Kickstarter from Social Bicycles on Vimeo.

Over the past few months, I’ve seen quite a few Kickstarter projects involving bicycles. They’ve encompassed everything from locks to storage. Today, however, I stumbled across the Social Bicycles Kickstarter project, which is just plain awesome.

In a nutshell, you get a SoBi account, and connect with your tablet or smart phone. After renting time on bikes on the network, you are given a pin code to unlock a bike near you. Once you’re finished, you lock the bike up and register its location with the SoBi system. This is pretty cool, and gives the bicycle sharing project a little more flexibility due to the lack of dedicated stations.

By decentralizing bike share programs, bicycles can be made available throughout a city while requiring much less centralized space. This could give many commuters, travelers and others a lot more peace of mind when it comes to bicycle theft, maintenance, etc. What do you think?

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1. Bicycles Allowed Use of Full Lane – or BAUFL for Short

Focus Urban 8 Belt Drive

The solution? Bikes like the Focus Urban 8. With a clean, stripped-down look, the Focus Urban 8 packs in style along with features. Featuring an eight-speed internal hub, connected to a carbon belt, which requires little maintenance and no lubrication, the Focus Urban 8 simplifies your commuter ride to the max. Disc brakes are included to ensure you have complete control on your way.

While I could probably ramble on for a while about this, I’ll wait until I try one out. Take a look at the details at the Focus Urban 8 Official Site

If you’re looking to buy online, I have not yet been able to find a merchant that sells them. You can find other great Bikes by Focus online. Click Here to see what’s available.

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Getting our Joyrider Ready for a Ride

As long as you can ride a bike, you can pull a trailer. The trailer provides additional resistance, creating a more effective workout than simply biking alone. Pulling a trailer is especially beneficial for your legs, helping to tone and shape (something every new mom can appreciate!). You are sure to incinerate calories while having fun.

Most bike trailers have a seating capacity for two children, with a standard weight limit of 100 pounds.  Basically, any child from 1 to 5 years of age can ride. Children are safely buckled in with a 5 point harness. Be sure to find a helmet that properly fits, as childhood is the time to teach bike safety. We are currently using the Schwinn Joyrider Bicycle Trailer and Jogging Stroller, and love it.

Our boys love “go go going!” as our two year old says. They can literally ride as long as I can pedal, or until we switch the trailer to my husband’s bicycle. We purchased an additional coupler for less than $10. This allows for virtually seamless transfer of the trailer without taking the back wheels off to move the equipment. We often go to a local park with miles of paved trail, and spend the evening riding. Then the boys  play while we recuperate from the ride.

The Chariot CX2 is top of the line in the bike trailer world. Sleek and stylish, it provides a smooth and effortless ride on 20’’ rear wheels and suspension system. Conversion kits are also available for the CX2 to convert it into a jogging stroller, cross country ski trailer, and hiker. Weather is no deterrent, as the CX2 comes standard with a 2-in-1 weather cover, providing sun and precipitation protection, as well as functioning as a bug guard. The spacious cabin comes with removable fleece liners, perfect for cold weather. In the summer, these are easily removed. The rear storage bag has specialized compartments for your wallet, cell phone, and keys. The fabric of the chassis is photo-luminescent for added visibility, and a strobe light kit is available for additional visibility. Basically, the Chariot CX2 is the best you can get.

A more affordable quality option is the Burley Bee trailer. A simple trailer, the Bee has standard features such as a 5 point mesh harness, washable mesh seat bottoms, a 2-in-1 weather and bug guard, reflective trim, and a safety flag. The Bee is lightweight and easy to move, at less than 20 pounds. It is perfect for the novice rider.

Pulling a bike trailer is an enjoyable way to exercise that involves your family. By getting your kids involved, you are teaching them a lifelong appreciation for exercising, specifically cycling, and encouraging them to be physically fit. Perhaps the most beneficial aspect they’ll acquire is a love of the outdoors. Be safe, and have fun!

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1. 5 Reasons You Should Ditch Your Car and Ride a Bike
2. Riding the Road: What to Bring on Your Ride

Although there are a few notable omissions (tire levers, chain tool), this ultra-compact lightweight tool definitely deserves a spot in your arsenal.

Made from aerospace titanium and weighting in at only 19 grams, you don’t have to worry about it adding any precious weight to your ride. What more could you ask for?

Get yours here: Mako Bike Tool, or check out the other innovative multi-tools by PocketToolX: Click Here

Would you carry one?

