CicLAvia — Los Angeles’s Open Streets Event
An estimated 150,000 people came out the first CicLAvia of the year, on April 21, to enjoy the extended route, which spanned 15 miles from..
Swobo Novak Review
The Swobo Novak is a no-nonsense commuter bike. Swobo set out to create a high-quality bike with virtually everything you need and hardly..
Timbuk2 Especial Messenger Bag Review
There was a time when Timbuk2 was the only brand of messenger bags you would see on a daily basis. But times have changed and there are..
Every Lane is a Bike Lane
Turns out every lane really is a bike lane. Some of us knew this already, but now L.A. Metro is spreading the word, with a new bold..
Issue #36 – Available Online
Contents Include: I Love Riding in the City, Product Spotlight Abus, Track of Ages, Roland Burns, NAHBS 2013 Gallery, Alexander Montsenigos..
Take the “I Am For Bikes” Pledge
From People For Bikes:
Our goal is to unite one million voices by December 2013 to improve the future of bicycling in America for all ages, all abilities and all disciplines of biking.
To grow a strong enough voice to make a difference, we could really use your support! Signing the pledge only takes about 30 seconds.
Cycling is the New Golf
From The Economist:
Traditionally, business associates would get to know each other over a round of golf. But road cycling is fast catching up as the preferred way of networking for the modern professional. A growing number of corporate-sponsored charity bike rides and city cycle clubs are providing an ideal opportunity to talk shop with like-minded colleagues and clients while discussing different bike frames and tricky headwinds. Many believe cycling is better than golf for building lasting working relationships, or landing a new job, because it is less competitive.
Rickshaw HALO ZERO Messenger Bag Review
The HALO ZERO is collaboration between Rickshaw Bagworks and HALO. Rickshaw was founded by the former CEO of Timbuk2, Mark Dwight, in 2007. The bags are proudly and sustainably made in San Francisco.
HALO is also from the City by the Bay. Their first product, a fiber optic LED belt, was especially well suited for urban cyclists. The HALO ZERO pairs a custom HALO LED optic strip with Rickshaw’s medium size Zero Messenger bag.
The Zero Messenger is an exercise in simplicity. The bag is made from Classic Cordura fabric with no additional liner. This mean’s the bag is light, albeit not waterproof. The bag has just two front pockets and the main compartment—no secret compartments or anything of the sort. In fact, the bag comes with neither a strap pad nor a cross strap—it doesn’t even have closure buckles on the flap. You do, of course, have the option of adding these things and more. But it’s kind of interesting to strip a bag down to its bare essentials and see how well it performs.
And the bag does perform pretty well. At about 11″ high and more than 18″ wide, it holds a decent amount of cargo for a smaller sized messenger bag. Its light and flexible nature allows it to easily conform to your body, making it stay in place relatively well under most circumstances. I do personally like the added stability of a cross strap, but I’ve begrudgingly made due without one. You can order one separately that attaches to the bag’s existing D-rings. I also kind of like having buckle closures, but they can be purchased separately at the time of order. Additionally, an optional padded laptop compartment can be conveniently attached to the existing Velcro strip inside the main compartment. It’s all very well thought out. I do rather wish that the bag came with larger Velcro strips, though.
The HALO component attaches via Velcro to the outside of the bag. The illuminated portion is about .5″ tall and 12″ wide, and is covered by a translucent fabric so that it’s essentially impossible to tell that it’s a light when not in use. It’s also removable, should you desire. The unit is powered by two standard CR2025 batteries which should last between 20 and 75 hours, depending on whether you use ride in solid, strobe or flashing mode.
Unfortunately, my one big nit to pick with this bag is that the light just isn’t very bright. Most high visibility rear lights will temporarily blind you if you stare right at them. This is not the case with the HALO light. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice addition to an existing nighttime safety system, but unfortunately I don’t feel as thought it’s bright enough to rely on by itself.
