Bike Names: Unleashing Creativity and Personality on Two Wheels

Naming your bike might seem like a quirky habit to some, but within the cycling community, it’s a cherished tradition. Just like naming a car or a boat, giving your bicycle a name adds a layer of personality and strengthens the bond between rider and machine. Our previous post touched upon this fascinating phenomenon, and the comments section exploded with incredible Bike Names and the stories behind them. We were so inspired that we decided these names deserved their own spotlight!

This post is dedicated to you, the creative cycling community, and your wonderfully named bikes. Consider this your go-to resource for bike name inspiration, or simply a fun read into how cyclists worldwide connect with their rides on a more personal level. From whimsical to powerful, the range of bike names is as diverse as the riders themselves.

Below is a curated collection, a “Baby Post of Bike Names” if you will, compiled from the fantastic contributions of Chasing Mailboxes readers. Get ready to be inspired, and if your bike has a name that isn’t on this list, please share it in the comments below! We’ll keep updating this post to be the ultimate compendium of bike names.

And speaking of names that stick, our own Co-Motion Java Tandem proudly bears the moniker The Big Cat. Yes, you might hear us say “Meow?” or even “Rawr!” as we cruise by on it!

Creative bike names collage. A collection of different bicycles, representing the diverse names people give to their bikes.

A Treasury of Bike Names: From Amelia to Zwijn

• Amelia — Cannondale Quick 3. Inspired by the legendary aviator Amelia Earhart, this bike is named for its speed and ability to “fly far and fast.” @astridbear
• Archie, short for Archaeopteryx – Blue 1974 Raleigh Professional (fixed gear). This name comes from a personal totem animal used during the Furnace Creek 508 race, which surprisingly stuck to the bike. Emily O’B
• Audrey – Mixte. Evoking the elegance of Audrey Hepburn, this mixte is a stylish ride for commutes and coffee shop trips, complete with a charming woven basket. @Vic_toria
• Baby – Circe Helios Duo tandem. A sweet and simple name for a tandem built for two. @velovoice
• Battleship Stupid – Surly Big Dummy. A humorous and self-deprecating name for a robust cargo bike. @I_am_Dirt
• The Beast – Salsa Mukluk fatbike. Perfectly capturing its nature, this fatbike is named “The Beast” for its size and ability to conquer any terrain. Christopher T.
• The Beast – Specialized Crossroads Sport (heavy). Another “Beast,” this one earning its name from its considerable weight. Laura
• Betty – Electra Cruiser. Sometimes, the best names are the simplest. “Betty” is the model name, and it fits perfectly. @girlonabikedc
• Big Blue – Blue Raleigh Grand Prix. Descriptive and straightforward, “Big Blue” is a classic name for a blue bike. Rootchopper
• Big Nellie – Tour Easy Recumbent. A memorable name born from an exciting moment: yelling “Whoa Nellie!!” while speeding downhill at 45 mph on Big Savage Mountain. Rootchopper
• Birte – Koga. Named after a QC tag signatory, but affectionately called “My Traveller,” emphasizing its purpose. @mujozen
• Blackie – Black Trek 1200. Simple, effective, and to the point – “Blackie” suits a black bike. Rootchopper
• Bluey – Jamis commuter. A cute and casual name for a blue commuter bike. @jerdlngr
• Blue – Jamis. No need to overthink it – if it’s blue, “Blue” works wonderfully! pencilfox
• Bridget – 2010 Surly Cross Check. A classic and sturdy name for a reliable Surly. @velovoice
• Casper the Little White Moulton – Moulton. A playful and descriptive name for a white Moulton bike. Judith S.
• Clover – Surly Disc Trucker (dark green). Inspired by the hardworking horse in Animal Farm, “Clover” signifies dependability, strength, and the bike’s green color. Sally H.
• Demon – 2010 Cannondale F5. A powerful and slightly edgy name for a Cannondale mountain bike. robyn
• Doris – Specialized mixte. A humorous and practical name inspired by BMW’s satNav system (Drive On Roads Intelligent System), encouraging bike use over cars. LisaEmms
• My Dumpster Bike – rando/commute bike. Honest and humorous, this name tells the story of its unique origin. Andy
