Thursday 20 September 2012

Origins of the hipster cyclist



 “A bicycle is the young Sloane girl’s method of transport in London, for four reasons:
  • ·         It is archaic.
  • ·         It has a basket.
  • ·         It is a horse you don’t have to feed or groom.
  • ·         It is dangerous
Bicycling in towns is one of those slightly mad, rather jaunty things Sloanes do. It’s a point of conversation at parties – comparing routes and horror stories with other cyclists or explaining to non-cyclists why you aren’t scared. The reason why you aren't is similar to why Sloanes shouldn’t be scared out hunting. It’s outdoors; you love the feel of wind in your face, the element of risk and the superiority.”

Ann Barr & Peter York, The Official Sloane Ranger Handbook (1982), p.121.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ive never met a hipster who felt superior to anybody. Just self conscious assholes who can't handle the fact there is noone telling them how to dress and behave. I cycle because its cheap, exercise and I just fucking want to! How about that!

William said...


Good for you but hipster cyclists definitely feel superior to you. They'll say that they like cycling 'cos it's cheap - but look at that bike they're on, it's not some £50 second hand job. They've turned it into a lifestyle thing, as with everything else they touch.

Anonymous said...

I look to the horizon and all I see are bros on track bikes wearing gladiator sandles. Behind, the sky is red as blood.