If you’re going to commute on a bike it shouldn’t have to be a beater. The James Perse City Cruiser is a custom built single speed that will have you riding to work in style. It features a chromoly steel frame that is equipped with a flip-flop rear hub – so riders can do the ‘fixie’ thing or be able to coast. There are of course front and rear brakes, while leather grips and a canvas-infused rubber saddle will add to the comfort during the ride to the office.
Tag: commuting
Made in America: Kit Up
Simple is the way that some people roll, and the EDC Bike Kit is truly as simple as it gets. These tools are all made in America and are just what you need for the daily commute – hence EDC (Every Day Carry). The idea isn’t just to make it simple, which it is, but also to make it pocket friendly, rugged and there when you need it.
The EDC Bike Kit includes two hex keys, a pair of mini pry bars for quick tire changes and a glow in the dark compass to ensure you find your way. It is all tied together on a quick release brass key ring.
The Challenge is On
The National Bike Challenge kicks off today and it looks to build on last year’s challenge that saw more than 34,000 bicyclists ride some 19 million miles. For 2014 the League of American Cyclists is calling upon 50,000 bicyclists to reach a combined goal of 30 million miles.
The National Bike Challenge, now in its third year, is a fun, free, game-changing event that runs from May 1 to September 30.
Bicycle and Walking Commuting on the Rise
More people are walking or bicycling to get to work, and this is in turn making people safer. These are two of the conclusions presented in the 2014 Benchmarking Report published by the Alliance for Biking & Walking. The report, published every two years since 2003, is one of the Alliance’s key initiatives.
The report is compiled from data from all 50 states, the 52 largest cities and, for the first time in this report, 17 midsize cities. It looks at the rate of walking and biking, accident and injury rates, the level of spending on biking and walking projects and issues, and the level of advocacy support in various regions and communities.
A key figure is the percentage of commuters who bike or walk to work, and although the number is still tiny, the report shows a steady increase: In the 2005-2006 report, the Alliance showed that nationally 0.4 percent of the population biked to work. In the latest report, the number is 0.6 percent. In large cities, the percentage biking to work has grown from 0.7 percent to 1 percent over the same period.
Alliance for Biking & Walking 2014 Alliance Benchmarking Report Official Website
Road Wear
Cycling attire looks great when you’re riding a bike. However, as we’ve long noted what might look good on the bike looks anything but good off the bike, and utterly inappropriate at work. While cycling shorts have really no place at the office, neither does a team jersey.
We’ve seen some efforts to make office friendly shoes and now Giro’s New Road Apparel is a line of commuter garb that will be fine for the work place beyond casual Friday. This line features Merino wool, which is breathable and stretchy, and a design that will be good on the bike and good on the office. The lineup includes different layers as well so you can be sure to dress appropriately as you ride to work.
Team BMC Gets Commuter Bikes
Do pro cyclists “commute” to work? We’re not really sure but the BMC Racing Team has been “outfitted” with a new line of BMC commuter bikes, fitted with Gates belt-drive drivetrains. The new Urban Challenge line will reportedly be on the team trucks this season – which could indicate that the bikes could debut for the rest of us this fall.
[Via Bicycle Retailer: BMC team outfitted with official belt-drive commuter bikes]
The Bicycle Commuter’s Wingman
When riding to work you don’t need a wingman to watch the road, but the Wingman travel bag from Henty might be just the thing so you can show up at your desk looking smart and ready for business. This multi-purpose bag enables easy and versatile all weather commuting and travel for active business men and women.
Basically this over the shoulder bag is a garment bag that can transport business suits, dresses, shirts and other accessories. There is even a front pocket that includes a padded laptop/tablet sleeve. This Wingman is thus flexible but still features semi-rigid vertical ribs that restricts the diameter when rolled, which in turn minimizes garment creases, allowing wearers to ride to work, change and get the job done.
Helmet to Crossover from Winter to Spring
The Nutcase Crossover helmet, which is distinctive for its glittery gold finish, will make the transition and let users cross from winter to summer. This bicycle helmet features removable fleece ear flaps, which can provide plenty of warmth during the cold winter commuters, but can also be removed as the weather turns. While it probably doesn’t offer enough ventilation for summer riding, it is ideal for those cooler days.
Tern Looks to Fold in Stuttgart
Commuting by bicycle to a metro station might just get riders only part way to work, especially if the distance from the station at the other end is far. Plus most commuters probably don’t love the idea of leaving a bike in the elements all day. But Tern Bicycles, maker of folding bikes, is working with the Stuttgart Transit Authority to provide a special folding bike at a special bike. Unlike regular bikes these folding ones can even be taken on the train during rush hour – providing riders a way to ride a bike, ride a train and ride a bike the rest of the way.
Ankle Band-It
Sometimes when you get on the bike you’re not in spandex. Sometimes you’re even in pants. But that presents a problem as the cuff can get caught up in the chain and not only ruin your commute, but also your pants. For years there’s been a few solutions, generally in the form of a bright, reflective yellow strap. New technology and design innovation is making its way down to ankle straps. Continue reading Ankle Band-It
Bike Friendly Knapsack
You don’t wear a football helmet to bike, and you probably don’t wear baseball shoes either while riding during the daily commute. So why try to use a bag that isn’t really designed for cycling? Messenger bags are good, but now the Brooks Piccadilly Knapsack might just be the best thing for commuter cyclists since bike lanes.
This leather pack features a single top design along with a top handle for easy carrying off the bike, but the harness system is what this stand out. It ensures ideal balance, which can be important when dodging cars and walkers while heading through concrete jungle to get to work. The Piccadilly might make the trip a little easier so you and your belongs make it there in one piece.
Bicycle Friendly Businesses Booming
While rising gasoline prices may have many commuters down, more than 500,000 American employees are now using pedal power to get to the office, and work at a Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB). This is the result of pro cycling leadership in the private and public sector, and this week the League of American Bicyclists announced 67 new BFBs, who joined the ranks of the 412 local businesses, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies that are transforming the American workplace. Continue reading Bicycle Friendly Businesses Booming
Suit Up After Un-Suitpack’in
What do you do if you cycle to work but need to “suit up” at the office? Well, you could try riding the bike with a suit on, or you could jam said suit in backpack. There is also the option of leaving the suit at the office – but the Cambridge Design Partnership has another solution – introducing the Suitpack, a special rucksack deisgned to provide a crease-free solution for cycle commuters. The still in prototype design allows for clothing to stay neat and clean as you ride to work. Shower not included, but if you have a way of getting cleaned up, you’ll have a suit that is ready to wear.
Cambridge Design: Suitpack rucksack design provides crease-free solution to cycle-commuting