GIVEAWAY: Saris Bike Rack

The Bike Rack:
The Saris Solo is a quick and easy way to transport a single bike.  Need to drop off your bike at the bike shop?  Brink your child's bike to a friend's house for a playdate?  This is a minimalist way to handle the transportation of single bikes and when you're done, just pop it into the trunk or closet.
Features:

• Low cost, easy installation, convenient size
• Ratcheting hold-down straps secure bike
• Built with 100% recyclable, non-rusting materials.
• Carries one bike up to 35 lbs.

The Giveaway:  
Head on over to Greenwala and leave a comment for a chance to win.

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YAKIMA HighLite Hitch Mount Bike Rack

 When I heard about the new Yakima HighLite bike rack, I got very excited because at long last, there was a hitch mount bike rack that would be manageable for me.  The HighLite is a departure from the traditional hefty steel mounts, it's aluminum and very light weight, and I can lift it with one hand.  It's also extremely simple and easy to install. It will fit both 2 inch hitches and class two 1 1/4 inch hitches.

At first, when I lifted the box, I thought it was heavier than expected.  As I opened the box, the inside had a cheeky message for me, "Told you it was light,"  and sure enough, the main body was light, the part that was adding the weight to the box was the shank, which attaches to the hitch and you don't lift that part again after attaching it.  The HighLite body is so light even my six year old lifted it easily with one hand.  This is great if you want to take it off and store it for the winter or switch it to a different vehicle.  It's a piece of cake to attach and detach.

Getting the bikes on and off was the tricky part for me, having never used this type of mount before, but after doing it once, I had the hang of it.  I don't have a ton of upper body strength and I was able to get two bikes on and off the arms by myself just fine.  The hardest part for me was maneuvering the rubber straps which are very stiff at first.  The arms feature anti-sway cradles to keep bikes from scratching each other and provide stability, and there are straps to help secure your wheels and handlebars and keep everything nice and tight.  If your bike is odd shaped or lacks a top bar, you can get the Tubetop adapter which clamps right on.

There are two locks, one at the bottom so that someone can't detach your rack, and an integrated cable lock at the top to secure your bikes, both are simple to use and Yakima includes two keys.  The arm folds down when not in use, you just pull the trigger latch at the top and they come right down.  The whole rack also tilts by pulling a knob at the bottom so that you can get inside your hatch easily.  This works great and the rack is very low profile and out of the way when you need it to be.  We have a wagon which is quite long and I wondered if the carrier would make it harder for me to park and whatnot, but it poses no problem at all, I hardly notice it.  

The HighLite comes in a two and three bike version and is available in silver or white.  I love this rack, it makes me feel empowered and ready for adventure.  Yakima really tried to think of everything, you'll even find bottle openers on this carrier to hydrate after an invigorating ride.  Find it HERE. 

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First Ascent Sirocco Jacket

 
First Ascent's Sirocco Jacket is meant for climbing, but I think it's great for cycling as well.  It's ultra--and I mean mega ultra light and folds up into it's own little pouch.  The bright colors and reflector details are great for visibility and the elasticized hem will keep the wind out.

This fits perfectly in a small bike bag or pack and if you find yourself in a rain shower or a situation where you wish you were more visible to cars, there it will be.  This would be nice for Summer hiking and traveling as well.  Find it HERE.

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BERN Bike Helmets

Believe it or not, I just started wearing bike helmets last year.  It had been a few years since I'd had a bike and it just wasn't part of my thinking back then.  Now as a mother, it's all about safety, and I wouldn't consider riding my bike without one.  It's not a big deal and there are some good options, though not that many that suit my personality.  Some of them are a little too...what's the word...sporty.  To the point of looking like you need a racing shirt and neon leggings to match.  Or that you look a little alien-esqe.   I don't dress like that when I ride my bike, in fact, I'd like to look at least a little bit fashionable while being safe.

