TheWashCycle

2021 Christmas Shopping Guide

Happy Holidays. The Christmas and Holiday season is upon us and I recently got the chance to try out some items for free that might make good gifts for those on your shopping list.

First off, my wife and I loved these convertible mittens. Technically they're for women, but I was able to convince her that I should get them. They're 3 season mittens, but I might need something with more heft for the coldest DC commutes. Still these have become my primary biking/running gloves, at least until I inevitably lose one. I generally prefer convertible gloves anyway, but  I like the reflective strip which is in a good place for cycling, both riding and signaling and the magnetic hold on the thumb cover that keeps it out of your way - same for the pocket for the mitten. They clip together so that people who are better at not losing things than I am can keep them together and they're just generally solid mittens. I also got a handwritten note with them, which is nice. The whole website looks like a good place to shop for winter sports enthusiasts. 

The most interesting thing I got was Wind Blox. This is product specifically designed for cyclists with the purpose of reducing wind noise when you bike. Now I'd never really put wind noise as something I was bothered by, and now I always wear a helmet that covers my ears, but I tried them with an older helmet and they really do work. We even put the focus - the ear muff ones - on my wife's helmet. They put your ears into a pocket with a little space around them for better hearing. The problem with riding in DC is that even if you can get rid of 80% of the wind noise, you just get more of the traffic noise. One thing about these is that we had some trouble getting them in place and realized that the straps to my wife's helmet are a little farther from her face so they don't work quite as well. But it's a novel idea that is probably not something your gift recipient already has.  There's an array of products for different helmets and different users - even those with hearing aids. 

We lose water bottles in our house like it's our job, so when we got the bubi bottle my son quickly claimed it as his own. This is a water bottle that's made from silicone instead of plastic or metal. What we like about is that it doesn't get dinged when dropped, can go through the dishwasher and stores easily. But we still get a slight chemical taste from the water that we hope will stop over time. I'm not sure it's a bike gift (it's not rigid enough for a water bottle cage) but it might be a good stocking stuffer for a kid. 

These goose down socks haven't been as big of a hit with Mrs. Washcycle as I expected, but I like them. If she puts them on before her feet get cold they stay warm, but once her feet get cold even these can't save her. I've had a different experience. Putting them on warms up my cold feet and they might be a good for post winter biking triage. I haven't tried them winter camping yet, but it's almost like the activity they were made for. They're incredibly light for backpackers too. They're a little awkward to walk around in though.

The one thing I can't really say much about is the Faran Sport Mosquito repellent shirt. It came just as the mosquito season ended in DC. It's a well-made, comfortable technical shirt. Does it repel mosquitos? I have no idea because we had none to repel, but Outside magazine thinks so. I'd never heard of a "Bug repelling" shirt so my whole world is open to the idea of clothes that can repel mosquitos, which get intolerable around here in the summer. We're willing to give this a shot when the critters come back, and I really hope I can give a positive report then. Fingers crossed. 

Bike and Roll DC Fall Bike Sale-Nov. 6

Bike and Roll DC's annual bike sale is being held on Sunday, November 6th from 11AM-3PM.  

At the end of our season each fall, we sell our meticulously maintained Trek tour bikes to the public at an unbeatable price.  We're hoping you can help spread the word to DC-area residents.  More information below:

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WHAT: Bike and Roll DC’s annual end of season bike sale is back! At the end of each season, we clear out our inventory of tour and rental bikes, and offer the most competitive pricing on high-quality bikes. We are selling TREK comfort hybrid​ bikes for $220+tax.

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WHO: Our fleet of Trek Verve 3 bikes have been meticulously maintained and loved by riders from near and far–and they are looking for a new home!! The Verve 3 is the perfect bike for commuting and city cruising–we’ll have a variety of sizes available.

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(Note: New Verve 3’s retail for $660!) ​

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WHERE: Bike and Roll DC-National Mall location: 955 L’Enfant Plaza SW-North Building, Suite 905, Washington DC 20024. (Helpful tip: We can be tricky to find sometimes, if you’re driving, enter the address 475 L’Enfant Plaza SW–this will bring you closest to our location.)

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WHEN: SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6TH, 2016 FROM 11AM-3PM

 

Bike manufacturer looking for volunteers for 15-20 conversation

A message from AMP'd cycles

Fellow commuter cyclists, my name is Kyle Gatzmeyer and I am the CEO of an early stage bicycle manufacturing company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I am seeking interviews with commuter cyclists from various metropolitan areas to ensure our bikes meet the needs and desires that you face every day when riding in the city. Ideally, we want to build a safer and more secure cycling experience overall. If you are interested in helping us, please contact me at [email protected]. Thank you and enjoy the ride!

Product Review: Bionic Gloves

I was recently given a free pair of Bionic Gloves and I found them to be well-made and sturdy, and while I don't love them for biking, I do use them for weight lifting (which is their primary market). They might even work for someone who wants both kinds of gloves, but not two pairs.

