Another article on fashion and cycling.
This one, worryingly, seems to suggest that the reason women don’t cycle is because cycling just isn’t fashionable enough, but now that there are cute and retro cycling accessories at Topshop that could all change. Happily, some of the comments attempt to balance out the ridiculous line of thought put forward in the article (with the exception, of course, of the girl who thought cycling was too slow and that she couldn’t put up with ‘helmet hair’ all day).
What I personally take umbrage at – and this hasn’t been mentioned in the comments – is the suggestion that women can cycle and avoid the ‘greasy fingernailed, Masonic, very macho environment’ of the bike shop. It’s unrealistic to suggest that you can successfully cycle and maintain a bike to a decent standard without either a) having to go into a bike shop or b) getting your own fingernails greasy at some point. It would be better, in my opinion, if the author not only encouraged more women to cycle but also urged them to learn the basics of cycle maintenance and cleaning. Yes, you might end up with oil on your face and grit stuck in inaccessible parts of your nails, but your bike will run better and – dare I say it – look better too.
In conclusion – design all the headscarves, pannier bags and cycling capes (admittedly rather appealing, I have to say), Cyclodelic. Just make sure to include a set of Allan keys, long-nose pliers, degreaser and WD-40 (all in a natty retro-printed case, naturellement) next time.
