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bike accessories
New York Times online shop, The Strategist, recently reached out to me to ask a few questions around helmets. With the multi types of bike commuters in mind I was able to make some recommendations of my top favorite commuter helmets for preventing helmet head. Feel free to read on The Strategist for the 9 Best Bike Helmets For Commuters, According to Cycling Experts. Read on for answers to The Strategists' questions about what helmets I'm currently lusting after this summer.
While The Strategist has shared some great recommendations around commuter helmets with some help of yours truly and other cyclists, I thought I would share with you my top recommendations for commuter helmets while hot summer weather is on all of our minds. While we all want to be safe on our rides, we also don't want to arrive to work or our social events looking like we just cycled the Tour de France.
Commuters don't need super aerodynamic helmets that make them extra speedy, but rather something lightweight and airy enough so they don't get to work with a sweaty head. Any favorites for that?
If you’re someone with thick hair who heats up quickly, it is very hard to find a stylish commuter helmet. I am a strong believer in safety before style and rather not have my head overheat. In hotter temperatures, I will usually opt for for a lightweight ventilated road cycling helmet such as Specialized Airnet Helmet because of the ventilation technology. While it is aerodynamic, it is a bit more stylish than an average road cycling helmet. Your health even on the bike should be something to consider too.While a commuter may not need an aerodynamic helmet to keep dry and fresh, opting for a stylish lightweight and ventilated helmet can help keep your head cool. Helmets such as Thousand Heritage helmet and Bern’s Brighton helmet are equipped to keep you fresh. Both are designed with ThinShell technology and ventilation vents to keep you sweat free and cool while you keep up with traffic.
Are there any helmets you think are best for preventing "helmet head"/messy hair?
Helmet hair and heating can be a major issue for female commuters. Some helmets brands I highly recommend to battle helmet head are, Sawako helmets and Bobbin’s helmets. Amongst the many commuter helmets, these brands keep the stylish commuters in mind - designed with breathability, lightweight tech, and fitted without compromising safety.
While helmet hair may be inevitable on hotter days, I always recommend trying a new “do” under your helmet. You can tie back hair or secure it further in a braid. I would also recommend carrying a comb or brush with you to revive your style when you reach your destination.
I've seen some folding helmets on the market recently, which would be great for commuters to just throw in their bag post-ride. Do you have any thoughts on those or recommendations for specific ones?
Folding helmets are convenient if you are also commuting by public transit, if you are worried about it being stolen, and just for the sake of being hands free of it. First generations of folding helmets were not attractive but Closca Design has come out with a new design, Fuga, that is stylish, safe, and collapsible. It’s smaller than most folding helmets, making it convenient to store in a bag. It also passed safety certification in the US, Europe, and Canada, so it’s about as safe as any other helmet on the market.
Do all helmets have to meet specific safety requirements? I just want to make sure that all the "stylish" helmets are still tested for safety.
Most helmets on the market must be tested and certified for consumer use, even stylish helmets. There are standards by the mandatory Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for product approval for safety that will allow a brand to sell their product on the market. And there are higher safety standards that will earn a CE, Snell B-90, and EN1078 safety certification with a glowing recommendation by the CPSC.
You can be sure that any helmet in a shop will at least claim to meet standards but some helmets will meet higher safety standards. You can usually look for the CE, EN 1078, or Snell B-90 sticker seal inside the helmet to ensure that it meets higher safety standards, however, if you are still skeptical, approved helmets usually have a thicker shell and do not use snaps because they are prone to becoming loose on popping open upon impact.
Also, I'd definitely be interested in any brands/models you generally recommend to commuters or casual riders.
There are many brands that are reaching the commuter demographic and that are definitely stylish. Currently I’ve been obsessing over Thousand Bike Helmets for their retro look, functionality, and also sustainability practices. I have tested this helmet and it’s by far my favorite. I’ve also been lusting after Sawako’s Glitter Helmet’s, really stylish and ventilating. It’s definitely and eye catcher!
Cycling With Mogi
9/29/2016
For the past two months I have been intensely training for my bike tour (that is actually next weekend!) With all the spin classes, runs, and weekend rides, my body has been feeling achy. As part of my training, yoga has become an important factor in helping my body recover. With the good weather we've had recently, my practice has me outdoors more, thanks to Mogi, a yoga mat cycling pannier.
Ride In Style With Bandbox Helmets
9/14/2016
Uncommon Goods Bicycle Gift Guide
12/18/2013
As we start to check all the names our gift lists, it’s time to start thinking about presents for those who love bikes! While a classic sweater and book are typically found in a present, I gathered up some unique presents that will surprise your avid cycling loved ones that is both environmentally friendly and supports good causes, major bonus! From printed totes to bike bells, here are some of my favorite gifts from Uncommon Goods that are sure to make the perfect addition to any bike if your in a hurry to wrap up the holiday.
