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

 

NYC Bike Path Video Preview: Bike Chic

  Intro to our New York City Bike Path Video - August 2011 release scheduled.

Lumpkin Cycle Works One Off Faux Alligator Panniers

While shooting on location this summer, we noticed some very slick bicycles and accessories on the New York City Bike Path.  We road from Penn Station down the 9th Avenue Bike Lane to Chelsea Piers and saw all sorts of panniers, baskets and messenger bags.  Still we saw none like these bicycle bags.  Perhaps it's because these are one of a kind?

These gorgeous Faux Alligator Panniers are made in the USA by Lumpkin Cycle Works. If you want New York City style, look no further.  These have enough capacity to hold a full day of shopping on 5th Ave. or bushels of groceries from the Chelsea markets.  We like the two sets of straps which allow us to attach our Portland Design Works Danger Zone Tail Lights.  These panniers are also angled back to help prevent "kicking" during your pedal strokes.  The closures snap so no need to do/undo the buckles and an inner drawstring helps keep cargo from shifting during your ride.  You would look perfectly fly rolling through Midtown with these on your fixed gear!

The designer behind Lumpkin Cycle Works

Meet the Designer & Purveyor of Lumpkin Cycle Works

Carlossee (Carlos-say), is a fashion designer and avid cyclist whose studio is located in Detroit, Michigan.  If necessity is the mother of invention, who better to design fashionable yet functional cycle equipment than someone who bikes?  This is what makes "Lumpkins" so exceptionally unique.  Classic lines, sumptuous fabrics and a sense of daring pretty much sum up this line of cycle bags and panniers.

Mr. Lumpkin's artistry brings haute couture fashion to cyclists who use their bikes for much more than just recreation.  Carlossee is famous for arriving at black tie affairs on bicycle, (and tux), fully equipped with his signature panniers.  He is changing the image of the bike commuter while opening new and exciting options for urban cycling.  We could see that his impeccable fashion sense fits right in with NYC Bike Chic and are pleased to include his work in our video project.

Lumpkin Cycle Works bags are the "Birkin" of  bicycle panniers.

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.