Slap Bracelets are Trousers Cuffs

When I was in 6th grade these slap bracelets were popular. They ended up getting prohibited at school because they make too much noise when every girl in class is obsessively slapping her bracelet all day.

Amusingly, when I asked the Claire's Boutique employee if I could photograph her product, she told me that I was the second person that day who was interested in these bracelets as a cycling trouser cuff.

Mixtes across the Hexagon

While I couldn't possibly photograph all the mixtes I saw in France, here are a few of the photos that were convenient to get. I've mentioned that I came to urban cycling after living in Paris, upon returning I'm convinced that the archetype of the mixte frame entered my subconscious while I was there and that is why I love it so. They are so very practical, always have fenders and little platform racks, are lighter than most city bikes... I still don't own one, but they are lovely, aren't they?

This lady in Paris has the only reflective ankle strap I saw in France:



There's no lycra here in deep Provence! Monsieur was pumping up that tire and fiddling with the bike. I couldn't wait long enough to get a photo of him riding, but he must have gotten it running because the next day the bike was gone.



Fully loaded for camping in Lyon, that may be a 2 Second tent but I learned it's two seconds to put up and about twenty minutes to fold back down again:


This one looks better if you click to expand the image:


Finally, a pink mixte in Lyon:

Cool Morning Light

Love her posture, balancing on her toes, and the green shoes with her light, cheerful colors. I'd love to find a short trench like hers.
She looks so relaxed on her way to work.

Golden Girl

Hurray for ladies of all ages on bikes!

Sequined cuffs spotted in Cambridge!

Pinstripes and singlespeeds and sequined cuffs, oh my!

There's nothing quite like a business lady on a bike.

Bike wardrobe creative fix

A reader of this blog sent in her story of a bike wardrobe fix:

On our way to the annual Bike Alliance Auction in Seattle, by the time I had ridden off the ferry from Bainbridge Island, I realized the heel straps on my shoes weren't as tight as I thought! . Happily, a quick thinking stop at Elliot Bay Cycle sent me on my way not only secure, but a little safer! My husband's tux didn't need a thing. Isn't that the way with men's clothes?

Sure is! Props to you for riding pedals with clips and heels at the same time, I'm impressed.

We've all seen the guy with the binder clip from his office re-purposed as a trouser clip, and plastic bags re-used as seat covers and shoe covers. On a rainy Friday I'd love to hear about other bike wardrobe quick-fixes!

My Winter Uniform 2008

I never claimed to be super chic, but I was warm and comfortable (mostly) and commuted all winter by bike.

The coat is nice because the light color stands out again the asphalt and city colors. My helmet fits a light beanie hat underneath. I wore leather gloves lined with cashmere, the leather kept the wind out and the cashmere kept the warmth in. The cuff is practical for keeping my trousers out of the chain, but it's also a little fun in the winter and an opening for conversations. A lot of people have mentioned it at stop lights.

Announcing New Cycling Cuffs

Chanel showed jeweled cycling ankle cuffs for spring, Brooks has lovely leather trouser cuffs; both are rather expensive. The standard issue in my Local Bike Shop is bright and notable in a road construction worker-type way.

What's a chic cyclist to do?

Start making her own cycle chic! I've started with some simple bicyce trouser cuffs/cyclist ankle clips but I'll just keep making whatever it is I wish I had but can't find in stores (and feel I can make!) so watch this space for more.

Additionally, I would really love to see your own cycling projects! It's very inspiring to see other people's work, don't you think?

Brooks cycling trouser cuffs

It is hard to find an attractive cycling cuff. Everything looks like you should be constructing the road, not riding on it. The only nice cuff I've found is this Brooks leather cuff for $40. It is classy, but I'm afraid I'll lose it.