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• Commuting
  Whether you are commuting to work, the store, school or wherever, bicycle commuting can be a great way (or excuse) to get out and ride. Because you have to commute to where you are going anyway, you don’t have to make any ‘special time’ to ride your bike. Build in a few extra minutes and take your bike. You’ll find that you appreciate the extra scenery and experiences that you come across along the way.
• Cross Country (Mountain Biking, Trail Riding, etc.)
  If you’ve never been out on a trail, now is the time. Although “Mountain Biking” is often seen as hard or challenging, it is really just as difficult as you want it to be. With a little searching, you can find a trail of any difficulty near you. Riding amongst the trees is not only great exercise, but also a great escape.
• Cyclocross
  Cyclocross is perhaps one of the most vigorous, dynamic and challenging forms of cycling. It combines a short course with various obstacles, terrains and challenges that will require you to dismount, carry your bike, and remount on the other side. Be prepared to be exhausted, and covered in mud.
• Riding the Road
  When you think of cycling, you probably thing of the typical road rider: Helmet, Spandex Shorts and a Jersey. While this uniform can make your ride more productive and comfortable, it’s not for everyone. If you’re not comfortable in this type of garb, by all means wear what you’re most comfortable in. The important thing is to go out and ride. Go on a family bike ride, a midnight bike ride, or a leisurely ride through town.

How do you like to ride? Let us know in the comments!

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1. Stop Lagging Behind | 6 Easy Ways to Increase your Cycling Speed

by johnthescone

To some, speed seems to come easy as they pedal by. For most of us, however, speed is something we work hard for, grasping on to every bit of help that we can get.

How do they do it? Do they have better equipment? Is there some sort of magical formula to flying past your fellow cyclists?

Not really. But, there are a few things that you can do to help yourself out. Here are six:

1. Work Your Core – Put together a core routine, but don’t just stick to sit-ups and crunches! Try something new. Try some cross-fit, running, and weight-lifting. FitDeck has a great Core Blast Workout deck that will keep your body guessing with a different workout each time. You’ll be shocked at how much a stronger core will help your speed.
2. Interval Training – Interval training helps you to increase your power output for a longer period of time. By mixing in an interval workout with your standard ride, you increase both your endurance and the power level you can maintain during your ride.
3. Bike Fit - A good bike fit is essential not only to your speed, but to your overall health and safety. If you don’t know anything about bike fit there are many websites out there that will give you an overview of what you need to know. Your best bet, however, is to visit your local bike shop. They fit bikes every day and know exactly what to look for.
4. Hills – Find a hill that’s a challenge, but not one that you can’t overcome. The ideal hill will be one that you can climb gradually at a steady pace. Once you find this hill, climb it repeatedly, upgrade when necessary and repeat.
5. Cadence – Cycling Cadence is the rate at which you are pedaling, or RPM. There is not enough time to go into detail here, but the ideal RPM for each rider is different. What you want to do is find a balance between resistance and RPM. Find a pedal rate that’s fast, but not too fast, with just a little resistance. And stay there. You’ll find that not only your speed will rise, but also your endurance.
6. Don’t Give Up – Every time you throw in the towel because you think you’ll never get faster, you lose valuable ground. Be persistent, build your base, and you will get to where you want to be.

All of these tips are helpful. What is most important, however, is perseverance and discipline. Be Strong, Ride Often and Keep a Good Ride Log and you can’t go wrong.

How do you increase your speed?

Let us know in the comments!

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1. 6 Easy Ways to Stay in Shape During the Off-Season
2. 4 Ways to Enjoy Cycling Today

Photo by Shoupiest

I’ve heard it a thousand times: “I’d love to get out and ride, but it’s snowy outside!” Honestly, I’m just as guilty as the next person.

Now, as significant snowfall descends on Oklahoma for the second time this winter (unheard of!), I’ve decided that it’s time to stop whining and get out on the snow. For inspiration, I used an acquaintance who commutes by bike year round, regardless of snow or ice.

Here are a few tips to get you out on the snow:

1. Studded Tires – For great traction in the snow, break out a set of studded bicycle tires like the Continental Spike Claw Studded Mountain Bike Tire. They keep you stuck to the road and can even be quite fun.
2. Bundle Up – But not too much! It may take a few tries, but remember that after a few minutes in the saddle it could get quite hot.
3. Ride a Trainer – I know, this isn’t exactly the same as riding in the snow. However, it’s a great way to stay in the saddle. If you want to pretend you’re outside in the snow, you could even ride facing a window…
4. Get a Ski Bike – I’ve honestly never ridden one of these, but they look like a blast! Get a snow bike or modify one of your old bikes with some skis. Or, if you live in a place that gets regular snowfall, most ski resorts have them for evening fun on the slopes.

