Spring Training: The Beat 20 Heart Rate Monitor and 30 Days of Biking

YES! I signed up for 30 Days of Biking for the month of April. You can too so take the pledge!

NYC/Metro Area  Ah, spring is indeed in the air! I know because my sinuses are draining like crazy but not to be discouraged, I got on my bicycle for the first time this year. There was so much awe that it or I even moved as it's been bitterly cold of late. No matter. I got out there!  Surprisingly enough there were some things that were still functional after a long winter's deep freeze in the great North East.


Bicycle Electronics Check List:


Bicycle Headlight - My Cree 3K Lumen is a super bright rechargeable headlight and has a separate power source which is always disconnected when I finish riding. Bright as ever, it fired right up. A very good investment, I've had this light on my bicycle since 2013.

DiNotte Daytime Red Tail Light

Bicycle Tail Light - Once again, you get what you pay for. Behold The DiNotte Daytime Red. Although installed on my Terry Symmetry when I connected the light to the battery pack, BOOM, beautifully fired up lights. Rechargeable and extremely bright, it can be seen in broad daylight by over a mile. I've also had this light on one of my bikes sine 2013. 

Electric Horn - This extra loud, 105 decibel Megalert Megahorn Bicycle Horn uses one 9 volt battery...forever.  Another relic, I think I changed the battery twice since purchasing it back in 2011.  After a long deep freeze it still blew the doors off the bike garage! 



So having been pleasantly surprised at how well everything still worked, I only had one casualty. The Reflex Auto Tail Light was dead and new batteries couldn't revive it. The CatEye Commuter Wireless Bicycle Computer needed a new battery which I changed and so it is up an running again. Likewise the Planet Bike Blaze 45 battery powered headlight on the Terry Symmetry just needed a new battery. A very well made bicycle light, the PB still rocks. Not bad! After washing the frame, oiling the chain, polishing the saddle and cleaning the rims I was motivated to sign up for 30 Days of Biking this year for the month of April.  All the warmer days in March will be conditioning runs for the daily rides next month. Cycling is a fantastic way to ease your way back into condition after being somewhat sedentary over the winter. You don't have to ride long or far, just commit some portion of each day to a bicycle ride.  You can do this!  Go ahead, sign up and take the pledge to ride your bicycle everyday for the month of April here at 30 Days of Biking.  #30DaysofBiking!

My 30 Days of Biking ride equipemnt + a new cross training accessory

Spring Training with the Beat 20 ECG Heart Rate Monitor

This season I have the chance to try this new ECG Heart Rate Monitor to train with. Unlike other heart rate monitors (that I've attempted to use), this one is easy to set up and get working right out of the box. Comes fully charged with recharging ability via USB cable. It actually shows your real-time ECG wave as if you're in the doctor's office!  Pretty advanced.  Connects to your phone via Bluetooth and the sport app, it will store your training sessions which can be saved and uploaded elsewhere.

The Beat 20 sensor is waterproof, making it suitable for everything from sweaty weight lifting to swimming pool laps.  Also gives you: distance, speed, steps taken, cadence, data storage and analysis with a vibration warning when you are reaching your heart-rate threshold. Your personalized profile within the app shows YOUR maximum heart rate based on age and other individual factors. It can also be paired with your bicycle computer so you can have all that data in one place during your ride. This is a bit more complicated and you'll need to be sure that your bicycle electronics has either Bluetooth or ANT+ connection capabilities.  Perfect also for walking, running or weight lifting sessions at the gym. The chest strap itself is very comfortable and easily adjustable. Quite impressed so far with the Beat 20 and can't wait to start seriously training with it this spring.  Check it out at Shanren Tech

The Beat 20 ECG Heart Rate Monitor by Shanren Tech

Rapha Women's 100 2014: The Ride, The Kit and Staying Visible

At the last minute I asked my mechanic to install my DayTime Red

This year's Rapha Women's 100 came on the heels of lots of rain and high humidity. In fact I started a bit later than last year due to a few early morning rain storms moving through. Due to some tire and bicycle computer issues on the Terry, I road the heavier Nishiki first until repairs could be done. Being about 15 lbs heavier than the Terry, I definitely felt the difference especially on steep hills. My average speed was about 14.5 mph.

