You might have noticed a sudden influx of coats and jackets on our website recently. That’s partly because we are freezing but mostly because they are pretty darn amazing.
Take for example, this LUMO Ladies Harrington Jacket. This is not only a stylish jacket but it’s the very latest in wearable technology. They have taken the cult classic Harrington design and given it a cycle-style twist by giving it a dropped tail, reflective trims, extra pockets, elasticated shoulder panels for flexibility, fleeced lined collar and a vented back for breathability. Oh and built-in LED lights. BUILT-IN LIGHTS! We know right, fricking genius. If that wasn’t enough it itself, the lights have two settings: high energy pulse and low energy flash. They are also USB rechargeable. Safety on the road, especially at this time of year is a huge concern for cyclists and the LUMO jacket feels like a very modern solution to make riders more visible to traffic.
We had a little chat with the brains behind the brand, co-founder, Lucy Bairner and did that thing we do here on the Cyclechic blog where we ask that same set of questions we ask everyone we like.
“It started when my husband Doug was hit off his bike at a roundabout next to Battersea Park on his way into work one day. Nothing serious, but the driver had said he couldn’t see him because of his dark clothing. He refused to wear fluorescent clothing because frankly, he didn’t like the way it looked. We were also both sick of turning up to work either drenched in sweat or rain from wearing normal clothes or in full Lycra which is particularly embarrassing if you forget your change of clothes. Surely being visible, looking good and feeling comfortable on the bike shouldn’t be that difficult.”
So in 2014 she and Doug decided to draw up some designs, get industry experts on board and make it happen.
“Our acid test when we were prototyping was always, ‘would I walk into a bar to meet my friends wearing this?’ If the answer was no, we went back to the drawing board.”
What they’ve come up with is pretty cool. It looks great and has been thoroughly tested so they’ve left no stone unturned in making sure that this state of the art garment ticks all the boxes for things cyclists’ need and want. They get a massive round of applause from us.
LUMO Ladies Harrington Jacket £250.
Lucy Bairner (formerly Brown), Co-founder of LUMO Clothing
What bike/s do you ride?
Planet X RT-57 road bike for the larger weekend rides
Charge Plug Griffin for day to day (flat) commuting
Where is your favourite place to cycle?
The South Downs in West Sussex. I’m biased as it’s where I’m from but I think the countryside around there is beautiful. There’s no shortage of brilliant country pubs in the area which is always essential after a long ride. If we are talking city cycling, I’d have to say around Bermondsey as I just love the area. A stop off at Maltby Street Market at the weekend is hard to beat.
Dream place to ride?
I would love to cycle from London through France to a little village called Fayence in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. My auntie has a lovely holiday home there so we could eat and drink our way back to normality in after an epic week or so on the bikes.
Basket, backpack or pannier?
Backpack
What was your first bike?
I believe it was a Raleigh Blue Bird. So old it’s now vintage.
Describe your cycle style:
Casual on a weekday, fast (ish) at the weekend.
Who is your cycling icon?
I don’t have one. Cycling for me is about enjoyment, exploring and having fun with my friends – getting from A to B in the best way possible. You don’t need an icon to inspire you to do that.
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