While bike riding may have once been nothing but a popular pastime amongst the athletically-inclined, outdoor lovers, and the eco-friendly, in recent days, cycling more recently has risen to prominence as a preferred mode of transport worldwide. Besides the fact that bicycles are now conveniently offered in inexpensive city-wide bike share services from DC to Barcelona and in collapsible formats for easy transport and storage, the fashion world has also recently embraced the phenomenon and given biking a fresh aesthetic.

From resurrecting bicycle shorts with a chic twist in the collections of Alexander Wang, Miu Miu, and Abaete, designers like DKNY have also utilized bicycles as part of its campaign (placing bright orange logo-emblazoned bikes around New York City), and fashionistas have created blogs featuring stylish cyclists. And lately, designers have even created limited editions of their own favorite two-wheeled accessory.

Highlighting psychoPEDIA's favorite four limited-edition bicycles, here are the latest accessories of the season:

Acne x Bianchi Bicycle (Price By Request)
Swedish style-makers Acne have made a name for themselves by being at the forefront of high-quality denim. And besides recently participating in a collaboration with Albert Elbaz of the French fashion house Lanvin for a limited-edition denim collection, the Stockholm-based line now joins forces with Italian bicycle manufacturer Bianchi to create serious, stylish racing bikes-– which comes as no surprise since Acne’s Creative Director Jonny Johansson explains the inspiration behind the most recent “New Standard” collection as a well-dressed working girl biking on her way to the office. Similar in style of their apparel, the Acne bike focuses on a simple, classic frame. And while based on Bianchi’s original Pista bikes, Acne adds their contemporary touch in both bicycle models, offered in men’s and women’s versions, the first of which comes in a pink frame with drop curved handlebars and black suede seat, and the other (a bit smaller with straight handlebars) in a choice of frame colors-- yellow, green, orange, pink, and chrome-- with a brown suede seat. Releasing at New York’s Acne Studios, both versions will be available in March by special order.

James Perse Cruiser ($2200)
LA-based designer James Perse, purveyor of men's and womenswear basics, has come up with a limited-edition Beach Cruiser bike that's the ideal complement to his clothes' luxe-yet-casual personality. Modeled after the vintage frame first seen in the '50s and popularized in Southern California, this no-frills bike combines features like a hydroform steel frame, aged leather seats and handlebar grips, coaster brake hub, and wide tires meant for treading sandy terrain. The single-speed cruiser is offered in four solid-color matte models-– black, burnt orange, gray, and white–- and are custom-made by request in limited availability from James Perse boutiques in New York and Los Angeles.

Hermes x Batavus Bicycle ($3500)
Known for creating covetable leather goods– the likes of which even celebrities will join month-long wait lists to obtain-- the French fashion house now brings their fine craftsmanship of luxury goods to two-wheeled transport. In a collaboration with Dutch bike brand Batavus, Hermes has spruced up the traditional 3-speed “Old Dutch” frame– which evokes the spirit of old-world Europe-- with their trademark rich tan leather detailing on the seat, handlebar grips, and center tubes to complement the sleek frame. The bike’s features include a fully-covered chain case, front and back lights, as well as a rear cargo rack, suitable for setting groceries, books, or even the essential Birkin bag. Not only designed with the quality and function of a standard built-to-last Batavus, the classic Hermes touch also ensures that this accessory won’t go out of style.

Comptoir de Cotonniers Single & Tandem Bicycles ($813 and $1284)
Comptoir de Cotonniers may have only recently made their stateside introduction when setting up a US store five months ago in SoHo, but the French casual clothiers who focus on mother-daughter fashion are already known internationally for their street chic looks that combine "modernity and timeless sophistication." In that vein, they've created two bicycles, in a single and double-rider version that would make even non-cyclists want to convert to the healthy habit. The latter, a charming bicycle built for two, seems fit for movie-moment-worthy rides down the cobbled streets of Paris. And in both the tandem and single-seater alternatives, the bike features a bright red frame with a woven front basket-- a timeless look.


For other designer bikes, check out the following:
Chanel Bicycle
Gucci Bicycle
Paul Smith x Mercian Track Bike