Bringing the best in cycling to the head of the field
CALL UP Product / Tech / Trends / Know-How / from QBP and Friends
Commuter / October 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
Tech, Trends & Know-How 6 No Discontent In Winter 12 Employee Perks: All Natural Sweeteners 22 What To Wear: All Dressed Up With Everywhere To Go 26 Last Stop
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Commuter Product 4 Birzman: Shop-Inspired Function, Dutch-Driven Design 10 Panaracer: Ride For Miles And Miles 16 Topeak: Carry On 20 Louis Garneau: Stay Warm, Stay Dry, Stay Happy
lead out / about this issue Easy Street
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’m Jake Johnson, a lead builder in Q’s Wheel House. I’m a year-round rider, living in Saint Paul and riding to Bloomington for around 32–40 miles each way. There are ups and downs with commuting, but I’d tell anyone that the pros outweigh the cons tenfold. I’ve got enough experience—and I’m sure many of you do, too—to make a good case for choosing bikes first for getting around. For customers who want to commute more, start by recommending a proper fit. If they’re going to spend a lot of time on city streets with their best two-wheeled friend, they should be comfy and not distracted by a bike that’s hard to ride or uncomfortable. For clothing, wool is number one in my book. It wicks away sweat, and the antimicrobial action lets you show you care by saving others from the smell of a week’s worth of miles. When commuters see they can show up wherever they’re going without bringing the funk, it’ll be one more reason to keep riding. Set your customers up with the right cargo and repair accessories to get from point A to point B—but they don’t need the kitchen sink. If you suggest too much stuff to a newbie, they might feel that commuting is way more complicated than it is. Propose they leave bulky items (shoes, pants, and toiletries) at work. I just bring what I need for the day: lunch, a shirt, and some fresh undies. Putting a tool pouch together is a great idea too, and it makes switching bags a breeze. A multi-tool, pump, tire levers, and a new tube should be in there— be sure to offer to show how it all works. I like to make room for a pork chop, too (that’s a can of Hamm’s for all you vegans out there), for my premium, under-bridge halfway stops here in the Twin Cities, but that’s up to the rider. Provide customers with maps, and go over them together if you know your city well. Preferred streets for cars don’t always mean smart streets by bike. Everchanging construction can be the biggest buzz kill of them all, so having alternative routes can be a big help. And remind them to look both ways— even if they have the right of way. People who aren’t used to riding in live traffic forget, and you never know what’s lurking around on even the quietest streets. Getting to know a city’s neighborhoods by bike is the best. Commuting speed lets you see places you might not through a windshield, and finding new stops is just as fun as the ride. My route goes past the Kitty Cat Klub, which has free shows, cheap drinks, and a great staff, and when I get to 6th & Wabasha in St. Paul, I’ve got another little gem full of great people and rad food called the Amsterdam. I definitely recommend their french fries. I’m sure you have your favorite spots too, and sharing them is like letting customers into a “Commuter Club.” They love that stuff. Stay visible, keep tires pumped up, and remember to tell your mom you love her. See you on the streets!
“Getting to know a city’s neighborhoods by bike is the best”
on this page: Leaving rush hour in the rear-view Photo courtesy of Axiom
Cover photo courtesy of Marty Wood
CALL UP / Volume 1, Number 9 / October 2014 Published by Quality Bicycle Products 6400 West 105th Street Bloomington, Minnesota 55438 www.qbp.com Customer Service: 800.346.0004 customerservice@qbp.com If you’d like to stop receiving a paper version of Call Up, please contact Customer Service. All brands, trademarks and content in Call Up is the intellectual property of QBP or our vendor partners, all rights reserved. © Quality Bicycle Products, Inc. 2014
OCTOBER 2014 / Commuter / 3
Function Driven, Design Inspired The folks at Birzman believe that form should follow function. This belief stems from the
owner’s interest in Scandinavian design and is apparent in their full line of bicycle specific tools. From the smudge-proof dark chrome colored ratchet set to the high-polished, and ergonomic smooth lines of the Dragonfly chain tool, Birzman tools look as great as they perform.
1 1/2" Ratchet Set
TL3142 / OJ84G This charcoal chrome 10" ratchet provides reassuring heft and leverage while feeling great in the hand. Fit any of the six included sockets to make fast work of everyday tasks like cassette swaps and crank installs.
2 Clam
TL3151 / MV8A The clam makes setting the gap on disc brake calipers a quick and painless process. Never put up with a singing rotor again.
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TL3152 / WU76L This chain tool can break and install 8- to 11-speed chains with ease. The true genius of the tool is the built-in port for snapping off the pilot end of chain pins, and the 11-speed Campagnolo peening gate that’s just a finger flick away.