• Electric Dream Machine – Felt ZW5 (EDM for short). A modern and energetic name, shortened to EDM for a cool vibe. Laura
• Esmeralda – Surly Long Haul Trucker. A romantic and adventurous name for a touring bike. Iron Rider
• Esmeralda – Brompton. Popular name choice, showing it works well for different bike types. @MrTinDC
• Esmerelda – 2010 Raleigh Venture 3.0. Another variation of Esmeralda, showcasing its appeal. James R.
• Essie – Raleigh SC30. A simple and endearing nickname for Esmerelda perhaps? James R.
• The Fixie – Raleigh Super Course. Direct and descriptive, highlighting the bike’s fixed-gear conversion. MT Cyclist
• Fleur – Linus Dutchi. A French-inspired name, “Fleur” (flower) suits the stylish Linus Dutchi. @seven2seven8
• Frankie – Handbuilt frame. A friendly and unisex name for a unique, handbuilt bike. @josephlrc
• Frankie – Red 80s steel frame. Another “Frankie,” this one named after Frankenstein, reflecting its assembled androgynous nature. Sally H.
• Free Spirit – Schwinn Free Spirit. A perfect match, using the model name to capture the bike’s essence. Laura
• Giant – Giant Innova. Playing on pronunciation, “Giant” becomes a fancy “gee-aunt” with a French twist. Renee Christine
• Giddyup – Salsa Vaya. Energetic and fun, “Giddyup” reflects the bike’s light and quick nature. Christopher T.
• Greased Lightning – Jamis Ventura Race. Evoking speed and smoothness, “Greased Lightning” is ideal for a race bike. @TurtleDub616
• The Great White – Santana Noventa tandem. Inspired by its pearl white color and the Jaws theme song, perfect for overtaking other cyclists! Paul
• Gregor – a big bike named for Gregor Clegane (The Mountain from Game of Thrones). Fittingly powerful name for a large bike. TheAirgonaut
• Idéefixe – Bianchi San Jose (fixed-gear). A clever, French name meaning “obsession,” a nod to both fixed gears and a pun on Asterix’s dog. @ricksva
• Ivan – Dahon folder. A strong and simple name for a reliable folding bike. Tim
• Jealousy, the Green Dragon – Lemond Ventoux (British racing green). A dramatic and descriptive name, “Jealousy, the Green Dragon” highlights the bike’s color and evokes a sense of envy. @josephlrc
• Jon Snow – Specialized Allez. Named after the noble but often overlooked Game of Thrones character, reflecting the bike’s reliable and honorable nature. @Vic_toria
• Julek – Trek 8000 mountain bike. A classic and slightly mysterious name. @seven2seven8
• Julius – Peugeot folder. A pun-tastic name, “Orange Julius,” playing on the bike’s orange color. MT Cyclist
• Kermit – Velo Orange Polyvalent. Named for the green frog, “Kermit” fits a green bike with a love for all terrains. *@girlonabikedc*
• Lady Raincorn – Peugeot Versailles (white with rainbow accents). A whimsical and colorful name for a bike with rainbow details. Laura
• The Lead Sled – Cannondale mountain tandem (charcoal gray). A descriptive and slightly humorous name for a heavier tandem bike.
• Leela – Takara Tribute (80s steel frame, light purple). Named after the Futurama character, “Leela” is smart, sturdy, and one-eyed (headlight). Sally H.
• Liesl – 1950s Puch Rugby Sport. A vintage and charming name for a classic Puch. @velovoice
• Lil Bleu – 2008 Cannondale Six13. A cute and diminutive name for a smaller or lighter blue bike. robyn
• Little Nellie – Bike Friday New World Tourist. Inspired by James Bond’s mini-helicopter, “Little Nellie” suggests agility and portability. Rootchopper*
• Lorelei – 1979 Puch Princess mixte. A beautiful and slightly mysterious name for a Puch mixte. @velovoice
• Lucy – 2012 Brompton custom S8L. A friendly and approachable name for a Brompton. @velovoice
• Miss Persimmon Pimpernel — Electra Townie. A long, elegant, and descriptive name perfectly capturing the bike’s orange color, white fenders, and flowery basket. @astridbear
• Mongo – Surly Big Dummy. A short, powerful, and memorable name for a Surly cargo bike. Tim
• The Mule – Specialized Sequoia (heavy). “The Mule” signifies strength and carrying capacity, despite its weight. Rootchopper
• Old Faithful – Specialized Expedition (hybrid). Reliable and dependable, “Old Faithful” is a testament to the bike’s consistent performance. Laura
