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1,000,000 bikers by jay on Mar 18, 2010 read full blog

Ride your bike...make your heart so strong hospitals can take Tuesdays off

The Numbers Are In! by james on Mar 16, 2010 read full blog

The growth of the 10th National Bike Summit has generated positive vibes across the nation this week. Over 700 bike enthusiasts marched up "the hill" to lobby for national issues related to our favorite mode of transportation - the bicycle. The League of American Bicyclists did a nice recap on the top ten highlights. For an insight into this phenomenal event please take a few minutes to view the video below produced by Streetfilms.org.

Spring Cleaning by james on Mar 15, 2010 read full blog

With temperatures peaking well above freezing the past few days it seems we have begun our spring thaw. Spring is a beautiful time but with that thaw comes the exposure of months and months of accumulated debris and trash. Our main man Walt at QBP takes it upon himself annually to make this world a better place by cleaning up aluminum cans with his B.O.B. trailer and custom hopper.

Ringing Madison's bell at the National Bike Summit by jay on Mar 15, 2010 read full blog

There's a reason the Planet Bike (and Trek, Saris, Madrax, etc.) call Madison, WI home...

The floors are hard and the corridors long by jay on Mar 12, 2010 read full blog

What democracy looks like

Culture, not color by jay on Mar 12, 2010 read full blog

In many cultures, biking is a "white thing". How do we change that?

(700 x biker) + Congress = Action by jay on Mar 11, 2010 read full blog

Fuzzy pictures of sharp-minded bikers, aka National Bike Summit

Is There an App. for That? by mark on Mar 10, 2010 read full blog

The bicycle is gaining more and more steam in being seen as a viable means of transportation. Many of us have viewed the bike in this way for years, but it's always nice to see the "mainstream" start catching on.

National Bike Summit by james on Mar 09, 2010 read full blog

Today marks the opening day of the 2010 National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C. Our man Jay headed out over the weekend to shake hands with the folks on Capitol Hill and explain how transportation by bicycle can help shape our nation. We're happy to support this great event as well as Jonathan Maus from BikePortland.org who covers the event day by day. Please visit Bike Portland's blog for up-to-date coverage on the summit.

Winter 2010 E-newsletter by james on Mar 05, 2010 read full blog

If you're not on our e-mail list check out our newest issue our quarterly e-newsletter here.

Join the Fun by mark on Mar 04, 2010 read full blog

Ride your bike, win swag. It's as easy as that. Go sign up at Greenlightride and create a 1 person team, then join the Planet Bike St. Paddy's Day Challenge.

Rude Awakening by mark on Mar 02, 2010 read full blog

With temperatures hovering in the mid-thirties, spring fever has begun in Madison. Being an optimist (perhaps overly), I shed the studded tires from my commuter bike. I went with a small knobbed mountain bike tire just in case we get another snow or ten.

We like bikers with skills by jay on Feb 24, 2010 read full blog

Middleton, WI get Bikes Belong dough for a urban mountain bike skills park

Employee Bike Feature by james on Feb 18, 2010 read full blog

Mark had this custom 953 stainless singlespeed built several years back by the infamous Bob Brown. It carried him to the 2007 singlespeed cyclocross national championship. Interestingly this bike does not have rear eyelets or a drilled brake bridge but Mark worked his magical mechanical skills to outfit this rig with full-coverage Cascadia fenders!

Employee Bike Feature by james on Feb 10, 2010 read full blog

Heath's titanium commuter is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Automatic Hill Lift? by james on Feb 05, 2010 read full blog

I've always been intrigued by how much of an impact the bicycle has on European cities. Dave came across this video the other day and it definitely takes the cake. It comes from a website called Eco Ideas which focuses on ecological ideas from around the globe.

Biking Contributes to State Economy by james on Feb 02, 2010 read full blog

Kevin Hardman, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Bicycle Federation was kind enough to share the following information with us today:

"A report released today by the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that bicycling tourism combined with Wisconsin's world-class bicycle industry contributes $1.5 billion to our state's economic every year! To put this in perspective, the report compares bicycling to deer hunting which contributes $926 million and snowmobiling which contributes $250 million.

The report also states:

• Bicycling creates 13,000 Wisconsin jobs
• Non-residents spend $535 million on bike-related events, food, and lodging
• 49% of Wisconsinites participate in recreational biking
• A 20% increase in biking could increase economic activity by $107 million and create 1500 more jobs

One Step Closer to Rail Transit in Madison by james on Jan 29, 2010 read full blog

The city of Madison and Southern Wisconsin are one step closer to making rail transit a reality. Wisconsin is to receive $822 million for passenger rails - which would allow you to leave your car at home the next time you want to travel between Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago. The project is still in its developmental stages, but the rail advocates will continue to push on. Read the story here.

Things That Get us Excited by james on Jan 28, 2010 read full blog

Mark's new Nimatsu Scorpion proves he's a force to be reckoned with on the table!

