.the pashley tube rider

With so many bikes out there to think about, whether they be weird, wonderful or downright extravagant, we're always happy to receive a point in the right direction for our Bike of the Month. And this month Trevor Grout was the man to pull the rabbit out of the hat.

'Have a look at the Pashley Tube Rider', he said. So we did. And we weren't disappointed.

The original blue and silver model encapsulates Pashley's own words on the bike: "The Tube Rider helps you kick back and go with the flow, life need not be a rush anymore." This is a cruiser. A picture on the website has a chap sitting on one on a beach prom, board slung under the arm (though in jeans and a jumper he doesn't look ready to hit the surf...).

And now the range has been expanded with a few special editions. Bright colours make an appearance, with mudguards and chainguards added. The fun, relaxed nature remains. The 5-speed hubgear maintains this laid back feel, and I find myself trying to make excuses to add to the current stable.

There's something about that sweeping curved top tube, arcing perfectly into a rear stay; something about the fun nature of it that reminds me of whole days spent on a bike as a kid; something about the sheer absence of any true purpose, that brings a certain delight to this.

It's all about the bike. Simply having it. Simply riding it. Simple as that.

You can get more information on the Pashley Tube Rider from the Pashley website
Prices start from £395 for the original to £445 for the special editions
Tell us about a bike yu think we should feature at botm@citycycling.co.uk