Pimp My Ride

Favorite Things:  I love bikes & things.  I really do. Especially the things!  And for many New Yorkers bikes are a main means of transportation. You'll find two wheelers & low riders, single speeds & ten speeds, bikes with one bike seat attached or bikes with a wagon hitched to the back carting two or more babes along the city streets.  But when biking through New York you'll soon learn that it's the accessories, the things, that make the bike & there is no better place to discover those stylish new accessories for your ride than Eleanor's.  

Eleanor's opened in 2012 by Alison Lucien, who had 10 years of fashion industry experience under her belt before opening up Eleanor's. It wasn't until after riding her bike to work everyday that she found very little awesome accessories to compliment her vintage ride.  But I'll allow Alison to tell her story: 

Bebe Birds (BB):  Can you share how your journey into the world of awesome bike accessories began? 

Alison Lucien (AL):  I  rode my vintage Schwinn everyday to work at Saks Fifth Avenue for years but I couldn't find high-quality, fashionable accessories. It seemed like most local bike shops offered unflattering spandex shorts, heavy metal racks and baskets.  This inspired me to open Eleanor's.  I named the business after my and my husbands grandmas-ladies who shared a moniker and an enthusiasm for bicycling.

BB:  That's so cool!  What are some must have bike accessories for Spring? 

A: When I think of Spring riding, I think of rain.  Some of my favorite bike accessories are to help you ride in style when you get caught in a spring shower.  I love the colorful bike seat covers, which keep your bike seat dry during the afternoon showers.

SüLi Bicycle Seat Cover $23, at Eleanor's

BB: What is your favorite kid bike accessory sold at Eleanor's? 

AL:  I LOVE the honking parrot.  Kids love to squeeze the parrot which lets out a high pitched "honk"

Parrot Bicycle Bike Horn, $20, at Eleanor's

BB:  How about family friendly bike riding tips?

AL:  Start slow and make it fun. Start off with a short trip around the block on a quiet residential street. Practice signaling and get a feel for the trailer or bike seat affecting the steering of your bike.  Then, gradually work your way up to a longer bike ride to that ice cream shop.

BB: I'm always ready for a good picnic.  What are some of the best picnic accessories we should take along while on a bike adventure? 

AL:  Riding my bike to meet friends at the park for a picnic is one of my favorite spring time activity.  We usually meet up and do a pot luck style spread of breads, charcuterie, cheese, sweets and of course some white wine.  The bicycle wine rack is perfect to transport wine safely and stylishly on any bike.

Oopsmark Bicycle Wine Rack, $45, at Eleanor's 

BB: What can we look forward to seeing from Eleanor's this season?

A:  Helmets, helmets and more cute bike helmets.  Finding non-dorky bike helmets that keep you safe is our goal for 2014. And of course more chic bike accessories and clothes.  We are always on the hunt for the best accessories.

Thanks so much Alison!  Bebe Birds loves Eleanor's. And  I can't wait to show off the new accessories I'll be getting for my new summer bike! Stay tuned gang….To discover some cool accessories for your ride visit Eleanor's-surely, not to be missed for some fashionable riding anywhere!