Don’t forget: Stay warm! Stay safe! Have fun!

Do you ride in the snow? Have any good stories? Let us know in the comments!

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Here’s the rundown:

Any cyclist knows that the most dangerous part of cycling is fending for road space. We face angry drivers, distracted drivers and any number of people trying to prove a point or teach cyclists a lesson.

Where better to remind them of our right to share the road than right in their face?

The goal of the Million Car Challenge is to get a million cars with the sticker you see above. By doing this, hopefully the roads will become safer for everybody. And maybe we’ll even get some more cyclists out there.

So, check out the site, get a sticker and ride safely!

Where do you buy stickers? You’re in luck.

The stickers come in two pieces so you can configure them either horizontally or vertically.

Click here to check them out

Let us know what you think of Baufl.org in the comments!

Have a sticker? Show us a picture of it!

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For most of us snow, ice, rain and the cold are just enough to keep us out of the saddle for a few months. Without fail, we find ourselves grumbling once we actually step back on.

How do you stay in cycling shape throughout the winter then?

1. Take a Spinning Class

Lots of local gyms offer spinning classes, and they’re usually fairly inexpensive. This is a perfect way to keep riding, using all of your muscles and meeting people who love to ride.

2. Take up an Indoor Sport

Playing racquetball, joining an indoor soccer league, or just finding an indoor basketball court are great ways to stay in shape. Not only do you get a cardio workout, you also have fun while doing it. In my opinion, any workout you do should be fun.

3. Use a Trainer

Not too hip on going to a spinning class? Would you rather stay at home? Get a trainer! They can be found for all price ranges (though keep in mind – you get what you pay for). Now you can watch movies while you ride! Just don’t ride into the TV. . .

4. Try FitDeck

If you haven’t tried FitDeck, you really should. Inspired by the workouts done by the Navy Seals, FitDeck gives you a completely new workout every time. Here’s how it works: You have a deck of cards, and several sets of rules. You choose a framework, and then flip over the cards. Your workout is random and different every time. Available decks include: Bodyweight, Pilates, Yoga, Stretch, Prenatal, Postnatal, Travel, Office, Combat Sports, Firefighter, Navy Seal and many more. It’s definitely worth a look.

5. Yoga

What better way to relax and work out indoors than Yoga? Stretch and put your mind at ease during the cold winter months. This is also the perfect time to build Yoga into a habit to continue year-round.

6. Suck it Up and Ride

Want to stay in shape when the weather’s bad? Quit whining and ride anyway! There are plenty of products to help keep you comfortable during cold, wet rides. Just make sure you stay safe.

These are just a few of the ways I stay in shape when you can’t get out and ride. That being said, there’s absolutely no excuse to do nothing!

How do you stay in shape during the off-season? Let us know in the comments!

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1. Stop Lagging Behind | 6 Easy Ways to Increase your Cycling Speed

By Henrik Moltke

The entrance and explosion of personal GPS units has changed the way we navigate the world. Do you own one? Have you used one. Chances are you’ve at least seen one.

What, then, does this mean for athletes? What does it mean for cyclists?

Here’s what it means: Enhancement. Sport GPS units provide athletes with the opportunity for better benchmarking, tracking and enhancement. Using them adds flexibility and possibility to your cycling workout that you never had before. You can track elevation changes, speed, routes, cadence, heartrate and tons of other variables that can affect your training.

Which one, then, should you use?

This is an important question to answer, as there are many units available. Each unit offers different features making them better for different types of cyclists. I’ll give the most popular units an overview to help you determine which GPS is right for you.

Bike GPS

Here’s the rundown:

Garmin Edge 205

For the most basic of GPS monitoring, the Garmin Edge 205 measures your speed, distance, time, calories burned and altitude. It displays this data in real time on its screen as well as storing it for later review.

