bike commuting essentials

 Green Living  No Responses »
May 182012
 

Today is National Bike To Work Day

Seeing as today is National Bike To Work Day, we want to mention the essential equipment and gear to safely and comfortably arrive at work while bike commuting. Although there are several different views and philosophies on the best and most necessary equipment for commuting, we want to share with you some of our favorites.

  • Pants. It always makes riding to work much more comfortable and enjoyable when you have a pair of pants that function well under the conditions of cycling. Levi’s makes a special Commuter Line of pants and jeans specifically for cycling. Each pair of pants and jeans in the line feature double-layered seat and pockets, a water resistant coating, U-lock loop (on the left rear belt loop) and 3M reflective tape sewn into the cuffs. They currently only offer the commuter line in men’s, but hopefully women’s specific pants will be available soon.
    • Why we like ‘em: They are functional for bike commuting with a stylish look and they don’t break the bank.
  • Bag. Bike commuting often requires the hauling of extra clothes or shoes with you to work. For this reason, a messenger bag or backpack is a must have. Timbuk2, of San Francisco, has a ton of great options including traditional messenger bags and backpacks. They also offer the option to have a bag customized.
    • Why we like ‘em: Timbuk2 offers a bag recycling program that is a great sustainability efforts. Plus, through this same program, Timbuk2 offers a mentorship program through San Francisco non-profits.
  • Tires. Lets face it, often bike commuting involves riding on less than ideal roads. Whether it is pot holes or dirty streets filled with rocks and glass you don’t want to run the risk of popping a tire while commuting (especially if you have a tight work schedule). Specialized Armadillo tires are perfect for commuters looking for protection in a sleek all season road tire.
    • Why we like ‘em: We have tested these tires and are extremely satisfied with their performance. They give us peace of mind.
  • Helmet. For safety, helmets are a must have on any ride, commuting is no different. Giro has introduced a new helmet specifically designed for commuting that is ready to take on today’s urban environment. The Reverb, offers riders a retro style that is both light and tough.
    • Why we like ‘em: We love our employees and we want them to be safe, especially when heading to work or off to their next adventure.
  • Multi-tool. If you do have any problems on the way to work, you want to have a trustworthy multi-tool to get you on your way. Park Tool is a leading manufacture in bike tools and they offer several great multi-tools. Our favorite is the I-Beam Mini Fold Up because it can easily be stored in a pocket or saddlebag.
    • Why we like ‘em: Park Tool offers reliable and easy to use tools. It is as simple as that.

bike month

 Green Living  No Responses »
May 152012
 

The hallways of GreenCupboards are often decorated with employee's bikes.

If you haven’t heard yet, May is National Bike Month and this week marks National Bike to Work Week. For this reason, we think it is important to shine light on the importance of commuting in a culture where only .06% of Americans bike to work.

So, why bike to work? Among the many reasons, three stand out to us. First, the health benefit that can be attained from biking to work is undeniable. A 10 mile commute leads to 50 miles a week. With a standard work schedule those 50 miles equate to 2,500 miles each year. Furthermore, people sit for most of the day at their job. Sure, there are meetings to walk to and errands to run but studies show that most Americans sit for an average of 8 hours per day. By commuting to work, the body is given the ability to do what it does best, move! And this movement allows calories to be burnt, stamina to be built and coordination to be improved.

Secondly, commuting to work saves money. A study entitled, “How Bikes Can Save Us” reports that 20% of the average family’s budget goes directly to transportation (i.e. gas or car maintenance). By commuting to work, money is being saved on the ever-rising cost on gas. Additional money can be saved in the amount of medical treatment avoided. The aforesaid study states that the average American that cycles for 30 minutes each day saves $544 on medical costs every year.

And finally, by commuting to work you are positively contributing to something much bigger than yourself, the environment. Although it may seem like a menial reduction, through commuting to work Americans will be rewarded with healthier air and a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

So the question remains, why do we at GreenCupboards care about biking to work? The answer is simple. We take our commitment to positively impacting the environment seriously. For example, we have reduced our carbon footprint by offering carbon neutral shipping on all of our products. Commuting to work acts as one more way that each GreenCupboards employee can personally contribute to the environment as well as the company’s mission.

GreenCupboards.com Team Commits to Biking Commute

 Inside GC  No Responses »
Nov 152011
 

Team bikes

Putting the “pedal to the metal” has been replaced at GreenCupboards.com by pedaling to work.    Lately, city commuters have been trading four wheels for two as the number of people who bike to work is quickly increasing.

Why bike to work?  With the cost of gasoline, biking to work has the undeniable perk of relieving monetary stress.   What’s our real purpose?  The GreenCupboards.com team is dedicated to seizing any opportunity to decrease our carbon footprint.

What’s more? It’s good for us!

According to the Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation, the repetitive motion of cycling is a physical stress reliever.  Cycling away emotional stress leads to reduced blood pressure and cuts the chance of heart disease.  Biking not only strengthens the heart, but it tones the body, increases oxygen flow and circulation, and decreases an individual’s chance of cancer, obesity, and spinal disease.  All of these improved physical and emotional health conditions lead to an overall improved quality of life for the individual.

We’re not the first to find pleasure in this activity.  Actor Ed Begley Jr. is a leading force in Hollywood, setting the bar high as he bicycles to red carpet events in his tuxedo.

Personally, I’d like to tip my webmaster hat to those members of society who are joining our team in a commitment to a healthy life and a healthy planet.  Bike on!

Looking for inspiration?  Take a look at GreenCupboards.com team member Aaron and his European biking adventures.

Hybrid Bikes Up For Review

 In Stock  1 Response »
Aug 182011
 

Electric Bike

Need a little help up the hill? Perhaps you should invest in a hybrid bike to make your cycling experience less painful and more enjoyable. These electric bikes are sure to take the sweat out of hilly ride and allow for a more leisurely journey. Not everyone has the physical or mental dedication to be a Tour de France candidate, but everyone can enjoy a relaxing ride, regardless of steep obstacles. Hybrid how? Electricity and physical labor will make these bikes go. Electric bikes are perfect for stationary cyclist, who may worry about terrain issues when going out on a real bike.  Even with the extra push these bikes still allow for a heart pumping cardio workout. Or if the distance between you and a daily destination (school or work) seems to great these bikes will help you go the extra mile.

Check out GreenCupboards selection of electric hybrid bikes, and ride stress free:

http://www.greencupboards.com/currie-tech-women-s-trailz-electric-bike-red/p/

http://www.greencupboards.com/currie-tech-men-s-trailz-electric-bike-black/p/

http://www.greencupboards.com/currie-tech-tricruiser-blue/p/

Curry Tech Bikes can drive for 15-22 miles unassisted (no manpower required) at 10-15 miles per hour. Add in an extra battery and double your distance.

You can also convert your existing bike into a hybrid bike with this kit: http://www.greencupboards.com/currie-tech-power-kit-24v10a-450w-sla/p/