Salem, Massachusetts may be best known for its witch-burning trials but those days are long gone. And nowadays we like to think that Salem is known for its beauty and….bicycle riding. Have you seen New England in the spring and summer months? It’s absolutely gorgeous and perfect for riding classically vintage bicycles from Papillionaire. Which you can do now because one of our favorite retailers in the New England-area is now carrying our stylish bicycles!

The name of the shop is the The Urbane Cyclist and they are located in the lovely town of Salem, Massachusetts just a two-hour bicycle ride north of Boston. Started by a husband-wife duo, The Urbane Cyclist bicycle shop is a charming retail boutique located in the heart of the historical district in Salem. The two have over 15 years of experience in the industry and we assure you, can help you with all your bicycle needs.

For more information head on over the gorgeous website for The Urbane Cyclist (currently featuring one of our bicycles in the photo carousel) where you can find their hours, contact info and even order a bicycle. Happy riding!

So you just got your bike all tuned up and decked out for the spring riding season – brakes are tightened, chain is lubed, tires are filled, accessories are donned. But when you’re done strutting your stuff on the roadway, where do you store your stylish vintage bicycle? In city apartments like in New York where space is at a premium (not a square to spare), most of us don’t have an extra room (or even an extra closet!) for bike storage. But leaving your vintage bicycle out on the street day after day is just asking for a theft…definitely not a option.

Don’t let a tight space deter you from an urban cycling lifestyle, instead get creative with your vertical space. Re-imagine your sleek, curvy frame as the perfect conversation piece for your wall. Check out the Delta Leonardo bike storage hook for a simple, easily installed wall mount that protects both your bike and the wall paint.

You can purchase the Delta Leonardo bicycle storage hook at our accessories page  for the low price of $20. Check it out!

Have you worn grooves with your vintage bicycle on the roads from home to work, and from home to the neighborhood bar? Looking for something new, to reclaim that childhood freedom of getting on your bike and going? Get out of your bike-rut and have fun with a tour.

A bicycle tour can be any length – the afternoon, the weekend, or months spanning states or countries. The goal is to explore a new landscape, break from the routine, and commit to an anything-goes adventure.

Anyone can do it.

When I dove in to my first cross-country bike tour, I went blindly – I had almost no training and knew nothing about bikes – and I mean nothing. I showed up on day one with cotton gym shorts and a fluffy gel-filled saddle. I wasn’t an athlete, simply an enthusiastic 20-something on a high from my first bike ride in New York City. I rode from Yonkers all the way down to Atlantic avenue in Brooklyn, where the inspiration struck, “I want to see the whole country this way,” inch by inch, going 10 miles per hour.

That evening, I signed up for volunteer ride from Seattle to Washington DC.

Volunteer group tours

If you’ve got a passion for volunteering and social riding, join up with Bike and Build. This organization leads multiple group-led rides every summer, teaming up with Habitat for Humanity, so riders can trade pedals for hammers and work with local communities along the way.

Biking for social change

Get some inspiration from self-designed, DIY bicycle tours with local to global projects and creative activism. The couple of WiseRoutes coupled riding and writing a book to seed alternative education throughout the US; Bandcycle buddies made a live-action movie of their cross country ride showcasing local music scenes; the Bikeloc duo potluck-ed their way across the US to promote the sustainable food movement.

…Or simply go with a friend

If you’re out on a personal journey, grab a friend and check out Adventure Cycling Association maps. My friend from college and I used these maps down the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California and they were essential for covering our basics (food, camping shelter, bike shops). BTW: choose your biking partner wisely, knowing that intense living can challenge any friendship or partnership. On our coastal trip my friend and I fought with a fury, but I would trust him with my life (and did, many times).

Start small…go out for a day-long ride

Use your city’s resources, maps, bike shops, and urban bike paths. Use Google Maps, Bikely.com, Map My Ride, and Ridethecity.org, for ultimate local or long distance route-planning.

Australia and Southern California have a quite a bit in common. There’s sun, beach, surf, Eucalyptus trees, desert scenes, beautiful, stylish people and now…Papillionaire Bicycles!

We are super stoked (that’s California slang for “excited”) to announce that we have a new bicycle retailer in Los Angeles! Live in the area and want to check out our classically vintage bicycles in Los Angeles? Then head down to Orange 20 Bicycles  on 4351 Melrose Avenue.

The shop started selling bicycles out of a small 250 square foot building back in 2006 and has since expanded to it’s current location. Orange 20 is dedicate to ecouraging and empowering the public — from novices to avid cyclists – to pursue the sport by offering them the resources and inspiration to do it.