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3 Dragonfly Chain Tool
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4 Travel Box Tool Kit
TL3185 / UM270S This heavy-duty case with a place for all 20 tools is perfect for the car, vacation, or a burgeoning mechanic. Comes with all you need for basic repair, adjustments, or component installation.
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5 Specialist Wrench Set
6 T-Bar Hex Set with Stand
TL3181 / DJ186K The specialist wrench set provides the mechanic with a quick option for adding leverage to seized or enthusiastically installed pedals, Hollowtech II bottom brackets, or cassettes in which teeth have bitten into an alloy freehub body.
TL3129 / VC80Q These wrenches have been ergonomically designed in a triangular T-handle to be comfortable when spinning in a bolt or giving the last quarter turn to surely secure a fitting. Stand with 2, 2.5, 3–6, 8, and T25 wrenches.
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digging deep / exploring the industry
NO DISCONTENT Winter can be hard for commuting cyclists. It’s depressing to think about riding a stationary bike in the basement or going to the gym to keep those endorphins pumping and strong legs going. Natalia Mendez of Freewheel Bike in Minneapolis knows first hand that there’s no need for sorrow—and shares her approach for getting commuter customers ready to ride. You can put the winter blues to rest before they start.
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’m Natalia Mendez, and I’ve been using my bike to get around in all kinds of crazy weather for the past eight years. Although I’ve raced cyclocross, road, and track in recent years, I don’t see my commitment to commuting changing any time soon. Every year I see the number of fellow winter commuters increasing, even in winters as harsh as the one we experienced in Minneapolis last year. It never ceases to make me smile and wave a gloved hand in solidarity. At the beginning, there was a lot of trial and error with my own winter commuting, but I’m so glad I stuck it out. I learned a lot those first few years, and now I get to share the good stuff with our customers at Freewheel Bike. Freewheel has three locations in Minneapolis and Eden Prairie, one of which is right on the Greenway, our local bike highway. It’s a great place to stop for snacks or coffee, or to use the public shop, and it’s also the location of our Winter Bike Expo, where I lead a seminar on winter commuting. The other location where I work is just a few blocks from another Greenway exit in an area called the West Bank. It’s close to the bike path, 6 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
the University of Minnesota campus, and a neighborhood with a growing Somali community. We have a very wide customer base, with about 30 percent of our customers commuting to work in summer—and about half of those people continuing on through winter. Not a week goes by without someone coming in looking to gain the independence and health benefits that come from regular bicycle commuting. Many of these people intend to ride through the colder months as well, and there are a few things I make sure to mention: There is no wrong way to commute through the winter. You can throw studs on your existing hybrid or mountain bike, framesave your old steel whip, or buy a sweet new fat bike. What you do is up to you, as long as you’re having fun and you’re comfortable while doing it. Bike handling skills in winter can be a little more demanding. A lot of folks are concerned about falling, which leads me to talk about traction and flotation, teaching customers about proper tire pressure and the many fat and/or studded tire
options there are to choose from. Will they mostly ride on hard-packed snow and ice-covered streets, or roll over big ol’ snow piles? Also let them know they may take a spill or two as they get things figured out and that it’s OK! Even the most seasoned commuters fall once in a while. Apparel is the hardest thing to nail down. Don’t let your customers get discouraged if it takes them a bit of time to figure it out. Every day is different, so make sure there’s room in a bag or pannier to store extra layers. Staying dry is so important, and full fenders are great for keeping off the slop. Dressing for 10 degrees warmer than the actual outside temperature has prevented me from overheating many times. Help your customers figure out their material and layering preferences, whether wool or synthetics, and caution them to avoid cotton at all costs. Suggest that they invest in a good, packable wind jacket that keeps the chill off and won’t take up much room in a jersey pocket or frame bag when it’s not needed. (See this month’s handy clothing guide on page 23.)
IN WINTER Visibility and safety are huge concerns when we have so few hours of light. I recommend at least 100 lumens of light or more on the front of the bike. If customers have an outlet at home or at work where they can keep an eye on an expensive light, USB rechargeable units are my go-to because they’re easy to keep charged up. Higher-lumen lights running at lower settings last longer if riders have more than a few miles in their route. I also recommend throwing little blinky light sets into their bag as backups in case of emergency. Highvisibility vests and reflective tape on helmets, bags, and bike are a great idea for added safety. The idea of flats in the winter may scare some people. I recommend keeping a bus pass on hand as a backup plan, and a pair of latex or nitrile gloves in their flat kit to prevent their hands from freezing. This way they can maintain their manual dexterity and aren’t fumbling around in bulky gloves trying to mount a cold, stiff tire bead. Toss a snack in the flat kit too—we burn more energy in the winter and no one wants to bonk or have a low blood sugar meltdown when trying to change a flat in the snow. Good commuting routes make a difference. Some people prefer bike trails without cars, so it’s good to find out how well routes are maintained in the winter, and offer up a few options if you’re familiar with the area. My preference is the snow emergency routes or streets that
“Every year I see the number of fellow winter commuters increasing, it never ceases to make me smile and wave a gloved hand in solidarity.”
