropriately titled ‘Cyclescheme 7’ explores the life of the city commuter. This volume is signed off with stories by Hugh Thomas on the Barcelona bike scene, Vanilla Bikes and Cyclr 9

“This is just a bicycle, not a ticket to your dreams. It’s not a black and white poem immortalised in black and white photography.

It doesn’t notice if your suffering nobly through wind and rain.

Or care if your ride is epic enough. But it does leap forward when you push the pedals. It dives and carves and sprints.

It gives back exactly what you put in. And of course. It can make you feel really damn awesome” 10 Cyclr

Cyclr Cyclr| 26 11

For vanilla bicycles go to page 150 image credit flickr photostream: Vanilla workshop

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Contents Feature article Rusby cycles

Feature interview Rachel Atherton

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100 Vanmoof electrified

Barcleona a cyclists paradise

Route clothing

38

46

66

Cyclescheme seven

Dani Foffa

A minimalist guide to bike style

Rob Lutter

70

110

122

128

La course and Giro Rosa

Vanilla bicycles

Stich mi-lane

Cyclescheme

144

152

NYC bike style

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Design spotlight series

166

172

Brand spotlight series

1

KCB Bag

60

1

Walnut Studiolo

16

2

Windblox

90

2

Pilen

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3

Micheaux

118

3

This is Cambridge

96

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Magazine Team Cyclr: Everyday, for every cyclist Atlanta Tech Village 3423 Piedmont Rd NE Atlanta GA 30305

Digital Distribution Cyclr Cyclescheme

London, England

Writing/ Translation Jamie Roberts, Jack Sadler, Hugh Thomas, Kobi Ansong

hello@cyclr.com

Publishing Team Gerry Miles Newton, creative editor & editor-in-chief - gerry@cyclr.com Steph Mann, deputy editor

Photography Jonathan Cherry, Kendal Noctor, Cecile Embleton, Jack Rusby, Gerry Newton

steph@cyclr.com

BACH Agency, copyediting & translation wearebach.com

Hannah Frary, PR coordinator hannah@cyclr.com

Creative Team Tom Fricker, art direction & graphic design - @TomFricker

Advertising Team Gerry M Newton, sales director gerry@cyclr.com

Hannah Frary, internal advertising hannah@cyclr.com

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Cover Shot by Vanilla cycles Retouching by Gerry M Newton Design by Tom Fricker

With Thanks To Bach Agency, Kobi Ansong, Rachel Atherton, Dani Foffa, James Kennedy, Vivat Nylander, Sam Polcer, Jack Sadler, Morian Thomas

For NYC bike style, go to page 24

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Brand spotlight series 1

Made In Portland: Walnu Author: Jamie Roberts

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ut Studiolo

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You could argue Portland is the unofficial home of bicycle design. The city is a cauldron of activity, one defined by it’s eclectic mix of innovators, makers, drinkers and those on two wheels.

Walnut Studiolo, otherwise known as Geoff and Valerie Franklin, embodies all of these attributes, designing and handcrafting leather and wood bicycle accessories from their garage come workshop in Portland, Oregon.

Geoff Franklin describes bicycle accessories as his core focus but he also loves good design. “As an architecture student, I loved learning how to work leather as a medium. Eventually I started enjoying the juxtaposition of leather and wood. In these products, I’m expressing my love for good design, architectural concepts, and natural materials in products that I would want to use myself…and I do use myself. I field-test all my products until I’m comfortable with them before listing them on our shop. Walnut designs make beautiful, durable, and most of all functional solutions to everyday problems.”

Walnut Studiolo's collection has organically expanded to more than a couple of dozen handcrafted woodand-leather offerings, sold online and in stores across the globe, answering the call of aesthetically-minded cyclists who want beautifully designed and functional products. As a brand, Walnut is refined to the essence of it’s function based on 18 Cyclr

Geoff’s “understanding of the strength of materials” and their connections.

Walnut’s collection is extensive; leather handlebar tape, rack straps, grips, panniers, saddle bags, six-pack beer carriers and portage straps are just a few products available for purchase.

To Geoffrey and Valerie Franklin, a bicycle isn’t just a form of transportation.

Walnut Studiolo isn’t just a cool bicycle accessory brand creating product from a garage somewhere in Portland. To them, Walnut Studiolo is a blank canvas on which to showcase their keen sense of design and leather handiwork that gives birth to designs for people on bikes.

Learn more about Walnut Studiolo online. walnutstudiolo.com walnutstudiolo@gmail.com @walnutstudiolo +1 503 447 6889

(Above) Bare knuckle grips (Bottom left) Can cage (Bottom right) Pocket pannier

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Cyclr Love 2

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6 1. Schindelhauer Viktor Matte Black £1,395.00 thebicycleman.co.uk

4. BSP Seventy4 VII ladies £699.00 thebicycleman.co.uk

2. Ass Saver £6.50 tokyobike.co.uk

5. Vulpine Ultralight Quilted Thermal Gilet £119.00 vulpine.cc

3. Sawako Madison Black £72.00 sawakofuruno.com

6. Burgers Pick Up Ocean Blue £585.00 anddutch.co.uk

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10 9

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11 7. tokoybike Fender / Mudguard £35.00 tokyobike.co.uk

10. Hövding £300.00 kennedycitybicycles.cc

8. Lepper Saddle Model 85 £93.00 anddutch.co.uk

11. Beixo Share Chainless 3 Speed £739.00 anddutch.co.uk

9. Ludwig VIII £1,595.00 thebicycleman.co.uk

12. Hip Lock 1.5 £70.00 kennedycitybicycles.cc Cyclr 21

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For 5 questions with route clothing, go to page 66

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e l y t S C Y N

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Sam Polcer’s Photography Goes to Print Interviewer: Hugh Thomas Edit: Gerry Miles Newton Photographer: Sam Polcer

(Left) NYC 9 Rides a Charge Plug single speed.

Heading home from a meeting in TriBeCa.

The acronym NYBS is probably not the best one to adopt. Though when I picture the letters graffiti’d on a subway train, as a sign of discontent at the way things are, I can see some parallels with Sam’s personal manifesto. Behind the greatlooking bikes, the vibrant backdrops, and the cyclists’ smiles not solely there for the photo’s sake is a notion, or maybe even a speck of hope, that things could be better.

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Some of our readers may better know him as the man behind Preferred Mode, a photo blog that captures another person on a bike in NY on what seems almost a daily basis, but this time Sam is going physical, so to speak, and he’s got some big names to help him do it. ‘Absolutely fucking essential’ is how he describes bike culture in NYC, and as you’ll learn that has something to do with the rest of the world watching on. Without me spoiling any more of what he has to say, here are a few words from a conversation with Sam Polcer.

[Hugh] Hi Sam, how are things?

[Sam] Hi Hugh. Things are…exciting, thanks for asking. And I know you’re not supposed to say this anymore, because supposedly it’s a sign of misplaced priorities or something, but I’m also BUSY AS HELL. I’ve released my NYC bike style book earlier this year, I’m still shooting portraits for Preferred Mode, and my day job as communication manager of Bike New York just hit top gear. But all in all, things are kind of awesome and I feel good about it.

[H] Someone’s a busy boy. Your book launched to huge fanfare earlier this year. What’s in it?

[S] The book is 224 pages long. It primarily consists of full-page portraits of New York City cyclists that I convinced to stop and have their pictures taken.

Aside from that, there are introductions by myself and filmmaker Casey Neistat, 26 Cyclr

as well as a conversation between myself and David Byrne.

[H] Were you apprehensive whether it would sell, or weren’t you worried?

[S] Of course I want it to sell, but I also wasn’t worried. Just seeing it printed was enough. The fact that people seem to like it and are buying it is the icing on the cake.

[H] What's the reception been like to NYC bike style thus far?

[S] I’ve been astounded at all the coverage it’s been getting. The project has been covered in almost every web or print outlet that I had once dreamed of getting hired by, and I’m totally digging how much international coverage it’s been getting. And I’ve been getting a few very nice emails.

[H] You seem to be a jack of all trades, and have done quite a bit of work here and there, but is your book what you might consider your magnum opus?

[S] It’s definitely the project I’ve spent the most time on thus far, at least in the last 10 years. I’d like to think my magnum opus is still ahead of me, however, or at least that maybe this magnum opus isn’t finished yet. Like I said, the blog is still going…

NYC 7 Rides an AMF Pacemaker. Photographed on Williamsburg St. West, Brooklyn

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NYC 5 Rides a Skyway TA BMX bike.

Photographed At Mullaly Skate Park, The Bronx

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NYC 3 Rides a self-made collapsible touring 27-speed tall bike. Photographed at Havemeyer St. and Grand St., Brooklyn

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[H] Would you say your images accurately capture a cross-section of NY’s cycle culture, or do you rather capture those fashionable and proud of their bikes?

[S] I try very hard to take pictures of folks all over the city. I don’t choose people based simply on whether I think they’re fashionable, but I do choose subjects that express something about themselves visually, whether it’s intentional or not. Above all, I want to keep it interesting to look at. If I had set out to do a survey of all NYC cyclists, that would be time consuming, yes, but it would have been easy from a curatorial, aesthetic sense – just go out and shoot everyone I see – and it would possibly be interesting to look at in an anthropological sense, but I don’t think it would be as much fun to look at. What this means is that I spend a lot of time standing on street corners or riding around sizing people up as they whizz by me, and very little time figuring out how and where to shoot them. For instance, as I’m riding alongside someone, telling them about the project, I’m also scanning the environment for the right light or the right backdrop.

