Solé Bikes
High heels are the most common means of transport for fans of fashion, but even the most beautiful ones need to be put away when you’ve got a trek that spans more than just the distance from curb to cab. And while we love our statement-making shoes, they’re not the most practical mode of transport.
We’re feeling like we’re ready for something easier, but just as stylish, this fall: A bike. Instead of heels, we’ve picked our favorite bikes to get you from point A to point B in style. Slip on those cute flats, stow your stilettos and get out there on these chic rides.
Solé the Vice
Venice-based company Solé Bicycles was founded on the notion that fixed-gear bikes shouldn’t just be for an elite group of riders. Their no-fuss practicality and high style quotient drove their co-founders (and USC alums) to create a line of affordable, well-made bikes for the masses.
We love the company’s bright colorways (which include neons and pastel options, too) and the combination of practicality with pretty. The bikes feature a flip-flop hub, shifting them from being fixed-gear cruisers to a single speed. Translation for the newbies? You can go from cruising to really working without more than a little adjustment on your bike so climbing up those rolling hills isn’t so strenuous. The bikes are actually comfortable, too, with cushioned seats, lightweight recycled-aluminum frames and wide pedals so you don’t even have to change out of your favorite fall flats.
Bianchi by Gucci bicycle
Bianchi by Gucci bicycle detail
While some designer collaborations get slack for being more about form than function, the Bianchi by Gucci collection of bicycles takes the tradition of bicycles and adds major fashion clout. Bianchi is the oldest bike manufacturing company still running today, so you can be sure that you’re not getting a flimsy two-wheeler that will look great but only last one season. Like the best of Gucci’s offerings, this bike will be a timeless addition to your stable, whether you choose the white model (ideal for short city trips) or the matte black, which is designed for off-roading with a lightweight carbon-fiber fork and a disc braking system.
Both models boast Gucci’s signature red-and-green stripe motif and embossed leather seats and handles. In addition to the bicycles, Frida Giannini has designed coordinating accessories such as water bottles, helmets, gloves and more so you can ride your bike in high style.
Bicycle Hermès
The house of Hermès is known for providing saddles for French riders for centuries, so it is a logical progression for the brand to go from outfitting four-legged riders to those who prefer two wheels (it’s the 21st century, after all). The Bicycle Hermès is equipped with Taurillon Clemence leather accents, a front and back light and a chain cover so your couture doesn’t get splashed with mud or water when you’re riding along the Seine. The back wheel also has a rack on top so your riding mate, whether it’s a Kelly, Birkin or picnic basket, and has a safe and secure place to be strapped down. And speaking of secure, you will definitely want a sturdy lock for this baby!
C. Wonder City Bike
For a more budget-friendly option, the C. Wonder CIty Bike isn’t just less of a strain on your wallet, it’s less of a strain on your ride, too. The wider tires means it will cruise over more surfaces with fewer bumps and it still has great details such as tanned leather handlebar grips and a soft, padded saddle. Of course, being from C. Wonder means the bike has a whole range of matching — or clashing, if that’s your style — accessories, from water bottles and locks, to helmets and more. It’s also available in an array of fall’s hottest colors: navy, mustard and deep fuchsia (last season’s offerings included neon pink, yellow and hazard orange).
Kate Spade Abici bicycle
Another accessories-ready ride is the Kate Spade New York Abici bike, which is a worldly mashup of Italian biking heritage, a British tanned leather seat and Cali-cool styling and function. The chainguard boasts the Kate Spade New York logo and front and rear fenders will keep the boardwalk sand from flying as you pedal. Grab it at NY bike shop Adeline Adeline or, if you’re on the Left Coast, head to Shutters on the Beach. The luxe Santa Monica hotel has a fleet of the green Kate Spade New York bikes ready for their guests, complete with a Kate Spade New York-curated map of must-see sights. Cruising without the commitment? Sign us up.
Photos courtesy Solé Bicycles, Gucci, Hermès, C. Wonder and Adeline Adeline
