You might have noticed the new bling on our website. Katie’s Bike jewellery is handmade in Britain using premium recycled bike parts and we are more than just a little bit in love with it.
Previously an environmental engineer, Katie Wallace’s lifelong passions were always making jewellery and riding bikes. She decided to merge her two passions and make it her career.
The collection includes earrings, cufflinks, pendants for men and women, necklaces, bracelets and a keyring all made using bicycle chain links.
In the past year she has really grown her range and put a lot of work into sourcing components that are fairly made and that as much as possible is manufactured in Britain. When you buy something from Katie’s Bike, every individual part of it, including all packaging is recycled or fairly made.
“I get to create eco-friendly products by using someone else’s rubbish bicycle chains, adding value to them through design….In it’s way, my little brand allows me to celebrate a growing cycling community, which I love!”
We asked Katie to answer a few questions for us:
Katie Wallace, creator of Katie’s Bikes
What bike/s do you ride?
My fiancé is a bike mechanic so most of my bikes are built by him. I’ve got a fixed gear I like to ride around London and a pinnacle that is my workhorse, with a rack on the back for collecting bike chains and groceries. I’m not a great mountain biker but I’ve got a specialized mtb for the occasional forest adventure. My favourite is the fixie as it just seems to fit me the best. I went over the bars last year though, so may chicken out and switch it to single speed.
Where is your favourite place to cycle?
I love cycling through new cities. I think it’s the best way to pack in as many sites and neighbourhoods as possible. I’ve cycled through Washington DC, NYC, Paris and obviously London loads. I learned so much more about London once I started cycling it everyday. The freedom of mobility is really exciting and empowering. You’ve got to be alert of course but as long as you’re not too mad max about it, make yourself visible and signal, basically pretend you’re a car, it’s all good.
Dream place to ride?
We’d like to get some tourers and spend a few months cycling the north-west coast of Scotland. I like a bit of a challenge and the Scottish scenery is amazing!
Basket, backpack or pannier?
I tend to rock a messenger bag for light hauls and panniers for heavier trips.
What was your first bike?
I have no idea. I was probably 4. I had an epic Canadian steel road bike when I was at university, which I left behind when I moved to the UK. Should have brought it with me really, I loved that bike.
Describe your cycle style:
My cycling style is really just my own style. Riding around town kind of limits what I wear. I mean, you can ride in a skirt and heels, but I don’t really like to. I always wear a helmet, gotta protect my money maker.
Who is your cycling icon?
Golly, I have loads! They’re less idols and more ladies I respect, who motivate me to keep creating.
I’ve found a lot of amazing and inspiring women since I started Katie’s Bike: serious cyclists tend to be positive, friendly and down to earth. I’m inspired by women who are forging new creative businesses in the cycling industry. I’m loving frame builder Caren Hartley’s work. She trained as a silver smith before she started Hartley Cycles.
Julija Baranovska, a friend and mentor, runs a blog and now a fixed gear racing team called Pedlas Pursuits. Julija has energy and passion to burn and it’s highly contagious. Jenni Gwiazdowski from the London Bike Kitchen and Velo City Girl blogger Jools Walker are ace! I have huge admiration for pro athlete Tahnee Seagrave. She was the first athlete to promote my jewellery (great taste obviously) but way beyond that she’s a fantastic role model for young mountain bikers.
Katie’s Bike jewellery is available here.
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