[H] Most of the cyclists have smiles on their faces. Would it be the same for New Yorkers getting places in their cars?

[S] If they look like it, they’re really just shouting and cursing through gritted teeth, if they’re not staring at their phones.

[H] David Byrne is at least 55 years older than his bike. Are there many like him around NYC? [S] There’s no one like David Byrne anywhere. If you mean age-wise, sure.

Not as many as I’d like, though they’re around, but if you’re asking if there’s anyone like David Byrne, then no.

[H] Some of your subjects, such as Casey, David and Ezra we very much recognise. Do you happen to bump into one another or are shoots organised?

[S] Casey and David were organized, though I’d imagine both would say it was one of the fastest, most casual photo shoots they’ve ever been involved with.

No reflectors, lights, makeup artists, location changes, wardrobe, etcetera. For Ezra, I went up to him at the Bike Cult Hand-Built Bike Show in Brooklyn and asked if he’d go outside with me and his bike so I could take his picture. Really, really nice guys. All of them.

[H] What’s the best thing that can be done to get more people to saddle-up?

[S] Improve infrastructure. Teach people how to ride. Show the public that cycling can improve the lives of everyone, not just cyclists. But before anyone gets on a bike, yeah, they’re going to have to want to get on a bike. So the thing that needs to happen is that cycling needs to be made attractive. We need to entice people to ride, not bully them into it.

That’s where I think Preferred Mode and New York Bike Style can hopefully play Cyclr 31

NYC 2 Rides a tricked-out recumbent bicycle.

Photographed at Dwight St. and Beard St., Brooklyn.

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NYC 6 Rides a Linus 3-speed bicycle. Photographed on 9th St. and 2nd. Ave., Manhattan.

a role. I set out to shoot a project that I thought would just look good, and I’ve realized that by doing so, it could possibly mean more than that. I love my city, but it is becoming increasingly important that New York continues to get its act together in terms of cycling.

We simply can’t handle any more car traffic, and our public transportation system, as great as it is, isn’t holding up its end of the bargain or at least can’t take more of the strain. But the thing is, making cycling a more integral part of our transportation system in order to improve the lives of New Yorkers is imperative not just for our own sake, but because other cities are looking at us to see how – and if – a massive multi-cultural metropolis can transform itself into a green, healthy city where people won’t be miserable. I want to do whatever I can to help things move in the right direction, which is why I work for Bike New York, and why the book and the website are currently bringing me such satisfaction.

[H] Sam Polcer. Critically acclaimed bike style photographer. Internationally published author. What's next?

[S] Well, I have a day job with Bike New York, so what’s next is getting more New Yorkers to ride bikes, because that’s what we do. I’ve also been busy as a photographer: lately The New York Times has been calling me for assignments, which is terribly exciting.

I’ve been shooting some travel stuff as well. As far as Preferred Mode goes, I’m Cyclr 33

hoping to continue that project, and eventually attract a sponsor or come up with some kind of arrangement that’ll keep it financially viable to do so. On top of all that, I have a couple projects I’m hopefully going to start working on soon… but I won’t tell you about them until I actually do so. Cyclr

(Top left) NYC 1 Rides a custom tall bike by Hillel Eflal. Photographed at Havemeyer St. and Grand St., Brooklyn.

(Bottom left) NYC 4 Rides a Pashley Britannia.

Photographed at Reade St. and Greenwich St., Manhattan.

(Top right) NYC 10 Rides a rebuilt Cannondale R500 single-speed. Going home from Red Hook (Bottom right) NYC 8 Rides a Puch 10-speed bicycle. Photographed at the East River Bike Path and 23rd St., Manhattan.

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For Rusby cycles article, go to page 80

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VANMOOF ELEC

An electric bike thats easy on your eyes, not just the road Author: Jack Sadler Editor: Gerry Miles Newton Photographer: Jack Sadler

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CTRIFIED

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As I headed off to collect the VANMOOF Electrified for this review I felt a real mix of excitement and curiosity. My current ride is a steel framed fixed gear bike, and whilst I also take my road bike out for the occasional spin, they are both wildly different to an electrically assisted 'e-bike' with an automatic two speed gearbox. Needless to say, I was therefore looking forward to seeing what the VANMOOF could offer at ÂŁ1,800.

For anyone who hasn't seen a VANMOOF bike in the flesh, they are rather impressive to say the least. With a unique, instantly recognisable silhouette, the frame is dominated by a large top tube with prominent welds and a gusset in the front triangle. This industrial theme continues throughout, with a thick down tube, seat tube and rather large chain stays and drop outs. The frame is made out of 6061 heat treated aluminium with an anodised finish in place of paint allowing the natural qualities of the aluminium to shine through. There are some lovely touches in the frames design too. For example the integrated Phillips branded front and rear lights are an elegant solution to lighting the bike in dim conditions and all the electronics are hidden away within the frame itself. These details mean that at first glance you wouldn't think you were looking at an e-bike at all. In fact the Electrified doesn't look too dissimilar to the majority of the VANMOOF range; which is a great achievement on their part.

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The Electrified's smart features consist of a 250w front hub motor, front and rear integrated lights and a GPS tracking system as standard. This is coupled with an automatic two speed gearbox that shifts up from a very manageable gear at just above jogging pace.

All the bike's electronic functions; the motor and lights, are controlled through a center console embedded in the top tube just behind the stem. It uses a minimal touch interface with two buttons; one that turns the lights on and off and one that toggles the output of the motor. On the whole it works well but one does question whether the touch panel is completely necessary or whether the job could have easily been done with physical buttons. A couple of times I found myself searching for the panel then having to glance down at the top tube to see if I had guessed correctly.

If physical, more tactile buttons or switches had been used I could have 'felt' my way around and taken out some of the guess work. That being said the control panel is a beautiful thing to look at and with this being 'a bike of the future' it was maybe the preferable aesthetic choice.

The front hub is linked to the Electrified's on board computer that analyses the riders pace and adjusts the amount of power output accordingly. VANMOOF claim that this combination can improve pedal efficiency by up to 80%. The motor

Integrated front and rear lights are a nice touch

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Jack tests out the revolutionary bike

the motor isn't going to propel you into the record books but this was never the intention. This system was developed with the urban commuter in mind, giving you a nice push to get up to speed and then keeping you at a consistent pace from there on in. I never felt that the motor was taking over from my pedaling but it was never meant to. The power is delivered relative to the effort you put through the pedals – which is spot on. If the motor were to take over it would no longer be a bicycle and the idea behind the electric assistance is that it helps you along while allowing you to concentrate on the joys of cycling.

VANMOOF state the battery will last for 30 - 60km on a full charge – depending on conditions such as; rider weight, temperature and geography (hilly or flat).

The battery status is displayed through a glowing LED on the centre console with a blue light indicating a full charge and a red light indicating when it's running low. Once you have run out of juice you can recharge the bike through a wall socket with the supplied cable. During my test I did manage to drain the battery completely and experience the bike with no power assistance, which was probably more a reflection of heavy usage and shouldn't be held against it.

However, it did highlight that due to all the features hidden in the frame this bike is very heavy, especially for one made out of aluminium. Make no mistake there is a noticeable difference

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in effort when the bike is powered by legs alone. Without power the automatic gearbox also becomes difficult. Unable to manually chose when to change gear I often found the gearbox would up shift at inappropriate times such as moving through heavy traffic or when trying to maintain a slower pace uphill.

This may seem a little scathing as one of the bikes main selling features is intelligent power assistance, but this bike was not designed to be ridden for long durations without power. With that in mind VANMOOF say that it should only take 3 hours or so to fully recharge the battery - so as long as you remember to charge the bike before complete power depletion it should never be a problem.

When charged this is a bike that works really well and fulfils its design capabilities. It helps keep a steady pace and flatters your efforts on the pedals.

Whilst it does take a little bit of time to adjust to the feeling of the motor

“this is a bike that works really well and fulfils its design capabilities�

kicking in and surging you forward you are soon welcoming the fuzzy purr of the electric hub. Just in case you are caught out by the power surge, the Electrified is equipped with front and rear disc brakes that provide plenty of stopping power.

By the end of the trial the cables on my test bike had picked up a bit of slack, but again this was easily rectified. The cable callipers only needed a quick tighten to take up any stretching that had occurred through use.

Even without the electronics this is still a sturdy well thought out bike. Coupled with mechanical discs the chain is covered to keep out any dirt or city grime, the cables are all neatly tucked away inside the frame and the wheels feel like they could plough through walls. The ride is stable and reassuring and it corners on rails, if not especially nimbly.

I think that sums up the VANMOOF Electified; it is a uniquely beautiful bike that blends technology with the simple essence of a bicycle in a very contemporary way. Outside the world of bikes our technology is working hard at trying to integrate itself invisibly into our everyday lives, becoming habit rather than task. The VANMOOF is the first bike I have experienced that is trying to do the same thing in cycling. There is and has been a lot of time, energy and tech put into this bike, but for the everyday consumer it may go unnoticed or even un-appreciated. I have struggled trying to place the VANMOOF Electrified into a category, or even a target market.

