Growing up in Brazil, I vividly recall a TV ad of a little kid writing to Santa: "Não se esqueça da minha Caloi" (Don't forget my Caloi - a Brazilian bicycle brand). I wrote such a letter to Santa, and a few years later received a bicycle that I rode to school everyday, I absolutely loved the freedom that gave me. When I later moved to Cambridge (UK), my parents bought me a £10 vintage fixie bicycle which I rode everyday and everywhere, rain, hail or shine (less shine, more rain). Despite the lack of gears (worked up my quads!), I loved cycling everywhere in my repainted black vintage bicycle (not so much in the cold rain though)...
It's been 21 years since I moved to Australia (ok, showing my age here, eeps!), and it is only this year that I started wishing for a bicycle for myself. Mr Brigs is an avid bicycle rider (the serious kind that goes on crazy rides down narrow winding roads up the hills), and my little ones started riding their own little bicycles (Lil' Brigs #1 has foregone her training wheels and is mad about cycling now - you should see the joy on her face when she is pedalling!), and I wanted in on the fun...that feeling of freedom while riding around, wind in my hair...
I immediately knew what style I wanted, a vintage 'fixie' style bicycle, but with gears (because I live in a slightly hilly part of town), and one I could add a cute little wicker basket to...you know the kind you carry flowers, a baguette and perhaps a fluffy dog in? Ok, maybe no fluffy dog (for now).
When I discovered Lekker bicycles, I fell in love with their vintage style bikes. They are built to last in a light, 100% rust free aluminium frame in gorgeous colours that made it really hard for me to choose which one to go for. I decided to pay the extra $200 for the Jordaan bicycle with extra gears due to my hilly surrounds, otherwise the Sportief would have suited just splendidly (or the Amsterdam bicycle, a beautiful more modern version). And the colours! Oh, the colours! I have to say that even though I chose a gorgeous shiny candy red bicycle, the pastel green set my heart aflutter (I don't think pictures do it justice), and the black is so beautiful and classic!
As if the bicycles weren't gorgeous enough, Lekker also have their own beautiful range of accessories (from which I purchased the Andalas wicker basket). Even though I saw cheaper baskets at bicycle stores, the quality and look did not compare with that of the Lekker baskets...And even though I love the white handles and seat on my bicycle, the lush leather handles and seat that Lekker have on their website has me eyeing those as well.
Lekker (Dutch for 'yummy'), is Dutch in design. Its founder Meindert Wolfraad is originally from The Netherlands but moved to Australia in 2009. He saw the need for beautiful Dutch classic bicycles that combined with the Australian beach culture (parts that are more beach friendly and don't rust as easily). The high workmanship quality and focus on comfort is greatly appreciated, with the wide oh-so-comfy seat on my bicycle putting any fear of a sore derriere to rest, and the upright sitting position and thick tires ensuring a comfy and smooth ride. Now I can ride for a quick trip to the grocery store, into the city, along the river...
With the recent changes in Adelaide's bicycle laws now allowing cyclists to ride on the pavement, I am so excited I can now enjoy my city on this easy enjoyable ride, with and without my little ones in tow. Oh, and they even have cool children's seats so I can cycle them to school and not have to battle for a carpark during crazy drop-off times.
Please excuse the cheesy grin.
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It's been 21 years since I moved to Australia (ok, showing my age here, eeps!), and it is only this year that I started wishing for a bicycle for myself. Mr Brigs is an avid bicycle rider (the serious kind that goes on crazy rides down narrow winding roads up the hills), and my little ones started riding their own little bicycles (Lil' Brigs #1 has foregone her training wheels and is mad about cycling now - you should see the joy on her face when she is pedalling!), and I wanted in on the fun...that feeling of freedom while riding around, wind in my hair...
I immediately knew what style I wanted, a vintage 'fixie' style bicycle, but with gears (because I live in a slightly hilly part of town), and one I could add a cute little wicker basket to...you know the kind you carry flowers, a baguette and perhaps a fluffy dog in? Ok, maybe no fluffy dog (for now).
When I discovered Lekker bicycles, I fell in love with their vintage style bikes. They are built to last in a light, 100% rust free aluminium frame in gorgeous colours that made it really hard for me to choose which one to go for. I decided to pay the extra $200 for the Jordaan bicycle with extra gears due to my hilly surrounds, otherwise the Sportief would have suited just splendidly (or the Amsterdam bicycle, a beautiful more modern version). And the colours! Oh, the colours! I have to say that even though I chose a gorgeous shiny candy red bicycle, the pastel green set my heart aflutter (I don't think pictures do it justice), and the black is so beautiful and classic!
As if the bicycles weren't gorgeous enough, Lekker also have their own beautiful range of accessories (from which I purchased the Andalas wicker basket). Even though I saw cheaper baskets at bicycle stores, the quality and look did not compare with that of the Lekker baskets...And even though I love the white handles and seat on my bicycle, the lush leather handles and seat that Lekker have on their website has me eyeing those as well.
Lekker (Dutch for 'yummy'), is Dutch in design. Its founder Meindert Wolfraad is originally from The Netherlands but moved to Australia in 2009. He saw the need for beautiful Dutch classic bicycles that combined with the Australian beach culture (parts that are more beach friendly and don't rust as easily). The high workmanship quality and focus on comfort is greatly appreciated, with the wide oh-so-comfy seat on my bicycle putting any fear of a sore derriere to rest, and the upright sitting position and thick tires ensuring a comfy and smooth ride. Now I can ride for a quick trip to the grocery store, into the city, along the river...
With the recent changes in Adelaide's bicycle laws now allowing cyclists to ride on the pavement, I am so excited I can now enjoy my city on this easy enjoyable ride, with and without my little ones in tow. Oh, and they even have cool children's seats so I can cycle them to school and not have to battle for a carpark during crazy drop-off times.
Love Lekker's iconic Dutch 'ding-dong' brass bell
Free to explore this city where one would not ordinarily reach by car...
(all images by me and my trusty tripod)
"Querido Papai Noel (Dear Santa Claus),
Clarice"
Has anyone else asked for bicycle for Christmas?
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