(Photos © J. Maus) Portland’s bike-friendly vibe continues to wear off on Keen Footwear. When they moved their corporate headquarters here in 2006, they wasted no time in putting bikes in their product catalog. Two years later, they promised to expand their cycling-oriented product line. They’ve kept their promise. They started by putting an SPD-compatible … Read more
[Note: I’m going to try and start doing more product reviews. I’ll post quick “On Test” updates as I get interesting things to try out. Then, depending on your interest and the quality/relevance of the product itself, I’ll follow-up with a more thorough review. To keep this going, I’m looking for a product review intern. … Read more
The DynoLight from Beaverton-based Light On!.(Photo © J. Maus) [You can meet Brian Engelen from Light On! (and Fun Reflector) this Saturday at BikeCraft V. He’ll be one of nearly 50 local vendors selling their bike-oriented arts, crafts, and other products. Don’t miss it! I have owned the Light On! DynoLight dynamo powered headlight since … Read more
Marion Rice and her new work pants in action. (Photo © Elly Blue) So, I just have to dish about my new pants. Red Ants Pants are work pants shaped for a woman. Designed by outdoorsy gal Sarah Calhoun, who lives in a ranching town of White Sulphur Springs, Montana, these pants are made for … Read more
[Publisher’s note: This review is by our Family Biking columnist Marion Rice. Marion’s last column explored safety and cultural issues around carrying infants by bike.] Griffin and dad test riding the FollowMe.(Photos © J. Maus)
Showers Pass CEO Ed Dalton sportingthe Portland jacket at this year’sWorst Day Ride(Photo © Elly Blue) Showers Pass, a local cycling gear company, has been making waves with its “Portland” rain jacket since it was introduced in 2008. The jacket is notable for crossing technical outerwear with vélocouture flair resulting in a handsome daily commuter … Read more
Jonathan’s camera quick-draw: a common sight around Portland.(Photo © Elly Blue) The front basket used to be a necessary part of any city bike setup, but it seems to have been forgotten over time with the rise of mountain and road bikes. But baskets are coming back — and in a wider array than ever, … Read more
I’ve just spent a lovely but overly warm summer morning hunkered down in the cool basement reading the latest edition of Boneshaker. The small volume’s attractive recycled brown cover is reminiscent of an army field manual, but with an attention grabbing color illustration of a bicycle enticing me in to the table of contents. It … Read more
The Keen Springwater(Photos: Ellee Thalheimer) [Editor’s note: This product review is by BikePortland contributor Ellee Thalheimer. We asked Ellee to review Portland-based Keen Footwear’s new cycling shoe, named after a Portland cycling landmark. For those unfamiliar with cycling shoe technology, there isn’t much out there on the web, but here’s a basic explanation. ]
[Publisher’s note: This is the first product review by new contributor Ellee Thalheimer. Learn more about Ellee here.] The women at Inverness, California based My Alibi cycling apparel are dedicated to ‘making sure you feel beautiful on your bike.’ After spending some time in their “Bloomers” cycling shorts, I’d have to say they’re achieving that … Read more
Joel Grover, head buyer for the Bike Gallery, stopped by BikePortland headquarters this afternoon to deliver my latest test bike — a Gary Fisher Simple City. It’s a pretty basic, flat-bar townie bike. It’s got a 3-speed internal hub, rear coaster brake (front hand brake) and it weighs about 25 pounds. I shot a quick … Read more
All photos by Jonathan Maus, unless otherwise noted. When I first saw the Electra Amsterdam in an ad in Bicycling Magazine I was stunned. Not just by the bike’s drop-dead gorgeous looks, but because of what the bike signified to the U.S. bike industry and American cycling in general. U.S. companies have long offered various … Read more