Monday, September 28, 2009

PASHLEY, THE CLASSIC ENGLISH BICYCLE






When I was young, my bike was of extreme importance to me. I spent endless hours riding and took more than a few spills - I have a few scars to prove it. Then, when I was seven, we had a fire in our garage and my "Ramblin Rose" pink bike with the banana seat and vinyl woven basket got slightly charred and melted. If I ever were to get another bike, I would love one of these very classic Pashley bicycles like the Princess (above) or the Poppy (below). Pashley is England's longest established bicycle manufacturer and I love the way they incorporate the best engineering without sacrificing the classic form, which makes their cycles picture perfect. They look completely photoshoot-worthy to me. One would look good even just sitting around - like a scene in one of those old Laura Ashley catalogs from the 80's. Sigh.


17 comments:

Karena said...

I loved my first bicycle and would ride for hours and hours, paid for it with my babysitting money!

pve design said...

I am surprised you do not have one?
I could see you riding in "pashley style!"

vicki archer said...

Aren't they adorable....xv

Oliveaux said...

They are the cutest bikes....Ax

Jo said...

I love them ~ they remind me of the bikes all over Nantucket with the baskets in front. I'd own one if we didn't live on top of a mountain {okay, only a very large hill but when going up it, it would be a mountain!}

Jo

Laura Casey Interiors said...

I love those bikes! How great and vintage looking. Though I think my mother had me in the Laura Ashley dresses and jumpers longer than she should have...

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Good old England...what do we do well...bicycles !!!! No, we do other things well too.
I loved my bike. I rode it all the time. You must have been heart broken when it got ruined in the fire, Anne. Did you get a new one ? AND you've brought back memories, talking about old Laura Ashley Catalogues. When we cleared the loft out the other week, I found all of the old Laura Ashley Interiors catalogues that I had kept, going back to at least the early '80's, maybe even futher. Love the two photos, especially the 'poppy' bike. It must remind you of your old one. XXXX

Unknown said...

Riding our bikes were our first mode of independent transportation as children. My sister and I would ride our bikes at the boat docks in Marina Del Rey, CA for hours during the Summer.

One sure thing is you never forget how to ride: get on, balance, pedal away for hours. Time slows down. It still is very fun. Thanks for the memory post!

Bette

Beth Connolly said...

Anne-I want one just for the look in my garage!

MrsLittleJeans said...

I love bicycles, always have and always will. I did not know about these Pashleys. My favorite are the Dutch bicycles..fast and sturdy!

Have a great Monday!

xo

Parisbreakfasts said...

Adorable indeed. My landlord selvages vintage bikes..I'll have to put in a word for you Anne.

Gerri Ward said...

OMG! I luv Pashley bicycles, they're solely Delightfully Charming and Romantic!
p.s. Thank YOU for this lovely post!
Anne, have a WONDERFUL WEEK!:)

Michelle said...

Lol...brought back memories of banana seats, doubling and tastles.

Thanks!
Michelle

Heather said...

Definitely get the bike! I got one this summer (more sporty...less cute), but I absolutely love it!

Averill said...

I love how "old school" these look! And that bubblegum pink is to die for. Hope you had a good start to the week, Anne!

Renae Moore said...

Anne! I think this bike would be fun if you didn't have to go up hills! They are classic!
xx

Tickled Pink And Green said...

LOVE those bikes. And funny you mentioned Laura Ashley because I just did a post about her.
Still have all those catalogs...

 
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000028477615