Mystery Revealed?

Early one morning I saw this bicycle parked casually, Italian-style, and wondered who would have such a large basket on their bike.

Hours later, and in another part of town, I saw this elegant woman. Only in reviewing my photos later did I start to wonder - I think that's the owner of the interesting bike!

What do you think?

Two Tone Mixte

I loved this "swoopy" mixte for its Black & White color scheme. Why does Europe get all the funky mixtes?

Singlespeed Basket Bike

Spotted in Cambridge, this bike was notable for having what appear to be Pier 1 Imports-style baskets front and rear, but perfectly sized to fit correctly on those respective racks. It makes for an elegant and proportional look.


The headlight is mounted to the rack under the front basket.

The rear basket is larger and the rear wheel accented with an array of spoke cards. I'm not sure I've seen quite this much spoke accessorizing in general, I find it fun on this bike.

I like it!

Practical Schwinn

I love the rear view mirror on this bike! The permanent baskets are also very practical.

Little red 3-speed

There's nothing cuter than a three speed bike.

Summer style and speed

Men in linen cause me to swoon. The bike is sexy too!

I'm not sure where this gentleman would fit in the slow bicycle movement? Few gears, (few brakes!), upright bars, simple bike, street clothes, no helmet, bike as transportation, etc. yet not actually moving slowly... Tough one.

How fast is too fast to be a slow bike?

Ironic Juxtaposition

This lady we've seen before provides an amusing juxtaposition here.

Don't you just love her functional and loaded bike in the street next to the empty pickup truck?


As Sheldon Brown quotes Victor Hugo -
Le beau est aussi utile que l'utile
When you're both? That's cycle chic!

Elegant Summer

I saw her pedaling sedately in our scorching heat and was captivated with her ensemble: note how her bag coordinates with her outfit, they're hard to see but her earrings and bracelets do too. While we were chatting she told me that her children have their own bikes and she gets many compliments during family outings, riding calmly together.

She feels no need for speed. She gets there in her own time, gracefully.

As I rode away I tried to think of words to describe the encounter. "Gracious" and "regal" were the ones which came to mind. She made my day more beautiful. That's the definition of cycle chic.

Just a touch of red

Sometimes all you need is a little bit of red.

Why hello there!

This lady does not need to wave to get noticed. She's remarkable, and it's all done with a sense of humor. It gives me hope to see older women on bicycles. If they're out riding then there's no reason the rest of us can't do it too.

Starched but not formal

This lady was leaving work at noon, I like to think she was off for a mid-day joyride. She looks like she's having fun!

Pretty and practical

On my ride home today this nice lady complimented my cuff. I immediately was in awe of her subtly subversive style, from those glasses to the six-pack of paper towels she was bringing home by bike with her shopping. She told me that she rides this bike every day in Boston. I wish I'd felt more comfortable delaying her longer in chatting, she seemed like a person I'd like to know.