Everyone has gone bicycle crazy

The Boris bikes have hit London and it seems everyone has taken up an interest in cycling, I'm still very loyal to my MINI Cooper but am tempted to get on my bike, if I had one.

A rack of Boris bikes

The Boris bikes do not have the same appeal as the cool Velib bikes in Paris though. The Velib does not have huge branding by a high street bank emblazoned all over them, they are a cool chic grey and have a functional basket, not as per the Boris bikes with a glorified magazine rack on the front.

Velib's in Paris

Even in Hangzhou their bicycles look much better, they were the first city in China to have rental bikes in 2008. I suppose the branding isn't such an eyesore if you do not understand the language! Ha, ha. But I love the fact they they are a bold red and have baskets!

Hangzhou public bicycles

Even Atelier Mayer the exquisite appointment only vintage boutique and online e-shop www.atelier-mayer.com deliver your purchases on a very chic black Velobris bicycle with custom made wooden basket. I love their style.

Atelier-Mayer Velobris bicycle

I think I'm too old to get a Hello Kitty Cruiser but I'm very tempted. The tyres have been moulded with the Hello Kitty face, so you can leave an imprint of her everywhere you go when it's wet. Such joy.

Hello Kitty Cruiser

Hello Kitty tyre

Then there's the fabulous Jellybean bike www.jellybeanbikes.com.au, where you can customise the colour of your bike. The company is based in Australia but it's worth having your own uniquely coloured bicycle delivered to your door for the extra shipping cost. 

Hmm, which colours to choose......... Blue being my favourite colour this is my first combination.

I love my blue jellybean bike

Red, green and blue Jellybean bike

If I'm going on the pure design and aesthetic of a bike then I would have to purchase this beautiful bamboo bicycle designed by Ross Lovegrove for Biomega. I can see myself taking this bike on all of my travels, it would have fitted in so well to my surroundings in Bali. 

Next stop Jamaica in October, I wonder if I'll be charged excess luggage for this?