more rack love: PAUL's Flatbed

image via PAUL

I recently spotted one of these flatbed racks by PAUL locked up in front of my gym - and the owner was raving about it to me. What a functional beauty!  

California-based bike component company PAUL makes these tubular anodized aluminum racks -- which I can't help compare it to the GAMOH front rack by Minoura of Japan. While similar in, here is how the two racks compare:

Disclaimer: I have never tested a Paul rack though have owned a GAMOH for a couple years and wrote this review in 2010

 PAUL Flatbed rack  

• 18" x 14.5" x 2.75" platform
• 6061 Aluminum Frame w/ anodized black or silver
• Poplar hardwood slats
• Max load 25 lbs.
• rack weighs 3 lbs.
• mounts on fork eyelets and stem
• Fits 700c wheels
• $199 (here)

)

GAMOH front rack

• 18" x 12.5" x 4.25" platform
• steel tubing with black powdercoat finish
• wood slats
• Max load 40 lbs. (Ben's Cycles recommends no more then 25 lbs.)
• rack weighs 5 lbs. 10 oz (2550 grams)
• mounts on fork eyelets and front breaks 
• Fits 700c wheels
• $114 (here)    

In this case I feel you get what you pay for. Yes, Paul's rack is nearly twice the cost but weighs 2 lbs. less due to the aluminum frame. Another important difference with the two is the way they mount onto your bike, though each with a three point connection. PAUL's Flatbed mounts to the stem and fork eyelets. The stem clamp is adjustable for different frame sizes and works with threaded or threadless tubes. With the GAMOH the rack mounts to the front brakes with a steel mounting bracket -- which makes for a cleaner look BUT I had an issue with the bracket snapping in half.

Either rack you go with -- they offer a nice large surface to lug around stuff. Just don't forget to protect those nice wood slats. I opt for regular applications of tung oil!  

my GAMOH rack with bungee around stem to help keep some weight off the bracket

happy bike to work day

A snap shot taken on a recent evening commute along the Hudson/West Side Greenway -- where the sail boats have started to appear. Oh, how I adore bike commuting.

New Yorkers... don't forget, today until 10am, Transportation Alternatives is serving up free iced coffee, Clif Bars and fresh fruit to cyclists at the following spots:

• On the Brooklyn Bridge
• Manhattan Bridge (Manhattan side bike path exit)
• Bronx - Joyce Kilmer Park (161st & Grand Concourse)
• Williamsburg Bridge (Brooklyn side, entrance to bike path)
• Queensboro/59th St. Bridge (Queens side, entrance to bike path)
• Staten Island Ferry (St. George Terminal)
• Upper West Side - Hudson Greenway (Upper West Side Streets Renaissance)

Enjoy this most perfect cycling weather today!

Hello Kitty bicycle mania in SoHo

Last Friday SoHo experienced cuteness overload. In honor of Sephora's Big Pink Bow fragrance launch, Broadway was lined with models in pink tulle skits, Hello Kitty herself, and a row of Hello Kitty bicycles which they were raffling off that afternoon!

This was happening around the corner from my office, and lo and behold, but not one BUT TWO of my colleagues each won one of these Hello Kitty beach cruiser style bike (which came with a helmet, front brake and bell)! I still couldn't help but wish they had been giving away a bike better suited for city riding...

lilacs and panniers

Now that the Cherry Blossoms have all dropped their pedals, the lilacs are in full bloom this week along the West Side Greenway's Cherry Walk (100th to 125th Street)!!! They are so fragrant I've been finding myself slowing down as I bike past to make the experience last longer.

The warmer weather has also got me switching up my routine -- I'm giving my backpack (and my back) a break and testing out some saddlebag panniers for Commute By Bike. The review will be up in couple weeks!

THE LITTLE BIKE SHOP @ The New Amsterdam Bicycle Show THIS WEEKEND

via DARGELOS

DARGELOS's lightning vest, belt pouch and awesome convertible backpack/tote (above) will be among other accessories for sale at THE LITTLE BIKE SHOP - a pop up shop at The New Amsterdam Bicycle Show THIS weekend!

