There is seemingly no slow down in the number of urban dwellers shifting their travels to the bicycle – specifically single or three speed bikes that provide adequate gearing for the city commuter. The benefits of moving urban commuting to cycling are vast – including the zero emissions impact on the environment as well as the low impact cardio it provides the rider. Brands and retailers are also becoming aware of the emerging dresswear and casual market for urban commuters who require fashions that are both bicycle and office friendly – many of which we have covered here on Selectism.

Footwear is no exception. Quoc Pham, a UK based footwear maker that produces pedal friendly dress shoes for cyclists has launched their collection Spring 2009. They shoes are perfect for the single or fixed gear cyclist who would prefer to not carry a second pair of shoes with them when cycling to the office or the pub to catch up with friends. Their shoes, made from the finest materials around, are shaped and tapered to slip nicely into your pedal cages while keeping you fashion friendly.

View more models from the Quoc Pham Cycling Shoe Collection after the jump.

As I prep for my ride to the docks to watching the end of the Boston leg of the Volvo Ocean race, I wish I could substitute this white t-shirt for Rapha’s Swift Jersey. It just looks great and is perfect cycling wear for the 80-90F weather we’re experiencing in the Northeast of the USA today.

“Using a vintage jersey style, the black flocked silhouettes of swifts in flight on black makes for a beautifully understated and distinctive design. The cut is similar to that of other Rapha jerseys, using side panels to create a slim fit, and cut longer at the back. It has a classic ribbed neck and sleeve cuffs with a metal zipper to give it an old-school feel.”

More views of the Rapha Swift Jersey after the jump.

We’ve been following the launch of the Martin Clothing line for some time now. As we mentioned before, Martin Clothing looks to provide high quality garments with cyclists in mind. While remaining fashion forward, the line also ensures details in their garments that cater to those who ride their bicycles. It really does come down to the little things. Their button downs have hidden pulls in the sleeve cuffs and magnet closures allow for the garments to remain “closed” and tight to form while riding while pants have reinforced inner thighs for durability.

We preview a few looks from the Martin Clothing Autumn 2009 Collection after the jump.

I just cannot get enough of the Rapha movement. The cycling gear company from England has not only helped invigorate the world of fashionable high end cycling gear, but they themselves continue to output products which cross a variety of tastes. 

Now available as a book, the labels discreetly stitched inside Rapha products provide a treasure trove of insights into some of the many facets of road riding. Whether celebrating the derring-do of the great legends, or simply reflecting on the humble joy of discovering rare parts in a yard sale…

More views from the new Collection of Rapha Labels book after the jump.

Club Monaco is the latest fashion brand to spread its wings into cycling. Like several before them, their doing so via partnership. The Royal Gazelle is the only bike endorsed by the Dutch Royal family, and was designed in 1892. Club Monaco is marketing the bike as the ultimate in urban luxury. The related microsite includes a guide to riding in New York City, just in case you needed one. Retail on the Royal Gazelle is $995. (via Acquire).

Men.style brings some of the first full looks at the forthcoming Martin Clothing which is catered to cyclists. “his fall sees the debut of Martin, a rider-targeted new line from longtime Nice Collective collaborator Michael Martin—little surprise, given he hails from that preeminent bike town, San Fran. What’s more surprising are the clothes themselves: sharply tailored basics with features like reflective bindings under the seams for rolled-up pant legs, elasticized pull-cord cuffs for keeping shirtsleeves in place…”

More detailed views of the Martin Clothing after the jump.

The MASH crew has dropped some hints of a forthcoming cycling apparel line over on Arkitip. Founder, Michael Martin, has this to say on Martin Clothing, “After a decade of collaborative work with Nice Collective, we have produced an imaginative synthesis of modern cycling culture and photographic aesthetic. Clean lines, simple ideas, and thoughtful execution has brought these two worlds together in our new line of apparel…Family is our foundation and friends our inspiration. Martin welcomes collective interaction and is excited to share ‘our’ like-minded vision.”

One more view from Martin Clothing after the jump.

These are some of the best classic appeal cycling shoes I have seen in some time. When DYKC turned me onto them, I immediately thought 1920’s footballer cleats (the American football) but quickly discovered that Dromarti of London produces a trifecta of cycling shoes to appease the businessman who would rather look dapper on the bike than sport. Choose from three models – Sportivo (shown above), Race, and Storica.

We should also mention that Dromarti also develops cycling clothing and their own custom “bespoke” (I said it) Italian bicycles. An absolute must for the  tweed and trad cyclists who prefers clipless. Killer.

More views of the Dromarti Leather Cycling Shoes after the jump.

Writer Max Gustashaw and photographer Hatnim Lee profile Mexico City’s  Velódromo Agustín Melgar – the cycling stadium built for the 1968 Olympics – for Swindle Magazine. 

“Once a destination for record breakers in the 1970s and ’80s, the track has fallen into disrepair and random use—the grandstands are crumbling, the paint is peeling, and the hallways to the track flood in heavy rains. Along the outside cling the bleak offices of the delegation’s sporting programs and pay-to-use bathrooms. Today a big-top circus is planted out front, with two spider monkeys blocking access to the cyclists’ entryway. ‘It has its charm,’ one of the teenage girls concedes.”

An absolutely great read. Thanks, Nick.

Loving cycling and looking good as we do (and, of course, people who’ve seen us can argue our success in either), one of the brands that has really caught our attention is Outlier. Making “Tailored Performance” Pants in New York City, the company balances the needs of the office with that of the road. There’s ample true style thrown in, so the bar isn’t far off the mark either.

Today, Outlier has released two new items, the Wool Lotus Trouser and Cap. Wool just happens to be a traditional cycling fabric (and dress pant fabric to boot), and Outlier have supplied the performance portion in the form of a Lotus treatment that keeps them dirt and water resistant. The cap is lined in a cotton and poly and produced by Victor Osborn.

In celebration of these new items and to learn more about Outlier, we caught up with Tyler and Abe the guys behind “Tailored Performance.” Head to the jump to read it and view further details of the new products.