The bag is available in black with red, yellow, green or blue accents, and the HALO strip shines in the corresponding color. The HALO ZERO retails for $150 and comes with a lifetime warranty. Check out www.rickshawbags.com
Bike Cult Announces Hand-built Bicycle Show in Brooklyn
This is potentially big news for the NYC bike scene…
From the press release:
What: Bike Cult Handbuilt Bicycle Show – Custom bespoke bicycles will be shown by their makers to the general public. There will be at least 20 builders in attendance, and their bicycles will run the gamut in style, from no-holds-barred racing bikes to sedate picnic cruisers.
Where: Warsaw concert hall, 261 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, 11222
When: Friday, August 30, 12:00 to 9:00PM, Saturday, August 31, 10:00AM to 4:00PM
Website: www.bikecultshow.com
Entry: General admission, $10 per day, $15 for two-day entry. Children under 14 free.
Polish Food & Drink: Warsaw has a full bar and kitchen, including beer, spirits, pierogies, kielbasa, sandwiches & salads.
Bike Cult presents a show of beautiful bicycles in Brooklyn. Held in Williamsburg’s landmark Warsaw concert hall, the Polish National Home “where perogies meet punk,” on Labor Day weekend, August 30 and 31, 2013. Exhibitors include some of the finest artisans of custom hand-crafted bicycles from NYC and elsewhere. Over 20 makers will display their brand of made-to-order cycling machines, using a variety of materials and methods, where cliches like form vs. function, the genius in the details, and 10,000 hours practice surely apply.
That the bicycle has come to be so cool is no fault of itself. The world’s most efficient vehicle is not only about self-propelled transport and synergistic fun and freedom, it’s also profoundly aesthetic as a personal fashion statement embodied with wheels.
Bike Cult Show is produced by Harry Schwartzman, David Perry and Ben Peck. Harry Schwartzman organizes the NY Bike Jumble swap meets in Park Slope Brooklyn, David Perry is a former US National Team cyclist, author of Bike Cult and owner of Bike Works NYC ion the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Ben Peck is a frame builder in Brooklyn and master mechanic at Bike Works NYC, with over a dozen years experience in the bicycle industry.
BiKASE DRiKASE Review
It’s become almost embarrassing that I spend so much time staring at my iPhone. But I swear that I’m not just playing Angry Birds and posting my lunch on Instagram. Having a smart phone puts an unfathomable amount of information and incredibly versatile communication at your fingertips. There are times when you may want to have better access to your mobile device while riding your bike, especially with all of the available navigation and tracking apps available. Enter the DRiKASE.
The DRiKASE is a simple yet well-executed design that holds your smart phone on top of your stem. It features urethane and nylon construction, and it seals and attaches via Velcro fasteners. There’s a small pad attached to the fastener, and another removable pad inside to further protect your smart phone from shock and vibrations. The inside pad is removable so that you can still fit many phones, even with a protective case such as an Otter Box. It’s just a hair too small for a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 to fit (though an XL version is in the works that will fit larger phones). The DRiKASE is claimed to be “nearly waterproof” and I imagine it would take a storm of biblical proportion for rain to get inside.
Despite my fears, the DRiKASE held my phone safely and securely, even on rough city streets. I didn’t think such thin pads would provide so much shock resistance, but they seem to do an admirable job. I don’t envision using this for every ride, but I’ll definitely feel comfortable using it when I’m looking for a specific address or riding in another city. It’s also nice to note that the mounting strap is removable, so you can use the DRiKASE on or off the bike.
The urethane window not only allows you to see your phone, you’re completely able to operate the touch screen. I was impressed at how little it interferes. It does create an additional glare in some situations, but that’s understandable.
The DRiKASE retails for $30. Check out www.alt-gear.com
Shih Chien University Concept Bike
Check out this prototype design by Shih Chien University student Xie Wenting.
Via WOHO Bike.
