Why Use A Bike Bell – 5 Of The Best

August 30, 2016 by Corey Davis

A good bike bell is a very important part for the safety of yourself and others. In some states it is against the law to ride a bike without a bell. A bike bell allows you to be heard by other cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians. The ringing sound a good bike bell leaves in a persons ears, is much more efficient at warning them of your presence as that sound is generally an immediate association with bicycle. A bike bell will also cause a lot less possibility of confrontation than shouting at someone to let him or her know you are approaching.

Along with safety, warning someone you are approaching is one technique you will learn as your cycling etiquette improves. Ringing your bike bell is a great way to alert someone that isn’t riding to the right side on a bike path, or when approaching a rider that may be distracted and not riding all the way to the right on a road. There is a list of tips for better cycling etiquette that can be found here. Also, a friendly wave can be a great way to seem less threatening when passing someone. (Here is a great video on waving to your fellow cyclists.)

(The Best Bike Bell) X (5)

Spurcycle

Spurcycle has created a bell that is truly on another level and separates itself from all other bells on the market. This bell is made completely in the USA and is created with the highest quality materials available. The design is sleek and elegant and creates a high pitch lasting ring that can be heard from more than 100ft away. It’s also sleek enough to be used on the most expensive and top notch road and time trial bikes.

Origin 8

This bike bell is crafted out of all metal and can be found in many bike shops. This bell was created by Origin 8, a company that focuses on creating affordable bicycle parts. It is supposed to have a “Melodic resonant brass sound”. This is an affordable and practical bike bell that should fit almost all handlebars.

Bicycle Hamburger Bell

If you are looking for a cute and comical bell, this is the one for you. The hamburger bell is funny, but may help you to remember you are just riding a bike, enjoy it. Just don’t get to hungry on the ride; the company will probably not replace a half eaten bell.

Giant Bike Bell

Giant makes excellent bike products and is one of the largest manufactures in the world. This bell will certainly get the job done and will match perfectly if you ride a Giant! And even if you don’t, it’s a pretty sleek design that is good for the road, mountain, hybrid, or commuter bike.

Clean Motion Flu gel Horn

Not exactly a bike bell but serves the same purpose, and offers a different sound than the common bike bell. The horn is offered in a variety of colors and is very reasonably priced. It is constructed out of steel and should fit any handlebar.

5 Best Messenger Bags

August 25, 2016 by Josh Friedman

Before the internet exploded in usefulness, reams of important documents got to their destinations in big cities inside a messenger bag. Yes, the internet supplanted even the venerable bicycle in some tasks. The messenger bag still lives on with the ever increasing number of people cycling to work. It is a great way to transport your own things and make your own personal deliveries.

What Makes a Messenger Bag Great

Why would you choose to use a messenger bag over a backpack?

You can slide the bag around in front of you while sitting on the bike to reach in and grab something. There is little chance it will fall off of your shoulder.
It is easy to pack any size load. If you have only a little bit to carry, it packs down well. If you have a large load, there will be a way to fit that too.
It is easy to strap really large loads to the outside of the bag if needed.
When properly loaded, the bag rests on your back, not on your shoulders (this does not work so well when you are walking with a messenger bag, though).
Tradition. It is what people on bikes use. When you use one, it is like a secret handshake, especially if yours is really beat up.

Key Features of a Messenger Bag

There is a lot that separates a good messenger bag from a bag that happens to sling across your shoulder.

A wide shoulder strap. It will distribute the load better than a skinny strap.
A cross strap that holds the bag in place. It goes from the side opposite the shoulder strap to the shoulder strap itself. This keeps the bag from sliding around.
Weatherproof. If you ride, you will eventually get caught in some bad weather. Whatever you are carrying should stay dry. How would a messenger look if they showed up with soggy documents?
Spacious and without restrictions. The bag should not have too much structure that it can limit what you load into it. You want to carry a laptop and work clothes? That will fit. How about ten folding tires, ten tubes and ten water bottles? That will fit too.

