Cycling Steampunk Style

This is my first "go" at starting a discussion, so here it is----

Since this is a bicycle style group, I was wondering if anyone wishes to comment on the following:

1. How many of you have bikes and what kind. And if you don't own or ride one presently, then what has been your experience riding in the past. This would include childhood experiences.

2. For those who ride, what experiences have you had riding dressed Steampunk style. (For example, I, myself used to dress in coat, tie, vest with watch and chain and ride to my local house of worship on Sunday.

The ride was mainly greenway bike path but it actually crossed the center of the old part of the city of Knoxville traversing the Square before ending in a historic neighborhood where the church was located.

Reaction was not as keen as the reaction I sometimes get (shouts, beeps, infrequent "buzzing") when I wear my loud jersey and bike shorts on a fairly busy street.

3. Do you ever see riders who are Steampunk and don't know it? (For example: I see quiet frequently a gentleman wearing a white cork pith helmet riding a very traditional bicycle with many interesting saddle bags distributed front and back. His "style" doesn't affect me as much as the fact that he is riding on a very dangerous highway.

Comments, anyone?

Phineas Wotan Sprockett

Tags: Cycling, Steampunk, Style

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Permalink Reply by Lady A on October 10, 2012 at 8:18pm

I just got into biking this year to rehab from knee surgery. I have a low-rise trex bike (forgot the model name). It is easy to get onto for those of us that can't bend as well as we would like. It has a brown leather seat and hand grips with black metal finish and brass accents.

I have always wanted to ride around in my SP gown. The closest I actually did was riding in knickers and Victorian boots. My bike is an upright bike (meaning you don't have to bend over to ride). I think it would be perfect for a SP jount around town. I am hoping by next spring, I will be able to try this out. Till then I shall spend my fall and winter, raining/snowing months at the gym with SP biking dreams floating in my head.

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Permalink Reply by Phineas Wotan Sprockett, O.C.C. on October 11, 2012 at 4:53am

Lady A,

It is a real pleasure to hear that you are cycling but at the same time, I am sorry to hear of your recent surgery. I hope cycling will speed the healing process. Your bicycle sounds exciting. Any chance of posting a photo of it? With yourself on it, of course, Lady A.

My main bicycle is a road bike with drop bars, and yes, you have to bend over to ride (took some getting used to, indeed!) but by beloved Hybrid "Comfort Cycle" is now unrideable due to my foolish attempts to climb steep hills in an inappropriately low gear. This was the bicycle I used to ride with coat, vest, and watchchain---and mundane cuff clips rather than bike knickers. So I am now in the market for an "upright bike" with the requisite brown leather seat and as much brass as possible.

You are wise, m'lady, to limit your exercise to the indoor gym during the dismal winter months. Even in the relatively mild climate of the mid-South, my winter rides have been brutally cold and not at all efficacious to the health of a gentleman of "riper" years, such as myself.

In this coming Season of Gloom, may you continue to dream of balmy, summer days, m'lady.

Faithfully, Phin. W. Sprockett, occ

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Permalink Reply by Lady A on October 11, 2012 at 5:44am

Mercier Elle City Bike. I am looking to get a wicker basket for the front. I will have to work on a picture riding it. My kids like to laugh at me, but I can still beat them in a race bad knee and all! Very comfortable seat and a nice smooth ride. Good for some off road I have been told, but I am not up to that yet.