Donkey Label. Has anyone heard of this brand of cycling gear? I like it but haven’t exactly figured it out yet. As you know I’m a die hard Rapha girl…right now.
Filtering by Tag: road bike
I like cool things. And cool things are things I get excited about. Something new, different, unique, smart, efficient, beautiful, delicious. I love cycling and the Rapha brand. I like efficient cars and recently upgraded from my 2006 Prius to a 2012 Plug-In Prius. I love food and have started to recently OD on Coolhaus gourmet ice cream sandwiches. I post things here because I’m convinced there are other people, like me, who love these same things. Tell me, what do you love?
You KNOW I love all things related to bikes. Although I never have to carry my bike around, THIS seems like an efficient, low tech gadget!
Bicycle Frame Handle
Finding accessories for your bike that are as gorgeous as they are functional is often easier said than done. You don’t pour your blood, sweat and tears into your whip to have it look like a piece of shit, so the aftermarket stuff you put on it has to be as durable and good looking as the canvas itself–without destroying it’s lines. The Bicycle Frame Handle is another one of those Kickstarter projects that’s so deceptively simple it’s genius. One leather handle that buckles to your down tube and seat tube to make carrying your bike as easy as it is to ride it. Strap on one of the Frame Handles in honey, dark brown or black and never again be bothered by your bike’s biggest weakness next to potholes… stairs. $30+
Bike stuff!! Bike stuff!! Bike stuff!! Can you imagine a better Friday?
Goods: Hook Up Your Bike
So you just laid out the cash on a new single-speed and you’re about ready to go dodge some cab doors and people walking hilariously tiny dogs, right? Well, before you hop on your saddle, take a look at what your new ride still needs. We mean, do you really want to try and balance a six-pack while steering with one hand? Here are a bunch of products that will help Hook Up Your Bike:
1. Blink/Steady Bike Light – $95
Never worry about your bike lights again. The Blink/Steady Bike Light automatically turns on and off depending on whether you’re riding or not.
2. Road Popper – $112
Always be prepared to open a cold one (or four) with this bike-mounted bottle opener.
3. 6 Pack Frame Cinch – $24
You know those cold ones we just mentioned? This is how to transport them.
4. iOttie One-Touch Bike Mount Holder – $20
Perfect for using your cell’s GPS or other apps while you ride.
5. The Bike Crate – $215
A far more stylish way to carry groceries than a wicker basket.
6. GripRings – $20
Get creative and customize the look of your handlebars.
7. Spokebug – $19
A better and more clever kickstand.
8. Bottle Lock – $34
The bike lock you don’t have to worry about dangling from your frame or storing in your bag.
9. Cyglo Tires – $32
Not only will they make you look like you’re from the set of Tron, but they’ll keep you visible to drivers at all times.
10. BikeCare Plant Based Lube – $12
Lubricant that’s good for your bike as well as the environment.
11. Mopha Tool Roll – $44
A simple and elegant way to carry around all the tools you need for fixing your ride.
12. Skaterack – $43
The perfect way to tote around your skateboard while you’re riding your bike.
This seems like a good thing but I’ll be honest, anything goes wrong with my bike and I just take it in to the experts!
The Bike Owner’s Handbook
Bicycles are relatively simple machines. They might only consist of two wheels, two pedals, gears, a seat and a set of handlebars, but when they break down mid ride you might still be left scratching your head about what went wrong. Rather than trying to deal with 3g service (or lack thereof) for Google, or the technical manuals for your bike (assuming it’s not custom), try The Bike Owner’s Handbook. The book details everything you need to know about basic repairs and maintenance (tire changes, brake and gear adjustments, proper cleaning, etc.) using simple, easy to understand drawings and black-and-white photographs. Plus, since it’s only 6.7″ x 5.2″ x 0.4″ it’s easy enough to throw in your bag and take with you on the go. $15
Pretty brilliant!
