Quit making excuses about the heat. As low impact, high style modes of transportation go cycling’s hard to beat. Ditch the granny bike and take things up a gear.The Bike BoutiquePossibly the first “bike lodging” shop in Singapore, the centrally-located outlet houses two shower rooms and even a juice bar/lounge area. They also provide shampoo, shower gel and fresh towels so you don’t have to lug these things with you all the time. And you’re not the only one who gets to clean up either—every full month of lodging earns your bike a free servicing. The Bike Boutique also stocks bikes and accessories from some of the word’s top brands like Shimano and DMT.Life CycleAt first glance, Life Cycle looks just like any other bike boutique—impressive-looking gear is lined up against one side of the store, with some propped up on wall racks. A display platform in front of the entrance also showcases some of their collector’s items, including a range of Alex Moulton bikes ($2,000-2,800), which are known widely as the Rolls Royce of bikes. But step further in and you’ll see a cozy gathering space where cycling enthusiasts from Bandung and Japan are known to meet up for a chat. At Life Cycle, you can also grab really cool accessories such as laptop carriers, leather saddle bags, a bike mount for your iPhone and even a torchlight with a built-in mp3 player ($128), as well as bike accessory labels including hipsters’ favorite Po Campo.TokyobikeThis new kid on the block, opened its Southeast Asian flagship store here in May. The minimalist nature of its bikes means you can easily match your outfits with your ride and there’s a nice array of accessories to make your commute more comfortable. We like the Bisou ($950)—which comes in a range of colors such as saffron, blue-grey and white—for its unique brown saddle, light wheels and upright handlebar, which allows for a more relaxed ride.VanguardThe customized and restored classic bicycles for sale in this gallery and workshop are truly impressive—a new arrival is the [HG] WELLS Velocommute bike, a three-speed collector’s item meticulously restored from a 1960s Raleigh Superb sport model. Featuring handmade leather grips, drum brakes and a set of matching hand pump and keys for front and rear locks, this head turner’s made for city roaming. Vanguard Design also stocks slick Brooks saddles, helmets from Danish label Yakkay, as well as other accessories by Cerchio Ghisallo.Pedal PalsClubs and hangout joints for every kind of cyclist.JoyridersApart from dedicated Saturday rides for beginners, there are weekday rides for the initiated.AnzaOne of the largest cycling clubs in Singapore, Anza organizes rides every day of the week, but on Saturdays, they meet at Thomson Road and go cruising through the city—everyone, experienced or not, is welcome.Bikes & BitesProbably the only place where you can relax with a coffee and check out exclusive brands such as Zullo and Storck at the same time.
