Bikes galore – BLB is the home of the track bike in the east end of London. Every inch of wall, ceiling or floor crammed with new and vintage frames and parts. A few of my favourites – Cinelli alter stems in a glass cabinet full of vintage Cinelli parts… heaven!
Our very last Cinelli x Mash’09 . Ride safe and Enjoy the new ride .
A few days ago I pedalled over to meet the cool dudes at 14 Bike Co, I really admire the work they are doing. The shop is in the very cool end of town in the heart of the east end of London – the guys at 14 had just taken delivery of their new clothing range which will be available online soon, some very smart cycling shirts with technical fabrics and cycling cuts (a few pics below). They also make some very nice frames with Colombus tubing, at surprisingly reasonable prices.
While on my travels back in Blighty, in the quiet and beautiful village of Peaslake deep in the Surrey Hills (my home county) a new bike shop has popped up. It must be one of the smallest bike shops I have seen, but busier than the big boys 30 mins up the road in London! While having a coffee at the inn opposite I counted no less than 40 riders in 45 mins, and apparently a typical summer sunday has these numbers through the day. Roads turned over to bikes – a sight to behold!
With only a few weeks left of the london Rapha Cycle Club, I had to go and check out the pop-up shop / cafe while back in Blighty. Without realising it I ended up staying for a few hours, taking in the store while sipping very good coffee, watching the Tour on the plasma and chatting to the super friendly and knowledgeable Rapha crew & guests.
It is almost a shame that it’s not here for ever, but also in a way good that it’s not, it keeps us in suspense of whats next for Rapha.
Finally , got the 2010 Bianchi range instore!.
Bianchi Pista Via Condoti * size on the floor 57 cm. (more size available)
Bianchi Pista via Brera. Size on the floor 52 cm ( more size available).
Bianchi C2C Via Nirone. ALU Carbon * GOOD ENTRY LEVEL Bike!
The 168 page milestone Grand Tour issue… a very special edition!
The bike porter from Copenhagen Parts has won a prestigious award, winning best new bike accessory at the Bike Expo Brand New Awards. The Bike Porter is on it’s way here to Sable & Argent – We will let you know as soon as it arrives!
Due in September, Come in to the store to have a closer look & pre-order the frameset. Price TBC.
Note : Frameset only , stem not included
In Monocle this month is the 2010/11 global transport survey, focusing on everything which gets us from A to B and what the future cities might look, and sound like. In the eyes of Monocle and many, the Bicycle is clawing back ownership of the inner city, becoming the preferred chosen method of getting to work and around town. This is no fad, phase or incentive – it is coming from all manner of people on a global scale and is happening now. The article looks at the future where major city roads are turned into ‘Cycle motorways’, and were we ride to safe and secure parking hubs and complete our journeys on trains, trams and eco-busses, or hire bikes once in the city. (as seen in Europe) Sydney has certainly taken to the bicycle in ever increasing numbers, and according to the survey Australia is just behind Japan in 6th place for the top 10 export countries for Taiwanese bicycles.