get plowed and salted first, but make sure your customers are comfortable riding close to traffic. In these situations, they shouldn’t be afraid to take the lane. I also try to be courteous to drivers, as many of them are as scared of hitting us as we are of being hit. Eye contact and communication with hand signals is key here. The biggest off-the-bike concerns I get are questions about storage and cleaning. I recommend bringing the bike indoors if possible to prevent extra abuse from temperature fluctuations. Set it on a towel or cardboard to catch some of the drips. If you must keep it in the garage, be extra diligent about wiping the frame down, kicking off the slush stalactites, and keeping the chain lubed. Wet or wax-based lubes work well in the winter. Make sure to get an overhaul in the spring, as salt, sand, and melting agents on the street can wreak havoc on a drivetrain, and wear out chains quickly. I’ve noticed I burn through them fast in the winter. Commuting isn’t racing. One of the final tips I stress when getting a customer set up for any kind of commuting is to allow themselves enough time to get ready and to ride. Commuting is not racing, and in the winter it’s especially important not to have to push it too hard. Most falls happens when taking a corner too quickly or stopping too fast. Be sure to account for weather conditions. If it snowed four inches the night before and the streets haven’t been plowed, it could really
slow down a commute. Also factor in time to freshen up. Unscented wet wipes and deodorant are good things to keep at work if your job doesn’t have showering facilities. Keeping extra clothing and shoes at work is helpful, too, to keep the cargo weight down on the ride in. Being excited and helpful when future winter commuters ask questions can really allay a lot of their fears and get them excited, too! It’s reassuring to people starting their first snowy rides to know they have a home base full of knowledgeable staff to turn to for help as they figure out their perfect winter riding setup.
Natalia racing The Lake Minnetonka Ice Race, 2014 Photo courtesy of Ben Hovland
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The good stuff / stock your shop for commuters 1
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11 1 Mechanical Threads Ride Local T-Shirt CL0813 / FS26J • Represent your local shop with pride; 100% ringspun cotton shirt 2 Mechanical Threads Bike Air Raid T-Shirt CL0810 / RB26X • Inspire all around you to commute more with this t-shirt, printed on fitted-style, 100% ringspun cotton 3 Craft Active Extreme Windstopper Long Sleeve Shirt BL4777 / BV142L • With Active Extreme wicking fabric and Gore Windstopper windblock front panel, this product keeps the core warm no matter your activity
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4 Buff Original Headwear CL1838 / ON22Y • Stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter with this multifunctional headgear. Over a dozen different ways to wear! 5 Smartwool Lightweight Wind Boxer Brief AB4447 / CK66B • Wind- and chafe-resistant while keeping you warm; an essential boxer-brief for cooler temps 6 ZOIC Women’s Uptown Knicker AB7420 / RZ70P • Stylish, breathable, some stretch. A good-lookin’ way to run your errands and be fashion forward 7 Civia Women’s Uptown Crop AB1596 / MT132H • Civia’s breathable, durable stretch material, in a crop pant version
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13 8 ZOIC Downtown Pant AB7503 / VH90Q • Stylish, breathable, some stretch—with reflective striping inside of button-up pant cuffs 9 Civia Uptown Short AB1580 / SX110W • Look good on your commute with these breathable, comfortable shorts 10 Pearl Izumi Elite Softshell Glove GL7731 / XK70E • Wind and water protection coupled with light Primaloft insulation and a fleece lining equals no backup needed 11 DeFeet Wooleator Gear Girl Women’s Sock SK9565 / SH16K • Thin, flat-knit wool sock with a Stay-Fast cuff
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12 DeFeet Slipstream Booties FC7801 / PO20O • Keeps wind chill off the feet and keeps dirt out 13 Capo Euro 200 Wool Socks SK1601 / HD24V • Wool blend socks are breathable, durable, and perfect when you want just a little more insulation on your feet 14 Salsa Squadron Sock SK2861 / QI20A • Keep your feet comfortable on any adventure with this wool offering from Salsa 15 Capo Thermo Roubaix Glove GL2424 / GF44S • Warm, breathable fabric, with gripper dots to keep your hands on the bars
