All the mod cons to achieve cycling perfection this Sunday
The steed: Tokyobike
These urban bikes are a hip import from Japan and all the cool bike kids have one. Made especially for city bikers, they're light at 10kg and come in sweet, pastel colours. The Classic Sport line comes in 12 different shades, with a couple of blues to choose from, if you really want to go all out for the "Bike for Mom" theme. Pop by their store at Ari, which also houses a little coffee spot with a small staple of pastries here and there.
Tokyobike is at Ari Soi 2, Phaholyothin Road. Open Tues-Sun, 11am-8pm.
The look: Friday People
It'll be less of a challenge to look presentable while biking with Friday People's clothes. Designed by a cyclist especially for cyclists, they've got all the functions down, all the while keeping everything fashionably acceptable. All trousers have a double layered crotch, zippered pocket for storing valuables, high-stretch fabric for durability and reflective 3M Scotchlite bands that let other people on the road see you at night. Their polos also have Scotchlite under the collar, as well as a hoop in the centre for hanging your sunglasses. Browse through their collection for solid and Hawaiian printed shorts, but there are also some serious slacks which could pass for officewear. They don't look tacky when cuffed either and totally demolish the days of having to bring a change of clothes.
Grab your gear at www.friday-people.com.
The fun stuff: Pedal Lane
Accessories can be completely unnecessary, but can make your ride more intriguing -- and also safe, in this case. Neat imports at Pedal Lane include pretty bells and front baskets that are made from elephant grass in Ghana. Their Thermos on sale are made of steel and have a bamboo lid, meaning no plastic will melt while biking under the hot Sun. If you're looking for lights, the ones from Bookman are definitely bright and are charged by USB. You can go green with their Helt-pro helmets from Germany too, which have a removable cover that can be washed or changed when you get bored of the design.
Pedal Lane is on the first floor of BACC. Open Tues-Sun, 11am-8pm.
