Handsome Doggie Porteur in the 18ème

This is a handsome bike. I think it might be a Pista from before they started clear coating over the labels, so there are no labels. The components are mostly Campy, that saddle is the Brooks with the hammered rivets. Everything about this bike is thoughtful, which is why it is so odd that it hasn't moved from this parking space in three weeks, apparently forgotten. It has rained almost every day, on to that beautiful saddle.

In three weeks no one has even touched this frame pump!

The bag is a Rixen & Kaul doggie bag.

Vanmoof City Bike

We spotted an interesting bike down by the Louvre. I should have gotten full-bike photos, but you can see some of those at the Vanmoof website. 

It looked to me like the headlight was integrated into the top tube, but we can't find a power source, or a switch. 

Taken to remember the manufacturer, you can also see their welds.

I would have expected a red tail light.

From the manufacturer's website they explain:

These LEDS not only charge themselves by sunlight, but in addition you can charge these LED lights with the micro USB cable of your phone. You simply turn the lights on by pushing the small black button on the side of the LED. They only work in the dark so they can never waste energy! These indestructible bulbs are also used for airport landing strips. They are strong and hater-proof. 

OK, that's admittedly pretty cool...

It looks like this bike became available in the States just three days ago, but the price is much better in Europe.

FYI, these are the same folks who make the Strida bikes!

DIY French Porteur

 Spotted in the 10ème, this bike amused me with its custom front and rear racks. I'm not certain how either of them are used, but there's no doubt they're custom made for SOMETHING!

The general view of the bike

Do the pushpins say ART.CASS?

 Here's how the rear rack attaches to the seat stays. The blue bungies are just on one side.

Steering Wheel?

Here's a funny bike we spotted in London. I think the steering wheel came off a child's toy. I was staring at the bike and my father didn't even notice the steering wheel, he was so impressed by the lock!

Do you think this person is from New York?

London Bike Share

How excited was I to see the Barclay's bikes all lined up by our hotel in London! I couldn't ride as much as I wanted because of the baby, but I did get two lovely rides in - one with my husband and one with my dad. I found riding on the left easier than driving on the left, perhaps because we were lane splitting and like a good dancer I just followed the car's lead.

The London system is identical to Boston's with the exception that the stations are installed to be year-round. I had my Hubway key with me, it was too bad I couldn't activate that to access the Barclay's bikes.

The only difference - look out for the LEFT hook!

Double Decker Bike Rack at King's Cross Station, London

This isn't remarkable, we have these in Boston. What struck me though was how ordinary it is. The one I know of, at Alewife, has a cage with a locked door and an application and instructions. Here you just throw the bike up there.

What a month!

I have to apologize for being so out of touch. I confess I've hardly even been thinking about bikes even!

Let's see, in the last month I've worked full-time while caring for a baby. That's normal, but I did it without my husband, who had started his new job. I also did it while couch-surfing, because we gave up our apartment but I still needed to work. I coordinated a domestic move, putting our things in storage, and an international move. Then in the midst of all this my sister lost her little girl.

So I haven't been missing without a good reason!

I owe you all a review of a Burley child trailer, which was wonderful and Burley has been beyond patient and understanding about all this. I also have to work out a direction for this blog. There is already a chic cycling blog in Paris... what would you all like to see here?

Missing you all....
-Charlotte