We are very excited to have them a part of the Papillionaire family. Now go check us out at their store!

Biking to work has become increasingly popular in cities all over the country, and though many cities are catching the drift and expanding bike lane systems (check out NYC’s bicycle routes) – those lanes don’t come with a rule book. Bike lanes can be a messy free-for-all, crowded by riders and obstacles such as cars and pedestrians. Below are some etiquette tips on how to stay safe and respect your fellow cyclists while breezing through both separated and on-road bike lanes.

Pass politely – Spring often brings the biggest cycling crowds – the weather is perfect and we’ve all got hay fever from the long winter. Bike lanes are narrow, so when passing a slower rider carefully move outside the lane (toward traffic), rather than getting between the other cyclist and a parked car.

Signal before you turn – For on-road bike lanes, signaling helps alert both the cars and other cyclists in your lane. Simply point to the direction you are turning to let others behind you prepare. For separated bike paths, such as the West Side Highway Greenway in Manhattan NY, always pull entirely off the path and look both ways before turning around. Do not make sudden stops or turns! I have seen mouthfuls of teeth get knocked out from carelessly turning cyclists, it’s not pretty.

Pull off the road - As a courtesy to other bike traffic in the lanes, pull entirely off the road and STOP before you answer your phone, fix your bike, brush your hair, eat a sandwich…you get the picture.

Ride doors Length distance from parked cars – Getting hit by an opening door is the most common cause of urban cycling deaths. Riding on the outer edge of your on-road bike lane keeps you at a safe distance. Also watch for car lights on parked cars to stay one step ahead of any opening doors.

Don’t swerve – If there is an obstruction in the bike lane (and there often is!), move over to avoid it as soon as you see it, instead of swerving in and out of the lane at the last moment. This makes you more visible and predictable to passing cars, and saves you from a collision with unseen pedestrians.

A little smile goes a long way – Road rage is a common condition among urban cyclists, I’ll admit to my fair share of offenses. But I’ve noticed that if I force that first smile then my whole body relaxes and I actually enjoy my ride, rather than merely rushing to my next destination. And it’s contagious, I begin smiling at random passersby and feel like a force of happiness rather than aggression.

In our continual effort to take over the United States continuing expansion into North America, we are doing whatever we can to get our classically vintage bicycles out there. That’s why we’re tabling at the Bike Expo NYC this Friday and Saturday.

We’d loooooove if you came and checked us out as well as this awesome yearly event in NYC celebrating bike culture in the Big Apple.

The expo is located at Pier 36, 299 South Street, Basketball City, New York, NY. See you there!

Spring is a confusing time of year to dress for urban cycling. On warm mornings it’s tempting to toss aside that ol’ winter coat, trade in the boots for sandals, and hop on your vintage bicycle for a cruise along a scenic waterway or a ride to work. But by five in the afternoon it’s another animal out there, with clouds and a biting chill that leave you cursing and cold the whole windy ride home. Or, on the contrary, you make the choice to prepare for a cold night, toting the wool hat and heavy sweater, and get mucked up with sweat as soon as you hit that first hill.

This season there has been a lot of flip-flopping – warm days leading into freezing nights, days of sweat-inducing sun followed by biting winds. So what’s an urban cyclist to do? How do we stay both warm and cool, comfortable and protected? Below are some of my essential items for smart spring dressing:

Thin Layers are Key – preferably the non-cotton, sweat wicking kind. Start out with an extra shirt-layer on (even a regular cardigan will do) and strip it off as soon as you start to sweat.

Wind Breaker Jacket – This is a highly versatile item worth investing in from a sporting-goods store. Something lightweight, that lets your skin get airflow while getting wind protection. And they roll up tightly to fit in any size messenger bag, purse, or basket.

Sunglasses – protection from the sun and also keeping wind, dust and particles out of your eyes. I wear a brightly tinted pair for early evenings when the wind gets strong but the light is fading.

Change of Socks – dry socks are a small item that makes a huge difference when it comes to comfort. A pair to change off to after a sweaty ride will help steady your body temperature throughout the day and for the ride back home.

Balaclava – Yes, you will probably look like a bank robber or a ninja when wearing one of these masks. But here’s why they’re great for cycling: discreet and fitted under your helmet, a balaclava will keep you warm and dry (80 percent of your body heat escapes through your head!). Plus they’re adaptable – simply flip it down over your head and for a cool neck protector.

