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True story: I currently have skinned knees and 4 inch bruise on my chest. Why? Because I completely wiped out going down a parking garage when my left handlebar grip slipped off. Anyways, don’t be like me and have properly maintained grips and bar-ends on your bike. But do it with some style! These new GripRings from Spurcycle are individual silicone rings that make up a complete handlebar grip. Each set included 16 rings in the color pattern of your choice. Ride safe!
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Clunky batteries, impractical, and just plain ugly are words that come to mind when the words “electric bicycle” come up. However, as urban bicycle ridership increases, bicycle manufacturers such as new start-up Farady are addressing these issues. Their flagship bicycle, the Porteur, is their first offering. It starts with a US-made steel frame with time-tested geometry. Safety and practicality are built-in with a removable front rack, integrated lights, wood fenders, and an accessory bag. The 8-speed internal hub is attached to an electric assist for those challenging hills or heavy grocery hauls. I had the pleasure of seeing this bike at last September’s Oregon Manifest, a handmade custom bicycle show. As it was my favorite bike at the show, I’m extremely pleased to see that it came to life from a mere show concept to market, something that rarely happens at these kinds of events.
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This is a bike pump. On a keychain. How can that be? This little key chain attachment is the missing link between you and air compressors found throughout your city. Simply remove it from your key chain, connect it to one end of an air compressor at an auto shop (or fire station), and then connect the other end to your bike tire. Use the compressor’s gauge to fill to the correct PSI. Of course, this is really limited to cities where auto shops and fire stations are everywhere, but, hey, if you live in one of those cities, you’re in luck.
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“Be Seen, Be Safe” is the motto for San Francisco-based upstart company Halo. Their Halo Belt is a multipurpose light-up LED safety belt, providing high visibility for any night time activity. The red, green, or blue lights operate in two modes; solid and flashing. The battery life lasts up to 75 hours using standard CR2025 batteries. Halo blew their Kickstarter goal out of the water, but if you act quick you can still pre-order yours. Otherwise, stay tuned to their official site for updates and availability. Safety aside, the Halo Belt will be a big hit at your next Daft Punk party. Just sayin’.
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How about a faceted bike hanger? Woodstick Ltd. brings us a handcrafted hanging option that would blend nicely with many a modern interior, and, best of all, it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It uses an easy to use mount system that can be installed on various wall surfaces with just 3 standard screws.
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The Torch T1 helmet is an urban styled bicycle helmet with integrated lights. LEDs are projected onto the wide lenses which disperses the light across the entire surface, creating increased visibility and brighter light from wider viewing angles. The T1 is currently in a Kickstarter funding campaign. An $80 pledge will get you a helmet in red, black, or white, or for $100 you can nab yourself the special Midnight Edition, which is black with smoked lenses. Safety first!
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Hmm… a detachable electric motor assist bicycle trailer. Quite brilliant, I’d say! How come no one has come up with this before? Having the motor transmission separate from the bicycle means not having to commit to an expensive, clunky, full-on electric bicycle, or a third-party add-on motor to your bike. You get to keep the bike you already own, and your bike stays just the way it is. Ride it solo for short jaunts round town, and fire up the Ridekick for longer rides and hauling some cargo. It’ll whiz you round on the bike lanes at a steady 19 mph, and get up to 12 miles on a full charge. A weather resistant storage case with lock keeps your groceries dry.  For those not convinced on the lead acid battery, a lithium-ion battery version is currently being developed, stay tuned to their website for the latest updates.
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These braided bike locks were my absolute favorite product at Portland’s Bike Craft event last month. Beautiful hand-crafted design meets utiliarian function in this bike lock that will keep your bike secure and sartorial points up for you style-conscious urban riders. Sorry, the website is in Japanese and I really couldn’t fill you in on many more details. They are available in large selection of colorways as well as customizable.
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Another bike storage option? Yep, and this one is (dare I say it) a more refined option than the Cycloc. Angles, steel, leather… it’s nice, isn’t it? Designed by Stephen Tiller of Reclamation Art + Furniture, the Bike Valet currently has a Kickstarter campaign going to increase the level of production and manufacturing. For a pledge of $87 or more, you’ll receive a signed and numbered valet of your very own.
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Do you ride a bike at night? Slap on some of these reflective stickers and increase your chances of staying alive (i.e. not being plowed down by drivers). Made from engineering-grade “conspicuity film” (the stuff on emergency vehicles) the stickers reflect light back to its source and allow easy customization of your frame, helmet, rims, etc. Pledge $15 or more on Kickstarter for a Full DIY Kit (51 pieces) of RydeSafe Reflective Bike Decals.
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These origami-inspired rain fenders keeps your backside dry and are easily removable as the weather drifts between sunny and clear, to dreary and wet, perfect for you fixies and single speeders who want the minimal stream-lined look. For a clearer illustration of how they work, check out their accompanying video.
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Smart! These handlebars have an integrated basket, meaning less rattling as you’re out and about. Made from sturdy aluminum tubing, this mounts just like a normal handlebar (removable faceplate stem required) and can hold up to 60 lbs. For those of you in Europe, the Bike Porter (available through flow berlin, € 135) is in a similar vein.

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Remember the Pinch Stand? After Clankworks received a bunch of requests for a wall based bike rack, they designed the Perch. Made of bent plywood, it suspends your bike from any wall as well as storing a few extra accessories like your helmet, lock, etc. There’s a small ledge for keys or lights too.
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Yes, this is remarkably similar to Chris Brigham’s Bike Shelf. However, this version by Brian LaBarbera is significantly less expensive, which might be easier on your wallet.
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Brilliant reflective biker socks and gloves by the ever delightful SUCK UK… if you’re a cyclist, you should be wearing safety gear (helmet, vest, lights), of course, and these socks and gloves are meant as a complement to that safety gear, not a replacement.

I only found one retailer stateside (igadgetshop on eBay, $29.00) but if anyone knows of others, let me know and I’ll add them in.
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