Leave it to the Italians to create a work of art like this. While most exercise bikes seem to go better with your garage or basement décor, the Ciclotte is a gorgeous, sculptural stationary bike that will actually fit (if not compliment) your living space. Not just a pretty machine – the carbon fiber construction & performance mechanics make this a true training tool. It’s unique design employs sophisticated engineering for ease of use and comfort. And even if you just use it as a coat rack, like most people, it’ll still look good.

Don’t risk the drive home, ride your bike to the rave. Illuminated Cyglo tires will make your trip even safer. With LED bulbs embedded deep into the tread, the glowing lights add an element of safety to nighttime riding. Motion sensors in the tires turn the light on, so as soon as you’re pedaling, you have running lights.  And even if you couldn’t care less about the safety aspect of the Cyglo tires, they look super cool, especially on the way home from the rave.

Riding a bike as basic transportation is something foreign to the American mindset. Most of us think of biking in terms of recreation, exercise or something we did as “kids.” Obesity, gas prices and the level of CO2 in the air are starting to change things up. Linus Bikes are on to it. Styled after bikes from the 50s & 60s, their line of steel-framed, upright cycles are simple and functional: a perfectly healthy way for getting from point A to point B.

Even though the hipsters just found out, real cyclists have known for generations there’s nothing more legit than a Brooks saddle. And now leather carver, Kara Ginther, can keep you one step ahead of the herd with a custom etching. Prices vary, but Ginther can do it all – from freehand graphics to logos to patterns. Think of something original & keep those hipsters guessing, “Whoa, that’s cool. Wait, is it?”

Don’t ask us why it’s named the Ostrich Bag. It’s a classic canvas bicycle saddlebag with traditional Brit styling & it’s considerably more spacious than your typical tool-n-tire bag. Using the optional support bracket, the Ostrich bag does not sway, but stays flat and rigid to hold books, laptop or even a couple Guinness pint cans (just in case). Lash straps on-top hold extra cargo – like a jacket or jersey.

With disaster-proof construction & custom styling options ranging from understated to loco, Rickshaw Bags are whatever you want them to be. Designed and built in San Francisco, these bags are made to endure crappy weather and long days on the streets. The Commuter 2.0 model has been improved to perfectly accommodate your computer and with two-way zippers, it’s unbiased toward righties or lefties. That’s progressive.

The Bent Basket by San Francisco designer Faris Elmasu is a totally utilitarian bike cargo carrier. The sculptural design holds anything you can strap onto it – up to something as heavy as a 12-pack. These custom, handmade racks mount onto standard 700C roadbike wheels. Crafted of aluminum, nylon & vacuum-formed plywood veneer, your precious cargo is held in place by integrated elastic straps.

The cats at Puma partnered with Danish bikebuilders, Biomega, to launch a new series of citybikes. The line of five bicycles – which includes a couple cruisers, BMX, fixie & folding frame model – is not just a colorful brand extension. This strategic collab ensures the bikes ride as great as they look.

Backpack? Bit much. Wicker Basket? Yeah, right. Stuffing your key & cash in your footwear? Risky. Billykirk’s Pouch is the classy alternative. Hand-stitched leather secured to your ride’s frame via three loops with collar buttons – perfect for a paperback, gloves, phone, sunglasses or even a sandwich.

You’re not about to bolt just any old ride to the roof of your beemer are you? BMW’s M division has produced a bike to call their own. With a fine-leather saddle, Shimano SLX gears, Manitou Match suspension fork & anthracite frame, this high-performance cycle will hit the pavement June 2010.

Tired of struggling to read your bike computer while on the road? Polar’s CS500′s two-way rocker switch provides easy navigation & data retrieval even at high speeds. With an over-sized display calculating elevation, ascent & even refueling guidelines – you can re-live the Tour de France with each ride.

Nailed with a DUI, but not ready to lose the sauce? This one is for you. Surly’s Bike Flask holds 6 ounces of your favorite liquid tightly secured to your bike frame. Ride on & be happy.

Ezra Caldwell creates custom performance bikes with classic appeal. Sporting wood laminate handlebars & fenders, Fast Boy Cycles are artistic and functional. The multi-faceted talent also blogs Teaching Cancer to Cry discussing passions from cooking to cancer. Worth a look.

Plain & simple – the eight speed Trek Soho is a commuters dream. No more dirty pants – the greasy chain has been replaced with a Gates Carbon Drive belt. Roller brakes, rubber top-tube bumper, puncture-resistant tires and matching fenders give you a well-needed jump on the traffic.

Custom built often means expensive. Florida-based Republic builds you a single-speed bicycle with custom colors and components without breaking the bank. Achieve maximum versatility by interchanging the bike’s rear-tire between fixed gear and free hub riding.

With the PDW Poco Pump in your pocket, no longer will a flat bike tire kill your ride. That’s right – a tire pump in your pocket. Toss the pump head onto your schrader/presta valve, twist the lock-lever, and pump the bamboo handle. In a race? Screw a CO2 cartridge into the top – you’ll be up and riding in a matter of seconds.