Bikes that Embrace Style and Pattern

Sometimes, bike shoppers want a bike primarily for functional purposes, such as running errands around town rather than driving, getting regular exercise, or commuting to and from work.

And at other times—and sometimes simultaneously—they want something more. They want a certain aesthetic. Fortunately, there are plenty of bikes that embrace style and pattern in a way that appeals to bike lovers of all stripes and modes.

Are you looking for a bike that fits a certain appearance or style for the sake of loving the look of it? Let's learn about what's out there that might fit your personal criteria.

The Vast Array of Styles Throughout Bike History

For more than 200 years of modern cycling, humans have fallen in love with the bicycle in its many forms and for its many purposes. But the bicycle was around long before that—you can go back 600 years to 1418 when Giovanni Fontana constructed what is sometimes referred to as a gentleman's hobby horse. Who knows how many before him tried to come up with a human-powered transportation device?

While many wouldn't think of Fontana's creation as something with any sort of lasting cycling fashion appeal, it definitely had its own style. And where would we be if it weren't for people like Fontana, trying to perfect something hundreds, if not thousands of years to achieve what today's technology has?

In the late 18th century, Comte Med de Sivrac came up with the celerife, which consisted of two wheels and a seat, but it was missing the crucial pedals and steering. Talk about all form and no function. But again, it shows that continuing desire to create a workable bicycle.

Just under three decades later, in 1817, Karl Drais invented the laufmaschine, also known as the dandy horse, which was much closer to the modern era bicycle. Well, you could steer it, at least. However, it was slow-moving and propelled by getting moving by running, then coasting. But again, another bike in the win column, even if there was still plenty of refinement to do.

It turned out that the 19th century was the unspoken, yet indisputable, century of the bicycle. Many passionate inventors focused on this endeavor to get people on two wheels, riding to and fro on their own steam. In 1839, Kirkpatrick Macmillan added pedals and levers, allowing riders to move the bicycle with their feet off the ground and on pedals.

You've probably seen photographs of people riding penny-farthings. Do you remember those? They were 19th-century bicycles with enormous front wheels and much smaller rear wheels. Evan Andrews at History discussed the cycling fervor these unusual-looking bikes caused:

"In hopes of adding stability, inventors such as Eugène Meyer and James Starley later introduced new models that sported an oversized front wheel. Dubbed "penny-farthings" or "ordinaries," these oddly shaped machines became all the rage during the 1870s and 1880s, and helped give rise to the first bicycle clubs and competitive races. Beginning in 1884, an Englishman named Thomas Stevens famously rode a high-wheeler bike on a journey around the globe."

The penny-farthing truly was the bicycle model that helped bring the invention into the mainstream, regardless of how dangerous its four-foot-high saddle made it.

Fortunately, Englishman John Kemp Starley was paying attention and was concerned about the dangers of the extremely high seat placement. He perfected what became known as a "safety bicycle" that featured two equal-sized wheels and a chain drive. This bicycle became the template for our modern bicycles.

Try to imagine riding a penny-farthing on 20-mile training rides or even across town to work or meeting with friends for a leisurely ride.

Today's Bicycles Offer Peak Technology and Amazing Style

These days, you don't have to worry about getting a good start on foot before coasting a block or two, only to stop and repeat the process. You have an amazing selection of bicycle styles that offer the comfort and performance you want. Whether you are a triathlete or someone who loves riding your bike for simple exercise, pleasure, or transportation, there is a bike—or several bikes—that will meet or far exceed your criteria, and in some cases, your wildest dreams.

The main thing you need to do is figure out a style and pattern that suits your unique tastes. But if these factors matter to you, you might already have something in mind, at least as a launch point.

However, you might need some help figuring out how to find your ideal bike. You might not even know whether it exists outside of your imagination. In some cases, depending on how fertile your imagination is, today's cycling designers and producers might not have designed your precise, dream bicycle just yet. But they might have something you like just as much until someone does create your ideal human-powered two-wheeler.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Figuring Out the Pattern and Color Bike You Want

Buying a bicycle is always a unique experience, regardless of the type a shopper is searching for. In this case, you definitely want to do some introspection before committing to a purchase.

Here are some things to keep in mind before starting your search in earnest:

• How often do you plan to ride?
• Where do you plan to ride? Work, school, trails, or around town?
• What types of bicycles have you owned in the past? How did you like them? Did you like their appearance or function better? Did your preference matter in relation to the overall cycling experience?
• What did you dislike about a previous bike or bikes?
• Have you typically cared more about performance or appearance in cycling?
• Do you plan to ride with friends or on your own?

There Are Many Stylish Bike Styles Today

Another thing to consider is that there are so many different types of stylish bikes today, so on one hand, you have some attractive bike choices. Let's look at some of the most popular styles for people who want a great ride that looks sharp on the road and on gentle park trails.

