We love jewelry and have special weakness for jewelry with a bike theme or whimsically made with parts from a bike. It was great to talk to Jodey Hathaway, a mountain biker who makes jewelry and home décor items from bike parts, often using “Chainmaille” techniques to make very  intricate and unique pieces. Her work is featured here and you can see more at her website Bike Parts Jewelry.

Like it? Love it? You can win one of these beautiful bracelets with the flowers on them—a beautiful memento of summer bicycle rides… At Cycle & Style, we make it very simple to enter a contest: just make a comment here OR anywhere on the website starting today and ending on August 15^th.  That’s it—you’re automatically entered. (Yes, multiple comments do increase your chances!)

We had a few questions for Jodey, such as: Where does she get those “bike parts”?

“I get most of my chains and used bits from bike stores around my area; it’s nice to be able to do my little part to keep these items from going to the landfill. I do use some new/repurposed parts, as the used ones are either impossible to find or would be too scratched for use in my work. My goal, though, is to use as many recycled parts as I can.”

How did she start?

“I have a friend who made me an anklet from a bike chain. I wore it a few times and decided it was a tad too big for my comfort, so I sat down with my chain tool (I mountain bike, and at that time was just getting into learning about my bike) and decided I was going to figure out how to take a link out. I got the link out and put the anklet back together, but I now had an extra link from my special anklet, and I didn’t want to lose it. I went up to the bead store near my house and decided to make a bracelet out of it. I did it, looked at it and thought “hey…that’s pretty cool. I bet my biking friends would like something like this.” I bought some supplies, asked a few questions, and started making jewelry.”

 Did we mention she makes home décor pieces?

“The home décor items came about this past Valentine’s Day when I saw some candles with “jewelry” on them. I thought they were neat looking, so I decided to try my hand at making them. Since then, I’ve branched out into making ceiling fan pulls, bookmarks, and have plans to make some new candle jewelry and ornaments using Chainmaille. Within the past 8 or so months, I’ve really gotten into using Chainmaille techniques to make some very unique and beautiful pieces. I still do beaded work, but I really love the intricacy of and the challenge that weaving Chainmaille and using bike parts offers me.”

This necklace is made with repurposed black chain plates and bright aluminum rings woven into European chain maille.

This gold flower bracelet is made with repurrecycled silver colored chain plates. The petals are made w/ orange anodized aluminum scales.

Icebreaker, a New Zealand-based company with a conscience for sustainability, makes merino wool performance and travel clothing, has a line of technical sports clothing including cycling jerseys and high performance merino socks made for cyclists and runners.

What’s so great about merino wool? Merino wool is very different from traditional wool which though warm, was also heavy, bulky and itchy, and took forever to dry. Merino wool is much softer, lighter, breathable, odor-free, non-itchy and easy –care. Merino is very good at regulating body temperature, especially when worn against the skin. The wool provides some warmth, without overheating, and naturally wicks away moisture from the skin. Compared to synthetics and other wool, merino has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio because the fibers trap dead air and keep in body heat like a good sleeping bag—even when wet. (Perfect for those late autumn rides.) It’s amazing how humans can spend so many years working on technical clothing, when a sheep with finely crimped, soft wool had the answer all along….

Icebreaker’s GT line is their most technical and is perfect for high performance aerobic activities. The merino wool is combined with a little touch of LYCRA for shape retention and fit and eyelet fabric for breathability. Icebreaker’s technical clothing comes in different weights from the “Ultralight” to keep you cool in the heat, to a “Lightweight” and finally, “Midweight,” which will keep you warm in colder weather. In addition, the natural characteristics of the merino wool make the clothing soft, odor-free, breathable and easy-care—all the aspects we want in the best technical clothing.

We had Katie Young, a road cyclist who lives in Park City, Utah, put Icebreaker’s “Ultralight” socks and jersey (SS Dash Zip) to the test over the course of several rides. (Thanks, Katie!)

