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.

Another addition to the wall of bike art

I received this little beauty in the post the other day from Lauren Peppiatt a talented illustrator who is also designer with the very cool cycling apparel company Shutt Velo Rapide. Her love of cycling comes out in a lot of her work which is available to buy at her Etsy store and the Shutt VR site. The Le Tour print is hand printed on a retro Gocco machine and the colours which come out are really nice. The print is also one of a  very limited run of 35, so get in quick before they sell out, at £10 it's a bargain!

As always you can follow her on twitter and facebook, if like me you fancy a bit of a cycling art collection she is definitely one to check out.

Togs + Cogs

Bianchi 12 speed with full Campy groupset - £600

Sometimes you come across a brand which seems to fit with you so well you wonder if the person responsible has read your mind in some way. I've been watching Togs + Clogs for while since they launched last year and recently bought a very nice pair of trousers in their awesome sale. They have a great selection of stylish clothes to keep you looking sharp on your bike and if you haven't got one they can even sell you one of their amazing collection. Featuring some lovely Bianchis and a host of great looking fixies, their vintage bicycle section is chock full of fine specimens with stock updated fairly regularly.

So if you need some new threads or a new bike I recommend checking out Togs + Clogs, and if like me you love vintage cameras and watches they have them too! One final piece they stole from my brain is the great selection of tea they have. So they stock stylish clothes, beautiful bikes, awesome watches, lovely cameras and tasty tea. Literally all of my favourite things!

One final flourish is the hand written thank you on the order delivery note, very nice touch from what seems a great company.

Brooks trouser straps

via Shutt Velo Rapide blog

I've posted about these straps in the past but I've noticed that Brooks have started selling them in a broader range of colours, the stylish guys from Shutt Velo Rapide featured them on their blog in a post from the London Bike show. My favourite is definitely apple green which would go very nicely with my blue and green commuter. At £14.99 they are a bargain if it keeps your trousers getting mangled or covered in oil. 

Apple green strap via brooksengland.com

Bespoked Bristol 2012

Due to the success of last year's event Bespoked Bristol is back and it's grown so much they've had to move to a bigger venue in the centre of Bristol. Almost 100 exhibitors will be showing off their handy work in Brunel's Old Station over the weekend of 23rd to 2th March. People showing range from makers of beautiful handcrafted frames like Brother Cycles and Donhou Bicycles to stylish clothing providers Rapha, Velobici and Shutt Velo Rapide; as well as a host of other components makers you might need to finish off your custom ride.

They also have cycle coffee lovers Look Mum no Hands! coming down from that London to run a pop up cafe in the venue. A definite blessing after having to run out in the rain last year.

Tickets are £7.50 on the door or till the end of February they are running a special offer of 2 for £10.

Hope to see you down there.

Proud to Ride Classic

Simoncini 

When doing some research on the restoration of my bike I came across a really interesting company in Lancaster called Proud to Ride Classic. Their ethos is all about renovating and restoring beautifully constructed lightweight steel frame bikes to sell on. At the moment they are still working on the stock they have and will be selling soon. In the meantime you can check out their website and keep and eye on their twitter and facebook activity. Nice to see people recycling these fine bicycles and getting them back on the road where they belong!

The bikes of Siracusa

Some pictures of a few of the cool bikes we saw on a trip to Siracusa in Sicily.

Italia

by Barry Khan

Talented photographer and Web designer Barry Khan has put up a few of his pics from a recent trip to Italy on Flickr. We are off to Sicily soon and I can't wait to immerse myself in their wonderful culture and stylish people. Hopefully we'll get to do some riding as well and if we can look as chic as these guys I'll be very happy.

by Barry Khan

                 

Bikeminded - Just can't get enough

This video is a promo for the Bikeminded campaign which is run by Kensington and Chelsea Borough council. And as you can imagine from such a smart borough they have kept it very stylish, and no hi vis or helmet in sight.

Cool couple

Saw these guys cycling through Cannon Hill Park on their way to the park, wish I had got a better shot of them from the front as they were both looking pretty stylish. Have to start getting more confident in asking to take peoples picture.

Time for a nice jacket

Sitting here looking at the piles of rain which seem to be falling in Birmingham my thoughts are turning to the idea of getting a decent jacket to handle the British Autumn and Winter. Unfortunately most brands seem to think you have to be in a day glow colour to ride and stay dry but there a few nice ones out there.

These are my five favourite, a few you might need to save up a few pennies first though. They are all short to avoid getting in the way when pumping uphill, waterproof and pretty darn stylish. That way you'll arrive at work warm, dry and still looking debonair.

1. Surface Aquaphobic - from £79.99



2. Burton Fisherman's Jacket - £65

3. Rapha Tweed Softshell - £400

4. Brooks Criterion - £869

5. Asos Multi Pocket Jacket - £60

Portland Design Works Cupholder

Not sure why it's taken me so long to find out about Portland Design Works but I managed to pick up one of their Bar-ista Cupholders for my commuter bike this week. As the colder mornings and evening draw in I think this is going to be one of my best buys ever. It works very well and holds the cup very firmly in place.


The product inspired me to look into PDW a bit more and it turns out they have a whole host of awesome bike accessories. They set up business to produce 'beautiful, simple products for urban cycling' and seeing as they work out of one of America's best cycle cities they seem to be flourishing. I'm really interested in getting one of their 'Little Silver' pumps, just need to find a UK stockist.

Sayed