it seems like eons ago, but last summer i spent some time in amsterdam, but i couldn’t chat about it because i was on a special assignment for anthology magazine to cover the city, so it was a bit on the hush-hush. but the new issue of anthology is out, and my story lives on its pretty pages, so now i can tell you what a wonderful trip it was! the story includes a shopping & dining reference guide, in case you happen to be headed to amsterdam anytime soon, including the amazing 9 straatjes (or 9 streets) — blocks and blocks of some of the best cafes, boutiques and vintage shops i’ve ever come across.

these photos above and in anthology magazine were photographed by marjon hoogervorst, but i took a whole bunch of my own as well, so i’ve been hankering to share just how beautiful amsterdam really is with you for a while now! for the full article, check out the latest issue of anthology, and you can subscribe here. you can also see all my photographs from the trip here on flickr.

Public bikes has just produced a special, limited run of new bikes in some pretty fantastic colors! There’s Grapefruit, Blueberry, Lemon Drop, Salted Caramel, Pistachio — I’m talking wheels here people, not ice cream flavors, but they’re just as delicious! And, they’re giving sfgirlbybay readers who purchase any PUBLIC bike, a free PUBLIC basket at a $55 Value. This is on top of the 15% off sale on all other gear public is running.

To receive your free basket with public bike purchase:

• pick out and purchase a brand new public bike.

• add the PUBLIC Basket to your shopping cart and type SFGIRLBYBAY in the “Special Delivery Needs” text box during shipping option checkout.

• public will manually remove the $55 cost of the PUBLIC Basket and send you an updated receipt.

• offer valid till December 15, 2011 with the purchase of any public bike.

so, you know how biking is really good for you, and for the environment, right? well there’s a new bike in town, public bikes, started by rob forbes, the same guy that started Design Within Reach, the company that brought high design to the general public. rob’s now created public — lightweight, steel framed bikes in fabulous colors, designed for city streets, along with some cute accessories, making bike culture even more stylish.

All of public bikes’ products can be picked up locally or ordered online (with 100% satisfaction guaranteed) and they can ship a bike to your door, or to your local bike store anywhere in the US. bay area locals can pick up a fully assembled public bike from their 123 South Park shop at no extra cost after they make a bike order, and they can also check out test ride locations to make an appointment. you can also visit public bikes’ blog for biking news; friend them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

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.

{from me to you}

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.

swedish skeppshult bikes.

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.

]]> http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2010/07/08/vintage-finds-for-a-modern-world-bicycle-style/feed/ 25 http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2009/07/16/bicycle-fever/ http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2009/07/16/bicycle-fever/#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:00:15 +0000 victoria http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/?p=5739

have y’all noticed the bicycle fever taking place these days? everywhere i look, there’s some really sweet new bike designs popping up! not to mention the always fabulous 2009 tour de france is on! it’s a pretty great thing – good for the environment, and good for our fitness and health. I fixed up an old, vintage motobecane bicycle and i just love it. i even added cherries to my basket (my friends and i like to call it ‘pimping your ride’). amsterdam is a wonderful example of a city that gets around by bike and i was lucky enough to spend 48 hours there a few years back. even on cobbled stone roads, mums ride around with groceries in their baskets, and one or two children in tow. I was so impressed! here’s a glimpse of some shots i took there, and some great new bikes i’ve been seeing around the web, including mrs. french’s lovely bicycle round-up here on sfgirlbybay. happy cycling!

my bike – i’ve “pimped my ride”!

the sweetpea bicycle. so sweet, indeed!

I love this city road bike from handsome cycles.

Simple City bike from gary fisher (via apartment therapy newsletter).

Check out the Blue Bucket! This bicycle is just too cool. I’d love one of these to ride to the farmer’s market (although the hills here in San Francisco could be a serious challenge!). The Blue Bucket from Madsen will carry your precious cargo and help you complete all your errands in style. The Bucket comes equipped with a removable seat and even two seat belts! I love the pretty blue shade, too (and it comes in black & yellow, too). Very vintage, very fun! Check out Madsen for more cool bikes, and biking accessories.

I remember my very first bicycle, “the desert rose”…it was red with a white banana seat, and streamers from the handlebars. I loved that bike with all my heart. I have the same giddiness today…I went into my local bike shop and ordered a bicycle I have had my eye on for quite sometime. I feel like I am 6 years old all over again. I actually couldn’t sleep last night in anticipation of my new bike. I have been inspired by all these bicycle daydreams. This blissful inspiration post is long, I couldn’t help it, so many dreamy bicycle images out there…

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I hope you have lovely bicycle memories of your very own and that maybe this post helped to conjure them up a bit…see you next week…
xo, mrs. french