Katie’s Review:

The Bike Ultralight Mini socks are amazing! They are so comfortable and so nice for the long bike rides and they don’t bunch up in the foot, which is usually one of my biggest complaints with socks. If they could change one thing about them it would probably be the height of the sock on the ankle for the women. Other than that they breathe well and are very, very soft! (Note: Icebreaker has a pair of socks that is 2 inches shorter: the Bike Ultralight Micro.)  

The Ice Breaker Ultralight jersey is one of my favorites to wear on a bike ride early in the morning and after 6:00 p.m. It wears very well and breathes nicely. It is too hot to wear in the peak hours of the day. Another nice feature on the jersey is the long front zipper on the chest and the handy dandy pocket on the right side of the shirt! It holds treats very well for a fast shot of energy! I also love the long length of the jersey! 

Carve Designs put their Southern California touch in the design of the clothes. Their line is perfect for your summer sojourn at the lake or seaside: sun-kissed, soft to the touch clothes, which are well made and will stand up to hard play. Carve Designs’ dresses softly drape and can be dressed up for dinner at the restaurant on the pier, yet are comfortable enough to be worn for a sunset stroll. At Cycle & Style, we think the clothes pair nicely with a fun beach cruiser  for summer fun where ever your bike takes you!  

Taylor wears the Paris Dress (in aqua) from Carve Designs. (Bike: Nirve Rio)

Where to Get Them:  

Whether you like to surf or water-ski, play an intense game of beach volley-ball or take a relaxing ride on your beach cruiser to get an nice cold shaved ice treat, you can comfortably do it with the clothes from Carve Designs. They are available at REI and many other locations and have a great online store (which is having a summer sale now).  

Go to these links for more information on each of the clothes shown here, including the Turtle Bay Reversible Short and Peasant Roller Tee, and  Paris Dress worn by Taylor; the Avalon T worn by Jillian, and the Paddler short worn by both Jillian (in Sage Dots) and Lauren (in Zig-Zag). Lauren also wears the Sunblocker Rash Guard.  Susy wore the Hawaii Dress while Ashley wore the Peasant Roller Tee with the Oakalani skirt; Natalie wears the Irago Dress. 

Cycle & Style’s fashion show in May featured Carve Designs. Check out scenes from the show and a video as well.

Jillian rides Trek’s Zara 13 LL . She is wearing Carve Designs' Paddler Shorts (sage dots) & Avalon T.

 Photo by Elizabeth V. Macias 

Tara’s Review: I bought several pieces of the spring/summer 2010 line and took them all for my vacation 2 weeks ago. They packed well and wore well for a lake-side vacation. A Carve Designs skirt was the perfect thing to wear for a ride in a boat that ended with an evening dinner at a floating restaurant (considered by my youngest daughter to be her ‘first fancy restaurant.’) I have always thought that Carve Designs does spring/summer clothing very well, but last year they debuted a fall/winter line. I had a sneak-peak at their upcoming fall/winter line and can hardly wait to get a few pieces from that line! You’ll want to check it out!  

Bike Details: We really love Nirve’s beach cruisers–a perfect summer-weather bike. From the sassy, leopard print design of the Nirve Minx to the pink-and-white tropical look of the the Nirve Island Flower to the classic design of the coffee-colored Nirve Rio, we love how Nirve has put so many fun touches into each of the designs for their cruisers. 

Trek’s Wasabi is another fun summer beach cruiser and the girls loved its paint design. The Trek Zara 13 LL is a special bike–it is perfect for young teen girls who have outgrown the bikes they had as little girls but who have not yet grown tall enough to fit on an adult woman’s bike. There aren’t many bikes out there made for young teen girls so I am glad to see Trek jumping in to feel that need. 

