Rogue Riders

City Riding is more than just cycling in the metropolis. The bicycle gives the rider in the city freedom and exhilaration through the teeming infrastructure of streets, places and people. The gentlemen appearing in the new City Riding Lookbook » embody this approach. We asked them a few questions about the city they inhabit.

Rogue No.1 – Rob S

What kind of bike do you primarily ride through the city?

Living in the heart of London affords me the luxury of riding all types of bikes, from my carbon race whip through to the network of ‘Boris bikes’ across the city. I mix and match my ride depending on the occasion, gig or outfit in tow.

What is your favourite product in this city riding range?

My beloved Leather Town Gloves will always take some beating when it comes to a city product which delivers both on and off the bike, and gets better with age. The unique design of incorporating the ‘sniper’ pad coupled with being made in Britain makes this the standout product. I love the green colour way, but if I had to pick one pair from my collection, it would be the Paul Smith collaboration, which incorporated hi-vis detailing on the adjustment band - unique and just simply dandy!

Favourite city spot at the moment?

I’ve always been drawn to and loved the community vibe of Lambs Conduit St. in Bloomsbury. It’s a street full of independent traders who uphold the ‘artisan’ approach to retailing their wares and services despite the ever-increasing invasion of the corporate chains on our high streets. From small coffee outlets, the delicious Basque and Andalusia dishes of Cigala, to the cool independent clothing brands and traditional military outfitters, Lambs Conduit is a place I feel at home in, whether it’s topping up the closet, a coffee stop or dining with friends, it continues to keep the London spirit alive.

Rogue No.2 – Jimmy W

What kind of bike do you primarily ride through the city?

My riding is split fairly equally between a Principia (Ellipse SX) road bike and and an Orange P7 single speed MTB, the latter being a bit more rough and rusty and hopefully a little less attractive to the thieves!

What is your favorite product in this city riding range?

My favourite product in the city riding range would have to be either the Merino Crew Neck T (so comfy and warm) or the Rapha Jeans. The new Long Sleeve Polo is also rather nice.

As I'm told you're a bit of a foodie, I'm curious to know your favorite dining spot at the moment?

My favourite place to eat at the moment has to be the Lady Ottoline on Northington Street (WC1N 2JF), The food and service is always lovely and there is a really nice selection of ale and wine. I would also recommend a cider or two at The Green Man on Riding House Street (W1W 7EP), the Special Cellar Cider is strong and sweet!

Rogue No.3 – Jonny M

What kind of bike do you primarily ride through the city?

I ride an old IRO fixed-wheel round town, once beautiful but now battered and beaten by the streets of London.

What is your favourite product in this city riding range?

My favourite product is probably the Leather Town Gloves. I use them not only for riding in town but all my winter road riding too, as well as just general day-to-day gloves. They're tough, and look better and better the more I abuse them and I love how they keep a bit of an imprint from every ride you do.

Favourite city spot at the moment?

My favourite London spot has to be Brick Lane. I lived round the corner from this amazing street for 18 years and it's changed at a pace you wouldn't believe. The whole history of London is in this street. All the trade, immigration, religion, politics, food, poverty, wealth, crime, and creativity that makes this city what it is, is here. After a big ride, pop into the bagel shop, get a steaming hot tea (coffee's not their strong point), stand on the street and let London work its magic on you.