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Entries in Bikes (21)

Friday
Oct212011

MEMBER PROFILE // Design Team We Less Than Three Balances Big-Name Clients and a Small-Company Ethos

We Less Than Three's cleverness is apparent right off the bat: Their logo condenses to "We <3," lending itself to a myriad of creative uses. The Brooklyn-based, two-person firm is indeed a labor of love for 3rd Ward members, Andy Gillette and Ashley Quinn.

The pair had been living in Los Angeles, where Andy worked as an art director for HBO while Ashley worked for an architecture firm. Both grew tired of being lost inside big corporations (along with Andy loathing L.A.) so they packed up and moved cross country.

According to Ashley, they attended one of 3rd Ward's Movie Nights shortly after moving here and fell in love with the space almost instantly. The timing was right as their business was already underway.

Part of what distinguishes them from other design firms is a heavier focus on technology. Andy manages the programming for both the sites and apps they build, making We Less Than Three a full-service shop.

"We're really friendly and personable. We communicate a lot with our clients. We'll take on projects with a lower budget if we think it's a really cool project," Andy tells us. Their clients include producer Tom Schick, digital collage "Une Semaine du Google" and Social Bicycles, whose bike-finding GPS app the pair's especially excited about. 

"They're a bike-share program that was actually one of the two finalists for the citywide contract," says Andy. "The app is really cool: You can locate bikes and lock and unlock them."

Screenshots of Sobi; the bike-locating/unlocking app

One of We Less Than Three's underlying threads? "We've been thinking a lot about how the internet can interact with the physical world," says Andy. So far, the public response to the pair's work has been so postive, the firm's had to turn down a number of potential clients. "People have an idea that you're auditioning for the client, but that's not always the case. The client has to be a fit for us."

Some may find it crazy to turn down work in this econonmy, but to Ashley and Andy, it's vital that they remain relatively small. And if you ask us, these two are going to do just fine.

--Layla Schlack

Friday
Oct072011

WHEELS UP // Preview: NYC Bike Share, Coming Summer 2012

 

A bike share demonstration at Union Square

On a recent stroll through Union Square, we were excited to stumble upon one of the demonstrations for the New York City Bike Share program, which is scheduled to launch next summer.

Implemented by Portland-based Alta Bicycle Share, which also runs programs like Washington D.C.'s Capital Bikeshare, Boston's Hubway and the Melbourne Bike Share, New York's program will become the biggest in the U.S., which 10,000 bikes and more than 600 stations. And it won't cost NYC or taxpayers a dime.  It'll be entirely funded by private sponsorships and membership fees, which will set you back less than the cost of a monthly MetroCard...for a full year of cycling goodness.

When we first heard about the bike share, we had a few questions, but the program answers them all:

What about helmets? For obvious reasons, there won't be a helmet-sharing program, but the NYC Department of Transportation has been giving out free official NYC helmets since 2007, and memberships will also include discount coupons on helmets at local bike shops.

What about theft? It hasn't been a problem for other programs. During a year of London's 6,000-bike program, only 15 bikes weren't returned within 24 hours, and most of those turned up later. An embedded GPS system will also help track down stolen or lost bikes.

How will you know if bikes are available? With an app, of course! Mobile apps will point you toward the nearest bike station and let you know if wheels are available.

Where are those 600 stations going to go? The program is asking you to help decide. You can suggest a location or vote for one that's already been suggested on the New York City Bike Share website. 3rd Ward already has 10 votes—help us get more!

Want to test out a bike? See a list of upcoming bike share demonstrations after the jump.

Upcoming New York City Bike Share demonstrations:

October 11: Hudson River Greenway, 11am-3pm

October 14: Tompkins Square Park, 3-7pm

October 15: Brooklyn Bridge Park, 11am-3pm

October 16: Washington Market Park, noon-4pm

October 24: Washington Square Park, 11am-3pm

-- John Ruscher

Friday
Sep232011

WHEELS UP // Brooklyn Cruiser Brings a European Edge to the Borough & Beyond

 

It's no secret that we love design, entrepreneurship and--of course--bikes. So we were quite excited to catch wind of Brooklyn Cruiser, a new line of city bikes based right here in our borough.

