Bike gear for a cycle-rific summer

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Photo: Meredith Craig de Pietro

There are all ways to enjoy biking in the city, but this gear will help you look cooler while doing it. Photo: Meredith Craig de Pietro

Brooklyn’s bike lanes and greenways cover over 300 miles, which is more than any other borough. There are Citi Bike stands sprinkled about conveniently, ready to take your credit card. To purchase a bike, check out our guide to the friendliest bike stores in the borough. If you really want to be a bike boss, and have the time and inclination this summer, the free class series at 718 in Gowanus will start you off learning basic maintenance and eventually how to design and build your own bike. Did I mention these are FREE? And, if you’re feeling intimidated, check out our guide to getting on a bike if you’re new to cycling in the city.

If you’re ready to put the pedal to the pavement, here’s the bike gear, gadgets and go-to’s that will keep you riding in style all summer long.

A spontaneous beach trip couldn't be easier than with this reclaimed wooden crate. Photo: Brooklyn Bicycle Company

A spontaneous beach trip couldn’t be easier than with this reclaimed wooden crate. Photo: Brooklyn Bicycle Company

Handcrafted Wooden Rear Crate $79.99 Summertime is about freedom and spontaneity; it’s not about just plodding to and from your set destination. Having a roomy crate on the back of your bike allows you the option of heading off to the Rockaways after work. Keep your bathing suit, towel and sunscreen tucked inside this handsome box made from reclaimed timber and brass, and duck out early on a Friday. You’ll even have enough space to bring home some takeaway tacos for dinner. The box is engineered to fit most rear carriers, and is easily assembled.

Turn (almost) any shoe into a cycling shoe and ride in style. Photo: Retrofitz

Turn (almost) any shoe into a cycling shoe and ride in style. Photo: Retrofitz

Retrofitz DIY Shoe Conversion Kit $5 DIY or $120 to have them assemble. I think we can all agree that cycling shoes are not sexy. But on the flip side, they add power to your pedal. Now you can have your cake and eat it too, with the ingenious idea of converting your regular shoes into secret cycling shoes from Retrofitz. For only fifty bucks, they’ll send you a conversion kit that you can assemble yourself on any shoe with a wide enough sole and a removable liner to insert your own nylon plate. You’ll be able to aggressively finish The Epic Ride while still looking chill at the After Party.

 

Show the world how you can sparkle, with this fashion forward headwear that will also keep your brain safe. Photo: Sawako

Show the world how you can sparkle, with this fashion forward protective headwear. Photo: Sawako

Sawako Glitter Helmet $130 Your bike helmet is primarily functional, but it can also be a fashion statement. Sawako has been keeping city dwellers’ brains safe for years with stylish crocodile- and leopard-print helmets that make you look less dorky on your commute to the office. This sweet version has been hand-finished with glitzy fabric, but all features all the air vents you’ll need to keep your blow-out free from sweat. Pre-order the sophisticated glittery helmet for July by emailing sales@sawakofuruno.com and make a statement this summer.

 

These strong magnetic lights will brighten up any evening bike ride. Photo: Uncommon Goods

These strong magnetic lights will brighten up any evening bike ride. Photo: Uncommon Goods

Magnetic Bike Lights $36 Biking is the new Uber!  Getting to PS1 Warm Up is so quick on your bike, but navigating the more desolate corners New York City after dusk when you’ve stayed longer than you thought you would, can feel shady. Shed some light on the situation with these tiny yet strong LED lights that shine in three different settings and will let cars and people know you’re coming. The strong magnets will stay put even over the bumpiest cobblestones, and snap off easily when you’re safe at home.

 

Get back in the saddle with this handcrafted leather bike seat. Photo: Kaufmann Mercantile

Get back in the saddle with this handcrafted leather bike seat. Photo: Kaufmann Mercantile

Brooks Leather Bicycle Saddle $119 If biking is the modern horseback riding, then you’ll want this handsome bicycle saddle from Brooks, the British maker of horse harnesses that’s been in business since 1865. Although it looks like the seat  from a penny-farthing, the vintage vibe translates perfectly onto today’s modern machines. The vegetable tanned leather will eventually conform to the rider’s seat making it uniquely comfortable. This is pure craftsmanship, manufactured in a factory in Smethwick, where techniques are passed down through generations. Gin gimlet not included.

This is the only bike rack that will impress your friends, especially if it's carrying a bottle of bubbly. Photo: Oopsmark

This is the only bike rack that will impress your friends, especially if it’s carrying a bottle of bubbly. Photo: Oopsmark

Bike Wine Rack $34 What would summer be without a cold bottle of rosé? Don’t let your bike stop you from being a perfect dinner guest, picnic host, or rooftop film fanatic. Instead of letting the bottle jiggle around your backpack or basket, this perfect design attaches to the bike frame with antique brass fasteners while the leather rack holds your bottle securely while you ride. Just make sure that you have a corkscrew, and you’ll be saying cheers to another sunny day.

Although the name might be a pun from "Lost", your bike will always be found with this summery hemp cord lock. Photo: Dalman Supply

Although the name might be a pun from Lost, your bike will always be found with this summery hemp cord lock. Photo: Dalman Supply

Hemp John Lock $70 When you’re running errands, cruising Governor’s Island, or chilling out at the park, it’s an unfortunate part of city living that you have to lock up your bike. But for day tripping, this hemp cord weighs less than two pounds and stretches up to 26-inches and has a secure, solid brass padlock and key. Nashville-based company Dalman Supply builds products that last a lifetime and focus on the daily rider. The strong cord looks and feels like summer and whether you’re land-locked in the city or enjoying the surrounding beaches, you’ll feel relaxed knowing your bicycle is locked up tight.

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