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Now Is the Time to Buy a Bike

FitSugar — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 03:30:00 -0700

If you're looking for a new ride, now is the time to buy a bike. Just like car dealers, bicycle shops want to move their stock of 2009 models before the new 2010 bikes arrive. This means nice bikes are priced to sell.

You can find deals at large chain stores like Performance Bicycle, as well as small independent shops, where you can bargain a bit too. I suggest you head to a couple of stores and test ride a number of bicycles to find the feel and fit you want. I also suggest wearing bike shorts and bringing your own helmet for your test rides, and test the bikes on the types of terrain you plan to ride. This often means finding a hill to climb near the bike shop, and the folks at the bike store are often happy to suggest a route.

REI has reduced the price on many of its bikes, and the largest savings to be had are on road bikes. I am liking the carbon fiber Cannondale Synapse. It's designed for women's body structure and has been marked down from $1,999 to $1,599. Head to you local REI and take one for a spin.

Do You Store Your Bike Indoors?

CasaSugar — Mon, 11 May 2009 12:00:24 -0700

I've had more bicycles stolen in my lifetime than I can count. Living in a city, it's just a reality you must come to terms with. In college, I always bought the cheapest bike I could find, $45 at most. But, bikes are precious to me, regardless of how inexpensive they are. So, sometimes the smartest thing to do is just store it in indoors, as cumbersome as that may be. Luckily, there's more and more stylish bike storage these days, to make a bike indoors less of an eyesore. Is yours indoors?
Photo by Todd Selby

Casa Verde: Put Your Bike to Work

CasaSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:00:05 -0700

If you're moving across country, probably the most eco-friendly way to handle the move is to sell your things on Craigslist, and then buy furnishings in your new town off of Craigslist or at thrift and antique stores once you've settled. If you're just moving across town, there's no reason to get rid of your stuff. But the earth-friendly answer isn't to rent a U-Haul, either. That hogs gas, and costs money! Instead, put your bike to work! San Francisco blogger, biker, and photographer SFWiggle recently moved, and decided to borrow a Bikes at Work Bike Trailer from the San Francisco Bike Coalition. As a member ($35/year), you can check out a trailer for free, which you can use to lug anything from your briefcase and groceries to your mattress or a sofa. Check with your local bike coalition to see if they offer a similar service! If not, Bikes at Work Trailers are available for purchase.
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Etsy Find: TopTube VeloPocket

CasaSugar — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:00:00 -0800

As much as I love to bike around town, my bicycle is always in conflict with my home. There's never a good place to stash it, unless you have one of these. I've had two bikes stolen from my own backyard, and even when I've had a garage to store it safely, it always falls over. Then, there's the issue of clunky accessories. A big old wire or wicker basket is just not practical for me, it takes up too much space in my digs and makes riding uneasy. So, I was delighted to come across the Hambone Designs Top Tube Velo Pocket ($45), a slim place to stash all your cargo while you're riding that snaps easily to your bike frame. It doesn't solve all my problems, but it's a start. And, its chic Amy Butler fabric makes it easy to match my bike to my decor!

Brain Bike Sharpens Your Mind, Tires Your Legs

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:30:00 -0800

Cardio is good for our hearts, muscles, and circulation, but because it's so repetitive, it can get boring fast. People help pass the time by listening to their iPods, watching TV or movies, reading magazines and books, and I've even seen someone knitting on the treadmill.

Now there's a new way to help you forget you're exercising. It's known as the NeuroActive Bike, or Brain Bike. It's a computer attached to a stationary bike, and there are 22 "brain-stimulating exercises" or games, that challenge your mind and memory. The goal is to improve your cardiovascular and cerebral health at the same time.

To see a video of how this bike works and find out how much one costs, read more.

They are already showing up in gyms in Canada, and if you want one for your own home gym, it'll run you about $3,000. Would you be into using a Brain Bike if it showed up at your gym?

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Need a Challenge? Step Up to the Nimbus Ultimate Wheel

FitSugar — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:00:00 -0800

You started with a tricycle, then you moved to a regular two-wheel bike. Learning to ride a unicycle seems like the next step, right? If you agree, then check out the Nimbus Ultimate Wheel ($90). It's a unique one-wheel ~~bike~~ cycle with no seat, so it's especially challenging for your balance. Since it has no handlebars, you'll end up working your core and upper body much more than you would on a regular ol' bike. Practicing riding this bike could help you with tons of other sports and activities that require balance, such as snowboarding, yoga, dance, and surfing.