Founded by Ryan and Thea Patrick, Brooklyn Cruiser was borne out of the couple's hunt for a ride that would provide the best possible two-wheeled commute, taking into account durability, comfort, accessibility and style. When that search didn't yield exactly what they'd been looking for, they decided to strike out on their own, putting together a design that adhered strictly to those core tenets:

"At each step of the design process, if a feature didn’t either make the bike easier to maintain or enhance its style, it was off the table for consideration," Ryan tells us. 

That vision has produced a slick and sturdy set of wheels, including a hardened steel double top tube frame that'll stand up to the tough streets, a 2-speed kickshift hub to keep things simple, along with leather grips and cream-colored tires to make the bike as easy on the eyes as it is to ride.

Ryan and Thea's extensive travels helped give shape to Brooklyn Cruiser's designs, which are modeled after traditional Dutch and European bikes. "We’ve travelled around the world and biked in most of the cities we’ve visited," Ryan says. "From a biking perspective, the infrastructure in Europe far surpasses anything we’ve seen elsewhere in the world—and that’s part of the reason biking is such an intricate part of the European culture. You’ll see mothers riding with their children, commuters heading to work or the market—they basically ride anywhere you’d take a subway or taxi here in New York." They've also pedaled in places like Cape Town and Buenos Aires, taking in those cities' expanding cycling infrastructures.

Ryan tells us that there are additional colors, sizes and stylish additions on the way next spring, and we can't wait to see more. While we've definitely love hard and fast biking, we're just as thrilled about being able to just cruise along and enjoy the ride.

If you're of a similar mind, you can test out a Brooklyn Cruiser at 718 Cyclery in Park Slope or at Smorgasburg on the Williamsburg Waterfront every Saturday.

-- John Ruscher

Thursday
Sep222011

WHEELS UP // Help Fearless Cyclists Get to Italy for Red Hook Crit Milano

Red Hook Crit 2011. Photo: Ed Glazar

Want to help some of the U.S.' most unflinching cyclists tear up the streets in Italy?

The Red Hook Criterium is a super-intense, highly competitive, unsanctioned street race that takes place each year on a cold, dark night in Red Hook, attracting a hoard of daring, world-class cyclists (as well as some great photographers). Last year the race expanded to Italy for the inaugural Red Hook Crit Milano, in which Spain's Jon Ander Ortuondo narrowly edged out Colorado's Neil Bezdek in a dramatic finish.

On October 15th RHC is headed back to the streets of Milan for another international showdown, and they need financial support to help send six of their best cyclists back across the pond. Donate $100 or more and you can snag a Red Hook Crit t-shirt and signed poster.

If you're on the fence about chipping in, hit the jump for some inspirational words from a few of the competitors seeking your support. We've also included a must-watch video of last year's RHC Milano—experience its nail-biting finish in slow motion.

Kacey Manderfield (Trexlertown, PA - 1st RHC 2008, 4th RHC Milano 2010) on the Red Hook Crit:

The Red Hook Crit is like the awesome eccentric old man of bike racing—brought back to life by a young man's idea. It mixes all levels and abilities together and there is a bond between all—we all strive to be the most dominant, smooth, surreal power of the night as we navigate corner after corner with graffiti covered walls screaming by us as if they are the ones moving.

Al Barouh (Brooklyn, NY - 3rd RHC 2010, 3rd RHC 2011, 6th in RHC Milano 2010) on what he'll do in Italy:

I would race aggressively, yet cleverly, with passion and gusto. As a representative of my sponsor on an international level, I would strive to be a kind, respectful and gracious competitor and guest.

John Kniesly (Brooklyn, NY - 2nd RHC 2010, 5th RHC Milano 2010) on racing in a foreign country:

There is a series of unknowns that needs to be analyzed and accounted for when racing in a foreign locale, most of them presenting themselves while the rider hurtles along at 30 miles per hour.

