Bike Month has arrived in Toronto, so what better way to celebrate than to get your two-wheeled wonder kitted out in some of the finest biking gear?
From vintage-inspired wooden crates to hand crocheted dress guards, our selection of bike accessories will lead you on the path to bike chic in no time.
Hand Crocheted Dress Guard by Simeli
Simeli, a company in The Netherlands, has decided to jazz up the traditional dress guard by creating a colourful collection of hand crotched designs. They come in a range of different colour combinations from bright and cheerful (model Ananda) to demure chic (model Antoinette).
For those not in the know, a dress guard is a cover attached to the rear wheel of a bicycle to prevent long garments from coming into contact with the wheel. Maybe not entirely an essential item for Toronto’s summers, but it will definietly add a bit of colour to your cruiser.
Wood Carrier Crate by Velorbis
Velorbis’s wood crates are the ultimate retro bike accessory. They are crafted from the finest Danish ash wood and stainless steel screws and project an ‘old school’ vintage look. We reckon they would fit in perfectly on Queen Street West.
Airhead Helmet by Twowheelcool
‘Helmet Hair’ is no fun. This is why Twowheelcool created the Airhead Helmet – a circular-shaped, spiky silicone product that slides into the inside of any helmet and is hypo-allergenic and anti-bacterial.
By creating increased ventilation inside one’s head protector of choice, it reduces perspiration and static that can reek havoc on a carefully styled coif. It’s safe to say, you can wave goodbye to frizzy locks this summer with this nifty invention.
Leather Wine Rack by Oopsmark
If you like wine and you like biking, you’re going to love this. Handmade in Montreal by Oopsmark designer, Jesse Herberthandmade, this leather bicycle wine rack is perfect for taking wine with you on the go. It easily attaches to any 1″ bike frame with antique brass fasteners, while the hidden clamps hold the bottle securely. A guaranteed shaky bike ride home.
Cycle FriendlySuitpack by Cambridge Design Partnership
For cycling commuters, bringing a suit to the office crease-free is practically impossible. This is what inspired Cambridge Design Partnership to create Suitpack – a shell-like structure with dimensional configuration that properly protects the suit from wrinkling as the cyclist is traveling.
It is not only a perfect solution for the cycling suits, but it can also come in handy for frequent flyers too since it is within the required hand luggage dimensions.
Handmade Leather Saddles by Brooks
Brooks England is a bicycle saddle manufacturer in Birmingham, England and has been making leather bicycle saddles since 1866. In fact, until the changeover to lighter-weight synthetic materials in the 1940s, they were the saddle of choice for Tour De France.
The fundamental design of a Brooks saddle is a leather top stretched between a metal “cantle plate” at the rear and a nose piece. After a certain period of use, the saddle visibly moulds itself to the rider and “dimples” appear where the “sit bones” normally rest. In affect, it’s a saddle moulded by you the ridder and thus, ensures a very comfortable ride.
Hand Painted Helmets by Belle Helmets
This hand-painted helmet masterpiece is the work of Belle Helmets. The New York City-based artist behind the company Danielle Baskin began applying her artistic talents to protective head wear in an effort to “promote safer transportation alternatives through fashion.” Her sources of inspiration range from the solar system to the debunked science of phrenology, so there really is something for everyone regardless of age or gender.
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SÃle Cleary is a regular contributor to Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at @silecleary.
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