Icebreaker Aries Cardigan

by | Oct 12, 2012 | Product Reviews, Uncategorized


As is the case with most black clothing, it’s hard to see the wonderful details of the Icebreaker Aries Cardigan pictured above. This sweater is from the premium Black Sheep collection, and is made from Icebreaker’s finest gauge of merino yarn. It is full zip, with stretch rib fabric at the hem, collar and cuffs. It is luxuriously soft and comfortable, and packs down compactly for travel. On the bike, it seems a bit too fancy, but it certainly works well and keeps you perfectly warm when the temperatures drop a bit. As is the case with merino products, the sweater does a great job of smelling fresh even after a strenuous ride in to work. I layered the sweater over the Tech T Lite t-shirt, which is a great combination. The Tech T Lite has been reviewed extensively, and the verdict is usually the same. “A perfect t-shirt”. I think I would have to agree. It is super comfortable and for my taste, the shape is very t-shirt like. That, for me, is a great thing. Icebreaker are still the undisputed leader in merino products.



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Light and Motion Taz 1200

by | Oct 11, 2012 | Made in the USA, Product Reviews, Uncategorized


Over the summer Light and Motion released the Taz 1200. This light is marketed as both on and off road, and as the name suggests, it has 1200 lumen output. It is a bit larger than the Urban 550, but not so much as to be a bother for the commuter. It has an incredibly easy to use attachment system consisting of a rubber strap that wraps around the handlebar. It is adjustable for use on most every style of bar. The light runs in three different modes, and unlike the Urban 550, the amber side light has a separate switch with different modes. This light is wickedly bright, so much so, I angle it way down when commuting. I don’t want to give drivers any reason to dislike cyclists. It is really well built, and attaches via micro USB for charging. As with all Light and Motion product, the light is manufactured in Monterey, California. The Taz 1200 most definitely will get you home from work, but will also light the way for some nighttime single track adventure. Light and Motion are also offering a daylight savings special on some of their 2011 commuter packages.



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10/09/66

by | Oct 9, 2012 | Uncategorized


Today is my birthday. 46 years old, which seems strange, as I believe I am still in my 20’s. But, if I must celebrate 46 years, maybe a Handsome XOXO with a NuVinci hub would be a perfect birthday present. One can only dream.



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CicLAvia 10/07/12

by | Oct 8, 2012 | Uncategorized


CicLAvia has come and gone, and once again, I marvel at what a wonderful event it is. The official number of participants was an approximate 100,000 people, and from what I can tell, nearly all those people had an amazing time. There were smiles everywhere I looked, and everyone was enjoying the sights, the people, the music, the food, and most of all, our city. Our posse started at MacArthur Park, rode downtown, and then south to USC. The new addition was great fun, and the party at Exposition Park was packed. We continued back north to the newly opened Grand Park, and there we sat. We ate lunch, listened to the bands, and watched the kids get soaked in the fountain. The riding was of course great, but sitting in the new park, and enjoying the day, was something I think doesn’t happen all that often in Los Angeles, especially in the midst of Downtown. Our city is changing for the better, and is becoming user friendly.



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Osprey Ozone 22″

by | Oct 4, 2012 | Product Reviews, Uncategorized


The Ozone 22″ is one of four bags in the new Ozone line released by Osprey. The line is based on an ultralight travel system, and the 22″ is the maximum legal carry-on size. This is the bag I’ve been using, and light it is. It weighs in at 4 lbs 7 oz which makes for a very light bag. Despite its weight, the bag has incredibly solid construction. It has a strong aluminum frame, a retractable handle, and large polyurethane wheels with sealed bearings. Loading the bag is quite easy due to the large main compartment opening. There are additional pockets as well, my favorite being the one on the back designed to accommodate magazines bought at the airport. It’s a really useful and well thought out design feature. The exterior compression straps allow smaller loads to be cinched up keeping the shape of the bag intact. Osprey makes solid bags, and the Ozone is no exception. This is a great travel bag, and it’s light weight should help avoid check in for carry-ons over a certain weight.



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Carolina Fontoura Alzaga

by | Oct 4, 2012 | Uncategorized


When someone mentions bike art, I tend to cringe, but I’ve been sent a link to an exception. Carolina Fontoura Alzaga creates chandeliers made from bicycle parts found in junkyards. The final creations are quite elegant, and give the impression of being from an opulent home, but are really creations born from reuse of materials discarded as no longer having any use. This Is Colossal has a great description, as well as video of the artist.



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CicLAvia- Sunday, October 7th

by | Oct 2, 2012 | Uncategorized


I’ve been remiss in posting about the upcoming CicLAvia, and know many of my friends weren’t even aware it was going on. So, here it is. This Sunday, October 7th, CicLAvia. I hope everyone is able to come out and enjoy what promises to be another great event.



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