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Lots of custom tech for this bike

for the everyday commuter who wants to ride style with great efficiency, or maybe even the unsure rider wanting an easier introduction to city cycling, but I'm not so sure. There are lighter cheaper alternatives for the everyday commuter, in fact after riding the Electrified I would be seriously tempted by a standard VANMOOF model. Right now I believe the Electrified is for the early adopters, the people who must have the latest thing right now. The Electrified is a fantastic first iteration of what a smarter city bike of the future could be, just as the first smart phones were great first iterations of what we now take for granted. Maybe the Electrified will act as a catalyst and we will soon see a massive surge of people buzzing around the inner city on power assisted bikes. We can only hope.

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It is without doubt a fantastic bike, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with it. It is well put together, beautifully styled machine and that is something VANMOOF should be commended for; boldly taking a step into the future and doing it well enough the first time for people to sit up and pay attention. Cyclr Learn more about VANMOOF online. vanmoof.com @vanmoof Arrange a test ride with The Bicycle Man London.

The Bicycle Man | 61-67 Old St, London EC1V 9HW, United Kingdom @thebicycleman

The motor’s are fitted around a classic VANMOOF shape

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Barcelona A Cyclist’s Paradise Author: Hugh Thomas

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On visiting Barcelona a couple of weeks ago – and once I was able to stop myself from ganneting on tapas, admiring like really old pieces of architecture and, in typical British form, commenting on the weather conditions (which were extremely clement, I’ll have you know – a t-shirt being all that was sufficient before the sun had set) – I began to appreciate how much space there was.

Space for cycling, that is. The Old Town might be a seemingly random sprawl of charming gothic alleyways, but a little closer to the suburbs lies a network of grid-like streets not too far removed from New York’s blocks, and are just as simple to navigate. The six dead straight roads and pavements and tramlines criss-crossing the Plaça de les Glòries provide so much room to manoeuvre that they are never congested, and as a result putting yourself on a bike in the middle of one even without a cycle lane isn’t perceived as completely insensitive to pedestrians. I would note that although Catalonians are still getting used to the rule, cycling on pavements was banned last year. Still, that leaves 200 kilometres of traffic-free cycle lanes.

Barcelona has refused to let cars take over. Throughout my four days’ stay I never once witnessed a traffic jam, let alone more than five cars in one queue in the city centre. Look at London Bridge at 5 o’clock in the afternoon and you don’t need to be a grand master at spot the Cyclr 49

difference to notice that there is some discrepancy. Bearing in mind Barcelona is a city devoted to the mobility of its people over their cars, it’s a wonder why cities with the opposite philosophy have such pressing concerns over the volume of their traffic.

Then there’s the bikeshare system.

The ubiquitous red and white bikes are part of the city’s initiative to creating a quick way of getting around town. I was about to call them Barcelona’s answer

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to our Boris Bikes, as they are similar in distinctiveness and purpose, but noticed the scheme was implemented a full three years before that of London’s. ‘Tis a pity these ‘bicing’ bikes are only available to residents, but the immense convenience would have otherwise killed the bike hires made for tourists outright.

When one has gotten over the fact bicing is not available to them, the €10 it costs to take a bike out for four hours from independent bike rentals doesn’t seem so

bad. Even in Spain’s winter, a ride down the promenade that parallels the beach feels like doing the same in Brighton in the heights of an English summer, if not better. A two-wheeled perambulate in the immaculate Parc de la Ciutadella seemed almost too good to be true and, if you like your climbs, there’s no shortage of those: Park Güell and Parc de Montjuïc provide the best views the city has to offer.

Barcelona may not have the sort of cycling culture to match that of Amsterdam’s or Copenhagen’s, but it should have. Then perhaps it would have more influence over the development of London’s infrastructure, because we’ve got a hell of a lot to learn. Cyclr

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Michaux Woman Brittany Garrett Follow the Michaux Ambassador Series at michaux.cc twitter.com/michauxclub instagram.com/michauxclub

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Brand spotlight series 2

The art that is Pilen Cykel AB Author: Gerry Miles Newton Photography: Pilen Cykel AB

“The Pilen is a complete bike. Guards, carrier, lights, stand; the lot” says Jim Kent, founder of There Cycling.

Jim is no ordinary bike shop owner, his appreciation for the composite of classic retro style with 21st century componentry defines the store’s unexampled visual aesthetic; thus making There Cycling more than a collection of products. There Cycling presents the bicycle as an object of beauty and an expression of taste and style. Pilen Cykel is the epitome of this identity.

Pilen Cykel AB is a family enterprise.

Founded in 1998 in Småland, Sweden, Pilen, defined by their classical and 54 Cyclr

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honest approach to design, still bestow the same production values today as they did over 16 years ago. Every bike is handcrafted in Sweden. Owners Martin and Louise Avander to this day are personally involved with the production of every machine that leaves their workshop - regardless of destination.

It’s this small scale personal approach to production that makes Pilen such a distinctive brand, one celebrated by their ever-growing global fanbase.

Pilen is for the discerning cyclist the rider who exhibits perspicacious judgment on matters of urban cycling and style. The frames are formed using chrome-molybdenum steel, a material currently experiencing a renaissance in the cycling world. Mediocre, cheap and ordinary do not exist in the language of Pilen. Pilen is about love - love for cycling, craftsmanship, material and people whose lives require bikes.

I was the owner of a Pilen Lynx for six days, and I can say with rambunctious confidence that I will never forget the feeling of a Pilen - robust, resilient and safe. With every push of the pedal, I realized that every aspect of the bike was composed with a wealth of expertise and experience. Pilen is both art and function.

In physical form, it’s a singular product, but also a composite of everything great a bicycle should be be - reliable, stylish, robust, comfortable, practical and, most importantly, fun.

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Jim sums it the Pilen perfectly: “They ride beautifully. They are amazingly comfortable. The riding experience is somewhat different to what we have become accustomed to as consumers in a market dominated by traditional massproduced manufacturers and sellers of bicycles. To truly appreciate what a Pilen is, you have to unlearn a lot about riding position, fat tyres, weight and gearing.

On riding a Pilen, you will quickly come to the realisation there is so much ill advised wisdom out there. It may take a bit of getting used to, but I guarantee the Pilen will become a best friend -- your preferred two wheeled companion. It’s not at all fussy and it’s always ready.

Like the Dutch, Swedes love their bikes, but they don't want to be fettling them all the time. The hub gears, brakes and the powder coated stainless steel frame means it can live outdoors. Mine has for nearly four years. It felt a bit mean at first, but it really is no problem. If I had a ‘lightweight’ commuter for the same price it would be would be dead by now.”

Learn more about Pilen on Cyclr.com.

Visit Pilen and arrange a test ride at There Cycling Shop London. Cyclr there-cyclingshop.co.uk 60 Boston Road Hanwell London W7 3TR +44 208 840 9228 (Right) Rear detail on the Pilen supersport 10 speed x5 matte black mens

Pilen special single colour matte black mens

Pilen custom rear carrier on the Pilen Lyx red mens ral 3004

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For Rachel Atherton interview, go to page 100 Cyclr 59

Design spotlight series 1

Dereks x Kennedy City Bicycles Cycling Bag Author: Gerry Miles Newton

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They say that form follows function.

London-based duo Dereks and Kennedy City Bicycles exercise their mastery over highly functional, yet attractive design with their inaugural collaboration - the Dereks x Kennedy City Bicycle Cycling Bag. Balancing aesthetic beauty, sophistication and practicality, the bag mixes form and function with style, defining characteristics we have come to expect from Kennedy City Bicycles studio. A wise man once said, “when it comes to backpacks no fancy bells or whistles are needed to enhance the bag’s intelligently refined form”, in the case of the Dereks x Kennedy City Bicycle Cycling Bag, the same is true.

Described by James Kennedy as a “thoroughly British accessory for the city cyclist”, the single strap roll-top design draws cues from conventional bicycle design while the leather straps and brass rivets offer a more vintage design aesthetic. The bag itself is composed of durable english natural waxed cotton, which repels water from entering the main compartment. Side pockets fastened by honey leather straps maximise storage space, where details like the inside laptop sheath and exterior reflective labels, offer the practicalities becoming of an everyday cycling bag.

I asked James Kennedy, founder of Kennedy City Bicycles, to tell us more about the Dereks x Kennedy City Bicycle Cycling Bag, the inspiration behind it and his opinions on bicycle accessories.

[Gerry Newton] For just over a year we’ve known you as James Kennedy, the designer behind the beautifully crafted Kennedy City Bicycles. How did the Dereks x Kennedy City Bicycles collaboration come to fruition?

[James Kennedy] I got in touch with Katy from Dereks after seeing their first backpack, which was funded by Kickstarter. We got on great and had very similar ideas about what good design was so the rest has been a breeze!

[GN] The cycling space is a wash with weird and wonderful designs from all four corners of the globe. How would you define good design?

[JK] I think William Morris nailed it when talking about the way people buy things for their home: "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." The same is true for cycling, and pretty much everything. Make it one, the other or even better: both.

[GN] Similar to the Kennedy City Bicycles collection, the bag appears to utilise traditional materials. Describe the inspiration behind the bags design?

[JK] We're in to more traditional materials. On the bicycles we try to only

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use steel and leather with an absolute minimum of anything more synthetic.

The bags are the same way - waxed cotton is beautiful, durable and practical so it seemed a natural choice. The rolltop is very much a conventional bicycle design while the leather straps and the rivets that fasten them relate directly to the leather saddles we love so much.

[GN] Who is the Dereks x Kennedy City Bicycles Cycling Bag made for?

[JK] Everyone.

[GN] Have you become more opinionated about bicycle design and bicycle accessories now that you live and breathe it everyday?