• Ole Red – 1995 Cannondale Super V-900. Simple and classic, “Ole Red” describes a red Cannondale. robyn
• Old Ironsides – Specialized hybrid. Named for its substantial weight and steel-like feel, a nod to the historical warship. Steve
• Pauline – Surly Long Haul Trucker. Inspired by silent movie heroines like “The Perils of Pauline,” suggesting adventure and resilience. James R.
• Pearl – Cyclepro Mixte. A precious and loving name for a rescued and rebuilt commuter bike. @JenBrenneman
• Pig, short for Iron Pig – Novara Randonnee. Initially named for its handling under heavy load, “Pig” (or “Iron Pig”) became a term of endearment after a cross-country trip. Pat L.
• Pilot Vanishing Point – Custom Fast Boy Cycles mixte. Named after a fountain pen model, “Pilot Vanishing Point” highlights the bike’s lugwork details. *@justshinyorg*
• Puck – Jamis 26″ mountain bike. Short, playful, and energetic, like the mischievous fairy Puck. Tim
• Rachel – 1996 Specialized Rockhopper. A classic and timeless name. James R.
• Riley – 2014 custom Enigma Etape. A friendly and approachable name for a custom bike.
• The Radish – 70s Motobecane 10-speed. A quirky and colorful name for a vintage bike. @seven2seven8
• Resolute Ruby – 2007/2008 Cannondale Quick. “Resolute Ruby” suggests strength and determination, with a story behind the name. russtyred
• Robin – 2011 Surly Pacer. A cheerful and classic name. @velovoice
• Rocinante – CCM. Named after Don Quixote’s horse, “Rocinante” suggests a slightly worn but beloved steed. 16incheswestofpeoria
• RocketGirl – Titanium Seven. A powerful and space-age name for a titanium bike owned by someone at NASA! @LDMay
• Rollie – ’75 Raleigh Sprite. A vintage and friendly name for a bike that sparked a wrenching obsession. MT Cyclist
• Rootie – Trek mountain bike. Named for its root beer color scheme, “Rootie” is a sweet and descriptive name. MT Cyclist
• Ruby – 2010 9:Zero:7 fat bike (ruby-red). Simply named for its ruby-red color. Michael L.
• Sandy – Bianchi Volpe. A simple and earthy name. @TurtleDub616
• Silver Bullet – Santana Sovereign (anodized silver). “Silver Bullet” evokes speed and a sleek, aluminum-like appearance. MikeC
• Speedy – 2007 Cannondale Supersix. Straightforward and accurate, “Speedy” suits a fast Cannondale. robyn
• Sweetpea – ANT mixte. A delicate and charming name for an ANT mixte. Nancy L.S.
• Sweetpea – Surly Long Haul Trucker. Another “Sweetpea,” this one fitting for a Surly’s gentle nature and color. @kfront
• The Tank – Specialized Sirrus. “The Tank” suggests robustness and durability. @WilyMouse
• “Taxman Craig” (or simply “Craig”) – Shogun Ninja. Humorous and origin-story-driven, named after a tax return and Craigslist find. Jordan L.
• Thorp – Custom road bike (named after Jim Thorpe). A strong and athletic name honoring Jim Thorpe. Tim
• Tiny – Bike Friday Pocket Rocket. Descriptive and endearing, “Tiny” suits a compact Bike Friday. Bob T.
• Tropical Gail and Storm – 2008 Cannondale road tandem. A dual name for a tandem, “Tropical Gail” and “Storm” add a fun, weather-themed element. robyn
• Venture, short for Aventurine – Surly Disc Trucker (matte green). “Venture” suggests adventure, with “Aventurine” adding a touch of sophistication. Julie S.
• Veronica – 2008 Raleigh Venture 3.0. A classic and elegant name. James R.
• Violet – Specialized road bike. Named for the first road bike test-ridden, “Violet” stuck even though the bike isn’t truly violet. @jerdlngr
• Woody Anne – 2000 Surly Cross Check. Named after a local bar, “Woody Anne” is a unique and personal choice. Michael L.
• Yellow Submarine – Dahon Speed Pro folder. Humorously named after a river incident, “Yellow Submarine” is memorable and quirky. @WilyMouse
• Zwijn – Schwinn World Tourist. Dutch for “hog” (pronounced “sfwain”), “Zwijn” connects to Dutch cycling culture and the owner’s heritage. Nathan

What’s Your Bike’s Name?

This collection just scratches the surface of the creative bike names out there. We know there are countless more fantastic monikers waiting to be shared. So, tell us in the comments below – what have you named your bike, and what’s the story behind it? Let’s keep this list growing and inspire even more cyclists to give their trusty steeds the names they deserve!