February 29, 2012 in Bike Candy, Reviews
Some things like dentist appointments and Sunday evenings seem to come round so quickly. And some things don’t. Here’s one of those things we’ve been dying to talk about for a long long time – and having waited for what feels like an eternity, finally can! And we have a competition to announce too.
It all started about a year ago when we were on the lookout for an artist to do a stylish little illustration of our bicycles for us. We were immediately taken with Bristol-based illustrator Clare Owen’s gorgeous work, and felt the fit with Beg was great. So we contacted Clare, and as it turned out, by great coincidence, Clare had just been commissioned to illustrate an entire book dedicated to cycling for women. We sent Clare some of our Beg bicycles images to use as inspiration, and then the wait started.
And now here – ta-dah – it is!
Written by style journalist and style cyclist, Katie Dailey, Heels on Wheels: A Lady’s Guide to Owning and Riding a Bike is making its bookshop debut today. Perfectly timed for the joy of Spring cycling, Heels on Wheels is a compendium of information for women about everything to do with cycling, including lots of practical advice from choosing the right bike for you (of course, we already know the answer to that!), understanding what type of cyclist you are, and learning how to fix a puncture. Every page is full of sugar almond colours, Clare’s delightful illustrations – including a few that bear more than a passing resemblance to our very own wheels – making the whole book a real visual treat. It’s clear from the moment that you set eyes on this book, that maintaining one’s sartorial integrity is as important as stopping at traffic lights. We couldn’t agree more.
Here’s what the publisher, Hardie Grant Books says;
“Learning to ride a bike is easy, but getting back on one if you’re over the age of twelve – and particularly if you have developed a penchant for a tricky shoe– can be a daunting task. Katie Dailey offers the modern girl some sage advice for getting into the saddle either for the first time, or for the first time in a long time. Heels on Wheels uncovers all things bike-related from how to choose your ‘Trusty Steed’ to the more practical details of how to navigate the busy streets, how to avoid accidents, and how to protect your bike from thieves. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the delightful pictures alone will inspire you to give two wheels a go. So whether you see yourself as a ’Speed Demon’, ‘Earth Mother’, ‘Fashion Victim’ or a ‘Retro Rider’ on two wheels, Katie Dailey’s charming and practical advice will help you fall in love with cycling either for the first time, or all over again.”
This is such a useful little book, but it is also witty, inspiring and just a jolly nice thing to own or give as a pressie to a practicing or wannabe cyclist.
And on that note, we’re really pleased to say that HOT off the press, we have a signed copy of the book to give away to one lucky person! We’d simply like you to tell us what your dream outfit and heels of choice would be for a ride on your wheels. Please email us at hello@begbicycles.com by Friday 16th March and we’ll announce the winner shortly after.
Heels on Wheels by Katie Dailey is published by Hardie Grant Books and is available to buy online here.
February 21, 2012 in Bicycle inspiration, Bike Candy
We’re enjoying London Fashion Week, and were very excited to see that our BEG Bicycle colours are spot-on trend-wise! Look at Mulberry‘s beautiful SS12 collection. Can’t imagine anything more beautiful to ride bicycles in than some of those summery outfits. Just needs a couple of Bellas and a Betty in there to complete the collection! Definitely Cycle Chic.
February 10, 2012 in Bicycle inspiration, Bicycles, Bike Candy
Nothing like some uber-stylish retail inspiration (note, ahem, I did not say ‘therapy’) to warm the cockles on these sub-zero temperature days, and we’ve been lucky enough to be able to visit the Parisian concept store, Merci, during a quick trip to Paris.
Despite opening in 2009, Merci is still talk of the town in the City of Light for its stunning industrial interior, continuously changing layout and displays and quick turnover of carefully curated fashion and interior products in its collection. Oh – and they have not one, but THREE lovely cafes.