 Photo by Elizabeth V. Macias 

Natalie enjoys a sunset ride wearing Carve Designs' Irago Dress. (Bike: Nirve Minx)

Avoiding the Marilyn-Monroe-Skirt-Effect

A tighter skirt does have its own advantages in that it doesn’t move with every little breeze and if it is stiff enough and reaches the knees, you shouldn’t have any trouble. The flowy skirts may need a little extra help staying in place. An old-fashioned method works quite well for skirts such as these: a garter to pin one side of the skirt to. 

You can fashion a garter out of an inexpensive headband. Some basic sewing skills may be needed to make it fit around your thigh without slipping down. You can then discreetly pin your skirt to your garter. Awhile ago, my 13-year old daughter made a garter that had a bit of (non-stainless) steel  sewn into it and then had a small but strong magnet (that my husband got from Edmund Scientific) that she placed on the outside of her skirt which held it in place without a pin. 

The pairing of a lacy white skirt with short tights and Converse shoes is a great look and enables her to ride in a skirt worry-free

Nothing to See Here, Folks

The easiest way to deal with a short or fly-away skirt is to wear shorts or leggings underneath. So what if it flips up now and then? You’ve got it covered! Make a fashion statement with leggings or tights. Or wear a pair of lightly padded bike shorts that you can remove in the restroom at your destination. No worries!
 

Cycling While Chic

Once upon a time, a bike with step-through frame was called a “girl’s bike” because it allowed clearance room for full-bodied skirts and dresses. A chain guard was another nice touch to stop the chain from nipping a long skirt or wide legged pant. Some of the bikes even featured a “skirt guard” which protected the skirt from being torn by the movement of the back wheel.  Audrey Hepburn could ride her bike with a freshly-pressed dress and not worry about a thing. 

In central European countries such as the Netherlands and Denmark, such bikes never went out of style and men dressed in business wear, rode bikes equipped with such amenities as coat guards, a.k.a. skirt guard. The popularity of the bikes “jumped the pond.” Americans are buying European-made bikes and a few American bike companies are making European-inspired bicycles for city commuters who want to be able to ride dressed as fashionably as they like. The “Chic Cyclist” movement popular in Copenhagen is being seen in Manhattan and other American cities. 

In Europe it’s possible to buy accessories such as a skirt guard from local bike shops. Although guards aren’t easily found here, do-it-yourself cyclists are learning to make them for the bike they already own. (Check out the instructions here.)  Score one for the ingenuity of American girls.  Ride on! 

Here’s another article about commuting by bike—wearing a skirt or not.

Giving an American-touch to a Dutch-style bike....(Electra Amsterdam)

At Cycle and Style, we love the Terry brand of cycling clothing—it’s made for women and runs the gamut from the race-appropriate sleek look to the stylish looks that can be worn on the bike and off the bike.  Terry has one of the largest collections of women’s cycling clothing and has sizes that run the gamut from XS-3XL to fit all body types. (Read more of the back-story of Terry Co. and its founder Georgena Terry.)

The Terry Bike Tunic has a fashionable look that doesn't have the typical look of a bike jersey. (Retail price $60)

The long length of Terry’s Bike Tunic looks great over bike shorts. It would be a great piece to pack for a summer vacation. It can be worn on the road bike and yet with its casual chic look, you can comfortably slip into a bistro chair at a sidewalk café for lunch. The top is fitted and has its own inner shelf bra.

Terry's Euro Halter and Flare Skort pair well together for cycling on summer days.

Terry’s Euro Halter is one of their summer best sellers. The high-neckline means that a cyclist can get into a tucked position over the bars without everyone getting a clear view of cleavage. It has a built-in shelf bra and a zippered rear pocket to store necessities. It nicely pairs with Terry’s Flare Skort, a casual skort that is great for wearing around town. The Flare skorts come padded and unpadded–this one is padless.

Terry's Peloton Jersey and Euro Short are a great match and the perfect fit for those who take cycling seriously.

