Tandeming

How do you feel about Tandem bikes? I think they are absurdly awesome. Have I ever ridden on one? Nope, but I sure plan to. Of course while I am riding the tandem bike I will wear something ridiculous as well - it would be stupid not to.

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Handlebar...

adorbs.

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Rack & Shelf Unite

Look what I found. Cool right? It's a shelf...and a bike rack! Maybe I am easily mesmerized, maybe this is a great idea, or maybe it's both. If your bike is a member of the family, maybe like a beloved pet or even a child, and you don't like to keep him outside in the cold - here is a stylish and practical solution. The Bike Shelf can be found at Knife & Saw or a less expensive, and less stylish version at CB2.

I know my roomie would love it if my bike wasn't leaning against our wall acting as a booby trap for unsuspecting guests. 

found via: remodelista

Keep It Local - Leather Lifting Strap

Although biking is awesome and living in the city is usually pretty awesome too, carrying a bike up the stairs to an apartment is not awesome. It's weird, especially for small people like myself. Luckily, I have an elevator and a bike room - but for those thousands of city dwellers that do not - here is a great tool for you. If you would rather not get grease all over your best threads, get a Bicycle Frame Handle from Walnut Studiolo. I have written about Geoffrey and Valerie Franklin in the past - and have even bought some of their great leather bike accessories. I have not been disappointed. This 7.5" strap of leather, also called the "Little Lifter," connects to the frame via adjustable buckles, above the derailleur, making the bike easy to lift and carry.

The Frame Handle lowers the bike's center of gravity, reducing strain on the elbow and making it easier to control the bike as you head into the subway or up the stairs in your ancient apartment building. (That is probably full of character.) The handles are made in....wait for it....Portland! With leather from the USA.

photos: walnut studiolo

Clever Cycle

If you are looking for a bicycle shop devoted exclusively to bicycling as a primary mode of transportation, Clever Cycles is your place Portlanders. For families and businesses seeking to avoid dependence on cars with stylish, practical bikes stop by their shop on SE Hawthorne. Open since June 2007 they are striving to make Portland an even better place to live and work, breathe, slow down in, and ride in.

"We are not motivated by the rising costs of motoring, ecological guilt, or a body-sculpting regimen. Bicycling is not a sacrifice or a statement. We ride instead of drive because it is pleasurable and convenient, simply the best way to get around Portland."

So if you have seen the cool Dutch looking bicycle contraptions around town - you know, the ones that have little wagons on the front or the ones with little trailers attached to the back - chances are they are from Clever Cycles. They create bikes for family transport, cargo, and folding bikes that are all equipped for comfort, safety, and reliability. 

Or hey, if you get a Dutch Tub, you can haul that around!

photos: ecovelo

Keeping it local: BrewCycle

Lucy and I just bought a groupon for the BrewCycle. If you haven't seen it around town, or you just don't live in Portland, it's a 15 person bike the takes people around to breweries. It's a little silly seeing as that is was created to be a bicycle saloon and you were meant to ride around drinking beer.. But Portland is not like Holland (where is was originally created) and we have stricter laws about drinking while biking. Should be a fun time regardless!

Keeping it Local : Leather Bike Bits

 

Geoffrey Franklin of Walnut Studiolo creates hand stitched leather bike accessories. They are high-quality, beautiful, durable, and most of all functional components for your bicycle.
I don't often read artists profiles on etsy, but I was pulled into reading his, loved everything he had to say, and immediately thought we would be great friends. Until we meet and decide we would be fantastic buddies, I will just have to buy some more of his great bike accessories. I bought the 6-pack cinch (pictured below) at the bazaar this weekend!

 

Bike in a Bathroom

 

Um hi... Adorable. Everything about this screams Portland.

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I do love white.

Can I please share my dream bike with you? Alright, really the bike pictured isn't the dream (I mean it doesn't even have gears), it's more the thin all white frame and lovely brown leather seat. If this were my bike I would first of all have gears, duh, and then I would wrap the bars in brown tape, and put white rain guards on. I do live in Portland after all...

agreed

Why are bicycles badass?

I keep my bicycle in my bedroom sometimes. Other times he sits by the front door, but rarely does he hang out alone outside. I really adore my bike.