I got this email in the middle of August telling me that Arvon from Arvon Cycles dropped off a Cygnet at a local bike builder's workshop. First I'm confused because I don't remember discussing Arvon Cycles or the Cygnet with anybody... and in fact, I didn't even know what the Cygnet was.
Then I was told the bike builder (Arvon) had come across my blog and thought Miss Sarah really needed to go and enjoy this bike. I am a lucky girl!
A fellow Edmonton girl-bike-blogger wrote about the Cygnet as well after she had the chance to ride it in June during bike month.
It's very unique. A remake of the Cygnet from the 1890s. If you go to the link you'll see a close up of the label which is affixed to the rear wooden fender, detailing the bike's origins.
I think the big swoopy wooden fender is the prettiest part of the bike. And I'm a fan of the puffy wheels too.
Off the topic of the bike. These are the amazing red leather gloves my mommy got me while she was in Italy! I'm being a huge dork here and trying to mimic a hand model.
More of the aforementioned fender.
All photos were taken after lunch at elm.
The bike is a real looker. When Raffaella, Keith (bicycle workshop guy who hooked me up) and I are inside of elm we saw lots of people rubber-necking when they saw the Cygnet.
The Cygnet is a one speed, low-gearing bike. Keith and I have the saddle at the very lowest, but it's honestly a smidge too high for me to ride any great distance on a daily basis. Were this my every day bike I would just take extra measures to get the seat down a bit lower. My posture on the bike is very similar to my posture on a road bike. For the ride home I just rode leaned over with my shoulder bag hanging off my shoulder (stuffed full of my package of coffee beans and all).
It's a real treat to have the privilege to ride something so unique, and so flattering that Arvon the bicycle builder would think me suitable for one of his creations. This Cygnet is one of six in the world.
Am planning a vanity shoot with this bike (I'm thinking maybe black and white) before I have to give it back!
10 comments:
I rode that bike too...it was a bit hard to get used too but it was a fun ride indeed...its up on my blog too:)
that is such a unique and beautiful bike!
Oh my. It's absolutely stunning. Can't wait to see photos from the vanity shoot!
Are these for sale? I just lost my mind several times over looking at that beauty!
Nagyon csinos vagy! A biciglid igazán különleges!
I love that bike. The fender alone is worth whatever it costs!
I can't wait to see your vanity shots. You deserve them.
Fiona - Yes, it's strange for me because I'm perched very HIGH up on the bike, but also leaning over for the handlebars. The big wooden fenders also makes me pedal differently because the backs of my knees hit it if I don't change the position of my legs.
nowforthen - I'll see what I can whip up over the weekend!
Glourious - Yup, I think Arvon can custom make one. His contact info is on the link to his little page, and I believe the retail price is upwards of $3000, but I could be wrong.
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I'm jealous that you get to keep the bike for a while (I only got to ride it around the block a few times). Looking forward to seeing more pictures - maybe sepia tone? ;-)
-Coreen
That is such a beautiful bike.
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