Hours:
  • Beat the rain!

     Kasia endures the rain with grace.               Kasia endures the rain with grace by taking a Prospect Park selfie.

    It's the second rainiest week of 2015 (so far) here in New York. I asked the Redbeard crew for some tips on making a rainy ride as pleasant as possible. Wearing rain gear like rain pants and a rain jacket (the Oxygen 2.0 Gore-Tex Active Jacket is a reliable choice) is essential, but below are some other things that will make for a better ride in the rain.

    1. Take your time. Your brakes don't work as well when they're wet; you're more likely to spin out in rainy weather. Taking it slow keeps you safe and aware. 

    2. Fenders. Protect your posterior from precipitation with a simple fender like the SKS S-Blade or the Planet Bike Flipper. Clip-on fenders are great for road bikes. Full coverage fenders are more practical for hybrid bikes and cruisers. 

    3. Lower tire pressure. With a little less tire pressure, your tires achieve better grip. Just be sure not to let too much go; you don't want a pinch flat! 

  • Cheat Sheet: 7 Things You Need To Ride All Winter

    Whether you hail from Eastern Europe, Canada, or the American midwest, you've probably heard the expression, "There is no bad weather; only bad clothes." 

    Here at Redbeard, we agree one hundred percent. If you want to ride your bike all winter, you will need the right clothes...and a few other things. We wrote you a cheat sheet. 

    Don't have a bike? January and February are the best months to buy one! The shop is quiet, so you'll get lots of personalized attention...and when spring comes, you'll be fitter and faster than everyone who took the train all winter. 

    1. Socks & Gloves
    Feet and hands get cold first. Wool socks will keep your feet toasty. They retain heat well and wick away moisture. And you don't need to wash them after each wear!

    Gloves are tricky. Are they waterproof? Windproof? For what temperatures are they designed? You may need more than one pair to get you through the winter. How far do you usually ride? Do you ride in heavy rain, or just drizzle? We'll help you find the right glove. We even have some on sale -- real steals.

    2. Hats, Face Warmers, Balaclavas 
    Most of us don't have a big red beard to keep us warm! If the temperature is below freezing, don't leave home without a Gore hat and facewarmer, or a balaclava.

    3. The rest of your outfit
    The rule of thumb is: several breathable thin layers, and a waterproof and/or windproof shell. Our favorite pieces include the Gore Windstopper Phantom Jacket for guys, and the Velocio Mid-Jacket or Gore Windstopper Soft Shell Jacket for gals. Pop in and try on these gems.

     
    Photo: Kasia in Gore Windstopper jacket and leggings, Gore lobster gloves, and Planet
    Bike booties. Her Lynskey is outfitted with a Tubus rear rack and an Ortlieb City-Biker Bag.

    4. Fenders 
    Keep your butt and back dry with a rear fender. Better still: get a full coverage set (front and rear) and keep the salt spray out of your face.

    5. Waterproof panniers or backpack
    Whether you ride with a rack and panniers, or a carry a backpack or messenger bag, that thing better be waterproof! We whole-heartedly recommend Ortlieb. Browse online, or better yet, bring your stuff to the shop and see which bag holds it best.

    6. Friends who ride 
    Whether you're commuting, or training, pair up with a friend to stay motivated! Friends don't ride? Spend some time at Redbeard Bikes (or anywhere in DUMBO) and you're bound to meet someone! 

    7. Indoor Trainer &/or Spin Classes
    Let's face it. There will be days when the roads are icy, the temperature is in the low teens, and the wind is roaring 20 MPH. Turn up the tunes and jump on your indoor Cycle Ops trainer. Or zip over to your favorite gym for a spin class. The Fitness Guru here in DUMBO just added a Bike 'N Rip class: spin followed by boot camp

    . 
    Photo: Graydon Kolk's Surly Straggler, outfitted with fenders, a front rack,
    and grippy winter tires, built up by Redbeard Bikes.

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    All products that appear in-stock on our website can be picked up in person at Redbeard Bikes. If an item is out-of-stock, it's typically just a day or two away. Don't see what you want? Tell us! We'll happily special order.

  • Update: Redbeard Shop Rides

    All our shop rides are on hiatus for the winter. We plan to resume around March 15th.

    Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for updates. If you'd like to receive emails about rides, please send a note to kasia@redbeardbikes.com.

    Of course - we encourage you to keep riding! For advice about riding through the winter, visit the shop! We'll deck out your bike with fenders, winter tires, etc., dress you in windproof, waterproof gear, and teach you how to ride safely.

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