Garmin Edge 205

Features:

• Easy to install – Snap to your ride and go.
• High-sensitivity GPS receiver tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons, making it extremely reliable for distance and speed information.
• Virtual Partner – Create a virtual partner to race against
• Set courses to easily race against your previous workouts
• Auto Pause – pauses the timer when you slow down or stop and resumes when you speed up again, so you can focus on your ride, not on starting and stopping your GPS.
• Auto Lap – Automatically start timing on a new lap when you pass a certain location

Pros: Easy to use, basic functionality, Virtual Partners, Laps
Cons: No directions, on-screen maps
Who’s It For? All cyclists looking to up their training. This unit is especially perfect for a beginner
How Much? $170 new at Amazon

Garmin Edge 305

The Edge 305 isn’t that different from the 205, honestly. The biggest difference between the two is that the 305 comes with a wireless heart monitor and cadence sensor, which are invaluable for any serious training attempts.

Garmin Edge 305

Features:

• Easy to install – Snap to your ride and go.
• High-sensitivity GPS receiver tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons, making it extremely reliable for distance and speed information.
• Virtual Partner – Create a virtual partner to race against
• Set courses to easily race against your previous workouts
• Auto Pause – pauses the timer when you slow down or stop and resumes when you speed up again, so you can focus on your ride, not on starting and stopping your GPS.
• Auto Lap – Automatically start timing on a new lap when you pass a certain location
• Heart Rate Monitor – Keep track of your heart rate and export this data for analysis
• Cadence Monitor – Monitor your cadence with the self-calibrating cadence sensor

Pros: Heart and Cadence monitoring, Easy Install, Benchmarking
Cons: No Maps, Routing
Who’s It For? Serious cyclists and anyone looking to take their training to the next level.
How Much? $258.97 New at Amazon

Garmin Edge 605

The Garmin Edge 605 combines the computer data and tracking with advanced mapping and navigational capabilities. You don’t have to worry about where you’re at, when you can rely on the included base maps and additional maps to guide you. The screen is easy to read in sunlight, and the unit rugged. You can even add topographical maps for off-road riding.

Garmin Edge 605

Features:

• Easy to install – Snap to your ride and go.
• High-sensitivity GPS receiver tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons, making it extremely reliable for distance and speed information.
• Virtual Partner – Create a virtual partner to race against
• Set courses to easily race against your previous workouts
• Auto Pause – pauses the timer when you slow down or stop and resumes when you speed up again, so you can focus on your ride, not on starting and stopping your GPS.
• Auto Lap – Automatically start timing on a new lap when you pass a certain location
• Heart Rate Monitor – Keep track of your heart rate and export this data for analysis
• Cadence Monitor – Monitor your cadence with the self-calibrating cadence sensor
• Advanced Mapping Capabilities
• Turn-By-Turn Directions

Pros: Turn-By-Turn Directions, Easy to Use, Advanced Mapping
Cons: May be too feature intense for some riders
Who’s It For? Commuters, Day-Riders and Tourers. This GPS is perfect for anyone going on extended trips or riding in unknown territory.
How Much? $349 New at Amazon (Doesn’t include HR and Cadence Monitors)

Garmin Edge 705

The Garmin Edge 705, like the 605, measures your speed, distance, time, calories burned, altitude, climb and descent, and records this data for your review. Where it differs, is that it also includes a barometric altimeter to give the most accurate elevation readings. This unit is by far the most robust, giving you access to the most accurate ride-data available. You can also share this information wirelessly with other 705 users.

Garmin Edge 705

Features:

• Easy to install – Snap to your ride and go.
• High-sensitivity GPS receiver tracks your position even in tree cover and canyons, making it extremely reliable for distance and speed information.
• Virtual Partner – Create a virtual partner to race against
• Set courses to easily race against your previous workouts
• Auto Pause – pauses the timer when you slow down or stop and resumes when you speed up again, so you can focus on your ride, not on starting and stopping your GPS.
• Auto Lap – Automatically start timing on a new lap when you pass a certain location
• Heart Rate Monitor – Keep track of your heart rate and export this data for analysis
• Cadence Monitor – Monitor your cadence with the self-calibrating cadence sensor
• Advanced Mapping Capabilities
• Turn-By-Turn Directions
• Accurate Elevation Change Readings with Barometric Altimeter
• Share Ride Info Wirelessly
• See Your Power Output with ANT+ Power Meters

Pros: High Accuracy, Robust Features
Cons: High Price, but you get what you pay for.
Who’s It For? This unit is definitely for serious riders. It’s perfect for race training and its rich features make it perfect for long rides and tours.
How Much? $479.95 New at Amazon

Well that’s the rundown. Did I leave anything out? Let me know!

Which GPS do you use on your rides? We’d love to hear in the comments.

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