Helsinki: Vintage Bicycle Eldorado

We're popping back to Helsinki Cycle Chic for a moment, so bear with me. There were many things that amazed me about the city - bikewise and otherwise - but one thing that I found quite fantastic was the amazing number of vintage Nordic bicycles under the bottoms of Helsinki's Citizen Cyclists. You don't see many in Denmark anymore but take a trip across The Sound to Malmö, in Sweden, for example and there are many more to behold.

But Helsinki seems to be a magnet to which all these gorgeous old bicycles are attracted. Not surprisingly, the fashionable crowd have adopted these old bikes from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. They are undeniably aesthetic and cool. But in every bike rack I found examples. Like the Norwegian 'Norrland' in the top photo and the Finnish 'Tuntari' just above these words.

Many of these bicycles were in exile around Scandinavia for many years, hidden away in summer houses - like these ones at ours - but with the reemergence of the bicycle as transport in our cities, these old workhorses have been given a new lease on life. Above is a 'Union' bicycle from Norway.

Another Finnish 'Tunturi' and a Swedish 'Monark'.

This old 'Tunturi' was quite beautiful. There were even remnants of a knitted skirtguard and the contents of the toolbox under the backrack were vintage, as well. Including an old school Danish bike repair kit called Jylland Special. I even have one of these vintage kits here at home.

All in all it was a real treat to see so many cool, old bicycles on the streets of Helsinki. I learned that the price is rising on them - at the moment it's about €150. Just like the rebirth of the Mini Bikes, it's safe to say the there's no school like the old school.

I didn't get to ride a vintage pearl around the city, but I was more than content at riding this bike, above, graciously provided by the new Finnish brand, Pelago. With my recently purchased bag from Ortigiano strapped to the handlebars. Pelago's designs are true to the vintage style, so it was perfect for my visit.

Viva Helsinki!

Ortigiano Bike Bags - Italian Style

Ortigiano Bicycle Shop in Siracusa, Sicily.

The seeds of Cycle Chic have been spread by the winds of change for a good portion of time now and small, fertile gardens of bicycle goodness are blooming all over the world. Not least on the island of Ortigia, just off the coast of Siracusa, Sicily, where Dave Jenkins owns a bicycle shop - Ortigiano.

Dave is known locally as the man with the crazy bicycles. The city rubbish collectors bring him bicycles they find thrown away and he repairs them or uses them for parts. He also rents bicycles to tourists and his shop has become quite a photo opportunity for visitors.

Dave also produces splendid bags that deserve a wider audience.

He produces them himself con amore and sells them online and in the shop.

He has a variety of colours and styles available. Ready-made for your shoulder or your pannier rack. They're made of naturally-dyed cotton canvas and, of course, recycled bicycle inner-tubes. Dave's friend Alessia is responsible for dying the fabric and her steady hand is also involved with making the bags. She also has a lovely website.

Dave collaborates with a friend from nearby Catania who makes unique buttons using lava from Mt. Etna and they add a brilliant detail to the bags.


The bags cost €90 plus shipping. Dave will cycle on down to the post office to ship them wherever your heart desires.
Contact Dave through his Ortigiano website.