I have been wanting a push bike for a while…make that at least a year. But not just any bike, I have this romantic idea in my head that if I get a vintage-esque bike I will be like Kate Winslet in Enigma…
However, now we are in a house and getting a bike is possible I am baffled. There are so many bike types and options that it is truly overwhelming! My current ‘requirements’ list looks like this:
- Step-through/Vintage/Dutch/City/Shopper – you would be forgiven for thinking ‘well that’s whittled it down?!’ in a sarcastic tone, except ultimately these all refer to the same style of bike. See?! I told you this is confusing
- Bent handle bars – it helps with the Kate Winslet fantasy
- A bell
- A basket
Outstanding questions…
- Do I go for a true vintage that has been restored? Or a modern interpretation of a classic, thus benefiting from warranty, more lightweight bike etc…
- Helmet, to helmet or not? Obviously my hair says ‘please don’t but more than that there seems to be a genuine debate about whether it is safer to wear a helmet or not
- Should I spend upto £300 or invest and go more like £500-600 ish?
- How many gears do I need?
So here are a few of my finds so far:
1. This is what sparked my obsession…the reproduction, the classic;
But they are expensive and heavy…but isn’t she pretty and built in the UK…
2. However, there is the Dutchie which is a visual and financial delight. But I can’t find somewhere to try before I buy.
3. Oh the budgie option;
Decathalon really is a great store, I’ve always been really impressed by their range, staff and quality.
Ahhhhhhh!! Any ideas, thoughts or snippets of wisdom gratefully received.
Amy x
PS I thought you might like to see my lunch from yesterday, veggie sushi, tropical green tea and my latest food obsession – sweet and salted popcorn, it is #epic
PPS Been wearing my hair naturally* curly all week, I kinda love it (this is a pic from a couple of days ago, struggling to get a good pic of the curl, I’ve been assured it looks nice though)
*with a little help from Aussie hair’s anti-frizz conditioning milk and curl definition serum
Oh that sort of bike is gorgeous. You’d have to dress up in a long frock and hat and ride through the park to have a picnic at least once to complete the fantasy :)
I totally know what you mean!
The first one’s my bike! A Pashley Princess! She’s lovely but blimmin heavy. If you want to try one out you’re more than welcome to pop round when I get her back (lent her to a friend but getting her back week after next).
Love the curly hair. I seriously battle with the curls in summer – sigh – maybe I should just give in to them.
K x
Ok lets try again – was replying on my phone and it went all strange. Awww the pashley’s are lovely, particularly like the poppy, but then it is pink! Your offer is really kind and if you mean it then that would be fab, mark and I are planning a little trip to some trendy looking bike shops in london I think I have found online – I say I think because I need to re-find them… Will email/dm you if thats ok.
As for the curly hair, it is taking some encouragement but I was just too hot at the weekend to blowdry and straighten it so decided to embrace the curl. Not sure how long it will last for though, I get paranoid about it looking messy and generally pants.
x