I got a pair of the Fingerless Cross Training gloves, which at the time were pitched as bicycling/weight lifting gloves, but now only mention the weight lifting. That seems right to me.

As biking gloves, they're just a little long in the finger for my taste and the pads aren't quite in the right place. As weight lifting gloves they totally fit the bill. I have hand pain - in no small part due to carpal tunnel caused by cycling/computer use - but I'd not used weight lifting gloves since high school and had never really thought about it. I don't do a whole lot of weight lifting (about once a week) so I may not be the right person to cover this, but it was nice to use the gloves as they improved my grip and reduced blisters. 

At $35 you can certainly get cheaper weight lifting gloves, but these are comfortable and sturdy and they don't strike me as over-priced, just better quality.

 

Gearin' Up Bike Swap Expo on Sunday

Gearin' Up Bicycles is hosting a bike swap & expo where there will be vendors, non-profits and private individuals selling used and new bicycles, parts and gear. It's on June 19, 2016 at Union Market Dock 5 and runs from 11 am to 4 pm. There will be music to enjoy and food for sale at the dock as well as all the other vendors at Union Market's main terminal. Entry is a suggested, but not mandatory, donation of $5.

This is DC's Full Service bike swap. There will be a section for individuals to swap, vendors, food from some of the areas best food trucks, and entertainment. Not to mention a few surprises! Come out, support our youth programs, and get your new ride or parts!

If you want to SELL, you must purchase a table space here:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2016-dc-bike-swap-tickets-20158624990?aff=efbbt

If you want to BUY, SWAP, or PARTY, come as you are - and consider a $5 donation at the door for our youth programs!

OTTO Bike tuning tool

I got a free sample of the OTTO tuning system a few months ago and I finally got around to trying it out. In short, it's pretty cool but it's not really for me - and thus I can't speak for how well it works.

The tool involves two hard plastic gauges and a phone app. Set-up, what little there is, takes only a few minutes and then you're quickly using it. I got through the check portion rather quickly - though holding the camera to see the targets can be a bit frustrating as the app tries to see them just right and keeps telling you to "Show me the targets." [I'm trying to!] But for me, the part where I try to make the adjustments quickly got intimidating - even with all the videos and support. When I made the first adjustment it told me it didn't see anything happen and told me to do a more complicated adjustment. I don't do a lot of repairs and tuning, so when it told me to prepare to dis-assemble my barrel nut (or whatever) I balked. Which probably explains why I kept putting off trying it for so long.

But having a tool that can guide you toward a precision adjustment - and work as a second opinion on the correct settings - could be a great aide to someone more comfortable with such work. And the mathematics of how it works is pretty fascinating. 

So, if you're a little more used to adjusting your drive train and more comfortable with this kind of work, I could see the OTTO being a great tool (assuming that it works) but it may not be for idiots like me. I may not be able to give it to someone else, because the app requires a unique code, but if you'd like to try it - and let us know if it works, email me at [email protected] and I'll try to get it to you.

Zackees Turn Signal Gloves

I just receieved a pair of Zackees turn signal gloves in the mail and they're a quite ingenious and intuitive way to improve your turn signalling. I don't know if they'll save your life or improve bike-car interactions, but I do know they're a big hit with the under-6 crowd. My kids think they're pretty much the coolest thing ever and keep asking me to make the lights come on when I take them home, so that's something.

I've seen a lot of turn-signal type devices for cyclists, but have passed on them as they seemed too hard to deal with. But Zackees are pretty easy to use without changing the way you ride. On the inside of the index finger and on the inside of the thumb are two metal rivets. When these make contact, the arrow lights up on the top of your hand. So if you're signalling as you normally would, you just have to make a point to bring your thumb down and voila - car-style turn signal. 

The gloves are high quality and the lights are very bright. It's all powered by small, rechargeable batteries, recharging device included. I got gloves that are a little smaller than I like, which might be user error on my part, or maybe they run a little snug. But be warned. 

Created by a Google Engineer, these Turn Signal Gloves are one of the best ways to increase your visibility and communicate your turning intentions to other vehicles on the road.

Zackees™ Turn Signal Gloves™ features an ambient lights sensor which boosts visibility during the day and extends battery life at night.

The Ultrabright Rechargeable Pack delivers more power per blink than disposable batteries. This upgrade includes four rechargeable coincells and a charger pack. We are calling this combo the Ultrabright Rechargeable because the gloves are significantly brighter with these rechargeable coincells. 

I haven't had to rechage mine yet, but it seems pretty intutive, and changing the batteries out is pretty simple - even if it is a little bit of a hassel to have another thing to maintain. 

At $60-$70, they're more expensive than your aveage glove, but with more utility.The gloves are the kind of thing I would never buy for myself, because I'm a cheapskate; but I would really enjoy them as a gift. 