Donkeys grazing in a hillside corral on my ride route.

Once the Terry was ready, I switched off and rode that. Last year I had the Terry for the whole route so after lunch, I enjoyed a much lighter ride! However by then the winds had picked up so headwinds all the way out. The humidity had dropped but the temperature was up into the 80's.

Maximum wind speed was 5.7 mph

The Kit  The Giro Amare Road Helmet weighs only about 280 grams and was so cool with the 26 active turbo vents. I could really hear the wind in my ears especially on the descents. Likewise the Giro Riela Trail Shoes are much more aerodynamic than the Pearl Izumis. The foot bed is also much stiffer which gave me a lot more power in the pedals. Read more about my ride kit HERE.

Giro Amare Women's Road Helmet

During the morning ride, I put on my Safety Smart Wear short sleeved Jersey over my Castelli 2.0 Body Paint Cropped Tri Top and Bibshorts as it was still pretty cool. The Castelli Kit is the lightest, most comfortable cycle wear I've worn to date. It performed so well keeping me cool and dry. The chamois was not too bulky and stayed cool in the saddle. After lunch, I simply wore my Verspertine Vesp over the cropped Tri Top & Bibshort. What I really needed was visibility as I am riding in 50 mph traffic.

Vespertine Vesp taking a break on the Terry in the shade.

Visibility Factors
If you look close in the photo above and in the lead photo, you'll see my DiNotte Daytime Red under the Butterfly saddle of my Terry. At the last minute, I asked my mechanic to install it. A ride this long and with traffic whizzing by can be very stressful. I wanted to make sure that I was seen and from quite a distance. It was sunnier in the afternoon so the Daytime Red did it's thing. Cars saw me and stayed away. I call that winning!
Likewise the Vespertine Vesp offers lightness but high visibility. It is not as aerodynamic as the Castelli Body Paint pieces but I felt safer since I am riding alone and people may not be expecting me on the road. Still I did see quite a few other cyclists out there but just not involved in this Sportive.

Washed and drying after the Rapha Women's 100!

The Ride Wrap This was a great ride this year! Despite having a late rain start, equipment substitutes and repairs, I did a respectable 22.5 miles for the day. My ride route has hills and I'm out there alone so I don't have a group to draft with. Still I would rather challenge myself with a certain degree of difficulty than take an easier route of flat, boring roads. Besides, I would miss all of the horses, turtles, donkeys, sheep and goats I get to see on my route! No, this is way more interesting. The main thing is for us women to get out there and make it happen. Special thanks to this year's ride support team: Giro Sport Design, Castelli Cycling, Safety Smartwear, Vespertine, CatEye Bicycle Electronics and my Number One Bicycle Mechanic, my husband Joe!

CatEye Strada Digital Wireless

NEW CatEye Padrone Bicycle Computer

CatEye Padrone Bicycle Computer

May is Bicycle Month! Simplicity is the order of the day when it comes to bicycle computers. I can't tell you how many bicycle computers I've used, (or tried to), that were so complicated, I could barely find the mileage. CatEye does it right with an improvement on it's Urban Wireless bicycle computer. The Padrone is thinner than it's predecessor, but offers a larger, cleaner screen display.

Comparison with the Urban Wireless
CatEye's Urban Wireless is one of my favorite bicycle computers so I was really excited to see this upgrade based on the simple installation and operation of the original unit. As you can see below, the Urban Wireless has a large long bar to click through the displays. The difference is that the Padrone's whole display is clicked in the bracket similar to the Strada. Just like the Urban Wireless, the Padrone was super fast to install but offers a sleeker profile and larger numbers on display which are SO much easier to read at a glance. Just like the Urban Wireless, however, the key essentials are there for everything from a bike commute to the mountain bike trail.