SBU V3 – Self Balancing Unicycle
On the list of worst ways to get around, the unicycle is right next to the car from The Flintstones. Sure it leaves your hands free while you ride, but, unless you’re a circus bear, who has the time to learn how to use one? The SBU V3 is a self balancing unicycle that is completely controlled by your motions (kind of like the Segway scooter used by your local mall cop to bust perps). You can get a feel for riding the 6061 alloy unicycle in under a half hour, and be on your way dodging pedestrians and barking dogs a la Paperboy in no time. $1795
Aether Apparel has a journal and they posted this awesome video about Don Ward and The Wolfpack Hustle here in Los Angeles. I think they seem pretty amazing!
The Wolfpack Hustle: Don Ward
While many large metropolitan areas like New York and San Francisco have begun to embrace the urban cycling movement by widening shoulders and putting in dedicated bike lanes, Los Angeles remains one of the most egregious exceptions. Cyclists here must contend with mile upon mile of cracked cement, gaping pot-holes, non-existent shoulders, as well as the most oblivious drivers in the world. However, despite the rough conditions, or perhaps because of them, the city is home to a thriving underground cycling community dedicated to taking back the streets of LA. No group holds more infamous regard than the late-night riders of The Wolfpack Hustle and their organizer Don Ward.
The group known for crashing the LA Marathon course and racing a JetBlue flight from Burbank to Long Beach has done quite a bit to elevate the cycling scene, both locally and nationally. The man responsible for transforming this gang of once rowdy joyriders into a spirited group of cycling enthusiasts is Don Ward. In the early days, the Wolfpack Hustle was a 2-wheeled outlet for deviant behavior. It was all about mobbing intersections, running red lights, harassing drivers, and going insanely fast. Don has helped take the adversarial nature out of the group and focus their energy on cycling advocacy and enjoying the roads in a fun safe way. They still go insanely fast though.
The above video is a short vignette of the Wolf Pack and Don Ward, shot and edited by Colin Arlen and Estevan Padilla.
Another awesome Rapha cycling video!!!!
I love Rapha videos and they put up one today about a “women’s” gentleman’s ride! Love it!
I love it when Rapha puts up a new video!
SELLA
Directed by Andrew Telling
Named after the arduous climb in Spain, Sella is a highly atmospheric and visually arresting insight into life at a pro team training camp. Shot during Rapha Condor Sharp’s recent training camp, the film is the work of Andrew Telling, winner of the Rapha Condor Sharp Film Competition. Andrew’s compelling short perfectly captures the rhythms and rituals of training camp life, with seemingly mundane tasks such as team meals, meetings and massage offering a marked contrast to punishing rides in the winter sunshine. To capture each rider’s style and personality on their bikes, Andrew spent hours interviewing each rider off them. Andrew’s dedication pays dividends out on the road, as elegant and innovative camerawork, set to Andrew’s own haunting score, results in a rarely seen glimpse of what it looks – and in some cases feels – like to ride among the pros.
Oh I love it when Rapha puts up a new cycling video!!!
Rapha Cycling Shoes……..must have.
This bicycle shop is LITERALLY in my backyard. A MUST GO this weekend!!!
Redmons Bicycle Shop: Hold on to Your Handlebars
With spring approaching, it’s time to hop on a bike that actually moves (no offense, spin class). Pedal over to Redmons, the sister shop to L.A. Brakeless. Founded by partners Anna Martin, Dave Cargill, and Joshua White, the old-school Mar Vista bicycle boutique (antique road signs, vintage tile flooring) harks back to a time when there was only one speed: cruise.
Creatures of comfort find superior ergonomic design in elegant Dutch models like the Montego Daily Urban and the Gazelle Tour Populair. And a wide selection by everybody’s favorite Cali manufacturer, Linus, satisfies speed demons and easy riders alike.
Fill your basket with nifty accessories, like Brooks England leather grips, stylish saddlebags by Velo Orange and Basil, and Yakkay helmets fashioned as herringbone fedoras.
Don’t want to ride solo? Sign up for a frequently scheduled group excursion.
And set the friendship wheels in motion.
Redmons, 12218 Venice Boulevard, between Centinela Avenue and Grand View Boulevard, Mar Vista (310-313-6600 or redmonsla.com).
I love smart design ESPECIALLY when it comes to a bike accessory!!