Product Review: Green Caffeine for Athletes - Positive Energy

I got a chance to try Positive Energy juices recently. 

Positive Energy’s new line of juice-based beverages is infused with green coffee beans straight off the branch – before the roasting process burns off any beneficial ingredients. Each low-cal 10oz energy drink contains the amount of caffeine equivalent to up to one large cup of premium coffee, making it the perfect pre-workout refreshment, coffee alternative or afternoon pick-me-up.

The idea is that this is an alternative to energy drinks (which I don't drink often) and coffee (which I drink at an alarming and perhaps dangerous rate). 

I can't really say that I noticed the caffeine, but then I might be immune to that by now. I can say that the drinks are tasty, without being all sugary like some fruit juices do. I got a six pack and they barely lasted a weekend. Mrs. Washcycle - who stays away from fruit juice like it's toxic - also tried some and I had to hide the rest from her as a result.

If I were someone who, like the company founder, didn't like the taste of coffee I would first cry for a very long time, but then I'd definiately consider this an option. It might also appeal to people currently choosing energy drinks or fruit juice now. I would definitely try it in place of Gatorade next time - if I can find it in the same kind of stores. 

Here's more, from the company for those who are curious.

Enjoying 100% pure juice and a much-needed energy boost at the same time has never been this clean or simple. In fact, it’s never even been done. Positive Energy’s creative assortment of natural beverages made with real fruit juice and infused with natural caffeine from green coffee beans is now available in select markets across the U.S., providing us all with the vitality to lead active and healthy lifestyles.

This new combination of pure juice and natural caffeine is Non-GMO Project verified and certified gluten-free. Plus, each 10-ounce screw-top bottle contains the amount of caffeine equivalent to up to one large cup of premium coffee (i.e. that tall dark roast you order every morning).

But here’s the best part: the caffeine in Positive Energy is naturally-sourced from green coffee beans straight off the branch – before the roasting process burns off all of the beneficial ingredients. This all- natural boost is then combined with delicious, fresh fruit juice to make a product that contains no preservatives and no artificial flavors. And unlike synthetic energy drinks on the market, Positive Energy has a nutrition label you can actually read and understand. You won’t find any unnecessary and potentially dangerous stimulants like guarana“

After trying coffee, soda and other energy drinks, I thought, ‘There has to be a better tasting, healthier way to get the daily boost I need,’” says Mike Cancelleri, founder and CEO of Positive Energy. “Unlike what’s currently out there, our goals, our messaging, and our products are all refreshingly simple. Four ingredients are all we need to give students, young professionals, parents and so many others a healthy energy option to fuel their busy lifestyles”

 

Kickstarter campaign: Cydekick, charge your phone with your bike

This CydeKick is a green-friendly, zero-friction, bicycle accessory that converts cyclist's motion into electricity for charging smartphones and other electronic devices.  

This July, my friend and I will be asking for support from friends, family, and all willing in order to help raise capital to fund production of the CydeKick.  We are using Kickstarter as a crowdfunding campaign and hope you will show your support by making a pledge and/or spreading the word.

 

Product Review: The "Mechanic" Shoe

For some time now, I've wanted a shoe that I can use with my clipless pedals but that wouldn't necessary look like "biking shoes." I recently got a chance to try out a pair of DZR Shoes most recent release the "Mechanic" and I like them a lot. 

Because the pedal attachment goes into a small recessed part of the shoe (you can remove a part to expose this or leave the bottom flush), I was worried it wouldn't work with my frog pedals, but I'm glad to say that wasn't an issue. You might have trouble with Look-style pedals though.

 

It's a shoe that tries to bridge the gap between stylish sneakers and a bike shoe. As a result of the more bike shoe aspects, like the " Co-Molded Power Plate" that makes the shoe rigid to save energy, it feels pretty much the same as the mountain biking shoes I wear in the warm part of the year. On the bike it feels normal, but walking around it is more rigid than a regular pair of sneakers. It's a good looking shoe though, and I've gotten a few compliments on it, mostly from other cyclists who dig the "secret biking shoe" aspect of it. 

I've gotten them wet, and they dried quickly without showing any signs of damage and have held up well to daily use. They look good in a mid-casual to casual range, but you can't wear them with a suit or anything. And they feel like mountain biking shoes, so I wouldn't try to run a 10k in them, but for standing around or even walking around at work, they're fine. 

The Mechanic is wrapped in perforated vegan toe cap and ballistic nylon side panels that evoke a timeless classic feel.

Born in the Swiss Alps and rooted in San Francisco, CA.  DZR provides well thought out footwear for life on and off the bike, in fact, we believe that a cyclist's life should be a seamless transition from work, commute, trail, home and repeat as much as possible.  It is with this spirit of cycling adventure that DZR exists - enjoy the ride.

At $99, they won't appeal to the cheapskates, but they're well-made and sturdy and if you're looking for a stylish bike shoe that you can wear out on Friday night, they would fit the bill.