The Bags

Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag

Timbuk2 is one of the original messenger bag manufacturers to bring them to the masses. They are well made and should last for years. They make lots of different variations depending on your needs and desire for more structure. The classic is just that; it has all of the features you will need in a messenger bag without anything extra.

Patagonia Black Hole Messenger 24L

With responsible manufacturing practices and detailed craftsmanship in all they do, Patagonia’s messenger bag will serve you well for years. Again, it has a spacious design to carry all that you need, along with a highly waterproof coating and wide shoulder strap with cross strap.

Chrome Unisex Night Series Citizen Messenger

Chrome’s bag has all of the necessary features of a good messenger bag with a bonus – the should strap has a seatbelt-like release buckle. Getting a bag up and over your head with an awkward or heavy load can be tricky. The buckle gives you a quick exit.

R.E.Load Civilian 215 One Strap Weatherproof Messenger Bag Standard

The Civilian is a burlier choice with a heavy exterior shell and liner to keep your load safe. It also is a bit larger than the others in case you need to transport a lot of your things at once.

Banjo Brothers Messenger Bag

This bag has all the features you should be looking for in a slightly smaller package and a much smaller price. It is not as flashy as the others, which is part of why it is less expensive, but it should get the job done.

Load it Up

Selecting the best messenger bag for you comes down to personal size preferences. Lots of companies produce quality bags with all of the right features. Figure out how much you need to carry to choose your perfect bag. Then you will be able to carry your load protected from the elements confidently.

Five Of The Best Bike Locks

August 12, 2016 by Corey Davis

They say the bigger the lock the more expensive the bike. There’s a bit of truth to this, but the size of the lock is less important and more about the functionality of the lock. There are dozens of different bike locks on the market and this article will help you filter through and find the best bike locks and make your purchasing decision a little bit easier.

UShake

The UShake bike lock made our list of best bike locks because of its simplicity and the mounting bracket that is also included. This lock is a four-digit combination lock that is easily customizable and doesn’t require keeping up with a key. The mounting bracket that comes with this lock is easy to install to the bikes tubing or seat. This lock is also not bicycle specific meaning the user can place the lock on other sporting equipment to keep it safe as well. The lock totals four feet in length and has a vinyl, flexible outer coating.

Price: $10.97

Kryptonite

The Kryptonite is one of the best bike locks because of its extreme toughness and providing serious protection from theft. The Bent Foot is engineered to withstand the most vicious attempts to steal a bike. The cylinder for the lock is pick and drill resistant, two keys are included to unlock the cylinder lock. One downside to this lock is the product weight, weighing in at 3.60lbs you may be weary of lugging it around everywhere. The additional cable is also a valuable addition to the lock as you can never lock both wheels with a U-lock. This solves that problem while still giving you the security you need with a U-lock.

Price: $37.72

WordLock

The WordLock is one of the best deals on the best bike locks list. This lock costs only $9.00 and is 5 foot long with a eight millimeter thick cable. This is a key based lock that is matching colors to keep things organized on your key-ring. This bike lock is certainly about simplicity and efficiency. It gets the job done and will leave you feeling good about parking your bike outside.

Price: $9.00

OnGuard

OnGuard is one of the most well known brands for bike locks on the market. This is one of the best bike locks because of its dependability and best in class protection. This lock has a security rating of 63, and has a X2P Double Bolt locking mechanism. This lock comes with five laser cut keys and a mounting bracket. This is a U-Lock design so it’s important to find a bike stand to properly attach the bike to.

Price: $25.58

Kryptonite

The Kyrptonite cable is seven foot long and has looping ends to make locking it to any anchor point a breeze. The seven-foot long bike lock is also ten millimeters thick, which makes it very cut resistant. The steel cable is also braided to make it stronger than typical twisted cables. One downside is that you will have to purchase a lock and keep up with a key, and the lock is kind of large and difficult to transport. The best feature of this lock is that it can provide protection for multiple bikes if you are creative with the locking system.

Price: $12.87

What A Cargo Bike Is And How Functional They Are

August 11, 2016 by Josh Friedman

A cargo bike can open your world. You can haul things you thought you never could by human power and leave your car parked (or even get rid of it!). You will avoid gridlock, get secret training miles, save money, and become a local celebrity.