[JK] Probably less so. I get to see so much now that I'm dazzled on a fairly regular basis by the awesome stuff out there.

Rather than blunting me to it and making me a snob it has made me so happy about the selection people have these days. We're very lucky.

(Above) Waxed cotton is the material of choice behind the KCB bag

[GN] And finally, if you were to continue your foray into the world of bicycle accessories, what would you design and why?

[JK] Saddle bags. There are some good ones out (I like the tweed Caradice ones) there but I don't feel like anyone's completely nailed it yet. We're working on it. Cyclr

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kennedycitybicycles.ccc twitter.com/jameskennedyCB

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5 Questions With Route Clothing Author: Steph Mann

As a Scottish person, I like to support things north of the border. At the Scottish Cycling Show I recently came across Route clothing. They stood out from the crowd by the sheer simplicity of their products. Everything about Route is people oriented. They are environmentally conscientious and ethical in their approach to clothing and business. They use sustainable materials, from fair trade organic cotton to bamboo. Based in Glasgow, they pretty much make everything they can in the UK and love all things to do with cycling culture. I caught up with David McNeil from Route for an insight into his business.

[Steph Mann] What was the starting point of Route? How did the idea evolve?

[David McNeil] The creation of Route has definitely been an organically evolving process over the last few years. After I graduated from Art School in 2007, I began working on various design projects 66 Cyclr

at the same time as I was getting into cycling. These two interests gradually merged as I started making cycling t-shirts. I soon felt that in order to create really interesting and exciting products, I had to create a brand that would encompass what I was trying to achieve. Following months of research and development, I had a vision for Route to be committed to creating the best quality products available in the most sustainable and ethical way possible.

[S] Why is local business so important to you?

[D] There are so many reasons why working with local people makes sense, especially for a small business like Route.

I’ve built personal working relationships with individuals and small companies who I’ve discovered to have amazing skills, which they don’t necessarily shout about. It’s really exciting to be in a position to promote and make the most of people’s skills, whilst contributing to a creative local community and economy.

Harris tweed classic cap

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Harris tweed classic cap and mens cotton bike t-shirt

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[S] You are very ethical in your approach, does this stem from somewhere in particular?

[D] The ethics of business is something I have been talking about for a while and more and more people seem to be waking up to the issue. The decisions we make everyday impact on others, whether we accept it or not. It’s great when brands introduce ethical ranges or products, but Route wants to go further. We want to create products with the highest ethical and sustainable credentials possible.

[S] With the fall/winter season fast approaching, can we expect any new additions to the Route Clothing line?

[D] Definitely! We've been developing our caps this year and have a new line of Organic Cotton and Harris Tweed caps due for release in the coming weeks.

I've wanted to use Harris Tweed for a while and I'm really excited to be able to incorporate this amazing Scottish fabric into our range. We're also working with our friends at Wonky Woolies to produce a new line of knitted hats for later in the year.

on our small team in order to expand our product range and offer exciting, sustainable alternatives to the products currently available in the market.

The range is small (for now) but you can get caps (hand made), t-shirts and bags, all of which look great and are ethical.

Having tried the cap out recently, I can say it is very well made and comfortable.

Especially now that the sun is coming out, it stops my head from getting sun-burnt! It also has the added bonus of looking a lot more stylish than your average cap. Cyclr Learn more about Route Clothing online. routeclothing.com @routeclothing hello@routeclothing.com

[S] Where do you see the future for Route?

[D] The most important focus for Route is to continue making the best products we can and to listen to what our customers want. We do have a number of new products in the pipeline. It would be great over the next few years to build Cyclr 69

The cyclescheme seven: what’s your commute really like?

Author: Cyclescheme

Each month we feature one Cyclescheme participant and share their commuting story. We ask the same seven questions (hence the name, The Cyclescheme Seven) in a bid to build up a picture of cycle commuters across the UK. From John O'Groats to Lands End we scour the country for the real cycle commuters who take to their bike each morning.

This month we caught up with Joanne to see how her commute has changed her life.

[Cyclescheme] Where in the UK are you?

[Joanne] I live in Surbiton in South West London. It’s a beautiful little commuters paradise.

[CS] What was your main motivation for getting a bike through Cyclescheme?

[Jo] My commute always meant that I would arrive to work 40 minutes early due to the train schedules. Cycling to work meant that I would arrive precisely when I meant to like the great Wizard Gandalf. I’d also piled on a few pounds since finishing Uni so cycling was the best way to drop a dress size!

My first job out of Uni is at an excellent 70 Cyclr

marketing company who actively encourage all the employees to keep fit and healthy. Gravytrain (my company) was so supportive when it came to the cyclescheme. It’s great to have an employer who took me on and looked after me this way.

[CS] What bike did you get and why?

[Jo] I got a green Vintage Pro bike with a basket! I got it because I love vintage style bikes. It looks like it’s from wartime Britain in the 1940’s... And it really goes with my outfits!

[CS] How much did you spend with your Cyclescheme certificate?

[Jo] I only spent around £350. Anything above that just seemed excessive to me because I’m only a basic cyclist.

[CS] How often do you commute to work by bike?

[Jo] I commute every day and I love it... even when it’s raining.

[CS] Where do you commute from and to?

[Jo] I go from Surbiton to Hampton Hill.

Half of this is along busy roads and the other half is through Bushy Park which is an incredible ride. It’s such a change to come rolling off the busy Hampton Court Bridge into a woody paradise with deer and all sorts of creatures. It takes me about 30 minutes to cycle but sometimes longer if I decide to take my time and catch the scenery.

[CS] How has cycling affected your daily life - do you feel healthier? Have you saved money?

[Jo] I feel healthier for sure! I get home at least half an hour quicker as well as spending £40 less on travel every week. It gives me the thinking time I need to get

my mind straight before and after work.

I often see more things than I would on the public transport. Birds, wildlife and some interesting characters are some of the best things to see on my ride in.

It’s also great to wake yourself up in the morning with a vigorous cycle!

If you'd like to feature on Cyclescheme, just drop them a line on: socialmedia@ cyclescheme.co.uk with "I'm in' in the subject line.

Cyclescheme, the UK's leading provider of tax-free bikes for work. Enabling you to save between 25-42% on a bike of your choice. Learn more at cyclescheme.co.uk Cyclr

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Photographer: Jonathan Cherry Photos commissioned by: Cyclescheme Discover more of Jonathan Cherry’s work at jonathancherry.net

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For Dani Foffa, go to page 110

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Tuesday’s with Gerry: A conversation with Jake Rusby Author: Gerry Miles Newton

In the space of just under two years, Jake Rusby has already established himself as one of the quick climbers in the bike-building arena. He’s appeared at Bespoked twice (officially opening for business at last year’s event), represented at SPIN 2013, built a bike for Vulpine, collaborated with Cobra Beer, and been featured in several cycling magazines including issue three of the Simpson Quarterly.

Jake operates out of his workshop in South East London in the Peckham Rye area. Describing his work as a ‘one man operation’, a big part of Jake’s skill in his trade can be owed to the fact he was originally a sculptor. “I guess my time as sculptor has given me a strong understanding of aesthetics – knowledge I frequently apply when building bicycles today” explains Jake. Semi-retiring from that profession in 2011, he decided to combine his cultivated creative flair and his love for bikes into one. And like that, Rusby Cycles was born. “With time I realised I preferred making things people wanted and would use rather than thinking of ideas. Building bicycles affords me some creativity and I get the opportunity to create something for somebody to use”.

Brazed joints, brake cables rooted through the frame and the odd belt drive endow Jake’s bikes with an extremely smooth, sleek, and clean look to them – something that might have spilled over 82 Cyclr

from working as a sculptor, one might think. A lot of time and attention is put into each bike to make sure they turn out as immaculately as possible. ‘Every frame that I make is different; each one has its own subtle detailing that lends it an understated, classy aesthetic.’

Building a bicycle is a form of expression that gives birth to a functional piece of art. Builders hope to lay claim to the space between bicycle and cyclist - a well-measured balance between sheer practicality and visual aesthetic. The bicycle is simply a tool that enables people to enjoy the cycling lifestyle; the role of a bicycle builder is to build bicycles that balance art with tool. It’s this balance that makes the arena of bike building so compelling. A great frame has to fit, not just physically, but emotionally.

Jake Rusby affords his decision to become a frame builder as an opportunity to combine his love of bikes and cycling with his innate passion for making.

He plays the role of an interpreter, translating the desires of a customer into a visual pleasing, structurally sound ride, one that offers an experience incomparable to off-the-shelf bicycles.

The subjective points of creation: angles and tubing choices, method and joinery, fork and wheels, colours and componentry require collaborative thought and define the final product.

As for Jake, every bike is a chance to be

better, to hit those choices just right with a client.

[Gerry] Can we begin by talking about your history with building bicycles?

[Jake]The journey with bicycles started in my late teens. I spent time doing up bicycles in my spare time and I also worked in a local bike shop. Even though I’m relatively new to building bicycles professionally –it’s been about two and a half years now – my previous job as a sculptor and time spent at art school has equipped me with a strong understanding of proportions, craft, aesthetics and colour schemes; skills that I apply to the process of building bicycles. Even though, I didn’t do a huge amount of metal work pre-building bicycles, I personally found the process of making to be quite transferable to all sorts of fabrication.

[G] In 2013, Rusby Cycles officially opened for business. What, if anything, influenced your decision to leave fulltime life as a sculptor behind to pursue a career as a bicycle builder?

