Massachusetts Avenue road work

Mass Ave is under construction. It looks like they're widening the roadway by taking out the raised center island. Dare I hope for a bike lane?

Chain-L No. 5

OK, the packaging gimmick got me. But isn't this the cutest chain lube you've ever seen? I could keep this on my desk at work.

I may have to go back to the bike store, get some chain lubricant just because of its marketing.

Updated photo of my commuter

I'm pretty happy to have finally found a silver rear rack. I think the bike is starting to look really good. Next question is whether to service the rear wheel (and lose the plastic pie plate) or build new city wheels with an internal hubs. I go back and forth. Bike projects are fun though!

REI has classy bike baskets this season

I'm liking the look and the price is right.

They come in large and extra large too. If I needed a basket I know what I'd be using my REI rebate to buy!

It's pouring out today - cycling raincoat review

What makes a good cycling raincoat?
First off, it should be cute. That's assumed. Beyond that it should be short enough to not interfere with your wheels, it should have long enough sleeves that your arms are covered even when you reach for the handlebars, it should be brightly colored to keep you from looking like the roadway to passing cars, and it should be waterproof. Finally, it should be inexpensive as it will inevitably, eventually, get dirty and worn.


From the Gap this yellow coat is darling! The front will split to accommodate pedaling and the sleeves are long enough to reach the handlebars without exposing a lot of arm to get wet. It's waterproof and bright for cars to see. Perfect!

$69.50



JCrew has a stylish option (love the collar!) in a cotton fabric that looks delicious which they call "Italian paper-poplin". In addition to the bubblegum pink it is also available in a cute light lemon yellow. As a downside, I don't care for the sleeves. Particularly on a bike these sleeves will be entirely too short, they could be worn with a short sleeved shirt but anything longer would inevitably end up wet. I'd prefer the raincoat were a little longer too.

$158.00

I didn't see anything suitable at all at Banana Republic.

To be completely over-the-top, Saks Fifth Avenue has this Burberry Trenchcoat with all the details I describe. It is certainly visible, long sleeves, good length, and a statement piece! Of course, it doesn't coordinate with my bike, and it doesn't conform to the 'inexpensive' rule, so I'll have to pass, but I'd love to see someone fabulous rocking this trench on a bike!

$995.00


Has anyone seen any others?

Man's Urban Cycling Jacket?

My husband has asked me for an urban cycling rain-resistant jacket. Over our morning bike date we came up with the following wishlist:

1. Color: light enough to be seen in the city, but dark enough to resist bike grime
2. Length: short to avoid getting caught in wheels (Burburry trench coat is out)
3. Storage: possessing a pocket at the lower back, accessed with an invisible zipper
4. Reflectiveness: possessing French-cuff style reflective flaps at the wrist, reflective tape under the collar so it will reflect when turned-up, and a reflective flap which would come down over his backside, at car headlight level
5. Style: finally the jacket needs to do all this and look completely normal otherwise

What are we forgetting? Any other suggestions? Stay tuned for developments and photos.

Commuter Helmets

Bell has a line of inexpensive helmets designed for commuting, called the Metro. They aren't ugly, for a helmet! (note: the visor is removable)

They say it is designed to blend with your street clothes. It is true that the softer lines look more natural for everyday.

It seems you you can attach your favorite blinkie light to the flasher strap, and it has the harness that adjusts to your head. It is vented for cooling but you can add the optional winter kit to plug the vents for comfortable cool weather riding.

They're on sale at Nashbar, models from '04, '05, and '06 in an assortment of colors. I just happen to gravitate to the blues, but there is a pretty fuschia, and a nice matte black.

I think think I need this helmet.

I'd rather be on a bike tour in Ireland...

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I would love to be on a bike in Ireland today, wearing wool and rolling past the cliffs, the pubs, the green green hills. I wouldn't roll past too many pubs, but no matter. You can drink lots of beer when you spend all day riding a bike. A dream for someday... maybe I'll go visit my relatives in Cork.

Erin go braugh!

Photo by Cascade Bicycle Club

Relatively cute SPD compatible shoes

For long rides one often wants to "clip in", attaching special cycling shoes to special pedals. All cycling shoes are stylistically over the top, comes with the territory. But these aren't bad, they have a slightly Camper look to them and could be reasonably worn when not actually cycling. They're now on my list!

Available from Team Estrogen

Gilles Berthoud panniers are sexy

OK, I don't have a reason to use this (yet) and I don't have the $315 budgeted, but aren't these panniers sexy? The corset-styled laces just... I'm getting too excited here.

When I have the money and a plausible excuse, Peter White Cycles, you'll be hearing from me!

Oh, I WANT!!! this classy cycling cape

The clever folks at Dashing Tweeds have a gorgeous capelet with reflective ribbon woven in. This is nearly my idea of the scarf with reflective ribbons. See how it reflects at night? (over to the right) I love the drape and the idea of it fluttering behind me when I zoom-zoom through town. I might weave it with different colors, but isn't it just so perfect? (except for the price!)

Inspiration for this Blog

I know I am not alone in realizing that bicycles can be ridden on occasion in the total absence of lycra or "sports gear". I commute by bicycle year-round in Boston and I do not own sweatpants!

That said, there are a number of useful items that I either lack, or need to replace. This blog will chronicle the items I see, make, test, or otherwise enjoy, relating to cycling and fashion; or just cycling in general.

In terms of clothing, I am currently looking for the following items:

• Scarf/muffler with reflective ribbons woven in
• Replacement for my worn camel-colored pea coat (must be short, and light colored for visibility)
• Long warm gloves for covering my forearms when reaching forward to the handlebars
• Tall boots with a short stacked heel, which would protect my trousers from the chain grease without making me wear one of those dorky pants protectors
• Sunglasses with lenses that are light enough to wear as safety glasses but which don't look like safety glasses
• Ideas for combating helmet hair
• And I think everyone except Sheldon Brown longs for a more stylish helmet
  

The idea is that when I step off my bike and remove my helmet (a very American addition, but necessary here) the person on the street would not realize I had been on a bike. I could go to work, shopping, or the most elegant café without embarrassment.

With cities like Boston and New York implementing bicycle programs similar to the Velib program in Paris, urban bicycle culture is increasing. Cycling has myriad benefits: a feeling of community, protecting the environment, reducing our dependence on expensive gasoline, promoting personal health, reducing obesity, and it is more relaxing than racing around in a car. I enjoy all forms of cycling and I look forward to sharing what I know and learning more.

-CC

PS. This blog is inspired, in part, by Sheldon Brown (1944-2008). Thank you for your passion, Captain Bike!