Want to see someone give it a try? Then read more.

Man, this guy is really good (just ignore the pleather pants)!

Ecotot: Wishbone Bike

LilSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:00:51 -0800

Running bikes, long popular in Europe, have become all the rage on this side of the pond with their wooden frames, low seats and ability to instill balance in their users. One of the latest versions to hit the stores is the Wishbone Bike ($250), a three-in-one unit that converts from a scooter, to a first running bike and eventually to a full size running bike for older children. With its three positions, the bikes are designed to take kids from toddlers to kindergarten. Designed by an Australian stay-at-home dad who was taken by the running bikes he saw while visiting Central Park, the bike isn't only pretty to look at, it is Eco-friendly as well. Made from sustainably managed woods, its wheels are manufactured from 60 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.

Love Snowboarding? Then You'll Love the Sideways Bike

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:30:00 -0800

Riding a bike is a childhood milestone. Once you master the technique, you'll know how to ride for life. Cycling requires left-to-right balance, like walking, so it is easy to learn. Although more challenging, surfers and snowboarders turn their bodies to the side using front-to-back balance. This type of balance inspired Michael Killian, inventor of the Sideways Bike. Also called a Snowboard Bicycle, you sit on it with both legs on one side, similar riding sidesaddle on a horse. Killian says that the front-to-back balance, combined with the drifting ability of the independent wheels "affords you tremendous grace and motion. It's dance-like. It's mesmerizing and entertaining."

Want to see this bike in action? Then read more.

Both handlebars can steer independently so it's not exactly a cinch to learn, but once you perfect this type of balance, it can make you a better snowboarder. They're not in production yet, but when they hit stores, would you be interested in giving this Sideways Bike a go?

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Would You Bike to Work If Bikes Were Wired?

GeekSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0700

I haven't been hit too hard by the rising gas prices here in the US, but If I was a driver, I would definitely be considering buying a bike right about now. This has to be good for the bike industry, as more people are turning to gas-friendly modes of transportation to save a few bucks. This point was proven over the weekend at the Interbike Trade Show in Las Vegas. Over 23,000 people attended the show, which promoters say is the biggest turnout ever.

One of the bikes featured at the show was the Tailwind eBike – an electric-powered model that goes 25 miles on a charge – which I wouldn't mind owning, except for the price. Sure $3,200 bucks for an electric-powered bike is a lot of cash, but for my money, there would need to be a few adjustments made first.

My preferred list of amenities to add on the eBike would include GPS, a self-powered iPod or phone charger, and maybe even a headlight so I can see and be seen at night. I know these ideas may seem silly, but all my friends who drive charge their phones and iPods in their cars, and use GPS regularly. If a bike was their main mode of transport, I'm sure they would miss these capabilities. Would you buy a bike as your mode of transportation if they were a bit more wired?

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Ask Casa: Stylish Bike Storage?

CasaSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:00:12 -0700

Dear Casa,
I live in LA, and for a while I was working and freelancing from home, so I spent some time decorating and turning the apartment into an enjoyable place to be.

There's just one thing that bothers me. Our living area is great . . . simple and comfortable, but there are two bikes sitting in it! My roommate and I both try to bike instead of drive, so we have to keep our bikes somewhere. But I feel like they're an eyesore. We have plenty of space for them, but they still stick out so much (we don't have outdoor storage options). I was wondering if you had any ideas for disguising them. Room dividers? Screens? I'll pose the question to the home group, but I thought I would ask in case you were in need of a post.

Thanks!
SoCalSugar

To see my suggestions, read more.

Hi SoCalSugar,

Bikes, while great for exercise and commuting, are definitely a pain to integrate into your living space. However, I think that the photo of the bikes against the brick wall is amazing inspiration, and definitely shows bicycles' potential as sculptural objects.

Why not try the same idea in your own home? While screens are a possibility, getting your bikes off the floor will help to keep your home organized. I also love the idea of highlighting your bike storage area by painting a frame around it, or using wall stickers or stencils to delineate the space. A perfect option for this storage area is the cycloc, a cool, minimalist bike hanging tool that's available in four colors (the black version is made from all-recycled plastic), and that I previously mentioned here.

If you'd rather have something off the wall, try the Botticelli Free Standing Rack, which can hold up to four bicycles. And if screens seem like the best option for your house, I suggest the Shanghai Screen from World Market, which is currently half off.

Good luck!
Casa

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