[J] I realised I preferred making things, rather than designing concepts. I came to the conclusion that I wanted to build things people wanted. Things people were going to use. Also, I’m still exploring my passion for making but now it’s combined with my love of bikes and cycling too.

[G] As an observer, building bicycles professionally appears to be a balance between the desires of the client and your personal design identity as a maker. Does this balancing act present any problems and do you ever struggle with a lack of creative control?

[J] Honestly, to date I’ve been quite fortunate. Customers have given me a considerable amount of creative control throughout the design and building process. I’ve found that most clients value my work as a craftsman, and have probably approached Rusby Cycles because they’ve seen one of my designs already. Most of the time, the client just wants me to build them a bicycle.

They come with a few specifications, but for the large part I’m able to imprint a considerable amount of creative influence. Recently I was asked to paint a bike pink which was a challenge, as it's a colour I would usually avoid in large quantities! In the end we opted for a mixture of pink and grey and the result turned out really great. It was good to be taken out of my comfort zone in this way and that's what a collaborative project is all about.

[G] Describe the process of production.

Including customer relations and inception of design to building?

[J] I discuss what the customer wants from their bike. We discuss everything from riding experience to design. Le Beau Velo do bike fitting for me if the Cyclr 83

Jake Rusby’s custom built machine

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customer needs this and it is something that I always recommend. Having a proper bike fit can hugely increase comfort and efficiency on the bike and means that I can do away with things like spacers in the design of the frame. I design the frame around the bike fit, giving the bike certain ride characteristics. The customer can have as little or as much as they want to do with the aesthetics, often this is just left in my hands, which gives me lots of creative freedom. Many of the design features come to me as I am making the frame, as I find this is the best time to fully concentrate on that particular frame.

Except for the bike fit, I do all aspects of the bike-tube mitering, lug carving, brazing, filing, polishing, spraying and assembling.

[G] Who is the Rusby Cycles customer?

[J] My bikes are for people who love cycling and love crafted objects. I didn't enjoy cycling till I had a bike I loved. I feel the greater the connection you have for a bike the more you enjoy it. You have this attachment when it's something that's made specifically for you.

[G] As it stands today, you make all Rusby Cycles in your South-East London workshop, describing yourself as “a one-man operation’. Do you foresee any changes to your approach to building bicycles in the future?

[J] I will always do fully custom bikes, but I may look to introduce lower cost 86 Cyclr

ranges of bikes in the future. I would still build made-to-measure bicycles, but with fewer options on the finish and tubing.

[G] What level of importance do you place on aesthetics and how does your bicycle mirror your personal style?

[J] Aesthetics are a very important part of my bikes, but they have to ride well too of course. I like bikes that are understated but have subtleties that show you they are custom, handmade objects. Including details that maybe only me the builder and the rider know exist. There is a lot of branding and jarring paint schemes on mass-produced bikes. I prefer a simple look that shows off the form of the bike and doesn't make it look like you're pretending to be a pro racer.

[G] Name one brand that inspires you?

[J] Although it's not exactly original, Rapha is a brand that I admire. I really like what they have done with cycle clothing – with particular focus on the dark colours and bright accents they use.

[G] And finally Jake, what do you enjoy most about life on two wheels?

[J] I enjoy just getting out on my bike, out into the countryside and in that nice meditative state you get when your only real objective is to pedal somewhere. I am less into the competitive side of cycle and prefer to go out with a bunch of friends.

Jake Rusby’s custom built machine

Ian’s 953 custom Reynolds bike

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At Rusby Cycles, bicycles are built from a dialogue between client and builder.

Here, bicycles celebrate function, proportions, craft, and Jake’s aesthetics.

That’s the process of Rusby Cycles. It’s born of conversation, concepts and trust.

It’s finished when the frame is good. It’s finished when the frame is ready to ride.

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Ian’s 953 custom Reynolds bike

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Learn more about Rusby Cycles online. rusbycycles.co.uk @rusbycycles

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Design spotlight series 2

Wind Blox: Block The Wind And Enjoy Your Ride Author: Gerry Miles Newton

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Cast your mind back to that ride riddled with wind noise. Now reflect on that moment a car crept up on you out of nowhere, like A stranger down a dark alleyway. It’s one of those pains we all experience as cyclists, yet to date no product has really attempted to eliminate it. The noise created by wind has long been an irritation of mine, one that has often caused safety issues.

There’s nothing worse than a car accelerating towards you from behind with barely any sound until it’s a metre or two away.

A few weeks back Cyclr HQ received an unexpected package. Inside that package was a Wind Blox – a new product designed to reduce wind noise by 80% whilst cycling. Created by Mike Faien, the product aims to improve the hearing of a cyclist when riding, thus increasing 92 Cyclr

overall safety when on the saddle. Mike originally developed the idea to enjoy his music while commuting to work.

Unless he turned up his volume full blast, he could barely hear a thing. After wrapping socks around his front helmet straps, he quickly noticed a significant reduction in wind noise. In addition to clearer music, his ability to hear general road traffic and approaching vehicles was also significantly improved. Design and development would quickly follow suit, and after a successful Kickstarter campaign in the fall of 2013, the product became publicly available earlier this year.

The Wind-Blox definitely doesn’t look like much. What surprised me most was it’s size. It’s flippin’ tiny! I know they say size doesn’t matter and all, but I assumed any product wanting to battle mother nature

A surprisingly small and effective device

would have to be of pretty large.

Eager to give the Wind Blox a whirl, Cyclr reviewer Trent Sundae jumped at the chance to test it out on one of his weekly 100 mile rides. His feedback Monday morning sent shockwaves through the office. “Guys” he said, “size is categorically irrelevant. Well, it is with the Wind Blox at least.” He went on to say he noticed a profound reduction in wind noise – so much so, not only did his awarenesss of traffic improve dramatically, but also the Wind Blox noticeably reduced his fatigue. At first I didn’t fully appreciate the fatigue claim but then he explained it and all made sense. Noise can wear on you, definitely when cycling a considerably distance. He described this benefit as “an awesome highlight and welcome feature.”

I have since tested out the Wind Blox, and I have to say, it’s hard to really fault it. If you cycle with a helmet mirror your view is slightly blocked. However, with a slight adjustment to the mirror surface, this can be overcome. Unassuming, simple and brilliant would be a fair evaluation. And for $15, it’s a steal!

If you cycle frequently, I advise you grab one. Block the wind and enjoy the ride.

Cyclr Learn more about Wind Blox at wind-blox.com

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Brand spotlight series 3

This is Cambridge Author: Gerry Miles Newton

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As cycling continues to boom to global fanfare, I feel obligated to educate and inform on the finer details of the sport.

and to add insult to injury replaced by baseball caps on the podium. The injustice.

The cycling cap aesthetically has changed little over the years. Cycling professionals of the 60’, 70’s and 80’s epitomised the look of the cap and brought it into a style of its own. Images of team time trials and sprint finishes with the riders wearing caps were a sign of the times.

And what great times they were.

However, even though cycling caps in the professional sport arena have been retired from public service, many cap designers still grace us mere mortals with their designs. This Is Cambridge is one such designer.

But those days are long gone. Following the death of Andrei Kivlev during ParisNice, the helmet rule for professional cyclists was brought by the UCI in 2003, making helmet use mandatory at all times. And like that, cycling caps fell into the realms of obscurity. The once iconic ultra-Euro cycling cap has been forgotten

Inspired by the innovation, lifestyle and cycling culture rich town of Cambridge, England, This Is Cambridge produce handmade caps designed to fit perfectly on your head. Founded by Daphne Kaufhold, a British cyclist and proud Cambridge denizen, each cap is the result of design refinement, the selection of beautiful materials and quality craftsmanship.

(Below) The spin-off panache range

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Commuter Cap

Urban Sprinter

Isles. These are really stunning fabrics which capture the value of the artisan way of making things. The cap blends beautifully the attributes of a traditional cycling cap with a design that doesn’t look out of place in the ‘fashion conscious’ urban environment. The cycle style peak can be worn down or flipped up to suit the occasion. Each cap is lined with a luxurious, breathable drill cotton fabric that feels soft to the touch and wonderful to wear.

The outer fabric of this city inspired cycling cap is made from luxurious hand woven wool made in the British

New for the autumn riding season, This Is Cambridge have just launched the Urban Sprinter wool collection. The range will

Made from hard-wearing needlecord with a soft durable peak and a luxurious drill cotton lining, it is designed for the demands of everyday use. The cap has a more relaxed fit than traditional cycling caps, but still fits under a helmet.

All fabrics used are natural, and are therefore highly breathable and durable.

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be similar to the existing Urban Sprinter made with wool from the British Isles.

Panache As part of the urban collection, This Is Cambridge also created the spin-off Panache range, which features various prints on the underside of each peak. The Panache cycling cap is a contemporary twist on the classic cycling cap shape.

The panel construction is made from high wicking brushed cotton, and each cap has a traditional millinery headband and detailing.

The four-panel construction is designed and cut in a way to hug and follow the contours of the head without being too snug. The hard flipable peak has been designed with function and flair in mind. It’s slightly wider shape provides additional protection from the elements, and gives the cap a distinctive look. The underside of the peak is printed with a variety of graphic options and looks stunning when flipped up.

Extending the Panache range further, This Is Cambridge recently launched a fluorescent team edition in the panache, all black with either fluro pink or fluro yellow under the peak.