CatEye Urban Wireless on a Schwinn

Responding to Customer Requests
The Padrone came about in response to customer requests for a quick & easy install with a larger numerical display and access to stats. I have to say the Padrone nailed it on both fronts and has become one of my favorite cycling computers.  Below are the specs for the new Padrone. See what else is new this spring at CatEye.com
 
Padrone Specs

Current speed：	0.0(4.0)～99.9km/h [0.0(3.0) - 65.9 mph]
Total distance：	0.0～99999.9km [mile]
Trip distance：	0.00～9999.99km [mile]
Elapsed time：	0:00'00"～99:59'59"
Average speed：	0.0(4.0)～99.9km/h [0.0 - 65.9 mph]
Maximum speed：	0.0(4.0)～99.9km/h [0.0(3.0) - 65.9 mph]
Wireless transmission：	Speed [analog sensor]
Clock：	0:00'～23:59' [1:00'～12:59']
Auto power saving：	Yes
Auto mode：	Yes
Tire size：	100mm～3999mm (default：2096mm)
Battery：	Computer : CR2032 X1　Sensor：CR2032 X1
Battery life：	Computer：approx 1 year (1hr use per day）Sensor：approx 10,000 km [6,250 miles] in total distance
Dimension：	67.5 X 43.0 X 14.5mm
Weight：	31.5 grams

Padrone on my foldy. Perfect.

Schwinn Comfort Bicycles

Schwinn Hybrid Comfort Bicycles combine the best of road, cruiser and mountain biking. Panniers: by Basil, Netherlands

Many people today are looking for a bicycle that can fill several needs. You may not have enough room or funds to house a stable of different bicycles.  Road bikes have long been associated with racing and optimal cardiovascular exercise.  Mountain bikes generally have wider tires so are a bit slower but more sure footed on gravel and dirt.

Schwinn is the stuff childhood legends are made of and their new line of  hybrids do not disappoint. They are lighter due to the aluminum frames and offer a lot of features found in higher end road bikes.  Best of all, if you want a bicycle for commuting, (and looking good while doing so), plus a little off road fun, the new hybrids offer a SR Suntour front suspension fork and spring supported seat.  They definitely live up to the name "Comfort Bike". Don't expect the high powered stiff frame of a road bike though. This is definitely a comfort cruiser but with mountain bike attitude.

Basil Jada Double Bags

Schwinn Hybrids
This bicycle has 21 speeds and SRAM grip shifters and linear pull-brakes allow for easy gear changes and stops. The 700C men's Schwinn bike features high-quality Aluminum City Frame. Fully equipped with matching painted fenders this Schwinn hybrid 700C is ideal for use in all types of weather.  Just make sure that your chain in lubed after a rainfall.  Also the steel parts on the fork will rust.

The rear storage rack is part of the frame. It allows for convenient and safe holding of your luggage and or panniers. We love these ones by Basil, NL (Jada Double Bag in Marble/Grey), as they are very water repellent.  Each bag has a large front zipper pocket, side pockets, topside with two bands for LED/ straps /child's seat/ spring clamp, double reflection on all sides. They hold a LOT too. Their capacity is expandable up to 35L and simply look beautiful on these bikes.

Schwinn Solitaire Hybrid Bike:

Schwinn's Solitaire Hybrid Bicycle in Rootbeer

  

Aluminum "City" frame with SR Suntour Suspension Fork offers upright riding position

Fenders and rear storage rack for convenient city riding in all conditions

Padded saddle with suspension seat post for a cushioned ride

21-Speed Shimano Drive-train with SRAM Grip Shift Shifters for easy gear changes

ProMax alloy linear pull brakes stop precisely

CatEye Urban Wireless Computer Completes the Package

CatEye Urban Wireless

In addition to lights and panniers we recommend getting a simple, easy to use bicycle computer.  The Urban Wireless by CatEye is super simple to set up and install while having 9 essential functions:

• Current, Average and Maximum speed
• Trip Distance
• Odometer
• Elapsed Time
• 12/24 hr Clock
• Calorie Consumption
• Carbon Offset

The split screen on the CatEye Urban Wireless allows you to read two values at the same time. The other screens are easy to access via the large bar button on the front of the unit.  Auto start-stop (auto power save mode) conserves battery energy when it no longer senses wheel motion.

Pack A Medical Kit!

