Quote Originally Posted by PamNY View Post
I stopped by one of the chic stores today (Adeline Adeline in Tribeca). Really, they were very nice and I'm not knocking the place at all. I wouldn't be surprised if they make some customers more comfortable than the traditional bike stores featuring monosyllabic male employees. I hoped to come away with an amusing anecdote, but was disappointed.The bikes I saw were Linus and Pashley. Most were on the heavy side -- no way I'd get one up the subway stairs.

The place was really, really, really chic, though. I need chain lube but didn't even ask. Theirs is probably organic and imported from the Andes.

I will be curious to see if they survive.
That sounds like a great shop to me, and I am sure they will do well if they are able to communicate and put people at their ease. Certainly I would (and now do) go out of my way for a LBS that is helpful and friendly. There's a shop in London called Bobbin Bicycles (I think) which I would love to see and visit, they do sell some racers though.

Quote Originally Posted by shootingstar View Post
If some people choose to dress up in fashionable street clothing while cycling, etc. that's their thing. I wouldn't necessarily judge them less. If they want to ride heavier bikes, that's their thing. But for certain, they shouldn't presume that it's a good thing for newbies to ride a heavy bike. I wouldn't make that type of recommendation at all.

I just wonder how they keep their skirts, tops, etc. from oil stains, etc. and prevent scratches on beautiful leather dress boots or dress shoes. I honestly would need a new wardrobe to dress fashionably and cycle.

But when I was in Copenhagen, it was obvious that to have a truly cycling intensive city, regular cyclists (meaning us) have to embrace, all cyclists who may not wear comfortable cycling clothing, etc.Lph wonder if you are one of the rarer Europeans who believes in wearing bike helmet. The blogger for Copenhagenize and Copenhagen Chic, practically is foaming at the mouth in anger, whenever he looks to North America's bike helmet laws.
Pashleys do look heavy, no doubt about that. Here in Britain though they are often cherished in the same way as old Minis. I suppose the weight becomes an issue if you are taking it up metro stairs or a steep hill (why I am hesitating over one), but on the flat gentle towpaths and the country lanes for which they were designed I can imagine they must be great fun and as good for beginners as anything else. They look very practical in terms of carrying capacity too, which makes them popular as commuting bikes. I think women and men here appreciate the chain and skirt/coat guards on them which should allow stain-free riding.

I wear a helmet, as does my husband (who bought one in order to ride my bike home the 1 mile journey from the bike shop). It just seems the sensible thing to do. I have to admit to wondering what it would feel like to cycle with the wind in my hair as I've never experienced that. Maybe one day. Other than that my cycling kit consists of 1 pair padded boxers and various Lidl socks/gloves/jacket (Lidl is a European discount chain). I will get better stuff as I get to know what I need, but I would honestly not win any fashion competitions on my bike, nor do I look like a cyclist.

Very interesting thread, thank you.