Be the Bell of the Bicycle Ball

Get with the times people, as the credit crunch is still on the munch leave your cars at home and get in the saddle. The Parisians are calling cycling the ”dernier cri”, (the last word), but whatever you call it, we hope you’re ditching your handbags, donning a helmet and mounting your bike - this season’s ultimate in accessories.

So get choosing! Indulge in a lot of (somewhat loopy) luxury with the likes of Chanel or Gucci, or find your own cycling statement.

Your first option - The new “Gucci” bike exclusive to the Italian fashion label from their “8-8-2008” limited edition collection. This bike comes fully equipped with eight exclusive accessories, originally designed for the Beijing Olympics to epitomize sporty luxury. Collectable items within the set include a Gucci dog tag that can be worn whilst ridding the bike.

The main feature that will attract any fashion victim to this £2100 bicycle is an obvious reason: the bold red double GG leather detail. However, if you would like to get your hands on one of these then you will have to take a little trip to Beijing or Hong Kong as these are the only two Gucci stores that stock the eight that were made.

If this is a little overstated and overpriced for you, get your feet in some cheap and chic pedals and join the likes of Agyness Dehyn who has been spotted sporting out a traditional “Mary Poppins” style bicycle. There is now an easier and more fashionably affordable way of getting your hands on a stylish bike. Get raiding your Gran’s, Nan’s and Pa’s sheds for a true vintage style statement as exclusive as Gucci’s. Not only does it have to look the part this type of bike is much more practical as it comes accessorized with the ultimate “basket” and compared to the Gucci’s accessory “the Dog Tag” is a definite must have on your bike whatever the type.

Cycling is a fantastic way to get outdoors, get fit and get noticed. Not only will the new addition to your wardrobe/garage save you many petrol pennies, it will get the wind in your hair, slim down your thighs and complete your statement of the season - what more could we ask for?