No longer associated only with enthusiastic Europeans travelers and hordes of Asian commuters, it seems everyone is now jumping on a bike as cycling becomes the only way to get around.

The desire to live healthily, concern for the environment and nefarious anti-motoring moves such as tolls and congestion taxes are pushing urban types onto their bikes as a primary form of transport, not just for recreation.

And so we’re presented with the puzzle of how to sweat our way around town in style and comfort.

This list of 2006’s hottest cycling style statements has something for everyone. From the cruising town style of Jorg & Olif’s Citybike, to the fashion and speed conscious collaboration between Mercian and Paul Smith. There’s even a menacing BMX for the badass youth within, and a couple of cycling innovations, some of which make more sense than others.

So now there’s no excuse not to be pedaling your heart out in the name of style. Isn’t it sickening to think the French were right?

Top five bikes [Cool Hunting]