Yeah, I don't know. I think the practical approach of the relaxed city bike runs counter to fashions goal. It's about function, not style.

The article might talk about these particular expensive versions of bikes that are for the moment, "fashionable", but this style has been around forever and is well suited for a certain type of ride.

I think, a lot more people would be lured on, and perhaps stay on, a bike if it was more "normal" and didn't have to ride fast, wear special clothes, be young or have an attitude. After all, aren't we all a little closer to Pee Wee than Lance?

Maybe this fashion trend will keep more people on a bike than the fashion trend of Italian racers did in the 70's which probably turned more people off using a bike for practical purposes than had them continue using a bike for commuting or errands.