Cargo bike is a loose category of bike; there are many variations of cargo bikes. There are cargo bikes with carrying capacity in the front, others in the back and some on the sides. There are also additions for your current bike to allow it to carry a larger load. Find what cargo bike suits you and get to hauling your groceries, kids, building materials, furniture, pets, camping gear, whatever you desire.

Cargo Bike Typologies

Long Bike

Long bikes are the most common cargo bikes you will see in North America. They look like a normal bike up front with an extended tail to the rear wheel. The tail accommodates larger panniers and seats for kids. The wheelbase is extra long, making for an extra stable bike, although you will not be able to carve the turns like a standard bike. Depending on the bike and cargo configurations, you can carry up to two or three small humans and four or five bags of groceries.

You can also convert your current bike into a long bike. It may be the economical choice if you already have a bike around that you are not using. Putting a few hundred dollars into a conversion kit will get you a cargo bike and save you a significant amount of money.

Utility Bike

A utility bike looks very similar to a standard bike except that the frame is beefier to handle heavy loads with racks integrated into the design, be they front, rear or both. The benefit of this design is that it maintains most of the agility of a standard bicycle. The downside is that it will not be as adept at carrying heavy loads as some other designs.

Bakfiets

A bakfiets, or box bike, is a Dutch design that puts a box (or platform) between the rider and front wheel. It creates a long wheelbase and a low center of gravity, making the bike incredibly stable once it is up to speed. Below that threshold it can be a bit cumbersome, but fortunately the speed of stability is generally very low. It is the gold standard for hauling anything. An additional benefit is that kids sitting in the box get an unencumbered view of their ride and they can easily pass things to you from their comfortable seats.

Trailers

A trailer is another inexpensive way to convert your standard bike into a cargo hauling machine. It easily attaches and detaches from your current bike. It will dramatically alter your ride, though. You will feel like you are getting pulled back when climbing and pushed forward when descending.

What to Expect

Be aware that due to the extra weight you should temper your speed expectations. Give yourself extra time to travel; pedaling a seventy pound bakfiets is quite a different experience than an eighteen pound road bike. The same goes for stopping too; it takes a bit longer to stop so much weight. Give yourself a bit of a cushion.

Handling is also different. With the longer wheelbase of long bikes and bakfietsn come wider turning radii. Look out for curbs and anything else you need to get around and make sure you can get your rear wheel past whatever it is.

If you are riding with kids, remember that it is not only your skin on the line. Dial back any risk taking and be a good role model for proper cycling behavior.

Expect drivers to give you more room, or at least strange looks. People do not know what to make of a cargo bike because they are currently quite rare (although that is changing, and who would not want to see even more?). If it was in the sky, it might as well be classified as a UFO. Some people think it is cool, others not. Know that you will draw attention.

Electric Assist?

An option that comes on many models of cargo bikes is electric assist. This could be very helpful in hilly areas or if you are carrying large loads. That extra boost should get you over whatever difficulty you encounter without having to get off the bike. It will add more weight to the bike, but should be more of a help than hindrance.

Carry that Weight

Cargo bikes are a great way to haul whatever you need around town. The initial investment may seem like a lot, but when you factor how much less you will depend on a car along with how much time you will save not stuck in traffic and the bonus miles, it is a clear win.

#sayhionyourride Greeting Your Fellow Rider

August 7, 2016 by Adam Farabaugh

Saying hi on your ride is one of the easiest ways to be friendly and help sustain a sense of community among your fellow riders. Be it someone riding in a suit and tie to work, a family riding to the store, or someone else out on a proper ride, you should always say hi. The guys at GCN do a great job in this video of the when and how of the greeting. Check it out below!

How To Keep Bugs Out Of Your Eyes While Cycling

July 13, 2016 by Adam Farabaugh

It’s a balmy summer evening. The sun is just starting to set over your right shoulder while you’re making your way back home for dinner. It has been an awesome day and it was just topped off with a nice evening ride. Then it hits you. Square in the eye. A bug. It hurts and you try and get it out. You maybe did but it feels like it’s still in there. Maybe now down in one of your eye corners waiting to be taken out when you get home with a mirror. There are a few ways to keep bugs out of your eyes while cycling but the trick is to employ one of them before a bug actually hits you in the eye.

