vintage finds for a modern world: bicycle style.
i’ve really been wanting a new bicycle since my move to noe valley. the old 3-speed motobecane i have just doesn’t quite cut it on these hills. so i’ve been looking around. a lot. for a vintage-looking bike, but a practical and functional one, as well. and on the first day of my vacation i ended up buying a new one! i had actually just gone out for a walk, over to the mission district, and ended up riding home on a brand new raleigh roadster i got after dropping in at valencia cyclery.
valencia cyclery were super nice to work with (thanks, s.b.!) and i test drove a few. but the raleigh felt right, and so home i rode her (along with the fresh squid, dulce de lece, chiles, and everything else i picked up strolling around the mission that day!). here’s a peak at ‘sophie’ my new bike (above shots), and a whole bunch of other bikes i’d been thinking about, along with some great bicycling accessories.
beatrice holiday upholstered seat cover; public’s donghia striped messenger bag; kate spade covered & lined basket; the carrie front basket from design house stockholm.
the very colorful plato dutch bike.
the pristine pashley princess sovereign.
the pashley basket.
the swedish designed note bike.
nut case bike helmet (i had to have this one!); public’s knee socks; camper red Peu Rambla sneakers; and the beautiful brooks engraved bike saddle.
beatrice holiday upholstered seat covers, and handlebar bags (which also convert to shoulder bags).
the new public bike.
tretorn’s comfy riding sneakers.
the hi-tech bent basket.
denver covered basket; a classic nantucket basket; cute gypsy wicker basket; and the Peterboro Basket.
the gary fisher simple city 8.
I would think it would be terrifying to ride a bike in San Francisco, with those steep, steep hills and all, no? You sure picked a beauty.
a helmet is pretty good idea, and lots of gears to get up the hills!! :)
congrats, it is a beauty! I know how the search goes, one can look forever or finally just make the plunge. I will link to this post because scads of folks would love it. thanks!
congratulations on your new bike. i love the wicker baskets and just added one to my 1969 hercules ladies frame…check it out http://thecitybirdsnest.blogspot.com/2010/06/meet-urusla.html
love climbing those SF hills :D
xo,
cb
cb – love ursula! thanks for sharing her. :)
love this post… i cant wait to own a cruiser myself… cute accessory finds!
These bikes are soooo beautiful! love this post! greetings from hot germany, geisslein
So many beautiful bike! I went to Portland last weekend to sell our Bakfiet (family bike) and got an eyeful of the amazing collection of bicycles at Clever Cycles. Suddenly I feel the need for a new one
You can see our beloved bakfiet (gone to a great family who will use it more than us) here:
http://theaccidentalfrock.blogspot.com/2010/07/land-of-family-bicycles-food-carts.html
I think you are so brave to ride a bike in the city. :)
I love this post! Just today my mom and I were discussing bikes to get my boyfriend for Christmas. He will probably want something sportier, but these bikes definitely make me want a new one of my own!!
Love this post too! It made my heart flutter. I wanted a beautiful new bike. Got one not so heavy in the end – and a baby seat on the back! Had to have a basket though. So much fun!
Love the vintage bikes! I want one!
I LOVEEEE!! and have been itching for a bike latley! thanks
nice picked a eleganc bike it would be good to joying everyday with her …… too great with the weave basket : )
love skeppshult bikes!
I would LOVE an awesome vintage-y bike like one of these, but they are so expensive. I’m just going to have to troll Craigslist to find a bike for myself! :/
What a very pretty bicycle, I especially like the wooden rear rack you have on it! Well just did a DIY for handle bar bags you might like- check it out …http://ridingpretty.blogspot.com/2010/06/diy-bicycle-handlebar-bag.html
Always have loved your blog too :D
xo,
Shelly- RidingPretty
Valencia Cyclery is the best–lovely people who support the very worthy non-profit organization I work for, every year!
I have been wanting a vintage bike for what seems like an eternity. There is something so warm and homey about them. Inviting. It makes me think of picnics, lemonade, pretty summer dresses. These bikes you posted are wonderful.
I bought one of these custom made bikes while living in Denmark. They can handle the SF hills with aplomb, due to the German made transmission. http://www.sogreni.dk/Images/oldshatter_stor.jpg
Ooo, the Swedish skeppshult bike looks so stylish (or maybe it is just the photo!) I want one.
Take a look at the danish bikes over at my blog!
I’m jealous:) What a gorgeous looking bike. Here in Australia there doesn’t seem to be the variety of vintage bikes available (unless any of your Aussie readers can steer me in the right direction). BTW Love your blog!
beautiful bike, beautiful blog, beautiful girl!! i’m refurbishing an old 1974 Schwinn Collegiate… it will be my very first bike ever since i was about 8, and i’m very excited about it! stumbled upon your blog while browsing for ideas – you have an inspiring eye for design and photography, ideas are flowing now, thank you for posting this!
~Marisa, Marisa Q Headshot Photographer
you picked a beaut! congrats.
Hi I just moved to SF from NC… I love the vintager style of your bike and am looking into buying one myself. Very happy about your bike shop recommendation. My roommates are heavy duty cyclists so I need your casual point of view- do you think your 8 speed is enough for touring around the city (and trying to avoid hills!)?
welcome to san francisco! i think so – it can’t make hills that are like an 18% grade, but it does pretty well. you can go to this site and route your trips around the city to avoid the bigger hills:
http://amarpai.com/bikemap/
good luck!
Thanks, Victoria!