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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.
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