Rome improvements

In the face of mismanagement, poor planning and terrible transport, we meet the heroes helping to fix the Italian capital.
Desert storm

The Israeli Defense Forces base of Ir Habahadim is at the heart of the government’s vision to settle and develop the Negev desert – but it’s a plan that’s also controversial.
Rolling stone

Despite challenges both past and present, canny redevelopments, scrappy fundraising and passionate residents have ensured this city’s regeneration has rock-solid foundations.
Flights of fancy

All the latest innovations and ideas for improving your in-flight experience are on show at the Aircraft Interiors Expo. They’re not all good (some are downright terrible) but we hope a few of them will make it to market.
Sit back and relax

For most people commuting is boring, expensive and uncomfortable. But does it need to be that way? We just want the basics done right: solid infrastructure, a low-carbon footprint and an experience that doesn’t leave us feeling claustrophobic. For some lucky people, such a commute is a reality. Monocle takes a look at three of the best routes from around the world.
Kiss of life

Go to Japan to discover how a small-town train station can help reshape the community and economy – all with a hyper-local vibe.
Push the boat out

Despite the predictions of big sales and profits, Asia’s yacht market is spluttering. But market watchers still hope that the habit will take hold.
The big spoke

Toronto, against all the odds, is very much a cycling city. We meet the independent bike makers and painters who are keeping the town in the saddle.
Connected thinking

The business of getting from A to B has rarely been such a contentious issue, whether the debate is about environmental impact, regional rivalry or the influence of powerful nations. Our round-up of the most exciting transport projects takes in all those things, while also offering a nifty glimpse of how we’ll be travelling in years to come.
Case of the vanishing journalists

TV, newspapers and podcasts have made reinvestigating old crimes big news. But who can they turn to for help? Meet two reporters who left their jobs to become media-minded private eyes.
Front and centre

The spotlights used in many a film classic were made by a family-run company in a tiny Bavarian town. We meet the German engineers bringing a warm glow to Hollywood.
French touch

Gallic pop’s ecstatic renaissance is being driven by electro-tinged – and frankly libidinous – tracks from a new wave of artists. Riding highest on our list is Corine, who joined us in the apt setting of Hotel Grand Amour to talk eroto-disco and the lure of the theatrical.
Rework it

Renovation can be a delicate balancing act between modern comforts and maintaining historical charm. We visit three European cities where carefully considered restorations are bringing buildings back to their former glory.
Shaping the city

Warsaw’s graphic-design industry has emerged from the 1990s, inspired by a new sense of identity.
Get in gear

Once viewed with disdain in Tokyo, food trucks are now transforming disused parts of the city thanks to a canny new firm.
Right track

Train station fare is often rushed and unreliable. Not so at this golden-age stop-off at Gare de Lyon.
Going east

LA’s Eastside is proving fertile ground for designers who are refining Californian style.
Bouncing back

With its new rubber shoe designs, footwear company Moonstar has both rediscovered its manufacturing pride and found a new fan base.
Hit the summer sails

Now’s the time we start dreaming of the open water. We’ve found just the right vessels, from the sleekest yacht to the perfect pedalo.
Hallowed ground

Designed by Vincent Van Duysen, the August hotel is a sanctuary worth seeking out.

Shopping / Global

Pump it up

We’ve got all the cycling accessories you need to get you ready to roll.

Writer: Hester Underhill

Photography: David Sykes

Fairweather cyclists can rejoice now that warmer weather has arrived. Whether you’re whizzing down one of London’s cycle superhighways, navigating the cobbles in Paris or off-roading in the Alps, there are few better ways to enjoy the sunshine than taking to your bike. But before you zoom off, make sure you’re properly equipped with this season’s hottest accessories, including foldable helmets, leather wine carriers and anti-chafing cream. Now you’re ready, on yer bike!

1.
Gloves
Rustines
Crochet gloves in Tricolor hues from this French brand.
rustines.fr

2.
Pouch
Carradice
Stow your keys and change in this frame-fitting leather bag.
carradice.co.uk

3.
Bell
Crane Bell Co
This nifty copper-coloured design is made in Japan.
cranebellco.com

4.
Basket
Brooks England
Aluminium basket with a grip made with leftover leather from saddle-making.
brooksengland.com

5.
Lock
Martone Cycling Co
Sturdy foldable lock from this New York-based company.
martonecycling.com

6.
Light
Bookman
Stay visible with this Swedish brand’s rechargeable lights.
bookman.se

7.
Bottles
HydroFlask
Stay hydrated with help from this Oregon-based firm.
hydroflask.com

8.
Trouser strap
Brooks England
Keep your hems from tangling in the chain with these handy leather straps.
brooksengland.com

9.
Chamois cream
Udderly Smooth
This thick moisturiser contains Shea butter to prevent chafing.
udderlysmooth.com

10.
Hex wrench set
ParkTool
All popular wrench sizes are combined into one fold-up tool.
parktool.com

11.
Bike
Schindelhauer
Lightweight aluminium single-speed bike from the German brand.
schindelhauerbikes.com

12.
Bottle holder
La Bouclée
This strip of leather slots together to create a bottle-transporting appendage.
lookmumnohands.com; labouclee.com

13.
Tube patch repair kits and bungee cord
Rustines
Essentials from the French brand that opened its first shop in Paris in 1903.
rustines.fr

14.
Bag
Topo Designs
Made in the US, this bag attaches neatly to your handlebars.
topodesigns.com

15.
Helmet
Martone Cycling Co
This model collapses down to an easily transportable size.
martonecycling.com

16.
Glasses
Alba Optics
These frames come with interchangeable lenses. See?
albaoptics.cc

Editor’s letter

The opener

Acid test

Going with the flow

Cosy corner

My cabinet

Rome improvements

Desert storm

Rolling stone

Flights of fancy

Sit back and relax

Kiss of life

Push the boat out

The big spoke

Connected thinking

Case of the vanishing journalists

Front and centre

French touch

Rework it

Shaping the city

Get in gear

Right track

Going east

Bouncing back

Hit the summer sails

Hallowed ground

Centre stage

Life in motion

Politics briefing

Cities Briefing

Diplomacy Briefing

Defence briefing

Architecture briefing

Food and drink briefing

Fashion briefing

The Ten

Happy landings

Into the woods

Eero Aarnio

Breathe easy

Neon bible

Selling point

Shopping briefing

The directory

Keep on trucking

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