Times of Day

Mid-day you probably don’t have to worry too much about bugs. You may get the random insect or bee but you probably already have your sunglasses on since it’s bright out. The mornings however and definitely evenings are the times when you have to watch out. Never leave home without one of the below preventatives otherwise you’ll be squinting your way home.

Ways to Keep Bugs Out of Your Eyes While Cycling

Sunglasses

There are a few different ways to keep bugs out of your eyes while cycling. Chances are good that you will always be riding with sunglasses so this will be a big help especially if you leave on a ride in the afternoon and don’t plan for a buggy return. Make sure you have a pair that covers your eyes enough however so they can’t find their way behind the lenses.

Clear Sunglasses

If the sun’s already starting to set and you’re just heading out for a quick ride, you probably won’t be wearing sunglasses. Clear glasses are your ticket on a ride like this. They will keep bugs out of your eyes while still letting you see normally. A good option is to get a pair of sunglasses with different lenses. Three different ones is fairly standard so look for at least that in your next pair. They’re also a good option in the rain.

Sunglasses in Your Helmet

If you’re out riding before it gets buggy with regular sunglasses and then need to take off your glasses to see as it’s getting dark, you will probably get a bug in your eye. There are two solutions here. The first is to see if your glasses can fit into the front of your helmet but protrude out above your eyes. You will need to tilt your head down but this will act as a shield against them. If your helmet doesn’t allow for your glasses to be inserted into the vents, you can place them on your forehead, slightly above your eyes. It won’t be super effective but it will be better than nothing.

Cycling Cap

If you don’t want to wear glasses the next best option is to wear a cycling cap. You however need to make sure it is pulled down with the brim just above your eyes. You will tilt your head slightly forward but will still be able to see. As with rain, bugs will hit the brim and not go into your eyes.

You’re An Inconsiderate Driver If…A Lesson For Drivers

July 6, 2016 by Adam Farabaugh

(This article first appeared here but with a different title and word describing drivers who put other people’s lives in danger. The word used was strong but as a car zipping by you less than three feet away gets your attention, so does the use of a vulgar word. It is re-published below for those who didn’t care for the use of that word and for those who wanted to share it but didn’t because of that word.)

Riding a bike on public roadways can mean placing your life in someone else’s hands. Not always the most comforting of feelings. Drivers don’t have the same degree of fear or vulnerability when passing a cyclist so they often don’t even realize the danger that they are placing another human being under because of their actions. Because of this, drivers have a tendency to be inconsiderate to cyclists. They may not realize it because to them, there is no real threat or degree of aggressiveness that they feel they are placing on anyone. This of course is some drivers as others will blatantly try to place cyclists in danger whether it’s buzzing them or slamming on the brakes in front of them. Regardless of if you’re intending on placing a cyclist in danger or if you don’t think you are, you’re an inconsiderate driver if you do any of the following. This website is obviously catered toward cyclists so please share with all of your non-cycling friends as well to keep all of us cyclists safer on the roads.