-- John Ruscher

Thursday
Aug252011

CHECK THIS OUT // New Issue of Boneshaker Magazine Hot in Your Hands 

Lovers of bicycles and beauty take note: the sixth issue of Boneshaker, the UK-based quarterly magazine celebrating cycling and the people who do it, is printed and ready for your ogling eyes. The current issue contains features on Sudanese bike-pimping, the Bicycle Film Festival, cycling as religion, along with characteristically quirky art. Check local stores for availability or order from boneshakermag.com. While you’re at it, cruise over to your local bike shop and tell them to stock it!

-- Cara Cannella 

Friday
May272011

BIKE & DESIGN // Bridget Fleming of downtownfrombehind

For Bike Month, we’re bringing you a series of conversations at the intersection of cycling, art and design. This is our last entry!

Our favorite downtownfrombehind shots

Downtownfrombehind has all the essentials of an addictive blog: authentic street shots, interesting people, unique and personal fashion...and lovely bikes! Think of your favorite fashion blog—filled with funny, sexy, and classy people—on two wheels, and you’ve got this. Every shot is an inspiration and now the founder, Bridget Fleming, tells us what inspires her.

3rd Ward: How did you get involved with cycling?

Bridget Fleming: I was four when I unwrapped my first bike; it was red with a white basket. Twenty plus years later, I collected the cheapest bike I could find on Craigslist from Staten Island in the middle of a New York winter. It’s red, it has a white basket, and I think I left it locked on Grand Street in Soho.

3W: What do you love about it?

BF: It’s a great alternative to walking or taking the subway. It’s green and a fun day out with friends. Below 14th street, the city is relatively bike-friendly.

3W: Are you finding anything out about the types of people who cycle through your project?

BF: Most of the people photographed for the project are creatives, most moved to New York for their career and most own a bike.

3W: Why “Downtown from Behind”?

BF: It’s every street below 14th, so essentially 'downtown', always photographed of a subject riding their bike from behind. The name, Downtownfrombehind, stuck.

3W: What have you learned through the project?

BF: Where the sun will be on almost any street at any given time of the day below 14th.

3W: Anything about the relationship between art and cycling?

BF: I think there is a close relationship between art and many day-to-day objects and tasks. I am definitely more aware of the art in bike design since working on this project.

3W: Why are the photos from behind?

BF: It provides more of a balanced portrait between street and subject and a less self-indulgent portraits for riders.

Monday
May232011

BIKE & DESIGN // John Watson of Prolly is Not Probably 

For Bike Month, we’re bringing you a series of conversations at the intersection of cycling, art and design. Through a combination of fixed freestyle, track, and road cycling crossover appeal, beautiful photography, and prolific posting, John "Prolly" Watson has made his blog Prolly is not Probably the place for bike content. His influence has resulted in collaborations with a variety of brands, and he is a go-to news source for reports on cycling shops, products, and design.

3rd Ward: Why bike? Do you think cycling has changed you physically, psychologically, or philosophically?

John Prolly: Every one I know who rides has a story about how cycling has single-handedly changed their lives. I was recently about 60 miles out on a solo ride, when I came up on a guy struggling on a climb. He said before cycling, he was a strict political conservative (I'm in Texas now by the way) who was against any "green agenda". Then he picked up a bike to get in shape and slowly but surely, he got hooked. Since he'd started riding, he said he's been less aggressive and, in his words, "ignorantly assholish." His wife and kids enjoy his company and his co-workers like having him around. Now, it's hard to say that I've had a similar experience, but cycling gives you attainable training goals. And endorphins are one hell of a rush.

3W: What is your advice for someone who wants to start cycling in a major city? In New York in particular?

JP: Be safe about it. Wear a helmet, get lights and if you're on a track bike, get a brake. I have been riding a bike in NYC for six years and it's no easy task. You never know what's going to pop out from behind a car or roll into your path. Be alert and don't think that bike lanes are some magical safety net. I've always felt like riding with traffic is safer than on the side of traffic. Don't ride on the god damned sidewalk or against traffic. Those are my two biggest pet peeves!