The New Amsterdam Bicycle Show is taking place 10am - 7pm this Saturday and Sunday at the Skylight SoHo, 275 Hudson Street between Spring and Canal. This year their hosting a slew of bike centric exhibitors (over 50!), offering a chance to win some incredible door prizes including a trip to the Netherlands or a new bike, beer, and valet bike parking.

THE LITTLE BIKE SHOP is a collaborative by Adeline Adeline and Velojoy which looks like they'll have some well curated and mighty attractive offerings...

custom designed saddle by Kara Ginther / Poka Cycles Chainguard via Adeline Adeline 

Spinlister catching my attention

This bike in SoHo caught my attention for two reasons... (1) the bike's awesome colour scheme - especially like the yellow pedals matching the Ulock and (2) the seat cover ad by Spinlister, a new online marketplace where you can rent/rent out a bike...

via Spinlister

Doing a few quick searches I found a real range of bikes (even one with a kids seat), per day prices (ranging from $10 to $60) with per week options, pick-up locations, though found the majority listed as fitting 5'6" or taller. It was also interesting to see that along with individuals listing their bikes, I spotted a couple rental companies like Bike and Roll on there...

via Spinlister

Before considering renting out on of my bikes, I'm going to spend some time reading through their Terms & Conditions. But it does seem like this site is a pretty brillant way of scoring some wheels for a few days -- especially if your an out of towner - or - making some extra $$ from a bike collecting dust in your tight living quarters. I just know if I were renting, I would be mighty careful locking up! 

If you've used Spinlister, do share your thoughts!!! 

an April bike commute

After Sunday's all day rain came... this balancing driftwood sculpture. Love coming across random things like this on my bike commutes.

making NCY bike friendly: air stations

Two nights in a row this week I helped out people on the West Side Greenway with flat tires -- yes, I always carry a bike pump. But it got me thinking back to visiting Stockholm years ago where they have 'cykelpump' stations scattered around the city offering free air to all since after all, lots of flats are a result of low air pressure.

With the growing number of cyclists (including the upcoming launch of NYC's own Bike Share) and the city pumping $$$ (no pun intended) enhancing its waterfront with an eventual continuous bike path around the island... incorporating some free air filling stations would be nice!!! Here's my dreamy scenario of installing air pump stations along the waterfront every 2-3 miles around the city since gas stations and bicycle shops are few and far between...

Additional pump station add ons that come to mind: presta valve adapter, PSI control so you could fill up your road bike tires to 100+PSI(!), and attached wrench and set of Allen keys.

Torch, a new cycling helmet

FTLOBs reader Nathan Wills sent over a helmet he's been developing which integrates front and rear lights into the helmet itself. You can check out more about the Torch, including a video of the design in action in the pouring rain, on his Kickstarter page (where all funds raised will go towards tooling, initial production, packaging, and domestic shipping to backers).

I'm not sure of the overall weight of the helmet but like the idea of gaining visibility from the sides and since its an all-in-one product --  you won't have to worry about forgetting your lights at home!

is that seat talking to me?

Its not the first time seeing a company giving away free waterproof bike seat covers as a form of advertising, but I spotted this one in Brooklyn -- not Europe! With the increase in cycling and thus bikes parked outdoors - bike seats appear to be the next available (mini) billboards in waiting.

Timbuk2's Soggybuns campaign (above) is offering 20% off your next purchase on their website and is hilariously collecting your "photos of clever alternate uses for your bike seat cover" which so far includes a shower cap, beret, and a fruit bowl. Too funny!

sweet 3rd generation ride

Laura's grandmother was given this adorable bicycle as a 4 year old living in France in the 1950's. She held on to it and passed it down to her three kids who rode it in the '70s and '80s.

Jump to 2012, on her recent 4th birthday, Laura became the proud owner of the little bicycle with original details still intact (like that cool rear rack) along with a couple new accessories (new bell and tassels). LOVE that she's already got mud on the tires!

Thanks for sharing, Michelle!

