Whether you're looking to reduce your gas bill, your carbon footprint or your winter gut, biking to work is a great idea. Welcome to the stylish guide to life on two wheels.
- The Bike Rugged, sure, but the Batavus Breukelen Classic is lighter than it looks. While it's designed to evoke images of urbane Copenhagen commuters, it's prepared for rougher Canadian terrain with a svelte aluminum frame, internal gears and brakes, and puncture-resistant tires. Other neat features include pedal-powered dynamo front-and-rear lights, built-in rack and fenders, and a chain guard to keep the grime from ruining your suit.
$1,250; http://www.store.curbside.on.ca
- The Bucket Yes, we know most helmets have a dorky, bus-patrol vibe, but, seriously, wear one. The sleek skater-styled Bern Watts helmet is as non-embarrassing as they come.
$100; bernunlimited.com
- The Basket A removable alternative to the granny basket, Basil d'Azur's Double Panniers are made of oilskin-like the enduringly stylish Barbour coat-to protect against the elements. Capacious buckle-down pockets safely hold everything from laptops and folders to your lunch.
$115; basil.nl
- The Lock Trust us: Locks are not the place to skimp, nor should you forgo substance for style. The New York Fahgettaboudit U-Lock is a hefty beast, and Kryptonite's most theft-resistant latch.
$130; kryptonitelock.com
- The Jacket You'll need a jacket that's waterproof and, preferably, breathable. The Nau Succinct Trench was designed for cyclists, with back vents that make pedalling easier. Wrinkle-proof, it can be squished into a tight ball. Stow it in your pannier in case of cloudbursts.
$250 (U.S.); nau.com
- The Pump You're gonna need air sooner or later. The Lezyne Classic Floor Drive is powerful and time-honoured, and looks really cool.
$100; cycleslambert.com
***
THE VISUAL DICTIONARY
What your bike says about you
Pashley
I'm Angela Lansbury. Tra la la!
Fixed gear
Brakes are for conformists
Extreme mountain bike
I wish my suit had cargo pockets
Canadian Tire special
I'm getting my licence back in June
Recumbent
I am impervious to laughter
***
A few notes about safety...
Relax, it's a bike, not a bomb. While you'll have no trouble learning to ride in wingtips or high heels, here are three cardinal rules you should never, ever break.
Don't ride drunk
Rarely an issue on the 7 a.m. commute, but the temptation to pedal post-pinot kicks in after a good cinq à sept. "The only person I'll hurt is myself," you say? Consider what a stupid rationale that is.
No headphones
Yes, we agree that being alone with one's thoughts is alarming. Getting run over by a truck because you didn't hear it hurtling toward you is worse.
Light up
Put lights on your bike. Turn them on when it's dark. Simple enough.Most municipalities require bells, too, but while you can yell in a pinch, you cannot luminesce.