• Hybrid Bikes. Originally meant to toggle the line between mountain and road bikes, hybrids have become a popular compromise for many riders. Even bicycling fans who aren't planning to ride on rough terrain or register for an Iron Man event have gravitated to this style over the years, since it is as comfortable as it is rugged. Many people use hybrids for casual bike rides with friends or doing errands around town. Dual-sport bikes are a subcategory of hybrids that offer more multi-surface versatility. The fashion factor isn't paramount with hybrid bikes, but they are often sleek, and you can find them in various colors and patterns.
• Cruiser Bikes. Designed for casual riding around town and on trails, cruiser bikes are somewhat similar to hybrids. They allow you to ride in a comfortable, upright position, on an equally comfortable seat and feature wide "balloon" tires. But these bikes offer even more casual convenience, typically featuring front and rear wheel fenders, a pannier, or a basket or basket mount. The upright handlebars add even more comfort, allowing you to ease back slightly and pedal to your heart's content on these single-speed or three-speed beauties. Finally, keep in mind that these bikes feature the traditional coaster brake, wherein you start to pedal backward and meet resistance to stop. Most cruiser manufacturers know that their customers want customization with these bikes, so you are likely to find them in a wide array of colors and patterns to suit your tastes to a tee. These bikes let your imagination run wild, so picture yourself riding along the boardwalk on one of these classic standard bikes.
• Commuter Bikes. Commuter bikes are like beach cruisers but a little more function-oriented. While you don't have to ride yours to and from work, it is technically called a "commuter bike" because it was designed with work commutes in mind. Again, it features a rear pannier and/or a front basket to carry everything from your laptop bag, file folders, and a packed lunch. And you probably have room on board to pick up dinner at your favorite restaurant or a few grocery items on the way home. Also called "city bikes," they are modeled on the cruiser and hybrid, so it makes sense that they are often confused for each other. The most distinguishing characteristics of these bikes are the fenders and chain guard to make sure you don't get splashed or catch your pants leg in the chain.

There are many other types of bikes out there, but as style goes, these are the ones where you can enjoy customizing yours to reflect your tastes and style.

5 Standard Bikes with Unique Patterns and Colors That Might Suit Your Style

It's time to get down to specifics about discussing standard bikes with unique patterns and colors. There really is something for everyone, so let's take a look at five gorgeous bikes to get you started on your search.

1. Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 Step-Through Bike

According to NY Magazine: The Strategist, Co-op Cycles offer casual cyclists a bike with a lot components similar to those offered by Specialized in a comfortable step-through style. Riders can find these bikes in a gentle spa blue or midnight purple with silvery undertones. While there aren't many choices of styles and patterns, the available colors look beautiful.

2. Public Bikes - V7 Seven-Speed City Bike

Things get a lot more stylistically interesting with Public Bikes' entry. The "upright" cruiser bike is fun and colorful without sacrificing comfort. These are classic seven-speed bikes that look like they survived the 1970s in mint condition. Perfect for retro fans, these bikes are available in British racing green, navy blue, black, and burnt orange. This bike comes with fenders, leather saddles, and small but impactful triple stripes at three spots on the frame.

3. Brooklyn Bicycle Company - Franklin Three-Speed

While only available in ivory and glossy black, this Brooklyn Bicycle Company three-speed is brimming with class and sophistication that city riders can't get enough of. This one is another step-through, making it an easy choice for commuters who want to wear their skirts for their daily rides to the office instead of changing from shorts or pants upon arrival. Much of the style is in the details of the matching leather handlebar grips and saddle and the fenders that match the frame's paintwork.

4. Linus Roadster Sport

The Linus Roadster Sport is another upright entry reminiscent of bikes from the 1960s and 1970s. This "retro urban style" was once commonplace, especially in Europe, but now it's the height of city cycling style without all the extra weight older bikes had. Choose your favorite color between olive, black, and a silvery desert shade. The style is in the details with painted steel fenders, clever retro brackets, and genuine leather grips.

5. SixThreeZero - The A/O Frida Limited

The A/O line from Six Three Zero focuses on women's comfort in cycling. But Six Three Zero makes it clear that comfort doesn't rule out style, especially when it comes to the A/O Frida, which takes classic racing stripes to the next level and beyond. Six Three Zero relies on its unique water transfer printing process to make unique patterns and designs and apply them to any shaped objects, including bicycle frames. The bike frame can hold the base coat of paint then be safely submerged in water to add the special design. That means these bikes could eventually become almost infinitely customizable to riders' style and pattern preferences. The basic colors include navy and white stripes on the fenders and chain guard and a white frame, stitched floral, dots, and more. Check out the A/O Frida page to explore the multiple configurations to suit your style.

Let Us Know What Style and Pattern You Want for Your New Bicycle

Choosing a new bicycle is important. You want it to have the perfect combination of comfort and style, and our bikes have those excellent traits and more.

Contact us to learn more about our bikes and how we can help you find the perfect match.