Minimergency (tiny care) Kit

I came across these tiny (measuring at just 3.5" x 2" x 2") emergency kits 'for her' in a gold pouch at JCrew today. The Minimergency® Kit are made by Ms. & Mrs. and include these seriously small -- yet totally practical -- items that I admit to often finding myself needing in a bind: Clear Elastics, Sewing Kit, Double-Sided Tape, Stain Remover, Deodorant Towelette, Pain Reliever, Tampon, Breath Freshener, Dental Floss, Adhesive Bandages, Hairspray, Clear Nail Polish, Nail Polish Remover, Emery Board, Earring Backs, and Lip Balm

The little kit would be at home next to my bike commuting pouch...

redefining age + totally inspiring

photograph by Aaron P. Bernstein for The New York Times
Philippa Raschker age 65

photograph by Aaron P. Bernstein for The New York Times
Jeanne Daprano age 75 

Michael Appleton for The New York Times
Kathy Martin age 60

I loved this article about Kathy Martin and other 'master' athletes from yesterday's NYTimes Sports section. Kathy, who started running as an adult, broke more than a dozen American Running records in her 50's. Jeanne Daprano (top) began entering masters track meets in her late 40s and became the first woman to run a seven-minute mile (6:47.91) in her 70's! Such inspiring stories about strong women -- regardless of age.

On a more personal note, I feel fortunate to having grown up with a wonderful female role model: my mother. She has kept active her entire life, keeping her yoga practice an essential part of each day, and at 69 continues to join hikers half her age to climb the Adirondack Peaks. It is wonderfully refreshing to let go of preconceived notions of 'getting older'!

the Kry Fund - for a young Brooklyn cyclist/bike mechanic/artist

Joe Nocella, owner of 718 Cyclery, sent out the following message about their bike shop mechanic, Krys Blakemore:

On March 15th, Krys was hit by a car here in Brooklyn. After major surgery, she is unable to walk, work or ride her bike. Her rehab period will be extensive, but a full recovery is planned.

Krys was 718 Cyclery's first employee, and is the kind of person who would help others at a moment's notice. She is also the kind of person who would never dream of asking for help... I am not that kind of person...please donate what you can to help offset the costs of her not being able to work.

It is incredibly hard for me to hear when someone is hit by a car while biking. And of course, very sad to know that this young woman has a difficult rehabiliatiion ahead of her.

If you've ever visited 718 Cyclery you know what a wonderful and caring bike shop this is -- so naturally they have set up:
this DONATION PAGE where you can safely give any amount to go to Kry's relief fund.

I hope you can join me in helping out Krys during her recovery.

illustration by Krys from her website

The Cherry Walk's cherry blossoms

Having growing up in Washington DC, cherry blossoms hold a special place in my heart - but who doesn't love the sign of Spring to come with their delicate pale pink flowers whose pedals rain down?! Since I'm not likely to make it to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in time to catch this year's (early) peek, there's the West Side Greenway!

Heading up the Greenway bike path, between 100th and 125th Street in Manhattan, you'll end up on The Cherry Walk -- a mile long stretch with numerous cherry blossom trees right along the Hudson River waterfront.

I snapped these on way home last Friday evening as the trees started coming to life...

map via NYC.GOV

day glo galore

Neon, acid, electric, day glo... LOVE it! It is no news that bright/high visibility apparel and accessories make sense out on the streets/bike paths -- particularity at dusk and dawn. But not long ago it was pretty freakin difficult to find screaming yellow aside from cycling jackets. I for one am thrilled that fashion has put it back on the map. With temps in the 70s this week in NYC and everyone shedding layers and out and about, its been quite evident that super high visibility IS in fashion!

above:
little neon dress from H&M

below:
Never Too Late watch / JCrew colorblock stripe tee / Loeffer Randell sandals in 'acid vachetta leather' / Marc by Marc Jacob belt

daylight savings, baby!

Kimberly of the NYC Bike Train commuting home north bound this week

THIS SUNDAY is Daylight Savings!!! (Yeah, have to pitch myself to believe it.) What a delight it will be to start putting dark evening commutes to rest!

In the meantime, I've recently found a network of fellow commuters (#nycbiketrain) who meet up to commute by bike together as far north as Inwood. This has been a great resource to me for the past couple weeks since I've been getting to know my new commute - which spans almost the entire length of the west side - and can't say I've always felt comfortable at night riding along some of the desolate and poorly lit northern portions of the Greenway alone + its been a super nice way to connect with other riders. Plans are in the works to spread the word about the NYC Bike Train... so stay tuned at the Get Biking! Facebook group.

Taken at 6:30PM yesterday looking westward -- can't wait for an even brighter evening skyline next week!