You’re An Inconsiderate Driver If…

you pass a cyclist with less than 3 feet between any part of you’re vehicle and the cyclist. 4 feet if you’re in Pennsylvania.
you don’t slow down to pass a cyclist.
you don’t adequately check for traffic in the opposing direction before passing a cyclist.
you pass a cyclist going into a blind corner.
you are towing something and don’t give extra space to a cyclist when passing.
you think cyclists should not be on the roadway.
you pass a cyclist with adequate space but merge back into the lane before the rear of your vehicle has safely passed the cyclist.
you ever swerve in front of a cyclist.
you ever brake directly in front of a cyclist.
you don’t wait for opposing traffic to subside before passing a cyclist.
you try and squeeze past a cyclist regardless of circumstance.
you accelerate excessively as you pass a cyclist with your diesel truck spewing fumes into their face.
you turn right in front of a cyclist just after passing them.
you ever run a red-light.
you ever drive drunk.
you don’t look for cyclists when turning out from a side road or driveway.
you turn left across traffic without looking to see if there’s a cyclist on the other side of the road.
you ever throw anything at a cyclist.
you don’t stop at cross-walk for a bike path.
you honk at a cyclist aside from a friendly one AFTER you have passed them. A friendly wave is nice with this as well.
you’re a trucker and don’t realize the danger you’re placing a cyclist under when passing in an unsafe manner.
you text and drive.
you get out of your car parked on the street and don’t first look for cyclists before opening your door.
you ever yell at or heckle a cyclist.
you threaten a cyclist in anyway.
you think your life or time is any more valuable than that of someone else’s.
in general, you don’t watch out for cyclists.

Drive in a respectful, safe manner looking out for yourself as well as that of others. You are not the only one out on the road. Imagine if you hit a cyclist as this sad, tragic story recounts. You would have a very difficult time living with yourself knowing you took the life of someone with so much left to live. Drive safe. Everyone will thank you.

Giving The Morning Commute By Bike A Try – Brumotti Video

July 4, 2016 by Adam Farabaugh

Don’t you just love sitting in traffic in the morning on your way to work? Why not try this? You may need mad skills but you’ll arrive at work fully invigorated. Give the morning commute by bike a try this week.

Anyone knows traffic jams?? Here my video to avoid them!

#quotidienEXTRAordinaire

SEAT France

Posted by Abbombazza 100% Brumotti on Thursday, June 30, 2016

You’re An Asshole If… A Lesson For Drivers

June 26, 2016 by Adam Farabaugh

Riding a bike on public roadways can mean placing your life in someone else’s hands. Not always the most comforting of feelings. Drivers don’t have the same degree of fear or vulnerability when passing a cyclist so they often don’t even realize the danger that they are placing another human being under because of their actions. Because of this, drivers have a tendency to be an asshole to cyclists. They may not realize it because to them, there is no real threat or degree of aggressiveness that they feel they are placing on anyone. This of course is some drivers as others will blatantly try to place cyclists in danger whether it’s buzzing them or slamming on the brakes in front of them. Regardless of if you’re intending on placing a cyclist in danger or if you don’t think you are, you’re an asshole if you do any of the following. This website is obviously catered toward cyclists so please share with all of your non-cycling friends as well to keep all of us cyclists safer on the roads.

You’re An Asshole If…

you pass a cyclist with less than 3 feet between any part of you’re vehicle and the cyclist. 4 feet if you’re in Pennsylvania.
you don’t slow down to pass a cyclist.
you don’t adequately check for traffic in the opposing direction before passing a cyclist.
you pass a cyclist going into a blind corner.
you are towing something and don’t give extra space to a cyclist when passing.
you think cyclists should not be on the roadway.
you pass a cyclist with adequate space but merge back into the lane before the rear of your vehicle has safely passed the cyclist.
you ever swerve in front of a cyclist.
you ever brake directly in front of a cyclist.
you don’t wait for opposing traffic to subside before passing a cyclist.
you try and squeeze past a cyclist regardless of circumstance.
you accelerate excessively as you pass a cyclist with your diesel truck spewing fumes into their face.
you turn right in front of a cyclist just after passing them.
you ever run a red-light.
you ever drive drunk.
you don’t look for cyclists when turning out from a side road or driveway.
you turn left across traffic without looking to see if there’s a cyclist on the other side of the road.
you ever throw anything at a cyclist.
you don’t stop at cross-walk for a bike path.
you honk at a cyclist aside from a friendly one AFTER you have passed them. A friendly wave is nice with this as well.
you’re a trucker and don’t realize the danger you’re placing a cyclist under when passing in an unsafe manner.
you text and drive.
you get out of your car parked on the street and don’t first look for cyclists before opening your door.
you ever yell at or heckle a cyclist.
you threaten a cyclist in anyway.
you think your life or time is any more valuable than that of someone else’s.
in general, you don’t watch out for cyclists.