The last bike I rode has a Strawberry Shortcake print along the seat, a pink front basket, streamers dangling from the handles, and training wheels (I was about five years old). Okay, okay, I'm exaggerating. I did ride a mountain bike as a teen (and promptly tumbled down a hill, scraping my chin right before a cousin's Sweet 16 part..Oops!). After that experience though, I let my cyclist aspirations fall to the wayside and began relying on public transportation: buses, trains, and taxis (all transportation devices that don't require me to keep my clumsiness at bay). Recently, however, I've been contemplating getting back on a bicycle — partly because of the exercise benefits and partly because of my growing eco-consciousness (after all, think about how much we could minimize our carbon footprint by simply eschewing fuel-based forms of transportation whenever possible). The challenge: after so many years off a bicycle (beyond a stationary one at the gym, that is), how do I even begin to shop for the right bike?
As a novice, venturing into a store brimming with intimidating (not to mention unsightly) BMX and mountain bikes, all stacked against one another under sinister, gym-like fluorescent lighting, just seems like too daunting a proposition. And frankly, I'm afraid the salespeople would laugh me out of the store. My other concern (ans yes, it may be superficial, but so be it!): I want a bike that''s, well, pretty. Heck, I want a bike that makes my eyes light up the way they did when I first saw the Strawberry Shortcake bike of my childhood.
So here's the answer to my prayers (and those of all bike neophytes): New York City's brand new bike boutique Adeline Adeline, located at 147 Reade Street (between Greenwich St. and Hudson St.). This charming boutique features a handpicked selection of bicycles infused with the retro style and charm of classic bicycles commonly seen on the streets of Amsterdam and Copenhagen (among other European cities). Take, for example, the Pashley Poppy bicycle pictured at top, a classic 3-speed bike modernized through the redesigned flat handlebar, the cork grips, and the sky blue frame. Every time I look at this bike, I think of the last scene in Amélie, when our heroine cruises through the streets of Paris on the back of Nino's bike — not because the bikes resemble each other, but because the Poppy captures that exuberant, romantic, simple pleasure of pedaling through the streets, with the wind caressing your face and making you feel free and joyful.
Similarly, the Retrovelo Klassic Klara (pictured third from top) fuses together an American '50s vibe with beach cruiser and dutch bike elements for a sleek vintage creation.
Not only are these premium bikes (they hail from the foremost bike capitals of the world), but they make vociferous style statements. Even better, you can customize your bike by adding accessories like baskets, bells (available in classic ding-dong shapes, or in bright neon patters, like those pictured below), and changing the saddle to fit your particular tastes, Plus, you can get a sassy bike for your kid and adorn it with such whimsical details as ladybug bells (pictured below) and miniature baskets.
Hey, they say you never really forget to ride a bike, so it's never too late to brush up on those pedaling skills.
Pictured above: Pashley Poppy bicycle, $995; Nantucket Bike Co. Gull Kids basket, $30; Retrovelo Klassic Klara bicycle, $1445; and Nantucket Basket Co. Cliff Road Kids basket, $30.
Pictured below: Pashley Princess Sovereign bicycle, $1295; and Mirrycle Neon Bells, $9.99 each. All available at AdelineAdeline.com. Call 212-227-1150 for more information or to book a apppointment.