Willing And Able Cover all of your commuting needs with reliable products from MSW. 1 PC-110 Waterbottle Cage WC3912 / XF8I • Super-durable composite bottle cage 1
2 USB 200 Headlight/Taillight Combo LT3320 / HF56J • Water-resistant micro USB-rechargeable 40-lumen headlight and 15-lumen taillight. Universal handlebar/seatpost attachments, 50-hour runtime on flash mode
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3 CP-200 Platform/Clipless Pedal PD3601 / EK66R • Flip-flop platform/clipless pedal with sealed cartridge bearings
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4 Glueless Patch Kits TL0950 / BP90C • Fifty individually packaged 6-pack patch kits with ruff-em-up paper included 5 Tire Levers TL3950 / BE140R • Fifty individually packaged 3-pack tire levers with bend-don’t-break plastic and embossed MSW logo for grip
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5 4 1 Pinhead 4-Pack Lockset LK2082 / SN94K • This lockset has a unique key code for the skewers, seatpost clamp, and headset cap to prevent theft of your necessary parts 2 OWL 360 Rear View Video Camera EC6500 / FO256K • Keeps riders covered with a rear view that’s mounted to the handlebars and prevents swerving from looking over the shoulder
3 Pedro’s Tulio Quick-Release Mini Tool TL0617 / OS50G • Pedro’s 8-function multi-tool on a skewer replaces 130/135mm skewer. Includes 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex wrenches, flathead screwdriver, 1- to 11-speed compatible chain tool, and 3.23 and 3.45mm spoke wrenches 4 Michelin Protek Max Tire TR8409 / JY46T • Smooth, siped tread, with 5mm punctureprotection belt and reflective sidewalls for added visibility
6 5 Park Tool IB-2 I-Beam Mini Folding Multi-Tool TL7499 / BF18U • Includes ten tools that should be included in every bike bag for handling basic repairs on the road. Small, compact and lightweight 6 Portland Design Works Soda Pop Fenders FE2700 / KP24W • Made from 100% post-consumer recycled bottles, with included hardware to fit most bikes
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Ride For Miles And Miles Having a durable, long-lasting tire is crucial to leaving the car in the garage on a more regular basis. Panaracer makes a wide range of
commuter tires to put your mind at ease on your daily commute. Its ZSG rubber compounds and puncture-resistant technology ensure that you’ll get where you need to go and spend less time and money replacing worn-out tires.
1 T-Serv Protex Kevlar Bead Tire
4 Panaracer Pasela Steel Bead Tire
TR2292 / YE54L
TR2302 / IN24A
The T-Serv’s Zero Slip Grip tread compound uses more natural rubber for improved grip and durability and a high-performance casing. The ProTex puncture shield completes the package to provide an enjoyable and reliable ride on any road surface.
The basic Pasela model is a big step above typical service department offerings, yet still affordable for the budget-minded commuter. 5 Nifty Swifty Steel Bead Tire TR2322 / UE40C
2 RiBMo Kevlar Bead Tire
Lightweight tire with a fast tread and casing, wide enough for reliable and comfortable touring or commuting.
TR2206 / KO48X
RiBMo (Ride Bike More) features the ProTex bead-tobead puncture shield that’s three times more effective than Kevlar belts, and a durable tread that doesn’t have the harsh ride of other hard compounds.
6 Flat Away Kevlar Tire Liner RS4900 / UH20C
Flat Away is an incredibly light strip of aramid (generic name for Kevlar) fabric with an adhesive back for ease of installation. Long enough to fit 700c x 35mm tires; use scissors to trim the length for smaller-diameter tires.
3 Pasela ProTex Kevlar Bead Tire TR2217 / AN54U
700c x 35mm is a new size for QBP, expanding our selection of Panaracer’s ever-popular Pasela touring/ commuting model.
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our team / About QBP
ALL NATURAL SWEETENERS As businesses look for ways to lower healthcare costs and boost productivity, encouraging and incentivizing bicycle commuting can be a great solution. Here at QBP, our commuter programs have yielded impressive results over the years, and shown how sometimes it’s the little things that make choosing bikes over cars easier. Beth Chillstrom Simon, our HR benefits specialist, shares rationale and options for creating a bicycle-friendly workplace. See what might work for your shop.
