The Jopo

Earlier this year Cycle Chic did a photo shoot for the iconic, Finnish bicycle brand, Jopo. Jopo is moving into the Danish market and we had a brilliant day on the Copenhagen harbourfront shooting the bicycles in action.

The Jopo is to the Finns what the old Schwinns are to Americans. Iconic bicycles that almost everyone can tell a story about. They are cheeky and playful and perfect for city cycling.



It was a blustery day on the harbour, but the sun was shining so all went well. In a Nordic country everything is fine when the sun is bright, regardless of the season.

We also launched our "Chic and Ye Shall Find" concept in association with Jopo. We gave away four bicycles to Copenhageners. We locked one bicycle a week somewhere in the city and gave out clues on the Jopo Denmark facebook group, publishing the combination to the lock. Whoever found the bicycle first got to unlock it and ride it home.

We'll be launching a global version of our Chic and Ye Shall Find treasure hunt in the near future. So stay tuned and get ready...








Below you can see Jopos in their natural environment:

On the left a vintage Jopo at our Cycle Chic photo shoot in Helsinki. At right, a Jopo on a hill climb in Helsinki.

The Jopo never went away in Finland. Now the rest of the world gets to get in on the action.

Sky Riding

Talk about reaching for the sky! We have a few of these impressive ultra bikes in town.

Its something of a dare to ride. You have to plan for every stop.



I'd like to see someone mount one of these without support. Not sure how I would approach such a challenge.



Most of the ultras I have seen so far were home built from older bikes. Probably not your first choice on a windy day.


Happy Cycling!

Tying the Knot

Tying up your hair can be very practical when biking. And very chic. Here an elaborate multi layered design.

A French inspired knot to the side with a classical striped Paris dress to go.



Strict Scandinavian "Strindberg" style.



Slightly unruly knot for a fast pace through the night.



Even Copenhagen men know how to tie the knot!


Happy cycling!

Meanwhile at the Brooklyn Bridge...

...we can admire how you prepare yourself for a windy ride over the East River.

First of all remember to bring a suitable brooch...


...collect all loose ends into a solid bundle...


...use your brooch to pin everything down into a tidy bouquet...


...and off you go in style!



Happy Cycling!

Carnival!

Copenhagen exploded with color, dance and fun during the Carnival. As always bicycles were part of the street scene.

Most of the bicycles followed the dance groups carrying supplies - and little tiered helpers.



Long John with a spare drum and some extra tingle-tangle.



A splash of Carnival glitter.



One of several mobile music boxes that got the Samba rhythms rolling.



Happy Cycling!

Cycle Chic Postcard Paris

Paris. City of cities. And now also city of bikes. Especially the Vélib' used above - a public bicycle sharing system - has been a huge success with lots of daily users.

Here a guy looking cool on his vintage bike at Notre Dame. When I was a student in Paris in the 1980's you would hardly see any bikes at all. Now the streets are full of lovely Cycle Chic Parisians.


A colourful and innovative Russian inspired combination.



Classic business elegance.



Oh yes. Still the city of love too...


Happy Cycling!

Super Cycle Highway

Copenhagen has just inaugurated the first of a series of Super Cycle Highways.

The idea is have a "Green Wave" of traffic lights from the suburbs to Copenhagen City Centre.



The speed of the the "Green Wave" is 20 km/h. And almost the entire route is along cycle paths.



There are also special facilities such as cycle stands at traffic lights...



...and free cycle pumps.



Happy Cycling!

Brazil and Cycle Chicness

We're abuzz with Cycle Chic activity this year. It's off the charts. I'm particularly looking forward to riding a bicycle with the good Citizen Cyclists of Vitória, in Brazil. I'll be arriving on Saturday and on Sunday we'll have a smashing Cycle Chic bicycle ride in association with Vitória Cycle Chic. So... if you're in the neighbourhood....

Then it's off to Sao Paulo for work on this exciting project of ours - Bicycle Schools / Escolas de Bicicletas - with the City of Sao Paulo. Then wrapping up this Brazil trip in Rio for more Cycle Chic events.

Triobike - Cargo Bikes Deluxe

We've always loved the Danish cargo bike brand Triobike. Cool design, lightweight build and a real statement on the urban landscape. The Mercedes of cargo bikes, if you like. Their Mono model is becoming more and more popular on the streets of Copenhagen - and beyond.

We've taken a fair share of photos of bicycle users on Triobikes over the past few years, too.

We also love the way they've branched out into co-branding and using their bikes as marketing space.

This customised model features the trademark detailing of the famous Royal Copenhagen brand and was done in association with them for Illums Bolighus - the iconic design store in Copenhagen.

The possibilities are endless, given the rebirth of bicycle culture and especially the increasing focus on cargo bikes as cool tools for urban life. Burberry Bike, anyone? Or a Paul Smith version?


Flying away or enjoying a cup of joe?

How to get your cheap DIY bits and pieces home from a certain Swedish warehouse.


And how about this? Wouldn't THIS be brilliant? Not just parked outside No. 10, but actually used around London by the resident.


Danish design meets the demand for city life once again. Practical, functional and elegant.

Triobike's website

At the Beach

The Danes love going to the beach with their bikes. In Copenhagen we are fortunate to have several nearby beaches to choose from.

The water is still icy cold, so for now most people just bask in the sun.



Or stroll along the dunes enjoying the salty air.



Or play in the sand and have fun.



And top off the day with a big ice cream.


Happy Cycling!