The Bike Valet
Cars can be considered works of art. Boats can be considered works of art. The same goes for planes and trains. Why not bikes? Unless you still fit on the Huffy you took off sweet jumps when you were 10, your bike is probably a work of art. There’s a lot of design, engineering and general tooling that goes into a proper bicycle–too much for it to merely be considered transportation. Put it on display and not only do you get to show it off, you reclaim some much needed floor space. The Bike Valet is one of the simplest solutions for wall mounting a bike and it’s also one of our favorites. No confusing pulleys. No putting sixteen holes in your wall trying to find studs. No engineering degree required for installation. One paper template, two wall lags, one stud and ten minutes later the cold steel display is ready to go. $87+
I love anything “bike”!!!
Bedford Men’s Bike Brooklyn Cruiser
A true modern day hipster would go buy a used bike frame and attempt to assemble his own fixie or cruiser to ride around the city. The problem is, most of these hipsters would end up with a living room full of parts as they tried to figure out what they hell they were doing. Now we know you probably could assemble a simple one gear ride, but for one already done for you with just as many style points and a two-speed kick shift hub, drop 5-hundo on the Bedford bike from Brooklyn Cruiser. The leather saddle and grips along with the cream colored tires add a bit of sophistication to your city-friendly ride. Basically you’ll be riding around town looking like Jay Gatsby (if all his cars broke). $499
Another great video from Rapha on urban road riding in Oslo!
I picked up my bike with my fancy new wheelset yesterday. I LOVE THEM! The great folks over at Bike Effect hooked me up! I now have fancy new DT Swiss rims with RED Chris King hubs. How sweet are these? :)
I live on a hill so a Fixie isn’t for me but if I could, I would get this one!
Fuji Feather
There’s a part of every bike-riding city dweller’s commute that is rarely discussed. Everyone knows about dodging cabs, weaving through lanes and hopping curbs, but nobody brings up the flights of stairs you often have to carry the damn thing up when you’re done. The Fuji Feather not only delivers on all fronts, but also is light enough so you don’t have to do shoulder presses just to carry it. You won’t absolutely break the bank on this fixie either which is nice seeing as how you have to pay rent and all. Plus, it comes in a few different color options, including our favorite—Apple … err, we mean white, which will definitely get you noticed when you’re watching out for hot dog carts. $689
So I don’t actually NEED a bike lock because I never let my bike out of my sight when I’m out on a ride. But if you’re tooling around town and hanging out, THIS is a MUST have, BRILLIANT product - a bike lock in a water bottle shaped container!!! :)
Kuat Bike Bottle Lock
Let’s be totally honest here. When was the last time you actually used the water bottle on your bike? If you’re riding it anywhere that requires locking up (read: the bar), you’re probably more concerned with an additional libation than hydration. With all the flasks, wine holsters and other containers available, along with camelbaks for water, the frame mounted water bottle is all but obsolete. The Kuat Bike Bottle Lock easily slides into the spot in your heart bike that the old bottle filled and it’s far more useful. It might look like a bottle at first glance, but it’s actually a 5′ long coiled 8mm cable that locks back onto itself. No more chainlock over the shoulder. No more U-lock kryptoniting the ass pocket in your jeans. No more having to deal with carrying a cable lock. Plus, it has a compartment on the bottom “for storage of keys and paraphernalia.” We’re sold. $34
Hmmm…I love this idea - it marries two of my favorite things - wine and cycling - but it sort of looks like it could fall off at any moment. Is it just me?
Bicycle Wine Rack
Generally, wine and bicycles go together like oil and water. Polish off a few bottles of vino and mounting your metal steed isn’t a great idea. Getting to your destination with an unopened bottle intact is almost as difficult. You can’t just throw it in your bag because it will end up getting destroyed, and riding with it in your hand makes maneuvering a challenge. What you really need is some sort of holster that you can mount to your bike. This is it. Two pieces of olive oil treated vegetable-tanned leather that you mount to your 1” bike frame in order to cradle your sweet nectar.
NOTE: This holster will only attach to a 1” bike frame!