Bern seems to get this.   Looks and function combine to create comfortable and attractive protection for your melon.  They're more low profile and there is something a little post punk about them, they're sassy.  I love the visor which keeps out sun and rain and this helmet covers more of my head than the Giro helmet I have, which makes me feel safer.

Look at these cool designs.  You can't go wrong with this basic black Berkley Helmet and that shiny finish gives it edge, it's really pretty in person.   If you want more of a pattern, they have that too.  The little black and turquoise flowers against the matte gray is interesting and feminine without getting too flashy or too girly.  And finally, if you want something more sporty, the Bomber helmet is nice without looking like you're training for a triathlon. These helmets, while they would function great for a variety of sports, look more urban, more city commuter-ish.  They're more accessible, more versatile than a lot of helmets out there.

The visors come out, and Bern has a trademark Zip Mold which you can use to customize your fit.  The helmets are lined not with Styrofoam but with injected liquid foam which provides a superior strength to weight ratio making them lighter and safer.  This is a very comfortable helmet.

I'm super impressed with Bern.  Check out these awesome helmets HERE and if you need a little push, REI is having their 20% off coupon this week, and they have them there as well.

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CB2 Oliver Bicycle Dishes: Citrusy Summer Fun

Look at these cool appetizer plates from CB2.  I love this little Oliver character and the fruit and veggies that often accompany him, like this cute bike dish with lime wheels.  They're meant for adults, but they're great for kids, my son thinks they're funny and loves them.  They're made of fairly durable porcelain are so much better than melamine (ie plastic) plates you see for kids.  They're the right size for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or snacks like crackers and fruit.

They would be so fun for a cocktail party and Summer eating outside on the patio.  They just make me smile and I like the way they manage to celebrate riding your bike, fruit and the season all at once.  Find them Here.

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Po Campo Armitage Satchel Bike Rack Tote

Spring is here!  That means the bike comes out of the bike shed, gets dusted off, tuned up, and off we go on new adventures.  This year I had some wonderful inspiration to get going.  Look at this super cool Armitage Satchel from Po Campo.

This is where function and design meet for a blissful union, and in an area that sorely needs it.  Making riding your bike beautiful and artful--yes!  This bag is just as lovely in person as it is in the pictures.  It's the perfect weight and feels substantial without adding unnecessary heft to your bike.  It attaches with very little effort and stays on, you can watch a very good demo video to see how easy it is and also how much it can hold here. 

I love the chunky silver hardware, and I especially like the big modern circles that serve to hold your strap in place over the rack.  There are reflector strips on both ends, not too noticeable for when you're using the bag for non-bike related things, which serve to strap in the tote.  I think they look cool and they help to make you stand out in traffic.  There's space for your blinkie as well. 

The outer material is a fade and water resistant material.  I haven't had it out in the rain yet, and that's just a matter of time, but I feel secure because there is a lining on the inside which looks sure to keep my stuff dry even if the outside is exposed to a heavy rain. 

There's an outer pocket perfect for your phone, a zippered inner pocket, and a detachable adjustable shoulder strap. There are loops to attach keys or additional blinkies.

This bag also easily attaches to a stroller (boy do I wish I'd had this five years ago), and holds a yoga mat, making it an incredibly versatile piece. 

Po Campo is the brainchild of two women who had a vision to blend fashion with function.  Emily and Maria own Po Campo and I love that they had a unique idea and saw it through.  They are big on community and I am big on supporting women run businesses.     I can't wait to see what they come up with next.  Find them HERE.

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PLANET BIKE Protege 09 Bike Computer

I can't believe I've been riding my bike all this time without a computer!  Recently I've been using this Planet Bike Protege computer and what a difference.  Biking is more fun when I'm keeping track of my distance and it also makes me want to push a little harder.  It's also nice to have the time right there in front of me as it's easy to lose track of time when I'm out in nature enjoying myself.  The screen is anti-glare, and the readout is in big enough numbers that I can easily read it at a glance.

