#routesofdiscovery

[routesofdiscovery]

Panini in Monza.

[routesofdiscovery]

A cold sunday in the forest

[routesofdiscovery]

Sunday Rides

[routesofdiscovery]

The Road

[routesofdiscovery]

ORANGE SKY

[routesofdiscovery]

Fields of Gold

[routesofdiscovery]

Fields of Gold

They hit the road and head out into the unknown, leaving the grey and into the harvest. The roads are quiet with a light crosswind caressing the body, yet the legs seem to drive them harder to push through the element. No cars can be seen or heard, yet the cogs spin in perpetual motion. This is met with the barley on either side of road swaying in the breeze. The day is immensely humid and the smallest of raindrops fall from the heavens to cool each  rider, keep them pushing. Many kilometres are swallowed up yet the ‘Fields of Gold’ are always present, lighting up their eyes to keep them focussed, determined and willing to reach their goals.

[routesofdiscovery]

Steel Cyclewear & CoffeeShop

14/06/15 The Steel Cyclewear & CoffeesShop  58 Rue de la Fontaine au Roi, 75011 Paris,

Telephone: [phone]:30am - 18:30pm Tuesday - Friday  10:00am - 19:00pm Saturday Sunday and Monday (closed)

I have often seen the Steel Cyclewear magazine lining the shelves of most newsagents, with its clean and minimal design standing out amongst the other journals of the cycling section; It seems that ‘Rouleur’ and Steel have got the perfect balance with the grasp of the typographic grid and use of negative space. Being a graphic designer myself, I was attracted by the custom typeface that is seen on the front cover and that immediately sets the tone for the editorial piece. 

It was not until last month, that I found out a little more about the Steel Cyclewear enterprise. After riding with fellow cyclists I heard that they were opening a cafe and shop. Unfortunately I missed the opening night but I finally made the visit to the store yesterday (Saturday). 

On arrival, I was very excited about the store with its interior design approach; the space is very open and has a great ambience to the room. What I really liked, was the connection between the magazine and the store. One could immediately associate the two and that is always an imperative point when forming a brand. Consistency is the key. The choice of decor was lovely, with the industrial light fittings and fixies on the walls. The white is impressive, with the items making up the colour - a blank canvas that is surrounded by cycling ephemera.

I was quick to make for the coffee, and ordered a cappuccino and the wonderful lemon and poppyseed cake. That cake will definitely be by post-ride snack in the future accompanied by a perfectly made cappuccino. We quickly engaged in conversation about cycling and talked about the start of the shop and this led to me discovering how the Steel Magazine is designed in the studio on sight; this i sought to be super-cool. 

Before heading to a spare seat which, i must add it is like a hot seat because it seems to be very popular at the moment and people were in and out of the store - whether it was someone taking their post-ride coffee or viewing the apparel available in the shop. I sat in one of the window seats which was littered with cycling magazines and books about cycling to engage the mind.

The shop is small with two tables housing a variety of cycling accessories. Mainly socks and caps. The other table has a selection of bicycle tools which are key accessories for a ride, like Alan Keys. Drinking bottles can also be found with the brand being KleanKanteen, with a beautiful aluminium bottle and bamboo lid. On the walls there is another bicycle and then numerous cycling garments for urban riding. Then as you reach the back of the store there is another shelf which has your KryptoniteBikelocks and more jerseys made of Castelli, Maap and Warsaw cycling apparel. My personal favourite, Maap. I thought the styling was perfect with the inspiration obviously taken from the contours found on a map, complimented by flashes of the signature turquoise colour. The Warsaw cycling apparel, the floral design looks visually striking and very unique. This was probably my favourite design, but I am not sure it would suit me.

As you reach the back of the store there are two alcoves which house numerous cycling bags that would equip the rider for urban riding and then a great selection of cycle shoes. Brands ranging from Sidi, Fizik and Giro.

Overall, I was very pleased with my time spent in the store and I can honestly say i will be spreading the word about the shop and how great the store was. I even found out that they will be starting rides from the store on a Sunday. Well worth the visit and you never know, i might see some of you down there soon. 

http://www.steelmagazine.fr/en/