Whether you’re a seasoned rider with thighs of steel, or a newcomer to the world of cycling, with thighs of soft, creamy butter, dozens of swanky new bikes are vying for your attention... and the attention of your solid or squishy quadriceps/hamstrings/glutes.
Ultra-light frames, versatility, baskets, brilliant colours, the ability to fold in five seconds... what you want, you can get.
Here are our experts’ recommendations for The Coolest Bikes of Summer 2008.
Aaron Birch
Mechanic, Redbike
FOR HARD THIGHS
Sweet City (Steelwool Bicycle Co.)
Cost: $1,050
What makes it cool?
It’s a good-looking road bike, it looks retro, and it’s especially popular with university students.
If it were a celebrity, it’d be...
Ellen Page: An edgy celeb with that smart, sassy Euro thing going on.
FOR SOFT THIGHS
Sovereign (Pashley Cycles)
Cost: $1,300
What makes it cool?
Looks old-school, and it’s a relaxed and easy-to-ride bike. It’s friendly and great for people who haven’t ridden much before but want style.
If it were a celebrity, it’d be...
Daniel Day-Lewis (guys’ version)/Gwenyth Paltrow (women’s version): Both are relaxed, friendly, and stylish.
Alan Aronyk
Owner, Revolution Cycle
FOR THIGHS BOTH HARD AND SOFT
Cruiser Line (Electra)
Cost: Low $500s to $1,000
What makes it cool?
It’s modeled after old-fashioned bikes and makes a real fashion statement: crazy colours, baskets, and big seats.
If it were a celebrity...
Jesse James: It’s flowery, hip, and makes a statement.
Scott Osinchuk
Owner/Manager, PedalHead
FOR HARD THIGHS
Trance 2 (Giant)
Cost: $1,999
What makes it cool?
It’s a dual suspension mountain bike, with five inches of travel. It’s perfect for off road and trail, combo of lightweight and ultimate trail bike.
If it were a celebrity, it’d be...
Sidney Crosby: It can do everything.
FOR SOFT THIGHS
VFR 4 (Norco)
Cost; $799
What makes it cool?
It’s perfect for E-Town because it rides well on roads and trails. It’s a city or commuter bike with a mountain bike style frame and road-sized wheels. It’s a hybrid, made by a Canadian company, and it’s available in stylish colours.
If it were a celebrity it’d be...
Ben Stiller: Dependable, reliable, you know what you’re going to get from it. It does everything—acting, directing, writing.
Syd Jacklin
Sales Manager,
River Valley Cycle
FOR HARD THIGHS
Blur LT (Santa Cruz Bicycles)
Cost: $3,000-$5,000
What makes it cool?
It’s got a new, revamped design, good durability. It was just released two weeks ago.
If it were a celebrity it’d be...
Brad Pitt: Because of its good looks.
FOR SOFT THIGHS
Cindercone (Kona)
Cost: $949
What makes it cool?
It’s got front suspension only with sport-level drive train. It’s great for newcomers to off road. It’s low-maintenance and lots of fun.
If it were a celebrity, it’d be...
Jerome Iginla: Solid and reliable
Mark Rumsey
Owner/Manager, Hardcore Mountain Bike Store
FOR HARD THIGHS
Ibis Line (Ibis Cycles)
Cost: $3,200 and up
What makes it cool?
It’s got full carbon fibre, it’s very light, very strong, very efficient... It’s a full suspension bike that looks great.
If it were a celebrity, it’d be...
Bruce Willis: An old company that reinvented itself as high-tech. Bruce has also reinvented himself to stay cool.
FOR SOFT THIGHS
Strida (Strida)
Cost: $799
What makes it cool?
It folds, it’s got a very elegant design, it’s efficient, simple, and needs zero maintenance because it has a belt drive (so you never have to oil the chain). And it comes in cool colours.
If it were a celebrity, it’d be...
Clara Hughes: The only Canadian to win Olympic medals at both Summer and Winter Olympics (in biking and speed skating). It’s quirky, versatile, and cool.
