Freddie Grubb’s Effra has a name rich in both cycling history and geographical interest. Grubb won silver at the 1912 Olympics, while the Effra is one of London’s great lost rivers. Both are enjoying a new lease of life as Freddie Grubb, the stylish bike brand, builds its frames to order in south London, near the course of the old river.
That same level of attention to detail has also been applied to designing this attractive step-through bike. It features a clever automatic gear with a centrifugal clutch that changes up or down depending on your speed. It comes in eight colours, and you can choose from porteur or swept bars with matching leather saddle and grips. Guards, racks and baskets can all be easily fitted. It’s fairly expensive, yes, but it’s a bike you’ll value for years (freddiegrubb.com).
Price: £799
Frame: double-butted CroMo
Gears: Sram Automatix hub
Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter @MartinLove166