Gothamcargo Wooden Cargo Box
Anyone that has been on a ride or three with me, or has been following this site closely over the years, knows that I’m a big fan of front cargo racks and baskets. In my opinion bikes handle better overall with the weight up front rather than on the back, though it does take some getting used to, and it just makes sense to be able to keep an eye on your cargo. In Europe where hauling everyday itesm to and fro on two wheels is that much more common it’s hard not to notice the wooden crates people repurpose as cargo boxes, though I wouldn’t reccomend carrying unsecured glass bottles like in the photo unless you’re looking to pour some out for your homies. Gothamcargo makes a number of wooden cargo boxes with aluminum axle mount legs and a brake hole mount, leaving your bars free from clamps and lending a classic Euro feel and function to your bike. Three models are available priced between $80 and $140 for the complete kit, all made in Greece and available in a number of colors to match whatever look you desire.
Race To The Mammoth 2
Race To The Mammoth 2 is coming up on May 11th, a race between San Francisco and Pescadero CA with camping and ample hanging out time at the end. There’s even a bag drop, so you don’t have to haul your camping gear along for the 50-60 mile race. See more at racetothemammoth.blogspot.com
Fixed Adrenalin Tournament Mini Velodrome
I can’t imagine going this fast on such a tight track, but am certainly glad that others are willing to do it for my enjoyment. The folks bailing over the edge in this MET Fixed Adrenalin Tournament are fun to watch, if perhaps not the most comfortable to experience. See more at www.met-helmets.com
Bicycle Maintenance Infographic
This bicycle maintenance infographic from the Whole Foods online magazine Dark Rye. While it isn’t exactly earth shattering, but it provides decent information for beginners.
I do disagree with the inclusion of an adjustable wrench, since you’re more likely to strip a bolt than with a traditional open end wrench, but I imagine they included it to keep things simple for newbies. And hey, it’s nice to see a big company like Whole Foods doing something to promote cycling.
Check out www.darkrye.com
The Jimmy Ryan Interview – Legs & Lungs
The Jimmy Ryan Interview from Scott Spitz on Vimeo.
Full Disclaimer : Legs & Lungs is a project of mine that is meant to act as a motivational force for “the culture of superhumans”, namely runners and cyclists. The entire stock of L&L apparel has recently been diverted to a benefit event so nothing is for sale at this point, but the videos, Facebook page and Instagram feed are still alive and kicking.
This latest video is an interview with ex-Haste The Day singer, Jimmy Ryan, touching on many facets of his life and character, but namely addressing his foray into the world of cycling both as a new passion and a way to drop weight and turn his health around for the better. It’s not for those of short attention span, but I believe it’s worth it.
Mashing is FUNdamental
What: Mashing is Fundamental: A Literary Alleycat
When: Saturday, 5/4/13
Where: Steps of the American Art Museum (8th & F Streets, NW; DC)
Donation: $5, benefiting 826DC
This event is designed to civically engage riders more than the average alleycat. That said, there’s still the chance to enter pure beast-mode; mashing the whole damned thing. It should be exciting and informative. And for all that the written word gives us, we wanna give back: all event proceeds will benefit 826DC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to working with students ages 6–18 in developing their creative and expository writing skills, and to working with teachers to inspire their students to write.
Cyclists Endanger Motorists
Remember that next time an impatient motorist lays on the horn and passes you close and at speed, that it is in fact the motorist that is in danger. At least according to Bill Krawietz, the Mayor of Bulverde TX, and his recent editorial for My San Antonio. His reasoning is beyond flawed, but certainly worth reading just in case this wise guy ever runs for office in your town. Politicians from Texas have a certain way with words… Luckily for the rest of us this guy is mayor of a town of less than 5000 people.
I was sitting in the parking lot of the post office April 15 when suddenly there was a loud and abrupt knock on my truck window. It turns out that a couple of cyclists did not like me passing them between Luke’s Chevron and Bulverde Hills Drive.
Traffic was quite heavy at the time. School had just let out, there was a scramble to get income tax checks mailed and the evening rush was beginning. My patience was already worn thin and being stuck behind a couple of slow-moving cyclists riding side-by-side did not help.
So I gave a brief tap on the horn. The cyclists changed formation to single file. Then a break in traffic gave me the opportunity to accelerate and pass on a stretch of road that has a double-yellow center stripe which you can’t cross.
I had to pass them quickly, but nobody was hurt and there were no close calls.