Like what you see? Uncommon Goods has an array of gifts that you can check out that are unique from personalized gifts here, to for her gifts here, and for holiday perfect gifts check out more here. Not only are these gifts uniquely designed but they're handcrafted and created with harmony with the environment and without harm to animals or people that supports causes, smalls business, and charities around the world!
Now that's what I call giving!
Chic Gear To Get The Biker Babe This Holiday
12/13/2013
As the holidays approach, I've been perusing around the webs for the hottest bicycle picks to gift the biker babe. To help me make this search fun, I asked some friends to share their favorite bike gear. This wish-list pick is from Heather of Brooklyn Cruiser, a bicycle company based in Brooklyn, NY. Visit their website and especially their beautiful bicycles at Brookly Bicycle Co.
When Christina asked that we share some of Brooklyn Bicycle Co.'s wishlist picks with City Girl Rides, the short answer was: "the Vintage Wicker Creel Bike Basket at Eleanor's, period." Never before have I coveted a bike accessory so hard. (I mean, SO hard. That's one darn fine piece of basket!)
Alas, call it a symptom of East Coast Winter-living (grey skies, white snowfall, too-early nightfall, and alllll those miles of sidewalk that frame our days…), but I'm feeling a harmony to all things neutral. And the best way to harness their full potential? Well, that would be a serious dose of technicolor.
When Christina asked that we share some of Brooklyn Bicycle Co.'s wishlist picks with City Girl Rides, the short answer was: "the Vintage Wicker Creel Bike Basket at Eleanor's, period." Never before have I coveted a bike accessory so hard. (I mean, SO hard. That's one darn fine piece of basket!)
Alas, call it a symptom of East Coast Winter-living (grey skies, white snowfall, too-early nightfall, and alllll those miles of sidewalk that frame our days…), but I'm feeling a harmony to all things neutral. And the best way to harness their full potential? Well, that would be a serious dose of technicolor.
1. When it comes to a finely curated wardrobe, the value of a versatile piece cannot be challenged. Enter Vespertine's SASH-AY SCARF. It's the stuff of endless interpretations and doubles duty as an accessory fit to transition with the seasons. Put that reflective button to use and get creative -- as a scarf, this one can take on countless drape configurations and, come Spring, it rocks well as a stylin' sash. We're talkin' high-functioning luxe -- soft merino wool, hand-woven Heritage Flash Tweed, and discreet reflective stripes that come alive in direct light.
2. It's no secret that we're full of adoration for all helmets Belle. And this here Paper Cranes (Light Grey) headpiece (with its muted, warm tones and bold graphic) really speaks to our minimalist tendencies. And don't mistake the hand-painted origami as precious -- a UV-protected varnish keeps its surface scratch and water-resistant. This is art at its utilitarian best.
3. Now, while we'd love to say that the one thing a proper Bike Babe cannot leave home without is, well, her bike… There IS something we tend to go-to before wheeling out our two-wheeled chariots. And that's our bag. Freitag's JOAN has the brands design-y, modern feel in spades, with functionality to match. It's expandable, can take on your yoga mat, and its mounting straps can be zipped away from sight once you've arrived, making for seamless handlebar-to-arm-candy.
4. Houndstooth is a bit of a mainstay in the chic department -- depending on what you pair it with, it's a pattern to cover all vibes, cute to classy. (Really, who feels the same way every single day…) Cleverhood’s Electric Houndstooth Rain Cape has also got some superhero features on the DL -- hidden reflective thread (at night -- poof! -- you're a lit grid!), Uretek zipper details, magnetic armhole closures, and a fitted hood that can be worn under your helmet. Did we mention you'll stay dry?
5. And now for that dash of flash. A good color pop goes a long way when your primary palette is a super-urbane collection of neutrals. Where better to see the flash than right before your very eyes -- Ray Ban's iconic Wayfarer Folding Flash Lenses do the trick, and then some. Copper, Yellow, Green and Orange colorways mean a hue for all, and every pair folds down into a compact, single-lense-sized stasher, handy flip-top case included.
Cute Dog Bike Baskets
12/09/2013
Bicycle Wishlist
11/12/2013
In the interest of still sharing all lovely bicycle things, I think it would be fun to start a little post I'm calling Bicycle Wishlist. Naturally, throughout any given week I stumble across some beautiful or quirky or enticing bicycle products and Pin them and forget about them. I mean, you're all welcome to see what I post on Pinterest but obviously that in and of itself is no fun—so I'm just going to share them with you!
Without further ado, here's the first go-round for the season. Maybe this can serve as a guide of some kind? A holiday guide for yourself or for the bicycle lover in your life. However, this is more like a guide to my inner shopaholic, that is...
