Team GB kit for London 2012

Well the new kit has been launched in a blaze of publicity and it seems a lot of people don't like it. I personally think it looks great. Stella McCartney has taken the Union Jack as inspiration and created an iconic look from the flag. It definitely is the best looking kit for some time. 

And for those that say it hasn't got enough red in it then you need to look at the past team kits for Team GB. Red has never been a prominent colour so why start now?

Chris Hoy winning gold in China 2008

Kelly Holmes winning gold in Athens 2004

Mens coxless fours winning gold in Sydney 2000

Linford Christie winning in gold in Barcelona 1992

The most important thing about all these kits is that the people in them are winning gold regardless of how much red is incorporated in the design. Lets hope that Chris Hoy and the rest of the team can go on and win a load more golds. Go Team GB!

Melbourne Bikefest - Chasing Rainbows

Gareth Servant 

Another post from the land down under, Melbourne Bikefest ran a poster competition to promote the upcoming UCI Track World Championships in the city. Submissions seem to be of a really high standard and these are few of my favourite but loads more are in their gallery. Worth checking out if you like a bit of graphic design.

Gary Seaman

Karen Wong

Whitney Farrell

Creux Cycling - Campionissimo Polo

 

One from the other side of the world, the Campionissimo Polo is made by Melborne based Creux clothing is a beauty. Dedicated to the World Championship winners jersey they weave the colours in beautifully and subtly. Currently with a third off it looks like a cracking deal. Looking forward to seeing some of their other work at Bespoked Bristol when the iL Soigneur guys show off some of their tees.

5 of the best Jerseys

I've got my first ever organised road ride coming up in a couple of weeks, the Shakespeare 100km in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care. Rather than worrying about the best technique to ride up the hills or what cadence I need, I've been thinking about which jersey I should wear. My favourite one at the moment is a vintage long sleeve woolen one which I think is going to be too hot for the ride so I thought I would pull together a list of the best jerseys I've found whilst looking around.

1. Shutt Velo Rapide Signature White - £79

I featured this jersey back last year and still think it looks amazing, mainly because it doesn't scream cyclist and the rainbow stripe is a nice stylish touch. Made in the UK from high Merino content Sportwool it's a performance jersey which doesn't compromise on style. And you would know you're supporting the British economy by buying one.

2. Rapha Country Jersey - Great Britain - £105

Rapha have released three new country jerseys and with the Olympics coming up this year this is a stylish way to fly the flag for Team GB.

3. Milltag Dandy Jersey - £70

A light hearted take on the good old days of cycle touring, Milltage have produced this Tweed print jersey complete with mock buttons, handkerchief and bike chain pocket watch. It looks great and made from modern fabrics it helps to keep you warm whilst wicking away moisture. 

4. Vulpine Merino Button Jersey - £80

Recently launched, Vulpine have come up with a very nice casual jersey which harks back to days gone by with button detailing. It features two pockets and a zip pocket for valuables and looks good enough that once you finish the ride you can comfortably walk into a pub and not look like you,ve been slogging around the Cotswolds.

5. Campagnolo Heritage Jersey - £29

Simple jersey from the Italian component manufacturers I really like the polo collar detail on this jersey just a shame it's too big for me. At this price this is a bit of a bargain if you are a large or above.

The Inverted Bike Shop, New York

A lovely video by Show Love about a really great idea for a bike shop in New York. 718 Cyclery like to talk to their customers about what sort of bike they need and help them build it around these needs. I really like the ethos here and think a lot of people would love to be involved in the process of building a bike rather than just buying something off the shelf from some guy who tells you how great it all is. Looks like a lovely workshop too.



The Inverted Bike Shop from Show Love on Vimeo.

Look Mum no hands!

I was cycling round East London on a Boris Bike last week and had the opportunity to pop into London's cycling Mecca, Look Mum no Hands! on Old Street. It seems like a lot of events from the launch of Boneshaker issues to Artcrank London are held at LMNH and for good reason. The place is a cafe come bar come bike shop, so you can grab a coffee or a beer and watch a bit of cycling, catch up with friends or buy some new bits for your bike. The idea came about after the founders couldn't find anywhere to watch the Tour de France and decided they should set up their own place dedicated to cycling. I imagine the atmosphere was awesome when Cavendish was sprinting down the Champs-Élysées to win the green jersey last July.

I was there to watch the first time trial of the Paris-Nice, (well played Wiggo!) and meet a friend for lunch. We both had one of their legendary pies which were really good and served with some really interesting salads. The coffee is also from the awesome Square Mile roasters and so obviously very tasty. Can't wait to catch up with them again at Bespoked Bristol, just wish they would open up in Birmingham. If you're in London you should definitely check it out, whether you like cycling, food, coffee or just beer!