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or those of us who have turned our enthusiasm for bicycles into a career, the obvious reward for commuting to work by bike is that it’s another chance to ride. Sure, we might do it anyway—but throw in some benefits for doing so and it’s even more likely to happen. From the early days of QBP, supporting bicycle commuting was seen as a key piece in the overall employee health and happiness puzzle. Our thinking: If you build it, they will ride. And in large part, people who came to work at Q did so because they were riders. Biking made them feel great and gave them energy … and energetic, happy people got a lot of work done, which affected the bottom line. It just made sense to make sure bike commuting was not only easy to do, but well rewarded. QBP is able to offer all the usual benefits of a bigger company (medical, dental, vision, etc.), but it’s the smaller fringe benefits that ultimately help shape our culture, retain top employees, and make QBP stand out as a special place to work. Allowing dogs at work, casual dress, and getting paid to bike to work are just a few of the fringes that should not be underestimated. With the high rate of employee turnover that bicycle shops often experience, a few unique extras can be what ultimately retains employees and keeps your top talent returning season after season. By thinking in terms of the time and cost involved in hiring and training new employees, a small investment 12 / CALL UP / PRODUCT / TECH / TRENDS / KNOW-HOW
on the front end can actually leave you ahead of the game financially while making a difference in the overall happiness of your staff. And happy employees absolutely contribute to a better experience for your customers.
A few of the popular benefits QBP offers that could be easily adapted at bike shops include:
On-the-Clock Volunteering: QBP allows an annual allocation of 12 hours for full-time employees and eight hours for part-time employees for on-the-clock volunteering. This is usually done in groups to help build a sense of community. Because this benefit is applied in the same way as vacation or PTO, on-the-clock volunteering is a tax-deductible event. What you can do: • Determine how many hours you can allocate to this benefit. Do you need to limit it to bike-related volunteering, or to certain days or times of year? This can be a great chance to get familiar faces from your shop out into the community and ultimately get additional business. • Be on the lookout for opportunities that could be a good fit in your area like trail building, bicycle rodeos, Safe Routes to Schools, etc., and encourage employees to participate. Keep in mind that the more autonomy
employees have, the more it will be seen as a true benefit to them. An ultimate bonus to shops is additional business, but you don’t want employees to feel it is purely self-serving.
Commuter Credits— Getting Paid to Bike to Work: QBP employees track their mileage and number of commutes to earn up to $3 per day to be used on internal purchases. Not only do employees get the additional money to purchase product, they save money on gas, are healthier, and more productive. It’s a key step for us to get “Every Butt on A Bike.” What you can do: • Decide on the dollar amount you can provide employees. Start by calculating the absolute maximum scenario and thinking of it in terms of employee retention. (At $3 a day, the total annual cost for an employee working and commuting 5 times a week comes to $780, or $15 a week). • Determine how employees will be able to use their commuter credits. At QBP, commuter credit is applied to employee accounts and can be used toward any in-house purchase. Maybe you need to exclude some products.
• QBP does not pay cash for commuter credits, and when the employee leaves the company, the credits go away. If you have a lot of returning, seasonal employees, you may want to leave the balance open for a specific time period. A $100 credit may encourage a seasoned employee to return for another year, helping you avoid the expense of hiring and training a new employee.
Bike/Helmet Benefit: Every three years, QBP gives employees an additional $100 or $200 credit (based on pay range) to be used towards the purchase of a bike and/or helmet. This credit can be used in combination with the commuter credits and is available after 90 days of employment. It’s one more step toward getting every butt on a bike, as well encouraging employees to use the products you sell.
• Track and administer your program: At nationalbikechallenge.org, What you can do: employers can track employee • Decide on a sustainable dollar commuter trips/miles and run reports. amount and time frame for eligibility. A notebook and pencil will do, as well. Determining what your goals are for QBP calculates and applies credits the benefit up front can help you monthly, and employees are responshape the final details. Ideally, a sible for logging their commutes in a benefit meets a number of objectives, timely fashion. Commuter statistics such as employee happiness or can also be used for marketing your employee retention. shop—not only are you selling the products, but your employees are • Be sure you have a way to keep track using them. of when the benefit was used, as employees don’t generally remember those details.
Commuter HSA Contribution:
One of the new benefits QBP rolled out this year is a monthly $10 or $15 contribution to employees Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for commuting at least six or 12 round trips in a month. This is determined and tracked using the same tracking for our commuter credits as mentioned above. A majority of our employees are enrolled in a high-deductible medical plan, so this is an additional benefit to help offset health costs. It has also been instrumental in having employees who have not yet opened an HSA account do so, and as a result, start saving pre-tax money. This benefit supports our belief that biking leads to better employee health, with the understanding that financial health is a strong contributor to overall health and wellness, too.
As you look to add new benefits, take a few moments to determine what your end goals are. Don’t be afraid to get creative to make them work for your employees and culture. Whatever benefits you do offer, market and promote them consistently—an unused benefit is no benefit at all. Last but not least, before rolling out a new benefit, run details by an accountant or broker to ensure you are administering them correctly and are in compliance with tax laws and other requirements.