3W: What are the elements of your ideal ride in NYC?

JP: It's gotta be the spring time. Everyone's out, shedding clothes and enjoying the city. I love riding River Road to Nyack and Piermont and any ride to Ft. Tilden is always a blast. I've ridden all over the world. Holland, Japan and all over the US. I've been to a lot of cycling-friendly cities and unfortunately NYC is not yet one of those.

3W: What's a favorite cycling story?

JP: I had a great time I had on my bike was with Isaac, Harry (of NY Bike Jumble) and Scott. We decided to ride from Brooklyn to Philly for the Philly Bike Expo. We took 70% off-road trails, along the Delaware Canal and made great time. We spent the trip talking shit, getting stoned and avoiding falling into the freezing water of the canal. Once we got to Philly, the weekend was spent documenting amazing hand-built bikes, drinking and having a blast with friends. Riding in Tokyo exclusively on my fixed freestyle was awesome, too. Zipping through the crowded streets with a bunch of strangers. It was a great way to make friends.

3W: What are the surprising or unique aspects of the communities built around cycling that you've been a part of?

JP: There are polo guys, roadies, track bike guys, track racers, messengers, fixed freestyle, BMXers but over the recent months, these barriers have been broken and you're seeing the cycling scene in NYC really pull together and form a community. Scenes come and go, but communities build for the future.

3W: What lead you go beyond riding and start blogging, etc.?

JP: When I got laid off from my Architecture job back in March of 2010, no one was hiring and rather than driving myself mad, I just put that energy into my blog. I have become Prolly and there's really nothing that can take that away. The bottom line is, I didn't start the blog to "get stuff." A lot of the new bloggers in the scene see my formula and emulate it. I get tons of emails from kids asking how to get what I've got and it's not that simple. But people try, they mimic my voice, my positive attitude and my content. I'll post something that I found on my own and 30+ blogs will post it minutes later, hardly ever crediting me as the source. It's frustrating, but that's the internet. I never really expected for the site to blow up and here I am, traveling all over, doing a range of bike journalism, working on products, and shooting photos almost as much as I'm riding.

3W: What bike you've owned has been most important to you and why?

JP: Gah, I don't know. I really really love my road bike. It's an Eddy Merckx MX-Leader made from Columbus MXL tubing. It was developed by Merckx for his big-dogs. For a 225-pound guy, it rides like a rocket. I'm getting my first custom bike this year from the guys at Geekhouse. It'll be on display at the NAHBS here in Austin and I'm confident that will become my all-around bike once I get my grubby hands on it! (3W: design process here). I really also love my Eddy Merckx track bike. It's my exact size and the colors on that thing are so 80's it hurts! Later this year, I'm hoping to get a custom Icarus track bike, although after seeing Ian's recent work, I might wanna get a custom road bike! I've thinned my collection down to a few select bikes that get their job done with a bit of stylistic flairs on the side.

Friday
May202011

B-DAY BIKES // Red Hook Crit Photo Exhibition at Our Birthday BBQ!

Photo of the Red Hook Crit by Ed Glazar.

In addition to the great food, screen printing, live music, a VJ battle and various workshops happening at our Birthday BBQ this Saturday, you'll also get to check out an exhibition of photographs from the Red Hook Criterium; an intense cycling race that takes place in the cold, dark night of Red Hook each year. We spoke with Red Hook Crit founder David Trimble to get the inside scoop on the race and the exhibition.

It all began when Trimble decided to throw a birthday party in 2008. "Being a bike racer and having many bike racing friends I knew they wouldn't come out unless there was a shot at personal glory," he says. "Living in Red Hook at the time, I designed the format to be short, intense and above all else: spectator friendly."

From there things took off. "The first year Kacey Manderfield surprised all the boys to win," Trimble says. This March Dan Chabanov became the first two-time champion. Each year the crowd has tripled, and competitors have gone on to excel in the cycling world—every winner has turned pro.