Whether commuting or out for a leisurely ride, always pack a medical kit. Having a trunk or panniers on your bicycle allows you to carry things for a change in the weather or emergency situations. Adventure Medical Kits are Ultralight / Watertight so NOTHING gets in them. The Ultralight Watertight .7 is double bagged and has a full assortment of bandages, medications, moleskin and wound care preparations.  They are easy to throw on the bicycle and you can add a few extra items to personalize the kit according to your needs and the season.  Here's what I additionally pack for the summer months:

  

• Mission Athletecare Sun Defeated Sunblock SPF 30
• Natrapel 8 hour Insect Repellent Wipes
• Feminine Supplies
• Mission Athletecare Moisturizing Lip Protector SPF 20
• Topricin Homeopathic Pain Cream
• Waterproof Shell in case of showers

 

Day Lights: CatEye Rapid 5 Review

CatEye's NEW Rapid 5 on the seatpost of my Terry Symmetry - bright enough to be seen in broad sunlight.

Most local laws say that cyclists must have working front and rear lights to be on the road at night.  Well, that's certainly reasonable but I have found that you can and should go beyond what the law says.  I mean it's your life.  Wearing a helmet might not fit in with the cyclechic crowd on their "fixies" either but YOU are the one in the driver's seat.

What I have learned is that almost any bike light will be visible in pitch darkness therefore if you don't ride much after dark, a cheap blinkie might be ok.  The better deal is to get a bike light strong enough to offer visibility during the day as well.  This to me is the benchmark of a superior light and one that can be run in daylight for maximum visibility.

CatEye Rapid 5

This is new in the CatEye line of tail safety lights.  It offers 4 modes of operation, RAPID, PULSE, FLASHING & STEADY with flashing giving you up to 100 hrs on x2 AAA batteries, (provided).  Step through each mode by pressing the ON button, hold to shut off.

This light like most CatEye models benefits from their unique FlexTightTM bracket which is also included.  These brackets require no tools, only your hands to install and tighten via a simple knob.  Mount it vertically or horizontally.  You can even angle the light's position up or down.  I've used their FlexTight brackets for years and often don't bother removing them when replacing one of their lights.  They really hold up.  I've never had a light fall off or stolen once it was locked in.  The lever makes it easy to remove but effectively secures the light in place.
 

Visibility Factor

The bowed shape insures the greatest visibility from the sides, up to 90 degrees.  This light is waterproof and offers CatEye's OpticubeTM technology which is more frequently seen in their LED headlights.  In fact the Rapid 5 packs three high power LEDs plus two 5 mm LEDs with the OptiCubeTM  feature.

What amazed me most is how incredibly bright the Rapid 5 was on flashing mode in full sun.  I kept backing further and further away from the bike to get a sense of what a driver would see during the daytime.  It totally got your attention and could be seen several yards away "doing its thing".


The Wrap 

I think if you've used CatEye Bicycle lights and electronics over the past few years as I have, you will be comfortable with their universal FlexTight mounting system.  You'll get more than a little used to being able to switch out lights without going through a whole bracket reinstallment ordeal. 

The only minor beef I have is that the Rapid 5 didn't come with the Clip Attachment  (#5440900N).  My Nishiki Sport Touring has a rear rack with a trunk so my seat post is obscured.  I attach all of my lights on that bicycle on my trunk bag (see photo below) so having the clip would be very handy.  Same for clipping this light on Panniers, baskets or a jacket if you are walking, jogging or even skateboarding. 

CatEye tail light clipped on my Trek Trunk

Where this light shines, however, (pardon the pun), is in its ability to be seen at a great distance in full sunshine.  If it is THAT bright during the day, it's going to claim supernova status at night when riding is more precarious.  We will fully road test the Rapid 5 over the next few months but if first impressions are worth anything, I'd say this light is one of the better designed ones out there both for brightness and operation.  We've confidently used CatEye bicycle lights during our film shoot on one of the world's most famous bike lanes, the New York City Bike Path.  


Having just an extra layer of visibility may make all the difference between being seen and not, even during daylight hours.  I run my lights, both headlights and rear lights every time I get on my bike.  Just like wearing a helmet, it is something I simply do to be saf(er) out there.  How about you?  What kind of bicycle lights do you use and do you run them during the day?  We'd love to hear from you.