Process Each cap is cut, sewn and crafted by hand on good old fashioned sewing machines.

Cyclr this-is-cambridge.com

(Top to Bottom) Commuter Cap, Urban Sprinter, Commuter Cap and Panache

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Rachel Atherton 4 World Cup Series Champion and most awarded British mountain biker (that’s ever) took time out to chat to Cyclr. Rachel rides globally and dominates the sport and is an inspiration to girls and women alike. She doesn’t even really need an introduction, so just read.

Interviewer: Steph Mann

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[Steph] You are still pretty young and have achieved so much in the world of cycling! Can you tell me the highlight of your career so far? Has there been one particular moment where you have just thought “wow, I’m here, this is amazing!”?

[Rachel] I have always liked to win so every victory is special, it’s the moment when all of the hard work comes together and you think – YES – that is what it’s all for. It’s been like that for me from my first regional BMX victory when I was 8, Winning my first World Championship in 2008 at Val di Sole was absolutely amazing – that venue still holds a very special place in my heart.

[S] What do you want to achieve/ defend in 2014? Are you anticipating any big challenges ahead? New competition, difficult races/terrain?

[R] I want to win! I don’t intend to let anybody take my World Cup overall or World championships titles away from me without a fight – I will be defending them to the hilt – but it won’t be easy, every year the women are getting faster…

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[S] I know you’ve been asked a million times about women in the sport and you do all you can to promote it. Why is this important to you? And where do you recommend young girls/women start?

[R] It’s important to me simply because the sport is so rad and still so under appreciated by the mainstream. I honestly believe that nothing can give you the confidence that conquering a mountain on your downhill bike can give – not all the shopping or makeup in the world – that’s why I’m so passionate that more girls should try it – It’s not difficult to start – there are trail centres all over the UK that cater for everybody from beginners up, just get out there and give it a go – I guarantee you’ll be hooked!

[S] Do you ever ride just for pleasure?

Other than racing and training, do you just go out and ride? If so, where do you go and what bike do you do it on?

[R] Absolutely – some of my best ever riding moments are riding the trails of North Wales on my XC bike with my friends and my dog (Angus, a German pointer) and if the sun’s shining – that’s magic!

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Speeding along the trails in her natural habitat

[S] What is your training like? Do you do interval training? Weights etc? or is it solely on the bike?

[R] We all train a lot in the gym and on road bikes it’s important to be strong and to have a certain level of aerobic capacity but when it comes down to it you have to be able to apply that strength and fitness so plenty of time riding the downhill bike is always going to be essential.

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[S] It’s safe to say that riding is a family affair. How much influence have your brothers had over you becoming a mountain biker?

[R] They are an enormous influence and inspiration for me – they have been from the time when they’d be out on their bikes in the village where we lived, digging dirt jumps and practising and I wouldn’t want to be left out so I’d follow with my pet rabbit in my bike-basket. We all started out riding BMX and then when I was about 10 we made the switch.

[S] Downhill Mountain biking can be pretty extreme and you have had your share of injuries. Has there been a worst one? And doesn’t it put you off knowing it can be serious?

[R] In 2009 I was on a training ride when I was hit by a truck – my shoulder was dislocated and I had to have a series of ops including a painful nerve graft to get it put right. Injuries are a part of our sport but because I have been hurt before I do ride differently now – I know how precious a strong and healthy body is and so I ride within my capabilities, try to stay in control.

[S] Finally, where do you see your future? I can’t imagine an older Rachel will want to risk her neck as a career, so where will you go once this is done?

[R] As long as I can still win I’ll still race.

I will always be around cycling – I can’t envisage a life without it – All of us are passionate about bringing as many people as possible into the sport so I will work towards making that happen - spreading the word about the most exciting, most rad sport out there. Cyclr

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Rachel is a high flyer in the world of mountain biking

Twitter: @rachelatherton @AthertonRacing Photography: Sven Martin and Laurence Crossman Emms

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For La course and Giro Rosa article go to page 144 Cyclr 109

Dani Foffa Recommends Author: Gerry Miles Newton

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I first met Dani Foffa nearly three years ago to the day. Residing at the time in the Grade ll listed Victorian wool warehouse, I could see the Foffa Bikes workshop from my balcony. I’ve been described as a peeping tom, minus the lewd behaviour, therefore unsurprisingly it was only matter of time before I ventured beyond the four walls of my apartment to pay Foffa Bikes a visit. Dani Foffa,the leading man at Foffa Bikes, has been a friend of Cyclr ever since.

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Name: Dani Foffa Occupation: Co-founder, Foffa Bikes

(Below) HipLok is a practical solution to locking up your bicycle

Recommended Bicycle Brand We might be a bit biased on this one but I would say Foffa Bikes. The reason being is that I still haven’t come across another brand that I share design and aesthetic values with which offers highquality products at a reasonable price.

There are many amazing bike brands out there but the prices they tend to charge are too high to gain my full respect. This is a big shame since cycling should be affordable to everyone and on one side of the spectrum you have people buying a £150 bike which will cost you over £100 in maintenance per year and on the other side people spending £2k for a steel bike just because of its nice touches when you can buy a decent 2nd hand car for the same amount.

Recommended British Brand Rolls Royce or Bentley for obvious reasons.

Recommended Cycling Bag My favourite cycling bag would actually be one that is still not available for sale yet but we at Foffa have been testing for some time now. It is a leather designer frame bag that we designed with in collaboration with Portuguese fashion brand Senhor Prudencio. It will be on sale from beginning of 2015 and we think it is the ultimate practical bag for

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(Above) The Foffa Urban is a bike designed for the city

commuting since it can easily fit one or two laptops, books, and some shopping.

Recommended Accessory Brand If I was to choose an accessory that every cycling must have I’d go for locks and if I was to pick a brand that simply got it right in terms of design, practicality and price point, I would choose HipLok. Recommended Bicycle for the Urban Commuter It would have to be the Foffa Urban which we appropriately called it this way as we designed it specifically for commuting. With a sturdy but lightweight Cromoly steel frame set that comes with eyelets for mudguards and a pannier rack to make it fully functional, a 7-speed Nexus group set for a wide range of low-maintenance gears, and triple wall 40mm deep rims and 700x28c puncture protection tyres for smooth rides on most terrain, I can’t think of anything at the same price point (£499) that can be more fun to ride. But then again I designed it myself so I’d strongly recommend you get the chance to take one for a spin to judge for yourself.

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Recommended City for Cycling Not that I cycled every city in the world but I think London would stand out with its cycle friendly routes and all that there is to see.

Recommended Cycle Wear Brand Again it would need to be actually one that officially still doesn’t exist but we have been working quite hard on for about a year now. Starting from 2015 we will launch our own cycling apparel range which will feature very casual and stylish but practical pieces made of performance fabrics with a lot of attention to detail at very affordable prices. Cyclr foffabikes.com twitter.com/foffabikes facebook.com/foffabikes

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London’s cycle friendly routes impress Dani

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Design spotlight series 3

Micheaux Leather Reflective Handlebar Tape Author: Gerry Miles Newton

Cycling is such a unique experience for everyone. We like to kit our bikes out to suit our own needs. Some people are practical, whilst others are all about the style. I like to mix the two up and get the best of both.

Michaux are a UK company making some absolutely stunning items. They are committed to making all of their items in the UK, or as closely as they possibly can because they see the importance of trade and skills being kept alive in Britain.

Their leather handlebar tape is no exception and is beautifully made. Using a vegetable tanning process on English leather, the handcrafted tape will change the way you look at your bike. It comes in three colours, gold, tan and black and all have reflective strips within them to increase visibility.

love to show their bikes this love. It’s the sort of thing you treat yourself too when nothing else will do.

The strips are not thick, until you put them on your bike and this is when you feel the comfort. They grip really well too and the leather feels great against your skin. You will wonder why you had horrible plastic moulded grips on your bike when you make the change. The quality Michaux offer is obvious and you do get what you pay for here.

You deserve these, your bike deserves these. Treat both of you and never look back. Cyclr michaux.cc twitter.com/michauxclub facebook.com/MichauxClub instagram.com/michaux_club

For your money you get 2 x 200cm strips and two branded corks to hold it all in place. The strips are easy to put on your bike. Simply remove old grips, peel the sticky backing off of the leather and wind it around as much as you want. You can make it wider or narrower depending on how you like it. The reflective strips sit just under the perforated leather and peak out like cats yes in the night.

These are not made for tearing through the hills or riding road races. They are made for people who love their bikes and 120 Cyclr

(Above) Black and tan tape

Gold, tan and black are your options

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A Minimalist Guide to Bike Style Author: Gerry Miles Newton

(Above) wooden F&Y handlebars 122 Cyclr

(Below) Sogreni bike bell

The world is awash with designs for virtually every cycling need imaginable.

Brands scurry to design products to satisfy our ever growing need for more product. More rolltop backpacks, more shiny brass bells, more everything.

“More bike stuff?! Why do you need more? You have enough,” says my flatmate every time a new product clutters our shared living space. Quite frankly, I don’t know why I need more, but honestly the reason doesn’t concern me. I’m an addict. Beautifully crafted bike products serve as my drug. I’m constantly susceptible to a new fix, Google adsense trails my every move, new brands pop up at an alarmingly frequent rate, and Kickstarter can’t help but chuck funds at designers. The industry is relentless.

Accepting the reality of the situation, I do as any self respecting bike-lover would. I shop.