Terry nicely paired their Peloton Jersey with its Euro Short. Both are high performance cycling clothing with many technical touches. If you have raced, you know that when you are in the high-stress moments of a race little things can bother you—like tight-fitting elastic that rubs you the wrong way. The Peloton Jersey has an athletic fit, and an elastic-free hem; the Euro Short has an elastic-free waistband as well and 3-inch leg bands without a gripper (for more comfort.) The Peloton Jersey also has three rear pockets and large mesh panels for warm weather comfort.

The Heat is On!

The summer is full of so many possibilities for where your bike can take you! Those closed-for-winter roads are now open and calling your name and the sun is shining high in the blue, blue sky. It can be the perfect weather for a ride. On the other hand, all that sunshine can make it very warm. It’s time to find the best cycling gear for the warm-weather rides. We tested out a few of Pearl Izumi’s collection: the Women’s Pro Leader Tank, (W’s) Symphony Cut Short and the Elite Tank.

The Symphony-Cut Short and P.R.O. Leader Tank that I wore were both made with a sun-protection fabric which has a UPF rating of 50+–truly perfect for the summer weather. But even better is that Pearl Izumi has also given its P.R.O. Leader Tank its ColdBlack technology which gives the cooling and reflective benefits that white fabrics have to all colors—in this case my jersey is red with black side panels, although it would be the same if it were all black in color. With this technology, you can feel as “cool” as if you were wearing white fabric and there are plenty of strategically placed panels for extra venting . The tank has some reflective touches in the back to help the cyclist be seen and has a nice slimming fit. I liked how the tank stayed nicely put, as it didn’t ride up in the back. The back pockets have a third hidden zipped center pocket behind the two back pockets, allowing plenty of room to stow a cell phone, banana and an energy bar on your back.

Pearl Izumi's PRO Leader Tank and Symphony Cut Shorts offer sun-protection and optimal cooling.

The Symphony Cut Shorts are  a little shorter than the average bike shorts, (the medium has a 6-inch inseam, while the small size has a 4-inch inseam)which is no problem in this weather. They also have vented panels on the lower part of the short for extra cooling. The chamois is Pearl Izumi’s Elite 3D version—perfect for long-distance rides! The little touches are there as well: a small rear pocket on the right-hand side and no elastic on the front panel for extra-comfort.  I loved the way Pearl Izumi’s PRO Leader Tank and the Symphony-Cut shorts fit and loved the way it looked. But the real test came when hours later, I felt so comfortable I didn’t have to think about it; there was no chaffing, no tugging to adjust the dreaded jersey creep in the back and no wishing that I had worn something else!

Paula’s Review: Riding in the heat? Here is a tank that can take you where you need to go! The Pearl Izumi women’s Elite Tank is the perfect top for those days in the eighties and nineties. The fabric is exceptionally soft and the moisture transfer and ventilation keeps you cool while riding. It features one small back pocket, an inside support liner with adjustable straps and reflective elements for low-light visibility. Another great feature with this top is that is long enough to stay down while riding. It is very form fitting yet so soft and comfortable. It is also made with sun-protection fabric with a UPF of 50+. A great addition to any bike wardrobe! 

The Pearl Izumi Elite Tank lets you bare your shoulders and gives cool, dry comfort for summer riding!

Front view of Pearl Izumi's Elite Tank

We loved the “Xob” Collection (that’s ‘box’ spelled backwards) from Dohm/Icebox. Dohm/Icebox is a small company in Longmont, Colorado who think outside the box and make wonderful knit hats, scarves and other accessories that are great to wear on and off the bicycle. We also love the fact that they are environmentally friendly and sustainability is a major part of their business practice! But these clothing accessories stand out as chic pieces to wear on and off the bike! Check out their knit arm warmers and leg warmers! (They aren’t just for road cyclists now!) 

Samantha is wearing an Xob cap and arm warmers (photo: Robert Kirk)

The Xob Collection have a unique and fun style that can be paired with a streak of practicality. The “newsie” caps are made with “upcycled” men’s and women’s suit jackets and  lined with satin. The arm warmers and leg warmers are made from the pieces and parts of recycled wool-blend sweaters. They look great, wear well and are easy on the environment! No wonder we love them!

