About May Globus
Vancouver City Editor May Globus is obsessed with the sartorial and all that surrounds it: art, design, culture, music and film. Oh, and she really likes writing about it, too. A left coast girl at heart, her Sweetspot finds just might show why the westside really is the best side.
I've made it my mission to do a few things this SS '09, which include -- but are not limited to -- going on an all-girls road trip (preferably somewhere with lots of vino), finding BCBG's new bone-colored studded wedge gladiator sandals for less than $300, and joining a bike gang.
No, I don't mean the leather, studs, tats, and Harley Davidsons-type gang.
I mean the cool, chilled out bike gangs that congregate in Kits or English Bay with their one-speeds in chromes, baby blues, mint greens, and yellows (with wicker baskets and silver bells most likely), cruising the Seawall apres work and on weekends, soaking in the sun, salty ocean air, and smell of
Japa Dogs.
For the past three weeks, I have been on a mad hunt for a cruiser to call my own, the perfect
Fuji Cambridge one of which I happened to spot last Wednesday at a little bike shop on the Yaletown marinaside. Did I mention it was white with matching leather seats and gold hardware?
It was also $1,440, a major financial factor that made me realize my soon-to-be-found bike had to be sought out by other means.
So if you're in the market for a cruiser like me, here are some other options:
1.
Craigslist. There are some great Fujis, Schwinns, and vintage bikes posted, but since these are currently in high demand, don't expect too much of a bargain. But it's still a lot cheaper that $1,440.
2.
Vancouver Police Auctions. The 5-0 gather all the stolen gear they've accumulated throughout the year and auction it off to the highest bidders.
3.
Garage sales. Look out for posters, check out the garage/moving sales section on your city's Craigslist, or take a quick jaunt around the neighbourhood. Commercial, Main, and SoMa would be your best bests locally here in Vancouver.
4.
eBay. One of my friends built his own bike from various parts purchased on this online market of amazingness. He ended up with constructing one worth a grand for only a few hundred bucks.
But no gang initiations, please.