Bicycles are in fashion again

IN STORE

where Ross tried "" in vain "" to teach Phoebe to ride a bicycle. Two of the sitcom's characters, Courtney Cox and Jennifer Aniston, were in the news recently when Cox gifted Aniston a bicycle.

Not just another bicycle, it was a Chanel worth $12,000 and came with a quilted leather seat and saddlebag inscribed with the famous Chanel logo.

Only 50 Chanel cycles have been created all over the world, a reason why each comes with a Chanel certificate too. And since fashion is the mainstay of the brand, the cycle even has jewelled pant clips for preventing trousers from getting caught in the chain.

Gucci's limited ed

If Cox's gift to Aniston made it to the glossies, Gucci's latest offering, a limited edition bicycle, is becoming hot property in the fashion bazaar.

At $3,400, the Gucci cycle is one of the eight exclusive accessories designed especially for the forthcoming Beijing Olympics. Available at Gucci stores in Beijing and Hong Kong, this could be your answer to understated luxury.

For life in a faster lane: e-bikes

While Gucci is cycling its way into some South-east Asian countries, in India the Rs 15,000 Avon e-bike is high on popularity. At Rs 15,000, this electric bike targets the teenage lot in the metros.

Even Tubes Investment of India has introduced its range of e-bikes under the popular BSA range with three models priced between Rs 23,000 and Rs 36,000. These e-bicycles have a 250-watt battery allowing them to travel anywhere between 25-45 kmph.

The fancy cycle

Mercedes Benz is one brand that's happy with Indian consumers. Not for its fancy set of wheels, silly, but for its range of bicycles. Priced anywhere between Rs 75,000 and Rs 1.5 lakh, the mountain bike range, for instance, has shock absorbers to challenge treacherous terrains.

Experts say that bicycles are back in fashion and for those who are brand-conscious, a Merc cycle could just be that perfect gift.

Another company making inroads into the bicycle market in India is FireFox, a UK-based bicycle manufacturer. For the Indian market, the bikes target kids and adults alike.

The prices start at Rs 2,700 for basic models, and go up to Rs 21,600 for Road Pro 2200, which is light weight and easy to negotiate on roads. Very classy to look at and elegant, it's the perfect choice for those monsoon days when you want to ride bikes on clear roads.