1. Gold Sparkle Helmet 2. Dalman Supply Rope Lock 3. House of Talents Bike Basket 4. Women On Wheels Book 5. Polka Dot Bike Belle 6. Alite Bike To Beach Bag
If you want to see more follow me on Pinterest!
Bike Love: Helmets and Autumn
10/25/2013
Things I'm loving lately:
Lazer Sports Helmets. Lightweight, super comfortable, and breathable (if youre a head sweater, you'll love this helmet.) I got three in their Urban Editions cause they are good looking and nice to wear. I just love a good helmet and cannot wait to share with you the many ways these helmets look good on a bike, stay tuned as I adventure out for a weekend of friends and bikes.
Autumn In New York: I never really understood the words to Ella Fitzgerald's song "Autumn In New York" until living here. Ahh...the crips cold air (that I've missed, sans fog) and golden leaves.
Green Smooties: while attempting to step away from coffee, I'm filling my body with wholesome green juices. Well being takes a lot of sacrifice. Try this recipe.
Dahlia's: my favorite flowers have finally hit the market here in Brooklyn and I couldn't be a happier girl. I just love surrounding myself with them.
Other: Kashmire Tchai Tea, making new friends, reading books, walking to the park and playing with dogs, fav neighborhood cafe Choice Market, Blue Apron recipes.
As season transition, what are you loving lately?
Cute Bicycle Finds: Charly's Bicycle Goods
10/21/2013
photo: fuuvi
I am floored by the creativity that bubbles up in the bicycle community. The tally of uniquely talented artists, craftsmen, and designers runs high — though, magically, Charly's seems to house numerous treasures all under one roof and I'm going head over wheels over them. From spunky heart and star shaped bicycle wheel reflectors to bicycle covers, Charly's combines an assortment of practical and useful items that are not only safe for riding but are absolutely colorful and adorable to make a statement on your bike with.
Seriously, whether you're looking for that perfect bicycle bell as a statement piece — or the cute bicycle light to ring up your visibility — chances are you'll find it on Charly's.
Cute Bicycle Baskets
10/14/2013
It's time for a roundup of cute bicycle baskets and I found some unique and vintage styled baskets and crates to share with you. Although I have had a great number of them, I always remain true to Wald wire baskets for sturdiness around bumpy roads but I have always dreamed of one of these wicker baskets and a bike crate to carry a bundle of flowers and veggies in. A girl can dream right? Sigh...Ok, I'm dying to share with you what made the list.
1. Wald Woody Basket 2. Brooks Hoxton Basket 3. Wald Twin Rear Basket 4. Ashtunga Bicycle Basket 5. House Of Talents Bike Basket 6. Nantucket Bicycle Basket 7. TWO-O Bike Crate 8. Pedal Porter Bicycle Crate 9. Sunlight Classic Crate
Shop Bicycle Baskets
Shop Bicycle Baskets
Cute Bicycle Bells
9/16/2013
*Ding ding*
Do you like?! I just love them and could probably find an outfit to fit perfectly with every bell. I love bicycle accessories without a doubt. Although my bike is a simple ride, finding a couple of signature pieces makes me smile when I know how adorable my bike looks with that little accent piece. On my quest looking for a new bike bell I found some super cute bicycle bells that surely had me ringing for more. Whether you're a girl who likes stripes, polka dots, or a little bling (i love it all) you have great choices to find the perfect ring for you.
Bike bells: 1. Silver Striped Pattern Bike Bell by Poketo 2. Monotone Pattern Bike Bell by Poketo 3. Bling Bicycle Bell by SpokeNWheel 4. Candy Bicycle Bell by Dring Dring 5. Black & White Polk Dot Bike Bell by Bike Belle 6. Blue & White Polka Dot Bike Bell by Bike Belle 7. Pattern Bike Bell by Poketo 8. Gold Striped Pattern Bike Bell by Poketo 9. Wrapping Bell by Fuvvi
Cute Commuter Bicycle Helmets
9/09/2013
As you know, protecting your head when cycling is like the number one safety rule of all cycling, trust me, we've had "the conversation" before. But why I personally don't like to wear one is a personal matter, and when coming to NYC I realize how important wearing one is, like with all the insufficient bicycle infrastructure, bad driving policies, and billions of crazy cab drivers.
Well, with so many bicycle helmet options out there, I bring to you some of my favorites from around the web. Whether they're are loved by brands, functionality, and style, I love seeing the evolution of cute bicycle helmets for ladies. I also have that really cute red and white polka dot helmet and it's my favorite. You can find great resources around the web from Eleanors NYC, Cycle Chic UK, Yakkay, Nutcase, Sawako, and Bern in scoping out some really cute options for your cute cycle safety wear.