If you too love them, we are offering a special giveaway of a few great items from this collection to a lucky reader! Simply make a comment on this article and be entered in to win! You will be contacted via e-mail. (No spam please!) This contest will go until July 1st!

Congratulations to our winner: Lisa Eppley!

Bethany is wearing a "newsie" cap, scarf and arm warmers from Dohm/Icebox's Xob Collection. Also note the "peace pouch" on the bike handlebars. (Photo by Elizabeth Macias

Brooke wore the Xob hood scarf that could easily fit over a bike helmet. (Photo: Elizabeth Macias)

Austyn looks fashionably hip in the Xob arm warmers, scarf and newsie cap (Photo: Elizabeth Macias.)

Ane is wearing Castelli's Ideale Jersey as she rides by Lake Lugano

By Ane Evjenth

It is 18.45 pm (6:45 pm), and I am heavily sweating, struggling my way up the 16 km of Monte Bisbino. Monte Bisbino is located at Lake Como. (See Ane’s previous article about cycling in the Lake Como area of Italy.) The last few days we have been blessed with sun and a temperature of 28*C (82 F). I have chosen this particular afternoon to try out the Vizio Due Short, Essenza Jersey, and Leggera W Jacket, all from Castelli. When it comes to cycling clothes I already have an opinion based on my experience from six years of cycling. It is therefore no coincidence that I have chosen Castelli to represent Italian cycling clothes. Castelli has a good fit and it looks great, and I find their collection for women to be as rich and varied as the one for men.  I always prefer biking jerseys with three rear pockets; I never go without my cell phone, identity card, some coins and key (and often also with an energy bar and a wind jacket, so yes, three pockets are strongly needed). The second thing I look for when it comes to jerseys are the length. They have to be long enough in order not to slide up above the cycling shorts and make an open space where the wind can enter. Castelli has all this.

The Castelli Leggara W Jacket

The Essenza Jersey is the right choice for a hot summer day. It is really thin with light weight and reflective elements. I got the Essenza Jersey in white and pink, a feminine combination which just looks great on a sun-tanned skin. In other words, a summer favorite. On top of Monte Bisbino, (1200 Ft. elevation), I stop for a moment to put on the Leggera W Jacket, as I enjoy the great view and the fantastic light from the early evening sunset.

The convenient Leggara W Jacket Pocket

I had no problems fitting the Leggera W Jacket into one of my Essenza Jersey’s rear pockets. The jacket which is wind proof and water resistant, has a stand up collar lined with soft mesh, a good length and long arms with elastic cuffs which keeps them at the wrist even when you stretch out your arms to brake. The jacket has hidden breathable mesh-insert in upper back and small reflective elements. It includes a small transport bag which can be hooked on to a little loop on the inside of the jacket. The jacket is a must for going downhill and makes the trip a great cycling experience and pleasure to the very end.

Ane enjoys the view from Monte Bisbino. She is wearing Castelli's Essenza Jersey and Vizio Due Shorts.

When it comes to cycling shorts I prefer the ones with straps (bibs). This is because shorts without straps have a tendency to sag a little. So when I got the Vizio Due Short from Castelli without straps, I was in doubt. After cycling up (and down) Monte Bisbino the shorts did not sag, or even move, except when they followed the movement of the body. The other great thing is that the legs of the shorts are without the usual silicone leg grippers, and they still sit perfectly around the thigh. I am very happy with these shorts and can highly recommend them.

Castelli's Tenacia W Gloves

Castelli's Luna Socks

The Cycle and Style Show was held on Friday, May 14th, 2010 at the Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City.  As Cycle and Style has always tried to show, there isn’t just one type of bike or clothes to wear on the bicycle for everyone. We love it all: road bikes, mountain bikes, cruisers, commuting bikes and bikes with step-through frames so a girl can wear a dress or skit and ride her bike. It was a family-friendly event with children, teens, men and women in the crowd and on the “stage.” It was a fun way to show how great people can look on and off the bike!

