Canopied coffeehouses line the sweeping boulevards, formerly the favourite haunts of great intellectuals like Sigmund Freud and Leon Trotsky. Grand imperial palaces that once played host to the kings and queens of Europe stand proudly in hues of buttermilk yellow and vivid green.
The glamour of Vienna has captivated travellers for centuries, and yet behind the baroque facades and quaint viennois lies a vibrant cultural scene brimming with modern art, big-name jazz and late-night festivals.
Perhaps few would consider Vienna to be the ideal destination for cycling, but with 1,300 km of cycle paths and a Citybike scheme boasting 121 pickup stations around the city, Vienna’s cycling scene can easily rival that of Copenhagen or Amsterdam. Cue, Veletage Vienna. Nestled on Praterstrasse on the south bank of the River Danube, its windows glow with a soft gold that entices curious passers-by and draws regulars back time and again to enjoy the store’s edgy vibe. Offering made-to-measure roadbikes, bespoke wheels and vélo-couture, we are proud to announce that Veletage has become our newest hub to stock the latest Huez* range.
Veletage owner Kurt told Huez* that when it comes to philosophy, “we have always had two objectives: riding fast and looking good.” Kurt felt that Vienna lacked the style necessary to fulfil this objective, and so set about creating a hub which would “contribute to making more people look good on their bike”. With the tagline vehite optime velociter, Veletage has capitalised upon the international cycling scene recently nurtured in the city, and boasts a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for cyclists from all corners of the world.
We asked Kurt to run us through his favourite ride for somebody new to cycling in Vienna, and his answer perfectly blends old and new into a heady mix of history and the outdoors. Starting at Hofburg, the former emperor’s palace situated in the heart of the city, only 30 minutes west you will find yourself in the open countryside attacking the first Wienerwald climb. Leading to a well-paved track devoid of traffic, riders can choose between a comfortable 2-hour lap or challenging 8-hour circuit; snaking along the flat banks of the river or braving the undulations of the Wienerwald mountain ridge. Finishing back at the Veletage store for a post-ride espresso served by in-house barista Josh, there is something for everyone on this perfect Vienna ride.
Huez* will be working closely with Veletage in the coming months, so stay tuned for news of some exciting ride outs with the store in the near future.