Andreas Kambanis

With more Londoners travelling on two wheels nowadays, it should come as no surprise that the city is home to some swish bike brands. Here are five you should know about. Blaze Blaze makes those projection laser lights that you'll soon see all over London. The Bethnal Green-based startup recently won a contract to supply all Santander cycle hire bikes with its light, and it's also got plans to expand its range to include a rear light following a successful Kickstarter campaign. Vulpine Based in Wandsworth, Vulpine is all about cycling clothing that's both stylish and functional. From waterproof jackets to merino tops, a lot of detail goes into its collections. And commuters clearly agree; the company recently closed off a crowdfunding campaign early after raising £1 million. Brompton 'Made in London' is Brompton's tagline, and they're pretty damn proud of it. The west London company has been doing its thing since the early 1980s, producing the most popular folding bikes out there.  Otto London Otto makes stylish and practical ponchos to keep urban commuters dry and comfortable when the London weather's a bit rubbish. It's based in NW6 but you’ll find the ponchos in various bike shops across the capital.  Hill and Ellis London Founded in 2012, Hill and Ellis makes cycling bags in Hackney. It started out to fill a void in the pannier market, making a bag that looks as good on your shoulder as it does on your bike. Video: how to fix a bike puncture   Love the cycling scene

Cyclists have heard them all. Here are eight questions Andreas Kambanis from London Cyclist would rather not hear again. 1. Why do you jump red lights? We know some cyclists jump red lights, it bugs us too. However, just because they happen to use the same form of two wheeled transport as us, it doesn’t mean we should have to answer for them. Imagine asking a car driver: do you sometimes go over the speed limit? Please let's avoid bunching all people who use bicycles as a single-minded group.  2. Why do you/don’t you wear a helmet? Unless you have a couple of hours spare to enter a heated debate where nobody will emerge the winner at the end and both parties will feel angry – please avoid this question. We all have our preferences and would rather not have to defend those at every turn.   3. Why do you ride in London when it is so dangerous? I live for danger, it makes me feel ALIVE! However, back in the sensible world, cycling is more likely to extend your life than shorten it, especially if you follow safe cycling techniques.  8bar bikes       4. You ride a fixed-gear bike – so you're a hipster? No, I just love the convenience and low maintenance of a single speed – plus there’s a beauty in the simplicity. Okay, fine – I’m a hipster. 5. Isn’t it as expensive as using public transport? That depends on how obsessed you are with the latest gear – but for most cyclists the cost will be a couple of visits to the bike shop per year. Plus, you avoid having to pay for a gym.