It seems that making bikes a bit more special was a theme of the Cycle show last week. In addition to the diamond studded bike I mentioned, gizmag.com are reporting that there were both a Low-Rider covered in Swarovski crystals and a Brompton folding bike plated with 24carat gold in evidence. I can’t argue with bicycles being worthy of admiration as beautiful objects, but I have to say I think that they stand better as examples of functional attractiveness, and the magnificence of practical design, rather than needing any embellishment.
However, if you’re going the whole Pimp-my-Ride, route then you’ll be wanting to make sure that no detail lets you down. There’s no point letting yourself down and having what is pretty much just a horrendously expensive paint job spoilt by not having all the details perfect. Might I point you in the direction of a company called Snabb where you can outfit your blinged-up bicycle with gold brake and gear cables. Remember, steel is so common.
Talking of expensive (and luxury) bike bits, if you’re tired of waving your arms around to show which way you’re going, and you wouldn’t want to do any more exercise than you needed on your bike, there is a solution to that as well. 50Cycles have a combined bike brake light and indicator that can be yours for a shade under £55. In actual fact the light and associated box are quite clever, relying on an accelerometer to tell it when you’re slowing down, operating wirelessly so you don’t get it all mixed up with your (gold) cables and also allowing you to recharge your electrical bits and bobs as you go (which also seems to be what a large number of cycle parts manufacturers seem to think we want). The only problem is that I really could see myself justifying over fifty pounds for something my arms can do for free, and I’m not certain that a driver would be expecting to see a brake light on a pushbike, so as far as they’re concerned you just have a malfunctioning rear light.
At an entirely opposite end of the scale, bikes can, and in many ways should, be part of your everyday life. Use them to carry things around and get to places you need to be, don’t just make them into mobile artwork. For inspiration have a look at these pictures, and I shall be looking out for “man with a bike” posters next time I move house, rather than opting for a boring van.
Finally, Mark Ellison, the guy whose commute video we posted on Tuesday, has let us know he’s done a follow-up film. If you’re having trouble following the link in the comments it’s here and on the sidebar. Have a look. It’s surprisingly therapeutic if you’re not able to ride for a day, like doing the commute without leaving your desk.
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