Although cycling is the new golf for a certain Joburg set - read middle-aged men so desperate to escape their wives and kids for a few hours that they'll submit their nether regions to hours on a hard, narrow seat - social cycling may be a more stylish alternative. More hip and happening types are starting to view cycling as a way to socialise, explore the city and keep fit at the same time - and they can enjoy the outdoors and the great spring weather.Emile Kruger, founder and owner of The Whippet bicycle shop - housed in shipping containers in the Maboneng precinct - ventured into niche custom-built bicycles after falling in love with classic steel frames when in London."I always liked old things, they seem to work better. Steel frames are of a higher quality than carbon fibre or aluminium frames. They stand the test of time."Kruger said a significant number of females had taken to social cycling and his clientele reflected this - most prefer custom-built niche bikes.''Women come in looking for the perfect bicycle to take part in social rides at weekends . The rides through the city are great for exploring downtown Joburg in a group with a guide. We custom-make their bikes because a lot of them want pretty bikes," said Kruger.The Whippet is a popular choice of bicycle merchants because it stocks 1980s fixie bicycles - single-speed bikes with a single gear ratio. They're usually cheaper, lighter and mechanically simpler but they're more difficult to pedal uphill.They also stock retro Raleigh Bomber bikes which have a low-slung frame and a sprung saddle with wide ''cowhorn" style handlebars.Kruger sees customising bicycles as a craft. He creates or recreates the bicycles only after he's done a lot of research and first considers what each cyclist wants from his or her bike.Whippet is involved is several social and bicycle events. See: whippetcyclingco.com..