What you can do: • This benefit has more detailed compliance attached to it, so unless you offer an HSA-eligible plan, it may not be an option at all. Many shops are not able to offer health insurance, so try to be creative and listen to employees. Could you offer a similar commuter benefit that could be used towards the cost of insurance?
What special benefits do you offer employees? We would love to hear from you. Also, if you would like to learn more information on QBP-specific benefits, contact Beth Chillstrom Simon at bsimon@qbp.com
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The good stuff
No Rain Delays Complete any commute with full and clip-on fenders from SKS 1 Chromoplastic Longboard Fender Set FE1113 / LE52R • Designed for high-mile tourists and commuters to provide exceptional durability and wet weather coverage 2 Commuter II Fender Set FE1063 / EV30V • Designed specifically for commuters, these fender sets offer excellent value for the everyday rider 3 S-Blade Rear Fender FE1079 / XF20G • This little brother of the X-tra Dry is light, low profile, and works with tires up to 28mm
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4 X-tra Dry Quick-Release Rear Fender FE1060 / NJ16Y • Intended for mountain and commuter bikes, the X-tra Dry mounts quickly to seatposts up to 35mm
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5 Grand D.A.D. Fender FE1040 / XJ36W • The Grand D.A.D. (Dual Adjustable Dirtboard) fits nearly all forks and is easy to mount 6 Grand M.O.M. Fender FE1041 / VC30F • The Grand M.O.M. (MTB Oversized Mudguard) fits posts up to 35mm and offers extreme mud protection
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Full-Coverage Protection 7
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11 1 O2 Cycling Rain Jacket JK0117 / YT40P • Waterproof, breathable, and windproof—perfect to stash in your commute bag, just in case 2 Craft Rain Cap CL5740 / FX46L • Helmet-compatible, wind- and waterproof cap to keep your noggin nice and dry 3 Bellwether Coldfront Cap CL1806 / FO28F • Cool weather, multi-panel, fleece-lined cap that can easily fit under a helmet
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12 6 Aardvark Deluxe Safety Vest CL0105 / ZZ24L • This vest keep riders visible and safer when riding, especially during lower-light situations. One size fits all 7 Nathan Cycle/Helmet Reflective Stick-Ons RF0026 / CV10N • Reflective stick-ons for using on helmets, pedals, frames, seats, toe clips, and anywhere else for added nighttime reflective safety
4 Walz Wool Ear Flap Cycling Cap CL0732 / RR36L • Soft wool blend, with ear flaps to keep you warm when those commutes turn chilly
8 White Lightning Saddle Johnny Seat Cover SA8893 / BD12G • Saves commuters and everyday riders from ever riding on a wet saddle. Fits road, mountain, and hybrid saddles
5 Sierra Designs Stretch Rain Jacket JK4106 / TZ234G • The softest and stretchiest rain jacket that you’ll ever own. No plastic-bag feel to this baby
9 Smartwool Arm Warmer CL4401 / GV28Q • This gives you the ability to do more of what you love, with extraordinary comfort and warmth
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10 Seal Skinz All-Weather Cycle Glove GL1502 / DL60H • Lightweight, waterproof, breathable design, with anatomic design and extended cuffs 11 Seal Skinz Waterproof Oversock FC0401 / TM50U • Waterproof, breathable design keeps your feet warm and dry when the conditions turn wet 12 Optic Nerve Voodoo Photomatic Sunglasses EW6141 / WV80U • These Photomatic optics are dynamic, so the tint will automatically change depending on the light conditions 13 O2 Rain Pant AB0102 / NW30Q • Waterproof, breathable, and windproof to provide full protection from all of the elements
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2 1 Trolley Tote RK2518 / WH80L
Folding Trolley Tote with MTX attachment system allows you to easily remove, shop, and load your purchases in an instant. Telescoping handle and durable wheels makes your shopping a breeze. 2 MTX Basket BG1711 / IC46L
MTX Rear Basket with QuickTrack makes shopping quick and convenient. Easily removes from compatible MTX rack to act as your own shopping cart, and just as easily goes back on. 3 Explorer Rack
4 MTX Trunk Bag BG1785 / TG70L
Features Quick Track attachment system that goes on and off in seconds so you don’t have to leave your valuables behind. Multiple pockets provide ample storage space. 5 Aero Wedge Seat Bag
RK2521 / ND46R
BG1706 / FN26M
AL-6061 tubular construction is very durable while remaining incredibly lightweight. Built-in MTX track allows MTX bags, baskets, and trolley totes to quickly slide and lock into place.