New bicycle product alert! Here at Papillionaire Bicycles we sure got a soft spot for well-made, hand-crafted leather. After all, have you seen our handsome, premium saddles? Of course you have.\

So it probably comes to no surprise to you that we’ve continued our search for excellent, well-made bicycle products and now offer genuine, hand-crafted leather straps with metal rivets for your bike frame.

Add some cushion when throwing that bike frame over your shoulder or use for easy gripping when carting your bike around by hand. Or don’t use it for any of those reasons and just add a nice brown leather accent to your classically vintage bicycle from Papillionaire Bicycles. Your choice!

We ordered a very, limited supply of these bad boys. So be sure to grab one while they last. You can purchase them st our accessories page for $40.00.

As you know we are big supporters of safety when riding on your classic vintage bicycle from Papillionaire. Wearing a helmet and protecting your oh-so important brain when biking from NYC to rural lanes is a must. However, if you are like us, we hate to sacrifice style and fashion with something ugly on your noggin’.

When I tell people that I ride my bicycle to work everyday in New York City, some people look at me like I have two heads. A lot of New Yorkers are intimidated by urban cycling, in a city where the pace of cars and pedestrians is enough to trigger your dormant vertigo. But in 7 years of pedaling I am still accident-free, and promote it as a tool not only for fossil-free commuting and exercise, but for personal growth.

What’s the secret? Be safe, and BREATHE! Bicycle safety is about always being a step ahead – of the pedestrian that’s stepping off the curb, the opening door, the light that’s about to change. Once you widen your peripheral awareness, you’ll gain the confidence you need to cycle anywhere. Read more secrets below to a safe and fun commute that will get you to work on time but not out of breath:

DO’s

Claim your lane – If it feels dicey on the shoulder (car doors opening, potholes, too many pedestrians) then your safest position is in the lane. Ride with traffic, in a straight line instead of weaving in between parked cars. This makes you visible and predictable to drivers. Be aggressive and present, without recklessness – aggressive riders are safer than meek ones. Use bike lanes but with caution, since many cars use this lane to pull over, park or fling open their doors into your riding zone.

Wear a helmet – it’s a no-brainer. Without a head, you can’t ride your city bicycle. Enough said.

Use Google Maps – which now has a bike route option! Type in your starting and destination address, and use the bike route icon to find your lowest traffic route. Map out a few options just in case, and do a test run to avoid confusion when you’re strapped for time. Ridethecity.org is also a great mapping site.

Lock it up – in a visible place (thieves love privacy). Avoid cable locks, they are easy to cut. I like Kryptonite Mini u-locks for the best lightweight protection. Remember, any lock is only a deterrent to bike thieves so bring your bike indoors overnight.

Accessorize to protect – Even on a warm day, your hands can get overexposed to the elements, so choose gloves that are stylish and covering. Keep particles, wind, and sun out of your eyes with Protective eyewear (like sunglasses). If you have a soft voice then outfit your bike with a loud bell to announce your arrival – with the invention of iphones and headphones, pedestrians have never been more careless.

Use your resources – learn NYC’s 200 plus miles of bike lanes by getting your free copy of the NYC cycling map – available at most bike shops. This map routes an extensive network of bike paths, lanes, bridges, and shops all over the city.

DON’Ts

Weave or wait in the right lane – because that makes you invisible to drivers opening their doors or taking right turns. Take it from a city that knows it’s bike commuting: Portland, Oregon has designated bike boxes at lights that are in front of the traffic lanes, this way riders are always visible and ahead of the drivers.

…Sweat it! – to avoid those sweat stains on your work clothes, dial down your pace and allow for some cool-down time when you arrive. Bringing a change of clothes or leaving them at work is another great option. For longer, sweatier commutes, wear lightweight, synthetic materials instead of cotton. to wick the sweat from your skin and regulate your body temperature. keep your skin dry and body temperature regulated.

Get the door – Being “doored” is the most common urban cycling accident, always watch for opening doors – I try to ride doors-length away from parked cars, even in bike lanes.

Be nervous – Most importantly, riding your bike is liberating and fun! So Let your curiosity get the best of you and go explore your city.

(photo by #mauricel)

Determining what size bicycle you need can be a daunting task; figuring out fitting charts and graphs, angles and measurements…it’s enough to make your head spin faster than your pedals. Take it from someone who is unusually small (5 feet!) and comes with years of misadventures on cross country cycling trips and commuting in one of the busiest cities in the U.S. – the rules don’t always apply, so the key is: make adjustments (to your seat height, handlebar height, and patience) until you find what works for you. As my grandfather used to say, “life is about constant adjustments,” as it turns out, so is your bike fit.

