The first bike prototype we will build will have that classic track bike look. However, it will include some modern features. Actually, these “modern” features are really “old school”. The bike will include a complete bike we bought off of eBay for under $200! That’s right under $200. The frame has a defect in it where the seat stay tubes have the vent holes drilled to the top of the tubes instead of the bottom. The frame is structurally sound and has been inspected by a member of our staff for reliability. In fact, it is covered by a warranty that makes us feel extra good about the purchase.

Next we plan to outfit the bike with a Sturmey-Archer S2C Duamatic rear hub along with a Sturmey front hub to match. To accomplish this we will be completely relacing the wheels with new deep “V” track rims. The Sturmey S2c rear hub has two speeds To shift gears you simply perform a quick back pedal! Plus. the rear hub has a coaster brake. This eliminates all shifter and brake cables, giving you that nice clean look of a track bike. We will then throw n a new chrome chain and a color anodized Sturmey crank set to finish of the bike.

The second bike we plan to build will use the Sturmey-Archer S3X rear hub. This hub is a fixed gear thee speed which can be converted to a free wheel by….. adding a single sped freewheel. Shifting on this hub is done via shifter cable and wither a bar-end shifter or a standard lever shifter. Since this hub does not have a coaster brake, we will put the brakes and cables back on. We are still working on the complete plan for the second bike, and may change to a three speed coaster brake hub in the rear or possibly a drum brake. Either way, it will include a rear rack for the attachment of panniers and we will also change out the front wheel to include a Sturmey Dyno-hub to provide power to classic looking bike light.

Below are some pictures of the new bike as we unpacked it and initially pieced it together. We will have more photos to come as the build continues.

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You need a quite ride and your kids have creativity, then throw a couple of these in the back seat and let your kids imagination go wild, what I love is that they are magnets so loosing them shouldn’t be a problem. And as always Melissa and Doug products are totally solid and durable. See our other Melissa and Doug review here.


Product Description:

An appealing combination of magnets and wood, this pattern block set will keep kids engaged and entertained. Includes 120 colorful geometric magnets to replicate the 12 included geometric pictures. Measurements 14.5″ x 12″ x 1.5″.

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Magnetic Pattern Blocks Set BUY NOW ON AMAZON!!!

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Guys, why carry a diaper bag around, when you really need just a few diapers and some wipes. I mean this is great for going to a game or out at the mall. You are already carrying your wife’s bags, why carry anything more? Just stuff these pockets made for diapers and wipes and you are good to go. It has slots for your phone and mp3 if needed as well. What I love is that the wipes can stay in your pocket and you just pull out what you need.


Product Description

DadGear LLC introduces the DadGear Diaper Vest. This wearable diaper bag is the hottest innovation in parenting gear since the diaper bag itself. The revolutionary twist on the traditional diaper bag sets the standard for the “hands free” line. Combining comfort and style, you can change, feed, and entertain your child with ease and no one will be able to tell you are wearing your diaper bag. DadGear has strategically placed pockets for all of the baby-care essentials that a diaper bag would hold. The Vest is constructed with high quality materials for ultimate durability and longevity. It is better looking than most fleece vests available in sporting goods stores but with specific functionality for carrying all of your essential dad gear!

DadGear Diaper Vest BUY NOW ON AMAZON

Bodylastics Resistance Bands

Another cool aspect about these, is that the whole system is compact and can easily fit inside a suitcase. I’m not sure you would be able to bring them in your carry on bag, but if you want to take this with you and not worry about finding a gym on that next business trip, you can do it. I’ll be going on a small overnight stay this weekend, and these will definitely accompany me.

-Steve Henderson


Bodylastics Resistance Bands -BUY NOW on Amazon!

Product Description
The original exercise bands system, proudly shaping bodies since 1998! Bodylastics Basic Tension (88 lbs, 44 pounds per side) exercise Bands Super System is a complete home exercise system using resistance bands. Everything about this system is HEAVY DUTY, from the latex to the welded O-rings. Easy to use, this system is designed build or tone and tighten your body. By simply attaching and detaching the bands on or off the handles and ankle straps, you can create a custom workout with 15 levels of resistance. The included
door anchor also increases the versatility so that effective gym exercises can be recreated almost anywhere. Ideal for all ages and fitness levels, this set will help to work your arms, legs, back, chest, shoulders, and stomach.