We were really keen to visit Merci again to see the new My Bike installation… which was evident throughout the store, with some fantastic bike-oriented visual displays. Tom Dixon’s enormous 72 bulb bike wheel chandelier was a highlight (pun totally intended) and we loved the merchandising of suspended bikes, bike bells, baskets and Brooks products galore. There were some real visual treats in the form of vintage Japanese road bikes, a Pederson and a deconstructed bicycle installation. Here are some pics…
True bike manna in a temple of style… and well worth a visit if you can wing a trip to Paris in the next few weeks.
Merci, 111 rue Beaumarchais, 75003, Paris
www.merci-merci.com
January 24, 2012 in Bicycle inspiration, Bicycles, Bike Candy
Sundays evenings are always a bit of a double-edged sword. Desperately clinging to the last remnants of the week-end whilst luxuriating in those final few heavenly hours of freedom. That must be why Sunday night comfort TV is so important… and we’re certainly getting our fill of bike-candy at the moment, thanks to BBC1′s Call the Midwife! Pristine midwives in starchy uniforms pedalling furiously through grimy east end back streets on fabulous sit up and beg bicycles. Oh – the week is too long. Bring on next Sunday!
PS Is the bicycle in the last image a Phillips, vintage-bicycle gurus?
December 19, 2011 in Bike Candy
Image courtesy of {Cyclivist} via {The Bicycle is Art}
November 15, 2011 in Bicycle inspiration, Bike Candy
It was actually (ahem) Catherine’s birthday yesterday, and whilst we don’t usually indulge in anything too personal on this blog, the birthday girl hit jackpot with some very nice pressies indeed - and that we thought were sufficiently bike-licious to share here!
1. Two very wonderful books for all those quiet evenings (ummmm – h.e.l.l.o?!) when we are not blogging/book-keeping/replying/packing/tweeting/more book-keeping/sourcing and a bit more book-keeping! Reviews to follow soon…
2. Just HOW cute…?
3. One very nice card indeed! Says it all really.
Another birthday gone.
Older and wiser and all that…
Thank you to those who know who they are for the the lovely pressies!
May 17, 2011 in Bicycle inspiration, Bike Candy, Press, Town and Country Cycling
Sorry. TERRIBLE title, but didn’t we have a lovely time, the day we went to… not Bangor but Broadstairs, and the equally lovely Whitstable, home of the famous Whitstable Oyster Festival.
We’re constantly being asked by the press – and our customers – for new pics of BEG Bicycles out and about ‘on location’ and because summer is nigh upon us, this seemed like a perfect excuse to get Bella out there, parading by the sea. She certainly stole a few looks on the beach!
Full shoot final images to follow soon, but here are a few of our faves to get everyone in the summer cycling mood… and oh, those billowing nighties. Blooming marvellous!
April 26, 2011 in Bike Candy
Inspired by the recent Martha Stewart Weddings article about us, and swept up in the Royal Wedding furore, we rolled out the bunting and took OUR favourite (two-wheeled) couple into our village for a little bit of romance… who wants a blingy gilt, horse-drawn carriage anyway?
April 20, 2011 in Bike Candy
… although we don’t actually care… because SUMMER IS HERE instead! So – ahem – we’ve spent an afternoon of skiving off doing the books and the mountain of paperwork, and instead indulged in some gratuitous and unadulterated summertime bicycle styling which has involved a rather a lot of cow parsley.
Believe me, it has taken EVERY ounce of self-discipline to get back to the Excel spreadsheets and not bike down to the pub this evening! Bring on the weekend… it’s going to be hot, hot, hot and utterly perfect for cycling!
April 15, 2011 in Bike Candy
Spotted the other day in the St Germain area of Paris on the left bank… a vision of pure unadulterated bike candy!
Bicycle + hand-printed De Gournay wallpaper = TRUE LOVE.
Of course, you sadly can’t buy this one, but we happen to know a very nice little shop where they sell rather charming bicycles…
