Stylish cycling attire

Root in http://www.thatsbj.com/blog/index.php/2007/09/29/p9098#more9098

by Nels Frye

In the former Kingdom of Bicycles, motorists now reign. These days, cyclists pedal because they can’t afford to drive. If cycling were seen as stylish, however, people might consider returning to two (non-polluting) wheels. For image-conscious Beijingers, a bicycle can be the perfect platform from which to show off creativity and taste. After all, style is invisible inside a car.

For the new middle class, the image of cycling must first be divorced from migrant laborers, pop-sock-wearing ayis and carpenter pants-clad laowai. Nor does bicycling need to imply fluorescent Lycra. Men of all ages can commute to work by bike and still look sharp. Begin by trying to appear Italian. On a conceptual level, try to evoke the continental romance and gentility of Paris’ new Vélib Program, Milanese in Kiton suits, and handsome messengers riding past the City. Then dress to fit the part.

Pedaling means ankles on display. Find colorful socks for colder seasons and flash bare skin in summer. For whimsical socks, see Paul Smith and Kenzo at Oriental Plaza, or check Hotwind, which often has exact “replicas.” Next time you’re in Shanghai, stock up on colorful socks at H&M. If you’re shy about exhibiting leg hair, search for calf-length numbers on the third floor of Yaxiu, where some with the iconic and cute Paul Frank monkey logo have also been sighted.

Trousers should be tapered, to avoid getting caught between the bicycle’s chain and the wheel. If “tapered pants” conjures up images of soccer moms, remember that slim-ankle trousers also hark back to the mod styles of the sixties. Get a pair made or have existing trousers slimmed at Jiajia’s Alterations, where Mr. Lu is an expert in this operation. (He can also add 1mm diameter holes to ventilate the collar and armpit region of your dress shirts.)

To be even safer and more eccentric, find a pair of three-quarter length knickers or saw off the bottoms of existing trousers. On casual days, try the 19cm ankle-opening Dior Homme jeans, on sale now at I.T. in the basement of Guomao. The Guangdong-produced version is on the fourth floor of 3.3.

In cold weather, go tweed. One of fall 07’s best new outerwear pieces is the tweed car coat from Marc Jacobs, made for driving but also a perfect length for cycling. For a more bohemian or professorial look, get a classic Harris tweed sport coat. Buy a vintage one on ebay.co.uk for GBP 20-40, get it shipped, and have Mr. Lu alter it to fit. A slightly loud Scottish plaid will provide visibility to drivers; though subordinate to style, safety is critical while biking.

Lastly, ditch the black nylon computer case and invest in a leather messenger bag. In the Far East, blending in means buying Louis Vuitton; for a wider selection, check Herbal Heaven on Dongsi Beidajie.

Sadly, due to widespread theft, avoiding attention is imperative on the most essential element: the bicycle. In case of your bike getting “lost,” visit Jindian Xintuo Shop on Dongsi Beidajie for a cheap secondhand replacement.

Motorists, repent. Then go out and buy bright socks, tapered slacks, a tweed jacket, and a messenger bag. The time is ripe for Beijing to beget a new breed of chic cyclists.