(right to left)
1. Bern Lenox Helmet 2. Pryme 8 V2 Champagne Helmet 3. Yakkay Helmet Tokyo-Blue-Stripe 4. Yakkay Helmet Paris-Blue-Red 5. Nutcase Gold Stripe Helmet 6. Giro Surface Multi-Sport Helmet
7. Nutcase Simi Mini Dots Bike Helmet 8.Yakkay Tokyo-Rose Helmet 9. Sawakko Furuno Ribbon Green Helmet
Adventures with Eleanor's NYC
7/05/2013
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| photo: Eleanor'sNYC |
Hope you all had a fantastic Fourth of July! I wanted to share with you one of my newest adventures here in NYC. Above all, I landed a bicycle lifestyle bloggers dream job working as the newest Social Media Coordinator at Eleanor's, a stylish bicycle accessories boutique here in NYC. They have some fabulous items ladies, so check out their gorgeous baskets, bells, bags and panniers. Today, I am featured in their TGIF series of interviews with ladies who bicycle and share more about my position with Eleanor's, you can check it out here. I'm extremely excited to be part of this team and look forward to inspiring others on two wheels.
Thanks for making this space an adventure, now you can follow more.
Have a great holiday weekend!
Alite's Bike to Beach Bag
7/02/2013
photos: Alite
I absolutely love bumming around the beach all day, except that hauling around goodies can be a bit of bike load in a basket, but Alite, a San Francisco local pro gear company has created this simple and practical "Bike to Beach Bag". Safe to haul and easy to wear like a back pack, it simply comes off as a beach tote when you set up beach camp for the day.
Even more, the bag is locally made in San Francisco, and if any cyclist knows, SF peeps knows their cycling gear.
Handmade Handbags and Packs for Cyclists
3/18/2013
In a world full of factory made goods shipped thousands of miles, it is certainly refreshing to find a master craftsman producing custom to order handbags of superior quality with the needs of cyclists in mind. SF made Motley Goods synthesizes the tradition of gleaming brass and bull denim with superior performance materials like cordura and vinyl. Features include laptop sleeves, waterproof design, and bold patterns equally pleasing and eye-catching. The designs range from tote to pannier, backpack, satchel, to innovative basket bag -they are certainly elegant, but make no mistake, they are built for everyday use by cycling enthusiasts. So grab yourself a bikesnbits cruiser and a beautiful bag made especially for you.
Etsy Bike Finds
7/18/2012
bicycle ear warmers via Grettahoneycut
happy hump day!
every now and then i'll come across some really creative and practical items for bicycling on etsy. some items above that i'm super excited about is this elegantly painted bike bell, a bike saddle cover for relief on those hot summer days, handlebar cozies where you can slip your hand in for those cold commutes, ear warmers you can attach to your helmet, and a crate for your run to the farmers market. it's always fun to come across some really great items on etsy, i'm always impressed by the creativity behind the work. there are links to the shop and product below the photo if you're interested in learning more about it.
enjoy!
new bike gear!
3/01/2012
i've been in the mood for upgrading some bike accessories mainly because i got a new saddle and have lost some stuff in the past few months. i've been eyeing some adorable stuff from Public Bikes, especially the Mini Dots helmet by Nutcase, so i went on a spree and got these finds. can't wait to give old wendy a makeover and be ready for spring riding.
Etsy Bike Accesories
6/06/2011
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| bike burrito |
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| lucky duc |
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| savvy sac |
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| spokeNwheel |
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| frill ride |
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| baby jewlz |
while it's been pouring rain here in the Bay Area, i've been taking advantage of it by staying in and catching up on new bicycle art, craft, and products. here are just a few fun items i found browsing through etsy. to find out more about the products just click on the link below.
Bike Tool Kit
9/05/2010
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| bike cozy |
When it comes to bicycle maintenance ladies, it's good to know the basics of fixing a flat, adjusting your seat, replacing break pads, cleaning and lubricating your chains and derailluer. I know the vocabulary is intimidating but it's good to know how to maintain your bike components. Since i have a boyfriend who is just as passionate about cycling as I am, I have him show me and teach me what I need to know about components and maintenance. I strongly advise on investing in a tool kit, one in which is small and easy to carry around on your bike trips.
Bicycle Baskets
3/31/2010
With spring time amongst us, accessories get to shine! A basket can be a great addition to your bike. Whether you're piling it high with fresh veg and french sticks or more realistically throwing your handbag in it on your way to work, baskets are a practical option that add character to your bike. I'm particularly fond of the Peterboro Original Bike Basket by REI, they sell for $29.00 and are perfectly chic for a spring ride to the farmers market or a picnic in the park.
check it out here: http://www.rei.com/product/784459
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