***Exclusive! Bodylastics now streams free daily, live, workout shows that ONLY use the Bodylastics bands. No Workout Partner…No problem. It’s simple – You get your Bodylastics bands…you go to liveexercise dot com…you workout with us…you see results.
The complete system includes:

• Free Daily live exercise shows for Muscle building, Toning, Teenage Transformation
• 1 continuous dipped yellow band (5 lbs.)
• 1 continuous dipped green band (7 lbs.)
• 1 continuous dipped red band (13 lbs.)
• 1 continuous dipped blue band (19 lbs.)
• 2 extra wide heavy duty foam covered handles
• 2 heavy duty ankle straps
• 2 heavy duty door anchors
• 1 Bodylastics User Book
• 1 year certificate with login information for the online learning center
• 1 storage/travel bag
• Lifetime Warranty

GREAT TO USE WITH P90X. To see, Search for “P90X Exercises with Bodylastics Resistance Bands” on Youtube.

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Lilly Gold Sit 'N' Stroll 5 in 1 Car Seat

I see this Lilly Gold Sit ‘N’ Stroll 5 in 1 Car Seat & Stroller Combination in almost every trip to the airport. So something must be right with it, when everyone is using it. Car seats are bulky and heavy, plus you got to either check them in or lug it around, like this Cheeky Monkey Pac Back. we’ve all had similar experiences looking like a pack mule. Try that with baby/toddler hanging on your arm as you suffer through the airport. This can double as stroller and now you’ve just freed up another hand to deal with luggage, drinks, snacks…etc. The product description captures more than I can ever type. I’d also recommend this CARES Child Aviation Restraint System for those tough toddlers like mine who just need that extra level of restraint and are going to help hold them in all situations.

-Commutergear travel editor.

Travel becomes convenient with the 5 in 1 Sit N Stroll from Tripleplay. It is FAA approved and is the perfect choice when searching for baby travel systems. Flying with a child is very difficult. With a stroller travel system like the Sit N Stroll there is no reason to haul a stroller and car seat through the airport.

Use the stroller function and wheel the children the airport and into the automobile. The travel system then converts to an easy to use car seat by using the car’s belts. Once the destination has been reached, take out the retractable wheels on the baby travel system and roll the child to its destination. The Tripleplay 5 in 1 is lightweight and simple making it a great choice. The top feature on the Sit N Stroll from Tripleplay is its convertibility. The wheels retract into what acts as a car seat base for easy storage. When the time comes to go from car seat to stroller, no real effort needs to be exerted. The stroller travel system is easy to use for all parents. The travel system also features a height adjustable handle. The 5-In-1 Sit N Stroll becomes one of the most perfect travel systems for any parent.

The internationally patented Sit’ n Stroll is a lightweight luxury convertible car seat and stroller. As a car seat, the Sit’ n Stroll meets or exceeds all USA departments of transportation FMV SS 213 safety standards. This is rated to 30 pounds in the rear facing position and 40 pounds in the forward facing position. It converts easily to a full function stroller for children up to 40 pounds when removed from a stroller. The sit’ n stroll comes with the finest 5 point harness available, as a stroller the wheels are fully retractable and shielded from the car seat and as a stroller there are three positions of the height handle for ease of use for any size person. Finally, the sit’ n stroll is an FAA certified flight seat and a booster seat for dining.

Lilly Gold Sit ‘N’ Stroll 5 in 1 Car Seat & Stroller Combination

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For those that have multiple bikes and want a simple solution for a rear view mirror, the “Take a Look” mirror from Bike Peddler is a good option. I have used this mirror for the past few years, from riding to work and longer weekend rides. I use it as a clip on to my sunglasses. You can also mount it on your helmet. As with all mirrors, this will take a little time to get used to. After a ride a so, you’ll have it fully adjusted to your glasses or helmet and it will be used intuitively. An advantage to using the “Take a Look” mirror is the vibration. A mirror mounted to you bike will generally have more vibration than one that is basically attached to you.

Give it a shot, it’s and inexpensive way to add extra safety to your ride.

-Steve Henderson

Product Description
Unique and extremely usable, the Bike Peddler Take A Look Cycling cyclist’s mirror easily fits on helmet visors and eyeglasses. With three pivot points for maximum adjustment, the mirror face is adjusted by rotating it at a 90-degree angle from the wire. The mirror rotates fore and aft for fine angle adjustments. An ideal tool to keep an eye on traffic approaching from behind, the frameless acrylic mirror provides a wide, uninterrupted field of vision.

