trend: pedal to the metal

Gypsy Electra

"If you worried about falling off the bike, you'd never get on."-Lance Armstrong

You meet Cruiser. Cruiser meet you. Cruiser's laid back, isn't in too much of a rush and can be quite fashionable. You need to get places, like being outside and wouldn't mind a little helmet hair. Sigh, the perfect summer romance.
Cruisers made by Electra and Trek can bring back the fun of riding a bike even if you associate it with a) being eight years old b) serious hard core mountain biking which is not your scene or c) a paper route. One of the founders of Electra, Benno Baenziger "decided there was a market niche for a stylish, affordable cruiser bicycle for twenty somethings and began working on designs that combined old school looks with contemporary technology." The fashion world is taking a ride as well and has made the bike the must-have accessory for the summer.

Electra Petro Zillia Rainbow

And to make it even more fun, companies like Trek and Electra are making aesthetically appealing looks for their female consumers like the Gypsy fashion cruiser from Electra pictured above. When it comes to chic bikes, perhaps, most famous of them all, is the fashionista of the two-wheelers, the high-end colorful and whimsical, Petro Zillia. Electra Bike partnered with the fashion design firm, Petro Zillia to create the bicycle. A media darling since launch, Paris Hilton has even been photographed on one. Electra bikes have also been featured in Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Meet the Fockers.

For those just getting back on a bike for some casual riding in the city or lakeside, also, worth looking into besides Cruisers are the Townies.

More inspiration:

The Sartorialist

Chanel's chic bicycle

IHT-The Bicycle--Paris's Hot New Accessory

Image source: bikemart.com, chainreactioncycles.com

-SD