Aerodynamic seat bag made from durable Cordura Plus fabric keeps contents dry and well protected. Fitting for taillight and 3M reflective strip for visibility.
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Carry On For many commuters, their bikes are extensions of their lives. They rely
on them every day to get to and from the office, haul groceries, get to class, and in some cases, drop the kids off at day care. Topeak makes products to make that daily commute on the bike easier and more enjoyable. Bags, racks, a case for your smartphone, and a multi-tool will ensure that you’ll arrive at your destination comfortably and with everything you need.
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7 Urban 8 Tool
EC0451 / ZH50H
TL1774 / MW50Z
RideCase fits tightly around your iPhone 5/5S to keep it safe, secure, and easily within reach. QuickClick mounting system allows for quick and easy removal.
Eight functional tools that come in handy when making basic adjustments or repairs on urban and singlespeed bikes. Mounts on standard water mounts with tool-free bolts. OCTOBER 2014 / Commuter / 17
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The Cure For Separation Anxiety It’s always “Take Your Bike To Work Day”
1 Vitesse D8 Folding Bike BK0503 / LW770S • The D8 Vitesse 20" has a NEOS 8-speed drivetrain with a lightweight frame for smooth cycling. Combine that with its fast-folding frameset and you have an excellent stow-and-go option for biking 2 Ultimate Carrier Rear Rack RK0001 / GC72I • The Ultimate rear rack can handle two panniers, a top bag, and the Dahon Stash bag (sold separately as BG0510). Made to mount directly on all Dahon bike models 3 Speed D7 Folding Bike BK0502 / KH720V • The D7 20" has a 7-speed drivetrain with an easy-to-fold frameset
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7 8 1 Cateye Padrone CY1165 / WA64C • Wireless computer with wide display and large font making it easy to read and use 2 Nite Ize SpokeLit Light LT1326 / XI12C • This secure spoke light stays in position even during off-road use. The long-lasting LED has normal and flashing modes 3 Cateye Rapid 5 Safety Light LT1006 / ME30W • Rear safety light, featuring five LEDs that last up to 30 hours in constant mode or 60 hours in flashing mode
4 Paul Component Engineering Gino Light Mount LT8800 / SU24M • Mounts your lights low to cast a long shadow that better reveals road contours 5 Crank Brothers Gem S Pump PU8150 / MX24W • High pressure, combined with a reversible head and stout AL-6061-T6 construction, makes the Gem S a go-to commuter pump 6 Park Tool Half Pint Mini Frame Pump PU6017 / NY20V • Only 130 grams and clips nicely onto bike. Quality aluminum barrel is made for long life and smooth pumping operation up to 90psi
9 7 Cateye EL130/TL-170R Light Set LT4166 / ZV28P • Front and rear light with a run time of 150 hours flashing, 75 hours constant 8 Crank Brothers Multi 17 Tool TL8117 / IK28M • This multi-tool has it all. Period. Kitchen sink optional 9 Lezyne CRV-12 Folding Multi-Tool TL4202 / MH36E • 12 tools in this handy multi: chainbreaker, metric wrenches, and other most commonly-used tools for quick road-side fixes
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Stay Warm, Stay Dry, Stay Happy Anyone who has commuted by bike knows the importance of proper clothing and accessory choice. Foot covers, arm and leg warmers, and proper
headwear go a long way in protecting against the elements for an easier, more comfortable ride. Louis Garneau and QBP have got you covered for all of your unfavorable weather needs. Be on the lookout in January, when QBP will begin carrying Garneau’s line of cycling apparel.
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Power Cap CL4764 / KM30C
Made with brushed polyester microfiber and treated to increase warmth and moisture wicking.
Matrix 2.0 Balaclava CL8876 / TK32N
For protection, breathability, and comfort.
Arm Warmers 2 CL4715 / WF32Z
Wicks moisture while retaining heat.
Supershield Glove GL4701 / LD76K
Fully waterproof membrane with Drytex 3M and Thinsulate Lining.
Zip Leg Warmers CL4737 / BY46Y
Retains body heat with high moisture-wicking ability.