That's no surprise considering the challenges of the Red Hook Crit. "The race takes an equal combination of skill, fitness, and bravery," Trimble says. "The riders that succeed in this race are experienced in multiple forms of cycling. This year's winner Dan Chabanov is a bike messenger, a pro cyclocross racer, and an elite level road cyclist."

And while elite cycling is at the center of the event, it's also attracted many talented photographers. "It's dark and the streets are really rough...this makes it visually exciting," Trimble says. "The amount of photographers who come out to document the race is substantial. I'm always blown away by the technical skill and different styles of the photography. This year I wanted to celebrate that."

The exhibition features work by renowned professional photographers including Ed Glazar, Marco Quezada, Kate Lacey, Jeremy Harris and Fred Askew. Check out the Red Hook Crit website for more info and a few photos, and see them all at 3rd Ward this Saturday!

-- John Ruscher

Wednesday
May182011

3RD WARD B-DAY // Get Briana Auel's Limited Edition 3rd Ward Birthday Print This Saturday

Briana Auel's screen print design.After featuring 3rd Ward member Briana Auel, a talented and award-winning designer and illustrator, in our inaugural Member Group Show earlier this month we thought, "Why not ask her to design a screen print for Saturday's Birthday BBQ?"

Much to our delight she said yes, so make sure to bring along your shirts, totes and the like to get her special edition screen print on Saturday!

You can check out other great designs by Auel, including prints, pillows and t-shirts, at her Broken Heart Social Club Etsy store and on her website. And, for the absolute latest, follow her on Twitter!

"Broken Heart Social Club and the art/design/illustration that I create are a direct representation of who I am as a person," Auel tells us. "A bike lover. A music devourer. An envelope pusher. A PBR drinking, whiskey swilling sailor-mouthed lady. I tend to create things that push comfort levels, but I soften the vulgarity through the pastel palette I often use. I love juxtaposition and I love the element of surprise."

Auel recently moved to Brooklyn from Minneapolis, so look out for much more from her in the future. "I'm often spotted cruising around BK on my bike with my white maltese pup, Cricket, slung across my chest in a sack," she adds. "If you spot us, say hello!"

3rd Ward's Birthday BBQ is this Saturday from 2-8pm and, in addition to Auel's awesome screen print, there will also be cheap delicious food, workshops, VJs, live music, a photography exhibition and more. And it's free! See you there!

Tuesday
May102011

Bike & Design // Gage + Desoto

For Bike Month, we’re bringing you a series of conversations at the intersection of cycling, art and design. We spoke with Mike Spriggs and Brett Cleaver of Gage + Desoto, who specialize in marketing, branding and design services for cycling companies.  Catch Mike out ahead of the chase group while fashion blogging for Rapha's Survey.

This Friday night, check out G + D's new location, shared with Trimble Racing, at Trimble's Red Hook Criterium Photography Exhibition Benefit! 70 Van Dyke, Red Hook Brooklyn, 7-10pm.

3rd Ward: What is Gage + Desoto?

Mike Spriggs:
G+D started as a design outlet for me. And where else to start but with t-shirts? I've always had a love of typography and logos, and I was able to bring a little of that to my friends in the cycling community.

Brett Cleaver:
Mike and I met at a bike shop, hit it off and have paired up on cycling related projects since. By pooling our resources we've turned his T-Shirt company into a unique marketing, branding and media experience.



3W: Why bike?  Do you think cycling has changed you physically, psychologically, or philosophically?

MS:
I grew up in the suburbs of Boston, and biking was just something we did, we didn't even think about it. My friends and I would map out routes all over the city.  Cycling connects you to a place unlike any other mode of transportation. You can certainly get that same benefit from walking, but in a city this size it would take you forever.

BC:
It’s certainly changed me in many ways, the most obvious being mentally and physically due to the hours and miles I log each year from training and racing. Also, the cross country honeymoon journey my wife and I undertook last summer saw us both overcome numerous tests of will on a bike. It's been a true progression that is more for me than anyone else.

3W:Tell me about cycling and design.  Does design bear a new relationship to cycling right now?  Has there always been a strong nexus?  Why?