Below are some keys help you decode the bike jargon and suit up for your perfect city bicycle:

Determine your Bicycle Personality

A perfect bike fit is about striking a balance between comfort and performance, and is highly personal to your physique and your riding needs. So start simple by asking yourself, “what do I want out of my bicycle, and why am I riding?” a tour cyclist will have very different needs from a vintage bicycle connoisseur or commuter in a dress suit. But whether you are riding 10 blocks or 10 miles, here are the basics to get you riding comfortably:

1. Stand Over the Frame – Frame size can be the main factor in a smooth ride, so its your first fitting step. Ideally, you should be able to stand over the top tube of your bike (not sitting in the saddle), and have both feet planted on the ground, with about an inch clearance between the top tube of the frame and your crotch. If you can’t reach the ground, go for a smaller frame. As a small rider this can be a tough find, so I settle for a smaller inch for clearance.

2. Adjust Your Seat Height – A good rule of thumb for seat height is that you want your leg to extend at the downstroke of your pedal almost until it’s straight (take this measurement while sitting on the seat, so have someone hold the bike for you while you test this!) Proper seat height will allow you to use more leg muscle and put less strain on the hips and lower back. Quick test: You know your seat is too low if you can sit on the seat and touch your feet flat to the ground.

3. Tilt Baby Tilt - For maximum comfort and pedaling efficiency, you want a level seat. Either a forward or backward tilt of your seat will give you the sensation of falling, and are distracting and uncomfortable. In addition to adjusting the tilt angle, you can also move the seat forward and backward in relation to the seat post, to ensure that you’re centering your weight and have comfortable proportions.

4. Reaching For The Handlebars – Your goal here is to ride comfortably without straining your lower back, shoulders or wrists. There is a lot of personal preference here, and a fair amount of variation between body types, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the setting that is best for you. On a Road bike you’ll be leaning forward for an aerodynamic ride, so the top of the bike’s handlebars should be an inch or two lower than the top of the saddle. For Hybrids and Cruisers, you’ll be sitting more upright so the handlebars will be raised about an inch or two higher than the seat. This means much more of your body weight will settle in your backside, instead of leaning forward into your shoulders, wrists and arms – think comfortable cruise on the boardwalk or a flat city-park.

There are many different kinds of saddles for your vintage bike, it can be hard to know what the best choice is for your riding needs. Take a cue from Papillionaire bikes, they all come with leather saddles because leather is the top choice for versatility, style and function.

Why leather saddles are your new best friend

Leather saddles have something for everyone, from tour cyclists to occasional joyriders on city bicycles. Built for long term durability and comfort, they are stretched taught, but will mold perfectly to your shape as you ride (like a baseball glove). Once you break them in, it’s a perfect fit.

Leather is also porous and breathable, a key to making your ride comfortable on hot summer days. The Papillionaire Leather Saddle, a tension style leather saddle, comes with laces to adjust the tension around the frame for a smoother wear. To help your saddle stay supple and durable, massage saddle soap onto the front and backsides after long rides.

Guys know, harder is better

It may seem counter-intuitive, but the harder your saddle the more comfortable your ride. Although cushy saddles look more comfortable, with long-term wear the opposite is usually true. Cushy saddles shift weight to the wrong part of your behind, leading to soreness and discomfort. Hard saddles ergonomically direct the load where it should be: your weight-bearing sits bones. Also, the more surface area contact down there, the more possibility for chafing and skin irritation (whether you’re a weekend rider or cycling across state lines, saddle sores are an ugly side effect that you want to avoid!) Harder, narrow saddles are also better for prostate health in men.

Ladies: bent on the dent

Whats up with that dent, or straight-up hole in the center of some leather saddles? When you tilt forward on your seat, some ladies feel a pressure down there. If that’s you, try saddles with that indent or hole to relieve the pressure. Women-specific saddles are also an option, the difference is in the shape – they are shorter and wider in the back to accommodate the width of your sits-bones, which should be sitting directly on the saddle.

One last tip - once you find your perfect saddle, make sure that you lock it down – leather saddles are a hot commodity for bike thieves everywhere. For a classic lock that you don’t have to lug around, try fitting an old chain into an old tube and attach it to your seat-post and bike frame. If you don’t have old parts lying around, ask at your local bike shop and they’ll hook you up.