Its cheeky Instagram tag line reads “A Very Serious Cycling Club”, but Bolo Bun Club, or BBC for short, is giving the local cycling scene a fresh, Gen Z‑coded spin.
Members of Bolo Bun Club wear nylon sunglasses, all from Gentle Monster. All clothes and other accessories, subjects’ own
Athirah Annissa
Founded by 21‑year‑old cycling enthusiast Daniel Lau (top row, right, in red sunglasses), the 200+ strong group has already travelled to as far as Girona, Spain, for its expeditions, documenting these self‑funded trips in slick, editorial‑style videos that feel more fashion film than weekend ride recap.
Beyond scenic excursions, the BBC is also leaning into culture and design: This February, it collaborated with multi‑label boutique Coleurspace in Jalan Berseh and its self‑designed cycling apparel has since been stocked there, reflecting how independent cycling communities are increasingly overlapping with the fashion and creative worlds. Want to get in on the action? Lau says the BBC is free and open to all, from veterans to novices. “Just have a love for the sport,” he says.
Here, Lau tells us why cycling clubs are having a moment.
How did you first get into cycling?
“For me, cycling has always been about exploring new places. Like many people, I started on a hybrid bike, which I used to explore the Green Corridor and ride around East Coast Park. The first time I found myself cycling on the road was with school friends, when we foolishly decided to take on Tanah Merah Coastal Road at 3am on a school night on our mountain bikes (it ended terribly). Needless to say, after that night, we decided to switch to road bikes and never looked back.
It’s hard to put into words the sense of freedom that bikes bring – suddenly, nowhere feels out of reach and the world becomes your oyster. Exploring new roads with your friends, suffering in the heat together, and grabbing food afterwards are all part of the reason why I’ve found myself on a bike every single weekend for the past seven years.”
Sports clubs have exploded in recent years. Why do you think they’ve become so popular?
“Community. For so long, the social aspect of exercise has been overlooked, and I guess with the rise of social media, exercise as a form of community has become more appealing to people who once thought it was a solitary activity.”
What do you think sets Bolo Bun Club apart from other cycling groups in Singapore?
“I’d say what really sets us apart is the way we value our community. We don’t believe in paid memberships or that intimidating air of gatekeeping that often scares off beginners. Our goal has always been to foster a space where anyone, from total novices to seasoned riders, feels like they belong.”
You also have your own merch. How did that come about?
“Back when we started, we were fleeced by a middleman who offered to make us custom jerseys at exorbitant prices, which we only realised after the fact. That led me to start researching what actually goes into making cycling apparel. Over time, I learnt pattern making, fabric selection, and the logistics of clothing production to create the highest-quality jersey for Bolo. Since then, we’ve released other products like bidons, socks, and even cycling gloves.”
Your cycling gear is also stocked at the new multi-label store Coleurspace, which feels rather unexpected. Tell us more?
“I think fashion and cycling aren’t as far apart as some people believe. Historically, cycling design has been driven by sponsors who prioritise logo visibility over good design. But with the rise of independent brands challenging the norm, there’s been a noticeable increase in cycling brands referencing traditional fashion in their designs – just look at Palace and Rapha’s various collaborations.
Scenes from Coleurspace’s opening party – the multi-label fashion store which stocks Bolo Bun Club’s cycling gear.
Bolo Bun Club
Kalen (the founder of Coleurspace) and I have known each other for a long time, and we’ve always thrown around the idea of creating a space of our own. As Bolo grew over the years, we saw an opportunity to combine our interests into a single creative outlet, which resulted in Coleurspace.”
We’ve seen run clubs, coffee raves and even gym sessions become social spaces. Where do you think cycling fits into that landscape?
“While cycling and run clubs definitely have their similarities, I think they differ in their core energy. Run clubs are more up-tempo and social-first right now. Cycling is a more peaceful sport where you get mental clarity and your mind can simply be at peace. The community side of cycling is rooted more in the ride itself and that collective effort – you’re working together in a paceline to spend less time riding into the wind. It’s less about the hype of the post-ride scene, and more about pushing your limits together.”
What do you think people are really looking for when they join a cycling club today?
“At the end of the day, I think all the reasons I could give would boil down to people wanting to share their love of cycling with others.”
What’s next for Bolo Bun Club this year?
“Bolo Bun Club will be taking its first baby steps into the local racing circuit this year. We’ll be competing in the National Championships, the Tour de France Singapore Criterium, as well as a few races overseas. Racing aside, we’ve also got a few more releases coming up with Italian cycling apparel brand Pissei, the official kit supplier for UAE Team Emirates XRG, so keep an eye out for those!”