Gifts for Cyclists + Polar Bottle Giveaway

Someone on your Christmas list ride a bike?  Maybe you'd like to give that someone a nudge in joining you on the road?  These gifts are tried and true treasures for anyone who spends time on a bicycle.  They will help keep them warm, safe and happy on the road with colder weather on the way.  The Polar Bottle Holiday Giveaway is now CLOSED.  Help clean the environment of disposable water bottles, one bottle at a time.

We have a WINNER!  Ben of Naperville, IL has won our LTD Edition Santa Bear Polar Bottle Holiday Giveaway.  Here's Ben with his prized Polar Bottle and thank you to all our entrants.

The season's HOT GIFT pick?  Smartwool Training Gloves, $40.00: Ideal for cold weather training. The silicone palm grippers help you grip ski poles, tie shoe laces and keep your hands safe on that snowy bike commute. Features contoured seaming for a bulk-free fit. Unisex Fit, 45% Merino Wool, 39% Nylon, 16% Elastic

LTD Edition Santa Bear Polar Bottle - Thermal 24 oz

Team Rudy!  Rudy Project's Full Zip, Long Sleeved Racing Jersey

Smartwool Training Gloves

Gore Bike Wear Signature Cap - Unisex

The Pouch works on the front handlebars or seat rails.

Fall Bike Commuter Essentials

Jackson Long Coat by Carve Designs is fully lined & made of 100% boiled wool.  Eye wear by Rudy Project.

Walk it.  Bike it. Love it! Get into it with XTreme XTraining's Fall Bike Commuter Essentials.  Here's our music video take on how to choose the proper gear and dress stylishly for cooler temps. Our motto is to get dressed once in the morning, put on your hiking shoes and or hop on your bike and be ready for anything the day brings.  Dressing in layers also assures extra warmth & comfort.  We chose these specific wool pieces because they allow for athletic movement and wicking of moisture.  New to XTreme XTraining this season is Ahnu Footwear with their Monte Vista Hiking Boots featured in Terry Bicycle's Fall 2011 Catalog. We are also excited about Carve Designs of California's "west coast represent" (now put your hands up), with key pieces for walking and/or cycling.  Of course we adore our rugged and beautiful COSA by Basil Baskets from the Netherlands. Check out CatEye's NEW INOU GPS Video Camera that overlays your bike commute videos and still photos over a Google Map to share with other commuters via social networks.  It can also record road incidents and conditions to report or avoid for safer traveling. Consider fall your second spring and get out there!  Song: Time to Roll

INOU GPS Video Cam by CatEye

 







Actual footage shot with the CatEye INOU GPS Video Cam with handlebar mount!

Bike Lights & Reflective Wear

On the NYC Bike Path: CatEye's latest & brightest tail light, the TL-LD 1100 & Portland Design Work's Danger Zones both clip onto bikes, backpacks, panniers and jackets for optimum day & night visibility.

Danger Zones clip on easily to your gear or bike

Fall outdoor activities mean cooler weather but also less light due to rainy conditions and shorter days.  You really want to make sure to be seen on the roadways when you take your morning jog or bicycle ride/commute.

One of the best ways to do that is to mount very bright lights on yourself if you're walking or your bicycle if you're riding.  The two that I showed in the film were some of the best and brightest I've found.  CatEye's TD-LD 1100 Tail Light and the Danger Zone lights from Portland Design Works.  Each offers a choice of three operating modes which include flashing and steady but the PDW Danger Zone has this crazy "A-Ha!" sequence that is just soooo cool!  Better still they are both rain resistant and these LED's are SUPER bright even during the day.

CatEye's TD-LD 1100 LED Tail Light

PDW's Danger Zones on a Basil Basket

The toe & heel of the Synchro Guide has reflective details.

Needless to say, clothing and bags with built in reflective strips are going to be very important in low light situations. Terry Precision Cycling has a clothing line with pieces that have reflective accents on them.  Terry's new Signal Hoodie has reflective right & left sleeves and is a bright red.


I like to make sure that my performance shoes have light reflectors as well and my Pearl Izumi Synchro Guide and Sperry Topsider SB-1070 running shoes both have large light sensitive panels for high visibility.

