Have I told you yet how much my riding options expanded once I discovered polarized lenses? I had been a regular customer of another brand with interchangeable lenses until they discontinued the only model that fit my face, and all the spare lenses became blurry with scratches. Proper sunglasses for outdoor activities can be quite an investment, and while fit is extremely important (shouldn’t be able to see outside the frame, nor have eyelashes touch the lens); testing out different models inside a retail store is definitely a challenge. In-store demonstrations don’t emphasize the decreased strain on your eyes and the rest of your face, over several hours.
Pepper's Folsom Sunglasses
Fortunately, Peppers Sunglasses come in at much more reasonable prices, fit my small face, are fashionable and even have scratch-proof lenses. A Pittsburgh-local company, the various designs carry an unlimited lifetime warranty, so there isn’t much risk to the buyer. Peppers is no stranger to taking risks, though. They have a rubberized frame in their collection: the Catamaran. I have yet to try these out, and wonder if they are even lighter in weight, possibly stretchy, or get caught on hair – as compared to the Folsom shades I have. Lastly, the megol nose pad found on most models is less of a liability when I land on my face. Thank you for that.
If you haven’t guessed, I’m coming up with 10 things I am grateful to have discovered, this year. Not that hard to do, and a good way to let the bike industry know which ideas are good, and areas for improvement. I’m going to be riding bikes awhile (hopefully forever), so I think this is a small investment towards continued quality products. I’m trying for something different each time, to cover all the bases.
These sandal/shoes came were a treat to wear when traveling in a new destination (previously mentioned Albuquerque trip), in 100 degree heat. As a repeat customer to Keen, I was surprised when I ordered the same size I have in 3 other pairs of regular sandals or shoes, but these came in narrower and seemingly longer. And yet they still fit. I suppose the extra width may be provided so that you don’t hit the crank arm? The shoes are easy to put on and off, especially great for running errands, spending a day on the bike between different facilities.
Keen Commuter Sandal
One distinct attribute that sets it apart from my Sidi Dominator bike shoes, is that it is clearly not a performance shoe. The elastic and neoprene fabric does stretch a bit when you lift up on the pedals, so I wouldn’t recommend to take this mountain biking on technical rocky sections, although its pretty great for hiking with its aggressive tread and toe bumper. It forces you to chill out – which can be a welcome change, sometimes. You get to feel the wind in your toes!
*picture from another review on Road Cycling.
Having a penchant for all things hand-made, I was impressed to find so many talented artists in my new city, Pittsburgh. One of them was clever enough to combine his local target audience with a great magazine concept and his handiwork with ceramics, and cater to custom requests. I’m not sure if there’s any limit, but I’m pretty sure if you can think it up, he’ll make it happen.
During the holidays, I bought a few sturdy pieces for gifts (one for myself, too) and started planning what I might like to request. Certainly, something having to do with Campagnolo bicycle parts – the mechanical craft which a lot of people never get the chance to experience and appreciate. I can be such a snob sometimes. But, at least I drink my coffee in style!
Jeff Guerroro Ceramins: Campagnolo Mugs
Sometimes, brand identity is so genuine; that it’s even obvious through the interwebs. While I was busy talking myself out of the Downieville Classic this year, I was introduced to a potential substitute racer, Kris Simons. Since I believe every person one is connected with, has an influence on one’s life – I wondered about this one. I’m in Pittsburgh, he’s in Denver, and the race is in California. What is the connection?
Apparently, a set of values and respect for hard work. In the spirit of “Free Will”, Enterprenuer Simons made a pact to create fair working conditions in Peru for a handful of coffee bean farmers, while pursueing some of his own dreams. After maxing out a credit card, the business was started with a couple of colleagues also interested in fair-trade and bicycle racing. Now established, they are looking to embark on bigger projects, while maintaining those altruist set of values.