When it comes to products, we say: less is more. Well, here is our guide to minimalist bike style: Cyclr 123

Sahn Helmets If Apple designer Jonathan Ive designed bicycle helmets, they would probably look like Sahn Helmets. The contemporary, yet classic composite design offers a sleek durable helmet for everyday urban biking. Available in a variety of solid colours, many of which are also available in a matte finish.

Price: £89 Discover: tokyobike.co.uk

Kennedy City Bicycles Singlespeed Like all good things in life, balance is key. Kennedy City Bicycles success can be found in balance - the balance of reliability, style, and perhaps most of all value for money. It is this balance, and James Kennedy’s unwavering love for bicycles and design that makes Kennedy City Bicycles the ‘ultimate city bicycle’.

Every bicycle is assembled to order.

Customers can choose between a teal, cream, mustard or black frame; honey, walnut or coal leather, and bullhorn, swept back or porteur handlebars.

Price: £505

to don a Sögreni bell on your bikes’ head tube?

Price: £36.50 Discover: sogrenibikes.com

TiGr Bike Lock Here’s the simple truth: Every device meant to safeguard your bike from thieves can be broken. Another simple truth: any product that’s designed as cleanly and thoughtfully as a bike should be loved. We love the TiGr lock. It’s secure, but elegant, simple, and easy to use.

Price: £150 Discover: there-cyclingshop.co.uk

Selle San Marco Concor No saddle is as legendary as the Selle San Marco Concor. Original, clean, and authentic. No words can express the feeling of riding it. It’s flippin’ awesome.

Price: £77 Discover: amazon.co.uk

Discover: kennedycitybicycles.cc

Outlier Minimal Backpack Sogreni Bike Bell Classic and sleek. Made from copper, steel or brass. Why wouldn’t you want

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If I was to offer you a backpack that was stronger than steel, but light as a feather, would you take it? Well, the incredibly lightweight and aptly named Minimal Backpack is just that. Weighing next to

(Below) The elegant TiGr bike lock

(Below) Selle san marco concor helmet

(Above) Outlier mInimal backpack

(Above) Sahn bike helmet Cyclr 125

nothing and packs up flat, the Outlier Minimal Backpack is quintessentially the perfect day-to-day runner.

Price: £24 Discover: reelight.com

Price: £98 Discover: outlier.cc

F&Y Handlebars

Knog Frog Strobe Front and Rear Light Set

Give those sweaty palms something stylish to grip! Les Classiques handlebars -- forged from wood, aluminum, and brass -- are the fine brainchild of Montreal-based design duo F&Y (Frederique and Yannic).

The Knog Frog Strobe Twinpack Light Set is a mighty energetic frog. Packing up to 50 hours of run time; it’s light, simple and waterproof. What else do you really need from a bike light?

Price: Starting at £60 Discover: fny.bigcartel.com

Price: £10 Discover: amazon.co.uk

Coureur Du Monde Coureur Du Monde. This Belgium-based clothing brand make polo shirts inspired by cycling's golden age. Incorporating beautiful details with premium materials, their shirts are pretty flyyyyyy.

(Above) Knog’s light collection

Price: £60 Discover: tokyobike.co.uk

Reelight Go Functional front and rear lights in a sleek, smart design that snaps together easily with magnets. These new lights from Reelight are just to die for darling!

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(Above) The sleek Reelight’s

(Above) Kennedy city bicycles (Below) Belgian inspired apparel from Coureur du Monde

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Rob Lutter Photojournalism Author: Rob Lutter

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Dark clouds swept across the hillsides.

The road ran straight around the coast & beyond the horizon, lost within the grey, swirling masses, rolling over and down the peaks. When night fell, lightning danced its way through the mountains and across the skies, slicing the darkness and lashing the earth. Far below, a man with a bicycle pulled into an empty Turkish restaurant to shelter from the rain. He sat staring blankly into the storm, the scene before him alive with the cracking of thunder and explosions of light. His journey was no longer a simple ride through the park. He was not going to reach the edge of this vast country in time. He was moving too slowly and felt too small. The world seemed endless and he was now totally alone, facing the complete unknown, with a hostel full of life in a city at the edge of Europe far behind him. People partied there, in the warmth of the city. People drank & toasted to life and to new friends and to their own unwritten adventures in the safety of that hostel. But here, in the heart of Northern Turkey, now firmly back in the saddle after two weeks of riding though rained out farmlands, exhaustion had caught up and he could go no further. A bus rolled pulled in.

Locals trundled out into the rain, ate soup with grim faces and shuffled back onto the safety of the coach again.

Before the doors shut, before the cyclist knew what he was saying, the words came out Is there room for my bicycle?

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Departure via the ferry

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Leaving Ali

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Two Weeks Earlier | So much had happened in Istanbul. Looking back I feel only positive nostalgia for those days. I had always imagined riding away from that little backstreet hostel, where I had cooked breakfasts & made the beds & sheesh’ed the winter nights away, into an ancient Turkish land full of dry, sunlit citadels that glistened on the horizons. I’d pictured myself on the road to the mythical Cappadocia, pedalling fearlessly through summer suns towards the border of Iran. But, in reality, the first days ride in almost four months, around the Istanbul coast, had been full of grey skies, gentle showers and heavy emotions.

Fishermen lined the rocky shores. The city spread out across the bay for days and, on that first ride of the year, I felt lost, like day one all over again. Only this time I was cycling away from so much joy & so many friends that I had found & made in Mavi. I’d ridden across the whole of Europe and become happy at the end of it, so why was I back on the bike again.

It didn’t make much sense.

Pedalling felt strange. My bike heavy. My legs weak again. No music could lift the clouds from the skies or my mind. I was so happy to be riding but so swamped by how endless the road ahead now seemed. Europe had been just a fraction of my journey, yet I had experienced so much, travelled so far and for most just those four months would have

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Concrete jungle of Turkey

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been the trip of a lifetime. Seven times that distance and seven times as many interactions was now about to take place. That was four months. The journey would last for four years!

I kept stopping every five minutes to just try and imagine what was out there. My thoughts kept spiraling in on themselves, asking always why are you cycling away from a world you had just begun to settle into in Istanbul? Why are you on the road for hours and hours each day again?

What’s out there anyway when you had so much back in that hostel?

The himalayas felt further away than ever. They lay somewhere beyond this country, across a great inland sea and a handful of deserts far far away. It was all so overwhelming. My emotions shut down as I rode. My body was shaking and, at one point, in the late afternoon, my wheels came to a halt. I rolled onto the pavement and just lay there looking to the skies for what must have been an hour. In Mavi, in that city, I’d ground to a halt. Problems with OCD had surfaced to the point where I needed to write an entire chapter about it. For a moment there I’d forgotten my purpose, my aim, to cycle from London to London.

Now that I was back on the road all the little habits to do with cycle touring felt alien to me. Stopping to check the map.

Pulling into petrol stations to buy snacks.

Clipping into my pedals. Finding spots to lean my bike against. These were

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Car park dinner

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Car park tent

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very tiny parts of the journey that made it whole. My mind was still thinking of the hostel, but my body was reacting subconsciously to being on the road again. Cyclr Follow Rob Lutter’s lifecycle adventure at: thelifecycle.roblutter.com instagram.com/roblutter twitter.com/roblutter

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Cyclr Love 14 13

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17 18 13. Blaze Laserlight £125.00 blaze.cc

16. Vulpine Polka Cotton Cap £15.00 vulpine.cc

14. Basil Memories Bern Basket £46.00 anddutch.co.uk

17. New Looxs Bolzano Pannier £60.00 anddutch.co.uk

15. Porta Bottiglia bottle holder £16.00 24bottles.com

18. Retrovelo Modern Series Alfons £1,600.00 there-cyclingshop.co.uk

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24 23 19. Blind Chic £90.00 blindchic.bigcartel.com

22. CATEYE Loop rear light £10.00 tokyobike.co.uk

20. Nanamica Cycling Pack £170.00 nanamica.com

23. Brooks Hoxton Wire basket £94.99 thebicycleman.co.uk

21. Rustines Vintage Puncture Repair Kit £14.99 there-cyclingshop.co.uk

24. AXA Lock Cherto 100 £56.00 anddutch.co.uk Cyclr 143

Giro Rosa and La Course Great advancements, but still not equal Author: Steph Mann

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Marianne Vos heading for victory

Marianne hard at Le Tour deVos France is work a race we have all heard off. The huge race set off from Yorkshire earlier this year, and they did us proud, but it still shows an inequality in the sport between men and women.

Le Tour gets huge amounts of publicity, television time and social media support and women’s cycling is left in a cycle shaped shadow.

That’s not to say it isn’t improving.

Women are gaining more and more cover as the sport grows and audiences appreciate that women are as good to watch as men. The gender divide is shrinking and there is definite progression in the right direction.

Hot on the heels of Le Tour was La Course. A race that took place on the final day of Le Tour de France. La Course was an inaugural event that showcased talented from around the globe, it showed 120 women race, not just to win, but to prove a point.

A point that women’s cycling needs an event of equivocal value and distance to Le Tour. A team called Le Tour Entier, is a group of women dedicated to promoting women’s cycling, and was set up by Emma Pooley, Kathryn Bertine, Marianne Vos and Chrissie Wellington.

These prominent figureheads in women’s cycling gained huge public support for the cause, and opened the doors for La Course by Le Tour to become a reality.

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It is a massive victory, not to mention historical, in women’s cycling. Like The Women’s Tour that was set here in the UK, the race will have a prize fund of over twenty thousand euros for the winner.