Marissa was outfitted in Specialized's PRO Rbx Short & Cosa Sleeveless Jersey. (Bike: Specialized Ruby.) Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Macias.

It was a great chance to show off the 2010 lines of road and mountain bike clothing from Pearl Izumi, Specialized, Bontrager, Oakley and Smartwool. Other clothes were from Carve Designs, Outlier, Kuhl, and Whimsy as well as great accessory-clothing items from Dohm-Icebox and bags from Reclaimed Wreckage (bags made from recycled bike tire tubes) and Glitch Bags. Check out our video of the event below. Thanks to the photographers whose represented photos are on this page, on our Facebook page and in thestill shots at the end of the video. (Check out the clip at the end;  our 20-minute show was edited down to an 8-minute video.)

A big THANK YOU to our sponsors: UTA Bike Bonanza, Salt Lake County Bicycle Advisory Committee, Pearl Izumi Factory Outlet, Bingham Cyclery and Salt Lake City Bicycle Co.!

Lauren wore the paddler short and rash guard from Carve Designs and rode the Trek Zara (photo by Daniel Bean.)

Megan wore a beautiful dress from Whimsy and rode the Globe Vienna. (Photo courtesy of Stan Orlob.)

Cycle and Style Show 2010 from Beth Runkle on Vimeo.

The Columbia Sportswear Company has put some of their newest technology into cute, comfortable clothing suitable for a cyclist who will be hitting the road, trail, or making a commute to work. Columbia has decided to focus on women this year and their clothing is made for women who love the outdoors and have a sense of adventure.

Emeliee can ride comfortably in this hoodie. (Columbia Sweet Peak Hoodie -$65)

The Wicked Summit jacket, Sweet Peak hoodie and Curb Check half-zip top all offer their Omni-Shade sun protection (with UPF of 50). All three are very soft and comfortable, but vary in thickness from the ultra-thin Sweet Peak hoodie to the only slightly thicker Wicked Summit jacket with its stretched fleece. All three will keep you dry and comfortable and wick away moisture with technology that Columbia calls Omni-Dry.  The clothing all runs true to size.

Gloria is ready for the trail. She wears Columbia's Wicked Summit Jacket ($65)

The Sweet Peak hoodie has a nice sleek look that is very girly. It is very lightweight and would be fantastic to wear on a breezy yet sunny day–the kind of days you get on the Oregon coast in June. It’s long sleeves stretch just over the top of the hand and has thumbholes, which is a nice perk.  The Wicked Summit jacket has stretchable comfort and a soft fleecy interior feel. It has two front pockets and one on the left arm (the arm pocket could have an I-pod, but there is no interior slit for a headphone wire.) The Summit jacket would also work well as a mid-layer, with a waterproof jacket over it in wet, snowy weather. The Curb Check Half Zip Top is stretchable and very soft. It features a piping of reflectivity along the back shoulder and a vertical venting strip down the back. It is collared and features two front pockets

Detail of Columbia Sweet Peak Hoodie

The Columbia Women’s Titanium Pave the Way jacket is a great jacket for the commuter or cyclist who goes out in wet and windy weather. It will keep you dry from the inside out, wicking away moisture from the inside and keeping the wet and cold from coming in. Columbia calls that waterproof-breathable feature “Omni-Tech.” The jacket is stretchy which translates into comfortable. The stretchiness also means that you can move with ease on the bicycle or in other athletic activites. The hem and neckline have a drawcord for use in really nasty weather. The jacket has some reflective touches and a back jersey pocket and the back is slightly longer than the front for better rear coverage.

Kathleen wears the Columbia Curb Check Half-Zip Top in Lemongrass ($50) while Emeliee rides comfortably with the Titanium Pave the Way Jacket in "Tin" color ($140)