Free Wheel Coffee Organic Peru Blend
The coffee is some of the best I’ve had, too. I use a french press or a moka pot for my morning fix, so I don’t miss any flavor – and I drink it black. I tried both types of the coffee available, and later learned that the House Blend had such a successful run, that it ran out of production until cyclocross season starts! Promising delivery from Peru within 32 hours, the Peru blend carries an almost liquor-like aroma when you open the bag. This was perfect for gifting my own colleagues in the bicycle industry, whom I knew would appreciate it. To inspire. In this era of economic transition, it is a wise choice to surround oneself with shared values. I look forward to seeing more about this company in the bicycle world.
I’m pretty sure I blushed a little when I first saw this short at one of Sheila Moon’s warehouse sales. And yet, I was intrigued. I suddenly remembered: I’m a woman.
Even in the twenty10 decade, far too many bicycle clothes remain simply hideous, buried in functionality. Aside from numerous spandex training kits, I’d been collecting a host of only slightly technical casual wear that would also double as bicycle commuting attire as my commutes grew longer (up to 30 miles each way), but not found a suitable liner that I could ride for hours in. When I saw this racy-lacy liner in its unassuming plastic bag; I did not think it was going to be a solution but something fun, which would bring a new fashion element to my wardrobe. Familiar with the American lady sizing (8-10 is a medium), I bought one and flew back across the country before trying it on.
Holy comfort batman, was this a winner! Hands down, this is one of the most naturally fitting, winningest chamois pad and flat-seam short combinations. In addition, the width of the lace bands offers more even compression and breathability underneath layers. And it certainly gets attention underneath short mtb shorts – I personally like the contrast between lace and mud.
Rickshaw Bagworks Infiltration
You’ve never seen a bag like this before.
You’ll be happy to know that creative collaborations continue to exist with abandon in “the city”. Stunned by their handmade display at the tradeshow, my interest was piqued. When I learned that their product information was presented purely by word of mouth – no catalogs – I had a fonder appreciation for their interpretation of value. I decided to infiltrate their domain and learn more about what makes them tick, and finding their location proved to be the second part of the test in their incognito operation. It only fed my curiosity.
Once I learned how to get to the Historic Dogpatch district, I learned that Rickshaw Bags was founded by former Timbuk2 CEO, Mark Dwight, in May 2007. He was later joined by Timbuk2 founder Rob Honeycutt, and Macy Allatt McGinness, former marketing manager from Timbuk2. While responding to the dotcom blowup economy in San Francisco, the massive production cycles of the world’s most popular messenger bag changed their perception of value. It seemed that their inspiration to begin anew met somewhere between doing something meaningful for the creative community and participating in the sustainability movement.
Inside the warehouse, the space had been fittingly decorated with Bohemian furnishings: a tiger print carpet, screen printed display backdrops, brick walls peeking through raw canvas paintings, and half a dozen industrial sewing machines. They keep a plentiful stock of fabric on hand, with lots of variety to choose from. Many stylish fabrics are sourced within the United States, and the “Bottles To Bags” collection features designer fabrics woven from 100-percent post consumer recycled beverage bottles. After falling in love with one of the prototype designs, I asked to order one as soon as materials would be available. They started a bag for me, immediately. I selected a “Mini” version of the bag which uses a prefabricated functional “chassis” body. Rickshaw invites customers to supply their own fabric for a one-of-kind creation, as well. Observing the process of manufacturing the bag once I narrowed down my fabric choices, was quite exhilarating. The Zero model is specially designed to optimize fabric cutting and eliminate material waste in the factory. Inside each bag, you can find a token of nostalgia from the maker: a heart pierced by a sewing needle, carrying a 5-star banner honoring each of the stakeholders of the business. Their tattoo.
Rickshaw’s niche market consists of both the environmentally and fashionably conscious, while they have stepped up with cost-effective solutions for non-profits on short notice, as well. They hope to inspire others to do the same.
- words and most photos by yours truly (Eryn Hughes), photos4, 5 and 9 by Ryan Hetzel