These amounts are unheard of for women cyclists, which makes it all the more meaningful.

Electric finish in Jesi

A women’s Tour de France has taken place before, between 1984 and 2009, but failed on many occasions. There wasn’t enough interest from sponsors, which shows the difference between men’s races and women’s races. With Le Tour Entier behind women, however, this may be about to change. It could just be the exposure the cyclists needs to secure crucial deals with sponsors.

The Giro Rosa is a women’s race and is a tour of Italy, it too attracts many big names. Many cyclists flock to take part because it is the biggest staged event they will be able to participate in. It has 10 stages of varying distances and both Marianne Vos and Emma Pooley took part. It was an exciting race, but apart from dedicated cycling channels, it never got much mainstream coverage.

The point is, that until there is a Tour for women as there is for men, everything else seems like something given to women to appease them. These women’s races are huge steps in the right direction, but the frustrating thing is that we have to fight for them to happen, Cyclr 149

Podium celebrations

whereas it is a given that the male equivalent will take centre stage.

Women cycle and they are excellent at it.

Support from the media and the public have already moved it on in leaps and bounds. I would love to see a women’s Tour set off from the UK and embrace it as Yorkshire did. Lets keep up the pressure and see it happen.Cyclr letour.com/la-course-by-le-tour-defrance/girorosa.it

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The craftsman: Sacha White with Vanilla Bicycles Author: Hugh Thomas

There are certain brands out there that we come across now and then, and they are the sort of establishments that never fail to amaze. Forget one-size-only massproduced bikes designed to saturate the market with a name or a logo until it’s all you ever see. Forget brands that think letting the customer choose what colour they want their frame painted is the definition of the word ‘bespoke’. That image you have of what ‘building from the ground up’ means – forget that as well – because it’s about to appear more literal than ever before.

involved. For example, once the frame is complete, professional painters are brought in to properly cure the frame with the exact colours you have specified. It’s a process that can take up to eight weeks, and that’s after you’ve spent goodness knows how long scouring the planet yourself for a chip of paint off of a wall, or waiting for that exact day of that exact week in autumn when the leaves on the trees turn the right shade of orange.

The only two things you’ll need if you’re planning to patron Vanilla bikes are ample amounts of A) Money and B) Patience. That might go for most bespoke makers, though most bespoke makers don’t ask for $1,500 before they’ve even started the building stage and don’t suggest twiddling your thumbs for five years before you can expect the finished product to come through the post.

According to Vanilla, forecasting an overall price on a build made entirely from scratch is impossible. If you hadn’t guessed already though, you can be sure it won’t be cheap. The materials that Vanilla don’t produce themselves are sourced from the very best manufacturers around. The lugs, for instance, are from Henry James and are soldered in place with pure silver, allowing for a smoother un-warped steel aesthetic without any loss to the frame’s overall durability.

Just while that sinks in, the one and a half K is there to primarily cover the costs of preparation more than anything else. It is necessary for Vanilla to meet their customers in person to better understand their desires. Frame fitting, aesthetic details, part selection and technical specifications are to name a few of the topics of conversation directed, if possible, by a specialist in your local area. The five years waiting time is perhaps better understood with a deeper explanation of the processes

But do not think of the overall time spent in production as time wasted. Five years is evidence of the care Vanilla put into every inch of every unit produced.

Workers allocated more time means they aren’t rushed, and when they aren’t rushed, mistakes are less likely made and customers are more likely to end up chuffed with the finished product.

Just remember to only consider having a custom made Vanilla bicycle as one of your lifelong ambitions, right next to getting married or having kids. Cyclr

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The frame maker carefully and skillfully constructs your bespoke machine

Handbuilding bicycles is a time consuming but rewarding task for those who love it

5 years of production, ensures you get a top

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flickr photostream: Vanilla Workshop thevanillaworkshop.com twitter.com/vanillabikes

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Stitch-mi-lane: an interview with Stephanie Drake Interviewer: Steph Mann

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(Left) The snug spectator hat

[Steph] Can you tell me a little about yourself?

[Stephanie Drake] I am 25, I grew up in Lancashire (mostly), and I now live just outside of Stirling in Scotland. The company name Stitch –Mi- Lane is taken from a road in Lancashire off which my parents live. I set up the company while living there a couple of years ago.

The whole company formation was something of a happenstance. I was studying Fine Art and was shortly due to graduate when my father was involved in a very serious collision with a car whilst out on his bike. The accident was very serious, and my artistic career was no longer any form of priority so I didn’t return to university – my new focus was on my father and his recovery. The whole experience was pretty traumatic and I found solace in the strangest of places – I started to knit. I had never done it before, but I thought what better time to start than in the long hours between hospital visits, the funny thing is the only thing on my mind was bikes - so I started to knit those. Whilst still knitting was my own form of unconventional therapy, a company in London had spotted my designs online and asked if I could made a batch for them. The order at the time felt huge, but I was so grateful for their enthusiasm. The process after this just snowballed; I set up an online shop, formed Stitch –Mi- Lane as a business and shortly after found a manufacturer

to help me produce the garments as I was no longer able to cope with demand.

[S] Your items are very bespoke (pun intended), how did you come up with this particular theme of design?

[SD] All of the items in the Stitch -MiLane range stem from a love of cycling - I was brought up in a family where cycling took the place of religion. With Sunday mornings spent on a climb and pilgrimages to the French Alps - cycling has a firm place in my heart. Two wheels have never been far from my mind, I am a huge cycling fan, this mixed with my passion for design and making has formed my product range.

Stitch -Mi- Lane is host to a product line of bicycle inspired apparel and homeware. Included in the collection are The Bike Twist Snood, The Commuter Cowl, The Snug Spectator Hat, and a Bike Wheel Cushion.

The collection functions as practical bike wear for the discerning cyclist.

The materials are chosen for their hardwearing properties; heat holding merino wool in the Bike Twist Snoods and sweat wicking polar fleece in the Commuter Cowls. The subtle quirky designs also mean they can be worn casually.

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“Stitch -Mi- Lane is host to a product line of bicycle inspired apparel and home-ware” [S] Do you find your customers are all bike enthusiasts? Or do you get a mix?

[SD] I love watching the grand tours and cycle racing because they embody something very enviable; beauty, suffering, grandeur and panache – in contrast the fans are mental, they adorn the roadsides and mountaintops dressed in all manor of outfits, loaded up with freebees from the tour caravan, jumping up and down and wildly running alongside the riders. I think the contrast is extraordinary and I adore it. There is something about cycling that transcends beyond the sport – it is a lifestyle and a mentality. I think my products appeal to people who see a bike, and just instantly connect with it, and all that it personifies.

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[S] What bike do you ride and why?

[SD] I ride a Giant OCR Road frame, this is my ticket to escapism, where I live you only have to be on your bike for 20 minutes and it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere.

I also own a 1977 Raleigh Stowaway. I think its great, it has a solid pannier rack on the back so I can load it up and take my trips to the post office with customer orders.

[S] Was design something you always had an interest in? or did the idea come from somewhere else?

[SD] I have always been interested in design; my mother was a talented fashion designer, and when I was a kid

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(Above) The bike twist snood

(Above) The bike wheel cushion

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she would often make my clothes for me.

As a designer and seamstress herself my mother would incite me to draw, paint, and make. The phrase “I’m bored, I’ve got nothing to do…” would always be met with “well go and make something then”.

I also really enjoy colour, and cycling culture is awash with it. The cycling peloton provides a vivid palette of brightly coloured jerseys and bold geometric patterns, a great variety to take into designs. The peloton from above looks like a jumbled up box of crayons. I think the prospect of incorporating this into designs is just too tempting not to.

incorporate this into simple garment designed to reflect an admiration for the races of yesteryear.

The jerseys will form a ‘classics range’ which will be added to the existing Stitch –Mi- Lane designs, it is a huge leap forwards and one I am so much looking forward to taking. The jerseys will combine a passion for design and cycling.

The jerseys are due for release later this year, at about autumn time. Cyclr @stitch_mi_lane stitchmilane.bigcartel.com facebook.com/StitchMiLane

[S] What does the future hold for you?

[SD] I am currently in the process of designing a range of era inspired cycle jerseys. I am working with a manufacturer and we are currently in the prototyping phase. But we are soon to press the big green go button.

The new clothing range will aim to take era inspired block patterns of the grand tours, coupled with considerate tailoring, and will be produced using 100% natural yarns.

With a nod to the classic colours of the Maglia Rosa, Maillot Jaune, Molteni Arcore, Raleigh Campagnolo, and Bianchi – I am looking for the range to harbour some of the iconic sporting palate, and Cyclr 171

I sit astride this great device On two spoked wheels of metal Upon a padded seat quite nice My butt does roundly settle My feet propel the pedals round That move the chains thru sprockets Spinning wheels across the ground So I fulfill my dockets While not quite speedy as a car This conveyance is handy Allowing me with handlebars To navigate so dandy Before I rest this monologue I’ll have you know quite truly The exercise I catalogue Befits my figure duly

s

Cyclescheme Author: Jonathon Cherry

(Opposite) This Great Device

by Mindy Makuta

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Images commissioned by Cyclescheme Cyclr 177

“It would not be at all strange if history came to the conclusion that the perfection of the bicycle was the greatest incident of the nineteenth century�

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twitter.com/cyclr instagram.com/cyclr facebook.com/cyclr

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