NEW!  Terry's Signal Hoodie is bright and easy to spot on the road.  Plus the left and right sleeves are reflective. Reflective Backpacks are available from DontGetHit.com.

Really, there's no excuse to go out without proper lights either on yourself or your bike.  New York City law requires a bike to have both a working head and tail light when riding at night. You'll find most other cities have the same restrictions.

I've found one website operated by Bright Ideas that offers very affordable lights for walking, running and cycling.  Below is their Planet Bike dupe, a really great 3 watt Rechargeable LED Bicycle Headlight.  It has high & low beam plus flashing that can be seen for over a mile away even during the daytime. At night, you will feel safe on even the darkest roads.  You can also add extra visibility by wearing a reflective vest, backpack or shoulder straps found at Don't Get Hit.

We're all trying to stay healthy.  If we use lights and reflective wear, we can extend our cross training time into the night.  That, for many of us is precious since our days are often packed with other responsibilities that eat up our time.  This is one way to be safer out there so you can come home. 

Rechargeable LED Headlight from Bright Ideas

How to Rock Bike Month

Polar Bottle & Chocolate #9 GIVE-AWAY!!! Just email Dr. M at drmiczak@yahoo.com with "Bike Month Give Away" in the header. One US resident will win a new "Gizmo" design 24 oz Thermal Polar Bottle and a set of Chocolate #9 Agave Gel Energy Packs. Deadline is midnight June 30th 2011 so enter NOW!

Lumpkin Cycle Works Birmingham Panniers

We are SO excited about National Bike Month 2011!  Cycling is one of our favorite cross training activities but during the month of May, we're going to take it to a whole new level.  With gas prices going through the roof, now might be a good time to think about using your bike for more than just exercise.

When someone tells me that they get up early and then drive to an air conditioned gym for spinning classes, I have to think, "What?"   How about this for an alternative:  Get a real bicycle, get up early and bike your errands for the day.  In the time you've spent in transit to and from the gym plus working out you could have ridden at least 7 miles or more and that's going really slow!  Trust me, you can do this.

With a few added pieces of gear such as a CatEye Commuter Wireless Cycle Computer, Double Shot Headlight and Lumpkin Cycle Works slick Faux Alligator Panniers in burgundy shown here, you can turn your bike into a lean green commuting machine!  Better still, you'll look GOOD doing it.

Most American's use their cars for errands & distances under 5 miles.  Really, you can bike that quite easily and with the right gear, you can do a lot more with your bicycle than just tool around.   CatEye's Commuter Wireless cycle computer gives you the usual essentials plus ETA, time, date and temperature.  It is so easy to operate and access data while in the saddle.  With an ETA reading, you'll know your progress on your morning commute to work or when running an errand.  It is estimated that for every 2 miles you bike, you can save about 2 dollars in gas.  As prices rise, that amount will rise as well.

Afraid of arriving in Spandex?  Say no more.  Smartwool's Channing Jersey is very chic.  I biked to a social event in it and had my picture taken numerous times.  No one even knew it was a cycle jersey!  I was totally comfortable too.   Terry Bicycles has a new Urban Collection that will rock your socks!  Terry's cycle clothes look good enough to stop off at the market or go to lunch.  What about a trip to the library or stopping at the mall?  How about a picnic at the park or the beach?  Put panniers on your bike, a skort on your bum and all of this is within reach.  Do it for yourself and the environment.

Coaster Skort & Tee from Terry's Urban Collection

Be sure to look for our upcoming video this summer with cross trainers who use the NYC Bike Path!

Bike to Work Week

NYC executive style!  Faux Alligator Panniers by Lumpkin Cycle Works

May 16th - 20th is Bike to Work Week.  Are you ready for the Commuter Challenge?  This is a great time to find out how much you can do on your bike. Really if you do a little planning and invest in a few pieces of equipment, you can turn your bicycle into a second car!  Panniers are a start because they free you from having to carry a bag that can shift, interfering with steering.  The ones shown above are by Lumpkin Cycle Works and are handcrafted in Detroit Michigan, USA.  These are so elegant but roomy enough to accommodate large items with ease.  They are tapered away to avoid heel kicks and include straps for extra tail lights.  Beauty meets function in these panniers that can hold your portfolio, iPad, cell and a lot more.