Readout features:

• Current speed
• Speed comparator
• Ride time
• Trip distance
• Dual odometer (for two wheel sizes)
• Average speed
• Maximum speed
• Clock
• Temperature

I installed it myself with no problems, set up was straightforward, just follow the directions.  It might take a couple of tries to get the magnet and the sensor to line up, but it will.  After installation, just push up on the bottom of the device, the readout will display, and off you go.

Planet Bike gives back.  A generous 25% of their profits go toward promoting and facilitating the use of bikes as transportation.  Their products add to the ease, safety and sheer fun of cycling while benefiting the environment at the same time.  I love the win-win philosophy--healthy people, healthy planet.  Find it HERE.  

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PORTLAND DESIGN WORKS Awesome Radbot-Spaceship Headlight Set for Your Bike

Though my five year old son and I ride mostly on trails, there are some busy streets we need to take and cross to get to the trail opening.  A blinkie is a great idea for riding anywhere around cars.  This is obvious for commuters, but I think it's a good safety feature for kids or adults riding with kids, even if you're mostly on trails.

Portland Design Works has a great light set in the Radbot 500-Spaceship Set, which is "built to withstand rain and meteor showers to keep you safe from blastoff to touchdown in all conditions."  The light set makes me feel more secure crossing busy streets--sometimes people have a hard time stopping at the crosswalks and the light really helps to get their attention.  It's very well made and solid, I've taken it on bumpy trails clipped to my trunk and everything has stayed on just fine.  It's also done great in the rain.

The Spaceship Headlight takes two AA batteries and has two modes, solid and flashing light.  We don't ride at night, so I can't say how it does for lighting the way, but it really adds to your visibility, particularly in flash mode.  I love the cool blue light on the top.

The blinkie takes three AAA batteries and consists of a 0.5 watt Japanese LED and has three modes--solid light, pulse, and pulse with flashes.  The built in reflector is another safety feature and conforms to regional requirements to have a tail reflector.  You have to press and hold down the button to get it to turn on, so it won't accidentally turn on and run down your batteries.  The set comes with several attachments and hardware to mount it virtually anywhere you like.  Mounting couldn't be easier.

For Halloween, I'm going to clip the blinkie on to my son's costume during trick or treating to make him more visible both to cars and to me.  On a holiday note, I think this would make a wonderful Christmas present, the packaging makes a great presentation and this would work well under the tree or in the stocking.

Portland Design Works' website is wonderful--very organized, easy to shop, and visually appealing.  I love their product selection and the demo videos. They have a modern and fun look, but the products are serious.  Find the light set and other cool bike accessories HERE.

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KEEN Weidler Backpack

Keen is one of my very favorite shoe and bag companies.  Their stuff is buy-it-once quality, is super functional and well thought out, uses recycled content, and looks cool to boot.

Check out this new Weidler Backpack.  This is something new for me as it has a side opening/closure, making it easy to access contents while still on your shoulder.  The compartments are an electronic device junkie's dream with plenty of spaces for your camera, ipod, phone, and a padded separate compartment for your laptop.  There's a chest strap for heavier loads, and recycled metal hardware.

Normally I like my gear as plain and logo-free as possible.  A prominent logo could potentially be a deal breaker for me.  For some reason the Keen logo just makes me smile.  It looks kind of like a big toothy grin, it's a happy logo and one of the few that I really love.  The big Keen logo on this pack makes it look even cooler and also makes it easy to spot for traveling purposes.

I think this would be a great pack for cycling or any type of commuting to work.  The recycled rubber on the bottom makes it nice for setting down on the bus or train and the reflector on the bottom makes you a little more visible on your bike.  There are handles both on the top and the side so you can grab it from any angle, and the zippers glide smoothly.

It might be a little better for guys (or taller females) for daily commuting.  I'm 5'5 with a medium frame and the bag hits me below my hips.  It's a little big for me for quickie trips but would be wonderful on the plane or for longer excursions.  It would be great for a weekend (or week-long) adventure.  There's plenty of room for clothes, books, snacks, extra shoes, small blanket, etc.  The Weidler is a great multipurpose bag, find it HERE.  

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