Handlebra started when Ray bought himself a sweet Serotta, but couldn’t find leather bar tape to match his saddle. When he finally did find some leather to wrap his bars, it wasn’t up to snuff, so he decided that if he wanted it done right, he would have to do it himself. And so he did. The rest, as they say, is history.
A 7-foot length of 1″ tape will set you back about $75 plus shipping. Visit www.handlebra.com for more info.
Pedal on over to the Santa Monica Museum of Modern Art for the second annual Cause for Creativity: Tour da Arts on August 22nd, offering a spoke card art workshop, cultural bike tour, and an exhibition closing party. The first stop is at The Broad Stage to hear live music with cellist and cycling enthusiast Ben Sollee. The next stop at Virginia Avenue Park will feature Katie the Cursed, scenes from an adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, presented by The Actors’ Gang and directed by Lisa Wolpe. Return to SMMoA for an exhibition closing party and bike-themed festivities.
It’s been months since I first rolled out on the Raleigh’s Rush Hour Flatbar, yet people’s reaction to the bike is still the same… Last week another random driver leaned out of the window of his car to say, “Nice bike!” My friends have the same reaction, even those who’ve seen it several times can’t get over the Raleigh’s good looks. And my own first impressions stand—it’s a pretty bike that rides really nicely.
Since the initial write-up, I’ve changed a number of things about my setup. Namely the three contact points—the saddle, the bar/stem/grips and the pedals. The first thing to go were the stock pedals. It’s not that they were insufficient in any way, in fact, they’re pretty nice. But once you’ve ridden the new style pedal straps, which are both more comfortable and feel more secure, it’s tough to go back to old-school toe clips. I went with some VP 001 pedals and Pryme Footstraps (review coming soon).
Continue reading ‘Raleigh Rush Hour Flatbar – So Far, So Good’
Black Rose Bags is a two person sewing shop from Eugene, OR. They’ve been busy making canvas bike gear for themselves and friends of the Bike Cave Collective for some time, but now they’ve decided to “go big” and start selling their bags to the world at large.
According to Black Rose, “We’re committed to using only materials we can “recover” (dumpster) and most of what is available to us is high end canvas, leather, and both nylon and cotton webbing in addition to trashed cogs and lockrings from the Bike Cave.”
Visit www.blackrosebags.blogspot.com for more info.
This new limited-edition t-shirt from Howies encourages Londoners to get around via bike instead of taking the tube.
Visit www.howies.co.uk for more info.
The PEONFX Phase makes you look like a white ninja—with rainbow logos. What more to you need to know?
Perhaps it’s noteworthy that the first girl who saw me wearing this immediately quipped, “That’s creepy.” And most of my friends busted out laughing, though at least two of them genuinely wanted their own, and one said (in earnest) that if it came in black he would order one immediately.
And ninja jokes aside, this hooded jersey is really quite functional. Made from a highly breathable synthetic fabric with a snap-on face mask, this will be quite handy come fall/winter. In the meantime, it packs down small enough to be tucked away in your messenger bag for a cool late-night ride home.
The Phase retails for $44 USD plus shipping. Visit www.peonfx.com for more info.
Vital Industries is making some nice, screen-printed glassware with bicycle art that’s sure to enhance your drinking experience.
A set of four pint glasses will run you $35 plus shipping. Visit www.vitalindustries.com for more info.
According to Mission Bicycle, “Bicycle” written in Kanji translates literally into “self moving vehicle.” These stickers feature an original hand-panted kanji design by Japanese calligraphy artist Yumi Kitade. Designed and Printed in Sacramento, California, the sticker is clear with either black or white characters. The artist’s chop (signature stamp) is red.
Available for $5 each, plus shipping. Visit www.missionbicycle.com for more info.
Pittsburgh’s Bike Fest is in full swing August 6-15, and one of the best events is sure to be the bike swap and craft fair. Presented by I Made It Market, the event will be held on August 7 from noon to 5pm in the neighborhood of Lawrenceville.
Urban Velo will be there with free magazines and perhaps some hats and t-shirts for sale. Additionally, Brad will have some bike parts for sale and Jeff will be selling some bicycle themed pottery.
Visit www.imadeitmarket.com for more info.
Certainly not a news item you’ll read often, courtesy of the New York Times:
A bicyclist riding in a multiple sclerosis fundraiser was bombarded by cannon blast in what authorities suspect was a teenage prank gone awry.
The Cyglo Night Bright Tyre is an invention that incorporates LED lights into a bicycle’s tires. It recently won an inventor’s contest on a BBC television show, and they’ve since secured patents and are looking for a partner with the means for production.
Visit www.nightbrighttyre.com for more info.
Folks in the Pittsburgh area are encouraged to show their mettle in this death metal themed alleycat on August 15th (yes, on the Sabbath).
Visit www.diebythecoin.com for more info.
The Sky Ride is an annual ride hosted by the Mayor that gathers people together to promote the use of cycling in London, with this video being captured asking some participants what in their opinion would make cycling that much better for the city.
Chicago Wig is hosting a contest for fixed freestyle riders to submit their best trick videos. Five riders will win a set of street straps.
The contest is open to anyone, anywhere in the world. Post your video online (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) and email a link to wigstreetstrapcontest@gmail.com.
For more info, visit wigstreetstrapscontest.blogspot.com.
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