Terry's new Urban Collection cyclewear

The Basics

Whether are looking to bike to work or do some errands, you'll need a few things to be comfortable and safe out there.  If your bicycle doesn't have a chain guard, you might want to get a large elastic band to cuff up your right pant leg.  Also fenders on your bike help keep road nasties from spraying onto your clothing.  I don't have fenders or a chain guard but I also don't ride in the rain.  Assess the type of riding you'll be doing and adjust accordingly.


I just touched on this but you should make sure your clothing choice doesn't interfere with the workings of your bike.  Another good idea is to wear a pair of hard soled shoes.  These will give you more power to the pedal over soft, flexible soles.
I also like to carry a change of clothes.  Panniers or bicycle saddle bags allow that luxury and a lot more.  Pick a shirt, pants and keep a jacket tucked away in case of rain or cooler weather.  Temperatures can sometimes drop from out of nowhere and goosebumps don't look that great riding around.

CatEye Commuter Wireless

Timing is Everything

When I used to bike to work in college, I never knew how long it would take me so I'd often leave a bit too early.  A cycle computer is a good idea of course but for commuting, the CatEye Commuter Wireless is the instrument of choice.  Gives you the usual speed, distance, etc. but also gives time, date, temperature AND estimated time of arrival.  See your progress with a tracking bar that evaluates your speed vs time.   
The CatEye Commuter Wireless is the first computer dedicated to cyclists who use a bike to commute.  It really is made with the commuter in mind and allows you to access the data screens by just pressing the unit.  Even has a night light for riding after dark.  Well thought out piece of equipment.

 

Bright Idea's 3 Watt Rechargeable Headlight

A Bright Idea 

I like to have a very strong headlight on my bike, not just to see at night but to be seen during the day.  That's why this rechargeable 3 watt bicycle light from Bright Ideas was such a find.  Very Planet Bike-ish but reasonably priced.  You get high - low beam and flashing PLUS it's bright enough to be seen in broad daylight.  I had it on flashing this week and a driver had moved in front of me into my lane to make a right turn.  He saw the flashing light and moved OUT of the lane, allowing me to move to the front.  That's what I'm talking about!  Comes with batteries fully charged so it went from the box to the bike in a snap.  Probably the most important piece of gear you'll buy for your bike is a head and taillight.

CatEye Reflex Auto Tail Light

You're Looking at Taillights  

A really bright flashing tail light is important for being seen at night.  The thing is, we often forget to put it on!  CatEye's Reflex Auto Tail Light solves all that.  It has built in light & motion sensors that turn it on automatically.  It is probably one of the brightest tail lights out there. I like to pair this up with a daytime-visible tail light such as the Trek Flare 10 with 10 LEDs (sorry, only available only at bike shops, not sold online).  Another tail light that is very bright is by Portland Design Works but we haven't tested it yet so I'll reserve comment.  Really any type of bright flashing red LED will be a great boost to visibility out on the road.  I clip them to my panniers and the CatEye Reflex Auto is  permanently mounted onto my bike rack.


Living for the Weekend?
 

Basil's Jada Rear Basket and Double Panniers 

NEW! Basil's Jada Rear Bike Basket in Blueberry Purple

Ok so you've made it through Bike to Work Week.  Yeah!  Well there's no need to stop now.  These Basil Double Bicycle Bags and Rear Basket are from the Netherlands where cycling is a way of life.  These bags and basket show that as they are VERY well made and designed.  The basket clips on your back rack so easily and has feet so you can take it with you to market for shopping.  Load it up with a bottle of wine, baguette sandwiches and some fruit for a lovely weekend picnic.  Has a rain cap and inside / outside zippered pouches.

The Jada Double Bicycle Bags feature reflective tape, rain resistant fabric and a zippered outside pouch.  This is great because you needn't unclasp the bag to get at things you prefer to keep handy such as a cycle cap or your Park Multi Tool. Work or play, there is a way to use you bicycle for the maximum amount of pleasure.