My piece for Agenda Sydney:
It’s possible, we suppose, that you may have missed the whole fixie fad over the past couple of years… but we doubt it. As questionably safe (and momentary) as the fixed-gear trend may be, it has done its bit to reinvigorate the image of the trusty bicycle, and the urban steed – in almost any form – is about as coveted as an accessory gets right now.
Settling into gear is Bondi Bikes, a brand-new concept store with a warehouse feel that elevates the two-wheeler from trusty function to a thing of art. It’s about pedalling a European riding sensibility to Sydney – so, along with sleek, paired-down fixies and stylish racers, think baguettes in front baskets and rides over Brick Lane cobbles.
Next to the showpiece – an early 1900s Malvern Star – is a selection of some of the world’s best bike brands, which hang like museum pieces above wooden floorboards. Two-wheelers from Crème Cycles, Bianchi, SE, Vanmoof and Cinelli are all here, as is Aussie accessories brand Knog. There are also Nutcase helmets, whose quirky designs like preppie argyle, retro dots or eight-ball black make noggin’ protectors vaguely wearable.
Both guys and girls are catered for, although it seems there’s a bit of a unisex trend afoot – we hear step-throughs are no longer just for the fairer sex and, yes, fixies are being snapped up by tenacious ladies.
So, street cred firmly in check, it’s time to start saving up for that divine Crème Café Racer.
Where: 230 Oxford St, Bondi Junction
Phone: (02) 8014 7615
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm | Sat 9am-5pm | Sun 10am-4pm
Details: bondibikes.com
daisydumas.com 