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The Redbeard Blog / ride all winter

  • Wednesday Round-Up: Juno Edition

    Starting today, we'll bring you a weekly round-up of interesting bike stuff...every Wednesday!

    In Vision Zero news: an illuminating interview with Paul Steely White of Transportation Alternatives: On the Radical Idea that Cars Shouldn't Kill. Paul tells it like it is: "If a driver injures someone while committing a traffic violation it’s still an “oops” moment here in New York. Cops don’t investigate the crash scene. DAs, even when the evidence is there, aren’t pursuing meaningful charges. We still just don’t have that social stigma and cultural realization that driving is an extraordinarily grave undertaking. That when you get behind the wheel you absolutely are responsible."

    Another kind of zero: Velocio ZERO Bibtights got a sweet review in Bicycling Magazine. ("And isn’t that why you buy good cycling clothing? To be comfortable to the point that you don’t think about it.") Last we checked, Redbeard Bikes is the only shop in the city to carry Velocio cycling apparel for women.

    Registration for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour opened this week. The Tour happens Sunday, May 3, 2015. It's the world's biggest charitable bike ride! Proceeds from the Tour support Bike New York's awesome free bike education programs.

    Missy Erickson's first-hand account of the Track Cycling World Cup in Cali, Colombia last weekend. She brought home the bronze in the women's keirin race for Team USA!

    DUMBO BID featured us in its newsletter and on the blog: Winter Cycling Tips from the Redbeard Bikes Pros.

    Want to learn how to ride safely in a group? NYCC offers a formal training program for riders of all levels. Check out Spring Training with NYCC. Registration opens 2/11. If you've done this program, we're curious if you liked it!

    Reminder: all Redbeard shop rides are on hiatus till around March 15th. Our no-drop rides are another great opportunity to pick up some group riding skills and meet other cyclists. Save the date!

    Missy Erickson on the podium at the Track World Cup in Cali, Colombia.

  • 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.

    *

    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.

  • Kasia's Picks: For the Gal Who Is Never Not Riding

    We couldn't fit all our favorite things on our official Holiday Gift List, so we've put together a few holiday gift bundles around different themes.

    First up: Kasia's picks.

    "Some people stop riding when they become shop owners. The opposite happened to me. I became that gal who is never not riding. Metrocard what? I couldn't have the fun I have, without my gear. It keeps me happy in the saddle at all hours, in all seasons."
    --Kasia


    Garmin Edge 500. How long is the road less traveled? $200
    Kask Mojito Helmet, Nero-Fuchsia. Pretty in pink. $200
    Gore Road Windstopper Thermo Lobster Gloves. So cozy. The snot panel is a lifesaver. And yes, you can still shift. $80
    Her Chamois Butt'r: Be kind to your skin. $20
    Tubus Airy Titanium Rack. A rack that won't slow down your Lynskey. $260
    Spurcycle Bell. A voice that never runs out. $39
    Origin8 Front & Rear Lights. For all those night flights. $45 each
    Whisky C3 Carbon Bottle Cage: Super easy to pull your bottle out of this one. $60
    Giro Riela Shoe, Black/Rhodamine Red. I call 'em dancing shoes. $100
    Velocio Spin Top. When there's ice on the road, spin class is the answer. $99

    Want it? Call or email us and we'll prep it for you! (718) 858-2453 or redbeard@redbeardbikes.com

     

    Photo Credit: Priscilla Bargas

  • Sunday Ride Departs @ 8:30 AM

    Good news, everyone! Our Sunday ride to River Road now leaves the shop @ 8:30 AM!

    What will you do with the extra hour? Sleep in? Drink a hot cuppa? Do extra laps in the park?

    Kat Daley with tips on winter riding, via Velocio

    Details for this and our other shop rides, here.
  • Braver than the Elements | Rapha Ladies' Ride

    Ladies!

    Join me on Saturday, 12/20, for the Braver than the Elements ride hosted by Rapha NYC Cycle Club. There will be a 40-50 mile group and a 60-80 mile route.

    More info and RSVP here.

    There are rides in other cities across the United States, too!

    --Kasia

     

  • Winter Hours Start 12/1

    Hey folks! The Redbeard crew is back in action tomorrow, Monday, 12/1.

    We are on winter hours: Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 12-7pm, Sat 11-6pm, Sun 1-6pm.

    We have a new ride starting this week - Tuesday mornings in Prospect Park, departing from Grand Army @ 6:30 AM. Be sure to RSVP on Facebook or via email - redbeard@redbeardbikes.com.

    Our Tuesday morning training ride in Prospect Park is perfect for those without a club or team affiliation! Ilya will offer tips on fit and form to participants. We've made it super early so y'all have time to get to work -- but we'll happily adjust the time, schedules permitting. First ride of the series is this week!

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