Stu is one of our resident bike gurus. An expert in all things two-wheeled, he’s got a soft spot for the vintage variety.

“I’m definitely into vintage bikes. They were finished elegantly, even the frames were fixed together with flowery swirls called legwork. They’re just more unique.”

It’s not all about looks, though. Stu says, “The quality of materials were better back in the day. It’s common for bikes to be 30 years old and absolutely fine. They’re very hard wearing.”

So why does it feel like the vintage bike trend is so new? Stu’s got a few theories. “Cycling’s more popular since the London Olympics, so you’ve got people looking to get back into cycling for perhaps the first time since they were kids. They want bikes that remind them of what they used to ride.

“Also there’s the hipster culture of recent graduates. Money’s tight but they still want something that looks good, so vintage cycling is back on the map.

“And of course there’s up-cycling (pardon the pun). People are trying to be green, bikes are one way they can do that, and a second hand bike is even better.”

And best of all, a second hand and vintage bike from The Bike Shop will help get a bike to refugees in London. There’s always a few in the shop (and there’s a real gem in at the moment – the gorgeous Dawes number in the picture), so keep checking back for new ones.