MS:
Cycling and design have always been intertwined. From an industrial design perspective, cycling is constantly evolving. Newer, faster, lighter, more efficient - that has been the dictum since the invention of the safety bike.  And that draws in a certain type of individual - the tinkerer, the inventor. As bikes become more lifestyle-centric, it makes sense that there's a new wave of products to fit a new user group. Whether it's the perfect mini-pump or the brightest flashing light or the sleekest helmet, people will always want to update the look (and hopefully the functionality).



In relation to graphic design, I have always been drawn to its strong presence in pro racing, (particularly in Europe). Whether it's trading cards, downtube logos, team kits, or posters, graphic design is everywhere in professional cycling. Pro teams are rolling billboards for various brands that come and go. Bicycles themselves are often made to be replicas of what the pros use, right down to the lettering and decal placement. Vintage european bicycles are currently eclipsing fixed gear bikes as the must-have accessory, and what people are responding to are the colors, the designs and the evocation of an era.

BC:
I've always been a fan of bold designs and colorways. I pride myself on unique and outspoken accessories - having that one item that everyone comments on. The pro peloton really takes hold of that premise - being able to spot your teammate or your logo on television or having that slight bit of graphic edge over a competitor. Granted some of the designs are gaudy, but they all serve a purpose and some of the worst designs are looked back at in reverence. So, there has always been a strong bond between design and cycling. It's certainly why a Mapei jersey will always bring a smile to my face.

3W: What's exciting to you at the intersection marketing or design and cycling?

BC:
All of it. If there is a rule book or limitations we're not bound by them.

MS:
I am truly excited about the idea that someone will actually make a practical, durable, and affordable city bike that anyone can use, every day. In the daily ride category we currently have: crappy bikes from China that literally fall apart in weeks; "hybrid" bikes, which is a mountain bike crossed with a road bike, and is therefore practical as neither; we have fixed gear bikes which exclude anyone new to cycling who just wants to get around town; and we have bespoke handmade bikes that no one in their right mind would lock up on the street, ever. Missing from that is a proper townie bike. Upright and stable, relatively light, with a coaster brake, rack and basket. Nice, but not so nice that you can't lock it up to a pole while you go to the movies.  Very low maintenance. We are starting to see brands like Linus, Civia, and Public fill this void a bit (the magic will be when the price v. durability issue is balanced), and I hope that niche keeps growing.



3W:What are some of the unique aspects of your business?

BC:
G+D offers companies a fresh approach, often on a grassroots level paralleling a punk rock band or streetwear brand. If bike brand x needs to meet record label y, we bring them together.  If we think an event would be cool at a coffee shop, we make it happen. We take what some may think are absurd ideas and run with them, because no one else is going to. At the end of the day, we want people to say "Gage + Desoto did what? Oh snap, that's a great idea, actually!!"



MS:While the bike industry is small, it's still pretty far flung geographically, and a lot of deals are made over a handshake with a trusted partner.



3W:What's a cycling story you like to tell?

BC:
The most memorable isn't very positive, but somewhat humorous. It involved a series of punctures on a 18km climb in a stage race, Vuelta Nicaragua. I double flatted without realizing it at the time and stopped with the team car to fix the front wheel. Of course, only one guy on the team brought a spare set of wheels and they were his time trial wheels. So, the spares were a deep dish carbon front wheel and disc rear wheel. Guess which gringo went up part of the mountain with a disc wheel before getting his original wheelset back? Yup, I then proceeded to close a 10-minute gap that had come out of my three stops with the team car. The week didn't get much better, unfortunately.



3W: Who are a couple of your favorite people in cycling and why?



BC:
Those willing to take a risk and pursue something because they think it's rad.

MS:
My favorite people in cycling are actually the folks who get on crappy bikes and ride to wherever they are going, every single day. They do it without pretension, not expecting any recognition, not as part of any group or fad. They have been riding the same bike forever, they have no need for bike lanes, or advocacy, or fancy accessories. They just ride. And they are everywhere in NYC.