When someone is dressed in their work clothing and using a bicycle to get to work, that’s one thing.
However, it’s another matter when someone is joyriding on an expensive bicycle all decked out in riding attire on probably the most dangerous roadway in the city.
What can we do? The cyclists do legally have a right to the road with some exceptions, but does this mean all motor vehicle traffic must suffer?
Read his entire screed at the official Bulverde TX website (PDF) or at www.mysanantonio.com
Statement Bike Rack
The Statement bike rack varies little in function from most wall mounted bike racks on the market today, but the style and manufacturing offer something a little out of the ordinary. Instead of a piece of wood or plastic protruding from the wall when not in use, the Statement rack folds up flat to mimic a piece of modern art. The manufacturing is accomplished through sourcing USA wood, which is bended, sanded and laminated by hand in the Statement workshop.
Keeping to the simplicity of the piece itself, the incentives for funding are a Thank You, a branded beanie, and the rack itself. No more, no less. With 17 days to go they are just over halfway to the ultimate funding goal.
Kenda Tube Protectors
Kenda Tube Protectors are a new tire liner that come with some mighty serious claims. Not only are they said to be lightweight, easily installed and biodegradable, they are actually guaranteed to prevent punctures.
The guarantee states, “If you get a flat tire from a puncture while riding with Kenda Tube Protectors, we’ll send you a new Kenda inner tube and Kenda Tube Protector absolutely free.” Of course you do have to send the defective product, along with your damaged tube, to Kenda.
Kenda Tube Protectors retail for $15 to $21 per pair. Check out www.kendatubeprotectors.com
CCCL13 Documentary – UK & Irish Cycle Courier Championships
It’s pretty long, and some of the footage isn’t the greatest, but this was made with a lot of heart. I’m pretty sure a lot of messengers around the world will appreciate this video.
Shine Fitness Tracker
We’ve come a long way from large, gaudy, cumbersome bicycle accessories, whether they be pumps, lights, bags, etc., and the fitness tracker, Shine, is another step in the right direction. Aesthetically speaking, Shine is an unashamedly Apple inspired design in it’s sleek, brushed aluminum casing, merely the size of a couple stacked quarters.
The fitness tracking capabilities of the Shine App seem to be pretty standard, but the aesthetics, wearability, and transfer of data process really sets it apart from the rest of the field. The device can be clasped on various parts of your apparel through a simple magnetic clasp or it can be worn my stylistically in watch bands and necklaces that are sold on the Shine website.
The information transfer process simply involves touching the Shine to your smartphone screen, using already established syncing capabilities.
For cyclists, there is the added benefit of the device being completely waterproof (suitable even for swimmers), so riding in the rain poses no malfunction or deterioration issues. And hey, if you’re a triathlete, you can track your entire workout or race from the swim to the bike to the run.
The Shine can be pre-ordered for $99 and is scheduled to ship in July. Wearable accessories range from $19 to $79 and can also be ordered now.
Soma Smoothie SS
Soma’s Smoothie SS uses the same geometry as the original Smoothie, but features KVA MS2 stainless steel tubing. According to Soma:
KVA stainless is really more comparable to titanium than steel. The material hardness is higher than CrMo, so even if the walls on these are thinner than on our Prestige CrMo frames, it is harder to ding.
Retail price is $2000. Check out www.somafab.com
Blaq Paks Introduces EL Bags
Blaq is excited to introduce their new bags which feature integrated electroluminescent technology. The lights run on two AA batteries and can flash for 60 hours. Presently the’re offering single strips in five colors. These lights can be ordered on any bag in their line for an $80 upcharge.
You can even win one of their bags by signing up for the Blaq email list. No purchase necessary.
Visit www.blaqdesign.com for more info.
Stoopidtall 14.5 ft Tallbike in LA Ciclavia
This is a terrifying video of someone in LA riding a 14.5 ft tallbike through the Los Angeles Ciclavia and the first bike video is a long time to completely amaze me. Watch it to the end to check out some still images of the bike and rider from street level for a sense of scale.
