Local Makers and Brands: Papillionaire

Riding bikes is more a childhood memory for some while others ride for fitness or a hobby. For me, riding was something I did when I was younger before I could drive. Whilst on holiday in Italy back in 2014, I fell in love with riding again.

Every day in Italy you see men in suits or sportswear riding to and from work or other stops throughout their day. It was just a normal way of life.

Here in Melbourne, Australia I wanted to find a classic bike similar to the ones I saw whilst in Florence and relive the memory over and over.

That is when I came across Papillionaire Bicycles. Papillionaire Bicycles is an Australian owned and operated company. Founded in 2009 by Alan Caras, he was soon joined by his sister, Nicola Caras.

At Papillionaire, their aim is to integrate bike-riding seamlessly into your everyday life. Whether you’re in jeans, a dress, a suit or flip-flops, riding a Papillionaire is easy, clean and fun, with each model customizable to suit your own unique style.

They have worked tirelessly to create bikes that are not only chic and modern but built to last a lifetime, bringing classic European design to the streets of Australia.

Bicycles and accessories can be shipped throughout Australia and the world, straight to your door. All bikes are flat-packed and shipped free to most metro areas, if you are outside this zone you will be advised shipping costs at the checkout page.

Papillionaire’s head office and flagship store can be found in Melbourne but they also maintain a dedicated Papillionaire store in New York and are stocked by authorized dealers all over Australia and the USA.

Other than bikes there are accessories i.e.: helmets, baskets, seats, handle bar grips, bells and bike pumps. When your bike is in need of a tune up simply take it into their Melbourne or New York stores or any other authorized dealership to get a service.

To find your closest test ride location see our list of stores and dealers on our contact page.