For added adjustment, the mirror is designed to fit on both the right or left side, and its 3-point attachment system adjusts for a secure fit without vibration. Available in two sizes: compact, which extends 50 millimeters and has a mirror size of 20×37 millimeters (HxW) and normal, which extends 85 millimeters and has a mirror size of 28×37 millimeters (HxW). Made in the USA, this mirror is backed by a manufacturer’s unconditional guarantee.

• Versatile, vibration-free cycling mirror mounts on eyeglasses and helmet visors
• Three pivot points for total adjustability
• Frameless acrylic mirror provides a wide, uninterrupted field of vision
• Adjusts for both left- and right-side use
• Made in USA; backed by a manufacturer’s unconditional guarantee

Bike Peddler Take A Look Cycling Eyeglass Mirror- Buy Now on Amazon!

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Today, I’d like to bring you some some of our most popular posts to date.

Coming in at number one is our post on the Alchemy Goods Pike Messenger Bag. This bag is pretty cool, and is made from 100% recycled products. The bag is primarily made from old bicycle inner-tubes and a recycled automobile seatbelt. A friend of mine had this bag, and it looks like leather from a distance. Due to its construction, it holds up great in the weather. Feel good about yourself, recycle, and get a bag.

Our number two post is the iPad Messenger Bag. This is a great bag that small enough to take wherever you go, and has enough pockets to help organize everything you need to take with you. Whether you are biking or catching a flight at the airport, this is the bag you want. It is stylish with an urban vibe, perfect when you’re on the go and don’t want to scratch up your new iPad.

Number three is the Thinksport Stainless Steel Sports Bottle. This bottle rocks with its vacuum formed stainless steel construction. Your drink will stay hot or cold for hours. The lid has a screen filter on it so ice will not fall out of the bottle while drinking. I think it would even work great as a tea steeper with this added feature! Check out the manufacturer’s website for more information.

Number four is the Eight Cranes Perfect Steeper Portable Loose Leaf Tea Brewer. You got to chck out this great looking tea tumbler. If you are really on the go, you can add tea plus hot water, and you are out the door. This model comes in both a glass and a clear polycarbonate version. I would recommend evaluating your needs before choosing which type.

And last but not least for today is the Vivo Square Bento Box. We really love bento boxes here at CommuterGear. They are really the best way to bring your lunch with you wherever you go. This same bento was also featured on Oprah. It will really make you co-workers jealous at work when they see you eating out of one of these. Plus, they are inexpensive… who doesn’t love a bargain these days?

Ingredients

• 3 lbs Ground Chuck
• 3 15 oz Cans of beans. Go for a mix of red kidney, pinto, and black beans
• 3 14.5 oz Cans of diced tomatoes
• 3 Bell Peppers. 1 Yellow, 1 Red, 1 Green
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 4-5 Tbs Chili Powder
• 2 Tsp Cumin
• 2 Tsp Cayane (Be careful with cayanne, add none if you like)
• 2 Tsp Salt
• 2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Turn on your crockpot on low and add the beans, tomatoes, and chipotle peppers
2. Cook the ground beef and drain
3. Add chopped onions and powdered spices (chili powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, cayanne pepper)
4. After the onions have halfway cooked, add 4 cloves of chopped garlic (if you don’t feel like choping garlic use some garlic powder) Cook this for a few minutes, but be careful not to brown the garlic… this will make the garlic taste bitter.
5. Add your spiced up ground beef to the crock pot and cook on low for however long you like. I usually make my chili in the evening and let it go overnight.
6. Secret: Add diced bell peppers to the pot about 30 minutes before serving if you are making the chili for the same day. The taste of fresh crunchy bell peppers can’t be beat. You can add these realt at any time, but if your going for the gold, keep em a little bit crunchy.

OK, That’s my recipe. Feel free to add or subtract ingredients to taste. When possible used canned organic tomatoes.

Let us know what you think! Next up will be Chili Verde!

To be continued…

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Today, I’d like to talk about one of my favorites… chili. Yes, when one talks about chili, it doesn’t conjure up a great culinary masterpiece. But, let’s take another look at this old favorite from sports and camping memories.

• Chili can be made a variety of ways, whether it be vegetarian, from ground turkey, pork, steak, or ground beef.
• Depending on the recipe, chili is generally high in fiber.
• Chili is great as a topping for other foods. Think about it.. chili dogs, chili fries, chili burgers, and the list goes on
• Along with some eggs in the morning and you have an awesome breakfast of Huevos Rancheros.

Next up is an award winning chili recipe that will make your friends jealous… jealous i tell you!

To be continued…..

Mini USB Emergency Keychain Battery Charger

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