By guest writer & photographer Elise Robison.
At Rapid Transit we have a lot of enthusiasm for bikes that are fun and functional, but what does that have to do with fashion? Imagine riding...the sun kisses your cheeks as you glide here and there, seeing the sights and being seen on your bicycle. Urban cyclists are out there on the world's stage, so put your best foot forward and explore what Rapid's Lifestyle Cyclist Models are riding this Spring!
Unstoppable function and style, June Ko’s staying fit on her Linus Dutchi. Nothing is too good for her derriere--she’s sporting the embossed B18 Brooks saddle and matching leather mud flaps. Her sturdy Nantucket wicker basket fits this bike’s elegant lines and she buys American with her stylish and practical Cyclelogical Townie Backpack. June Ko alerts pedestrians to her arrival with the mini Ding Dong bell.
Can you say dream bike? The only thing with more depth than Brandon’s bow-tie, is the Velocity B43 rim. His souped-up Linus Roadster rides like a cloud, thanks to his Cardiff Natural Suede saddle, matching leather toe clips, Strong-V camo track grips and brass Crane bell. Topped off with a Torpedo water bottle, Brandon and his 2011 Cyclelogical Weekender tote are going to steer this sweet ride straight to heaven.
What’s more timeless than half-naked dancing ladies? A split-T frame! Kristin’s got plenty of get up and go on her way to dance the burlesque with her Linus Mixte internal 3 speed. She has plenty of room for all her rhinestone bedazzled panties and pasties thanks to the Limited Edition Chicago-made PoCampo Loop pannier. Kristin is a dream to be seen with her retro style Soma Torpedo LED headlamp and reflective sidewall smooth and creamy Schwalbe tires.
Never vacation without one. The world is Jeremiah’s oyster whenever he gets the itch to travel in his Kona apparel and Brompton folding bike, featuring the turquoise Brooks Colt. This saddle looks good and lets his rump romp in comfort all day long. Bromptons are handmade in London with all the utility of a full size bike. It has 3 internal speeds to keep up with the big boys, plus luggage rack, fenders, EZ rolling wheels and a revolutionary compact folding size that allows Jeremiah to pedal the globe with plane, train, boat and bus trips in between!
Pamela has tamed her sweet ride, the Kona Humu, while looking good in her designer Chelli Harms Rider Harem equestrian pants and leather CAW Messenger bag. It’s like no cruiser you’ve seen before! This sturdy steel steed can plow over any curb or rough road with the confidence of a clydesdale. Move out the way for the disco light party in the back with her Serfas seatstay light and stealth Origin8 bell.
Temped to tame the landscape? Nobody clocks more miles than Dalawn. With a comfortable green leather Cardiff Cornwall saddle on his Marin Four Corners Touring bike, he can tote all his creature comforts using his Velo Orange canti-rack, and save precious space since his stainless bottle cage is equipping with a Traxsource tool kit. No chance he’ll be stranded in the middle of nowhere in need of a bicycle repair. Dalawn’s waterproof head to toe thanks to hammered Velo Orange fenders and tweedy Showers Pass rain suit. You ain’t going to rain on his parade!
Want junk in your trunk like fashion model Kristin? She’s in Kozie Prery as she zips to deadlines with ease and hauls up to 500 lbs of fashion accessories on her Kona Ute cargo bike. Last minute casting calls are a breeze with the endless hauling capacity of the elongated rear rack and two waterproof panniers. Her Japanese Brass Crane bell turns heads. As if she didn’t already.
Street and Sans crew taking a furlow day? Dosen’t matter to Ryan wearing Cyclelogical’s latest waxed canvas Tour pack on his Kona Unit. Ryan-be-nimble, Ryan-be-quick, he’ll use that pothole for ridiculous tricks! He also loves to throw his Unit through the mud-spattered glory of single-track while clipped into his SPD DZR Strasse Tennies. Bottom line: tackle any log or road rift with this super sturdy and stable bike, featuring a custom-designed WTB Valcon saddle and reflective Pake Top Tube Protector.
Katie’s on her way to the 6th Annual J16 dance competition on the prototype Kona Bandwagon. This bike was stolen - then recovered - in a sting operation by Rapid Transit, so now everyday is payday for Katie with hand built Kona Payroll rims laced to Miche track hubs. Her bike is no-holds-barred with brand new PDW Machete fender, MKS GR-9 pedals, San Marco Supercorsa white leather saddle and Fyxation tires. Katie has to ride something flashy to keep up with her style and this bike is it. So cool it’s hot, literally because after this one was recovered, the one-and-only container of Bandwagons was stolen from Canadian customs. Money can’t buy this bike so unless it’s Katie’s, report it stolen.
Bailey is feeling the urge for cheese curds! He’s going over the Wisconsin border on his trusty Kona Honky Tonk to cart home enough curds and rootbeer to share using his Brooks waxed canvas Bricklane roll-up panniers. Bailey’s precious cargo will stay dry - and so will he - thanks to his stylish rosewood fenders. He’ll be on the road all day without a worry since he’s equipped with his chrome Lezyne high pressure road pump and Brooks Challenge Tool Bag, patented in 1896. Classic!
Will’s popping here, there and everywhere on his lightweight Marin Inverness, but he didn’t spend all his green to get this budget buy. Will has total control of the streets with his feet tightly snuggled into his Burro Toe Straps and his hands locked to the bars with matching green made in USA Oury grips. Also, Will is seen and heard thanks to his reflective Spoke-e-Dokes. Ride kids!
Shout outs...to all the talented people it took to put on the show, couldn’t have done it without you!!
Backstage Photos by Elise Robison and Ronnie Lobello. Runway photos by Jay Maden. Lights John Clark and Dave Kerrigan. MC Al Scorch. Director Nick Wilson, Elise Robison and Amy Grace.
To see more photosClick here.
Elise Robison is a Buyer at Rapid Transit Cycleshop.
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