Wheeler and dealer
Cyclist also peddles line of headwear
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:58 AM
BY KEVIN JOY
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Bicycle enthusiasts, it would seem, aren't historically known for their cutting-edge style.
"I think it's a big misconception that most cyclists wear those spandex road-weenie suits," Trenton Brulport said. "You don't have to do that."
In certain parts of town, urban bikers -- including the 27-year-old Brulport, who commutes by bike from his Clintonville residence (sans Space Age fabrics) to his job at the Apple Store at Easton Town Center -- sport a look that's all their own.
Blending thrift-store-inspired utility with a hidden array of pockets and shoulder bags chock-full of strategic storage space (there's no glove compartment on a bike, after all), the style is equal parts grit and function.
As more cyclists take to the road, meanwhile, clothing designers and retailers are reaching out with apparel specifically designed for riders on the go. Brulport and girlfriend Heidi Drazich jumped on the bandwagon last October, launching Octopus Caps -- a line of bike-inspired headwear (plus a few T-shirts) that they sell online, at several stores around town and, soon, at a boutique in Portland, Ore.
But clothing isn't the only pursuit for the Westerville native, who has been cycling since age 7 and drives his car, "like, once a month." Besides, he added,
"I probably own more bikes than pairs of pants."
FASHION
Bicycle style: "Tighter-fitting clothes, which are just in fashion anyway -- and grungier. You don't want to ride in your nicest gear. You usually end up getting a little dirty or sweaty."
The rolled-up right pant leg: "It's so your chain doesn't get caught on your pants. I usually roll up both, just to get them out of the way."
Most-frequented retailers: "A lot of thrift stores. I score pants from JCPenney and Meijer. They have decent deals on Levi's and Dickies pants. They tend to hold up pretty good."
Latest purchase: "I just got a really cool sweat shirt with a big tiger on the front from tiger
shirts.net. I can't believe I gave them my credit-card information, but it was worth it."
Clothing for the elements: Outdoor Source in Upper Arlington. "It's really nice for outdoor gear and fleece. I hike and backpack a lot."
Accessories: a Kool cigarettes belt buckle purchased from "some guy" and "a Harley-Davidson belt from my brother"
Shoes: Adidas Sambas. "You see a lot of cyclists wearing indoor soccer shoes and Vans. They have flat soles. A bigger tread or heel will mess up how your foot rests on the pedal."
Hairstyle: "I cut my own hair. I just grab a handful and use scissors. I get made fun of for the first couple of days, but then everyone's like 'Wow, your hair's looking good.' You can't mess it up."
Style icons: "Um, Ziggy Stardust and T.Rex? They definitely did their own things and wore wild stuff -- just kind of freaked-out. That was kind of cool. But I don't base my own look off them."
BUSINESS
The cycling cap: "We started making them just for ourselves; then our friends wanted them. It grew from there. They're made out of recycled wool and polyester -- old dress skirts, suits and jackets from thrift stores."
The look: "The brim is soft and pliable. It's a short brim, so it doesn't get in your line of vision, and there's no problem wearing them under a helmet. There's also an internal pocket for your ID or credit card."
The process: The caps are handmade inside a rented work space at Seagull Bags, 3343 N. High St. "You can buy them there, on the Internet, at Paradise Garage in the Short North and at Roll (Easton Town Center and Polaris Fashion Place)."
The rise of local clothing: "I think people (shoppers) feel good about it, and they know everyone else won't have it. There are a lot of small businesses around here. It's a pride thing."
LIFESTYLE
Can't-miss TV shows: "I'm totally obsessed with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia -- and Curb Your Enthusiasm."
Magazine: ReadyMade (indie crafts)
Web click: www.trackosaurusrex.com, a bike blog
On your iPod: Ryan Adams, Wilco, LCD Soundsystem, Christopher Cross
In your stomach: "A homemade energy bar I tried to make -- it turned out to be crumbs. The ingredients were ridiculously expensive."
Local eats: Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails, Mac's Cafe, Cornerstone Deli
Hobby: "I'm in a band called Bernadette. It's folk-rock. I play guitar and vocals."
Inspiration: "My girlfriend, Heidi, for sure. She keeps me going strong."
Custom Cycling Caps - OctopusCaps.com
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