Biria Easy Boarding
Price £599, southsea-cycles.co.uk
Frame aluminium
Gears Shimano 7-speed
Bikes have changed very little in the past century. We no longer have to carve frames out of wood, and wheels have come on from the old days of shrink-fitted iron rims. But, essentially, a Victorian cyclist could walk into a high-street bike shop and feel quite at home (though the Lycra outfits may well freak them out). Just because bikes have changed very little, however, doesn’t mean their basic ‘diamond-shaped’ frame can’t be rethought. And that is exactly what Biria has done with its Easy Boarding.
The German brand has a long history of innovation, bringing us, among other things, folding bikes, cargo cycles and even developing anti-lock braking systems. With its Easy Boarding, Biria has tackled the tricky problem of the top crossbar. By replacing this with a U-shaped frame, Biria has created a bike that can be used by anyone who finds it difficult to mount a standard cycle. Kevin Watkins of Southsea Cycles, for instance, says that more than half the bikes he has sold have been to people living with MS, while other customers have included riders who have had hip replacements. And extra exercise brings health benefits and pleasure for all. The bike is robust, easy-to-use and comfortable. Featuring super-high volume balloon tyres with a rounded contact surface, the new Biria Easy Boarding has all the cushion and shock absorption of a cruiser without the rolling resistance. In other words? Comfort and efficiency – in five pleasant colours.
Cool kit
Give your pedal pushing some panache in a pair of super blingy gold shoes. Handmade in Italy the stunning DL Killer KS1 road shoes perform as good as they look! They feature the very latest HMS technology that helps mould the shoes to your feet to create the perfect fit. £390, velobici.cc
Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166