Neo Protect II Foot Cover FC9161 / RP36R
Made with Neoprene for extreme weather protection at a great value. OCTOBER 2014 / Commuter / 21
Tune up / tech tips and info to boost your know-how
All Dressed Up With Everywhere To Go 60–50˚F short sleeve jersey and non-cotton base layer
40–30˚, Add: warm-weather full-finger gloves
wind-breaking vest
arm warmers
cold-weather full-finger gloves
wool or synthetic knickers
leg warmers
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Scandinavians say, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.” Thanks to materials both time-tested and cutting edge, cyclists nowadays have access to a vast array of layers to shield them from the elements, and stay on their bikes year-round. However, with variables like temperature, precipitation, wind, cloud cover, season—and especially personal comfort level—it’s impossible to provide a simple answer to what will work best for you. It can take a year of riding to really nail down preferred go-to combinations, but with the experience of a full season, you can shrug off even the most inclement conditions. These are only suggestions. You must ultimately use your own best judgment when dressing for a ride. At both ends of the spectrum remember: When it’s cold, skin does freeze, and when it’s hot, heat stroke can kill. Our clothing recommendation guide provides advice about how to dress based on our commutes of 10–15 miles or longer, where non-cycling specific clothing might not be sufficient.
20˚ & Under, Add:
For Wet Conditions, Add: wind-breaking jacket
waterproof hood or helmet cover
waterproof jacket
balaclava or warm hat
lobster glove or mitten
waterproof pants insulated tights
insulated shoe covers waterproof shoe covers
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Take Your Place On The Streets Light & Motion produces lightweight, waterproof, incredibly bright lights to keep you safe and let you see what’s ahead.
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1 Urban 350 Rechargeable Headlight LT1278 / DH70G • 350 lumen headlight that’s light (121 grams), has multiple power settings, and is made right here in the USA—perfect for getting around town safely 2 Urban 500 Rechargeable Headlight LT1276 / IW100G • 500 lumens with bright, waterproof design for when the weather turns bad
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3 Urban 650 Rechargeable Headlight LT1274 / MX130W • 650 lumen headlight to light up the night and keep you safe
4 Urban 800 Rechargeable Headlight LT1272 / EI150L • 800 lumen headlight for when you really need to cut through the darkness 5 Urban 800 Fast Charge Rechargeable Headlight LT1271 / QS180G • 800 lumens, a stupendously short two hour charge time and waterproof and it can be handlebar or helmet mounted 6 Vis 360+ Rechargeable Headlight & Taillight Set LT1280 / PL180D • 250 lumen headlight and taillight combo meant for helmet mounting. Three-hour run time on high gets you home and its small form keeps things looking slick
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1 Velocity Deep V Rim RM4430 / XA114A • The classic Deep V is available with a dynamic coating that makes the finish of the rim reflective
4 Continental Gatorskin Tire TR9361 / MN54L • Highly puncture-resistant casing, Duraskin sidewall protection, and Continental’s highmileage tread compound
2 KMC 410RB Rustbuster Chain CH4080 / YX10R • A must-have for any singlespeed bike that spends time braving the elements
5 CST Servant Tire TR3732 / SZ32U • Extremely durable 60 tpi casing with Kevlar belt, and a reflective band on the sidewalls
3 Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tire TR4874 / IJ68V • Puncture resistance, reflective sidewall, long life, and a versatile tread for on- or off-road use
6 Jagwire Universal Sport Brake Cable CA4620 / PW28L • Jagwire adds some extra visibility to its industry-leading brake cable housing with this reflective stripe kit
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6 7 Finish Line Wet Lube LU2507 / UB10O • Goes on wet and stays wet, perfect for rainy fall riding 8 Finish Line Citrus Bike Degreaser LU2503 / NX64N • Cuts through tough grit, grease, and grime; safe to use on plastic and rubber. Box of 6, 12 oz aerosol 9 Mr. Tuffy Tire Liners RS4121 / VB26B • Add a layer of protection between the tube and tire
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UP and DOWN, ALL AROUND town
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5 1 Lazer Armor Helmet HE1314 / PH78Y • The Armor provides protection at a weight you didn’t think possible with safety-minded color options 2 Magellan Cyclo 505 GPS Computer with HRM & Cadence Sensor EC0213 / ZI660P • The Cyclo is the first cycling GPS computer compatible with Android phones. The Surprise Me function allows the rider three different routes to select from after inputting the time or distance they would like to travel
3 Boreas Topaz Backpack OK0020 / KO60G • Ultralight pack with easy-access roll top is hydration-compatible with top access hose port 4 Planet Bike Superflash USB-Rechargeable Taillight LT7374 / LC30W • BLINK BLINK BLINK! All the Superflashgrabbing attention in a “micro” sized offering. USB charging cord included
5 Burley Travoy Cargo Trailer System BT3120 / YH432X • Allows you to tow, pull, or carry your belongings, and can be folded down to fit inside a briefcasesized tote bag when not in use
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Last stop
Jake Johnson with the road home, all to himself. Minneapolis, MN Photo by Marty Wood
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
6400 West 105th Street Bloomington MN 55438 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
INSIDE:
Street Smarts
PAID
TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT No. 27370