Employee Glove Choice by james on Jan 22, 2010 read full blog

When the weather fluctuates, so does our choice of gear. Next to boots, gloves are one of the most important choices to make when commuting in the winter. Keeping the extremities warm can be tough. This past week has been nice. It seems that we're experiencing our mid-winter thaw with temps in the lower 30's. Below you will find a random selection of gloves/mittens as seen on the hands of Planet Bike employees Friday, January 22, 2010.

Planet Bike Borealis Gloves - Chris

Today I wore the Planet Bike Borealis winter gloves. I like the XXL sizing, so many cycling gloves just don't quite fit me. For me they are good in the 10-40 degree weather, depending on how long the ride is. They are very comfortable and I'm able to use mountain shifters and road shifters without an issue. The one thing I don't really like about them is they take a while to dry out. They are hard to pull inside out and get back in easily, but other than that, they are great.

Outdoor Research Meteor Mitts - Mark

For temperatures below 25 degrees F I use the Outdoor Research Meteor Mitts with a thin, loose fitting liner glove. The mitts are windproof and water resistant. The biggest advantage for me is that there is ample room to move my hands/fingers inside the mitts. I suffer from chronic "cold hands-cold feet" syndrome, and this is the first setup I've found to keep my digits warm through the nasty 25 below days that Wisconsin inevitably experiences several times each winter. The only disadvantage of my personal set-up is the overall bulk. These mitts don't allow a great deal of manual dexterity.

Craft Thermal Split Finger Gloves - James

Traditionally used as a Nordic glove these work great on the bike. There is a 5 finger fleece removable liner which is really nice if your hands get too hot and you can wash it. In the late winter I often find myself riding wearing only the liner. I think the 5 finger liner and the outer windproof lobster style mitt is the perfect combination for Wisconsin winters. As I mentioned they are versatile and for me they work well in 10 to 40 degree F temperatures.

Windproof Fleece Gloves - Heath

Keep it simple. Riding 4 miles to work in 30 degree weather doesn't really require specialized gear. This morning I road to work in jeans, a sweatshirt, hat, and these windproof fleece gloves. Warm, breathable, and great for a game of pond hockey, which I plan to put make happen on the way home today.

Employee Bike Feature by james on Jan 21, 2010 read full blog

Chris built this rigid 29er Salsa El Mariachi up just before the snow started to fly. It makes a great commuter for the winter and will be a blast through the single track come summer. The 1x9 gear configuration is perfect for winter commuting whether the streets are clear or covered in ice and snow.

See the Light! by james on Jan 15, 2010 read full blog

We're happy to announce the publication of our 2010 Light Finder! For those of you who haven't seen previous light finders, what we do is demonstrate our lights in a dark setting so that you can see the beam it projects against set distance markers. Dealers - call us for a copy and we'll send it out to you. You can also view it on our website here.

Homemade Boot Inserts by james on Jan 11, 2010 read full blog

Mark brought a great winter biking tip to my attention this morning. Seeing as how we just reviewed a few pairs of winter cycling boots I thought it would make an appropriate post. On really frigid days I found that my toes were still getting cold regardless of what I did to try to keep them warm on the morning commute. The Lake boots I have been using have a really nice Thermosol composite insulating insole but it can only do so much to prevent air from coming in at the cleat. Mark advised I place a thin piece of cardboard underneath the insole to help prevent air from entering. The cardboard insert helps cold air from coming in and because it's so thin doesn't effect the position of your foot while the boot is on. Please see the photos for a quick tutorial.

World Tour by james on Jan 08, 2010 read full blog

We recently read an article about Erin Nelson, a 17 year old girl from Turlock, CA planning on riding her bicycle around the world solo! It got us thinking about bicycle touring. What was your favorite bicycle tour?

Bike Swap! by james on Jan 06, 2010 read full blog

Looking for something to do this weekend? The Cronometro/Brazen Dropouts Bike Swap is this Saturday, January 9th at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. Hours are from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Get there early for the deals, the good stuff goes fast!

Karma Army by james on Jan 05, 2010 read full blog

A few months ago while I was in Providence, RI I met a gentleman promoting the Karma Army. It's a free website where you can create a log-in and register your bike and instantly notify the community if it is ever stolen. It's not just for bikes either - you can register your kayak, instruments, motorcycle and much more. Have a look at the website and sign up.

Employee Review 2 - Winter Boots by james on Dec 29, 2009 read full blog

One of the first priorities to be concerned with while riding or commuting in the winter is warm feet. We've tried a variety of different shoes, boots, covers, and socks. Yes, you can always jam toe warmers into your boots but if you commute daily the cost of warmers really starts to take a toll on the wallet. Below you will find reviews of three different types of winter boots.

Pearl Izumi Barrier GTX – Worn by Mark

Having used both the Lake winter boots and the Pearl Izumi boots I can point to a couple of distinct differences. First and foremost the Pearl Izumi boots do not come up as high as the Lake boots, however, Pearl Izumi boots use a GORE-TEX® outer layer as opposed to Lake which uses leather. This may increase the overall water resistance, but that is about it. The zip up the center of the front, although waterproof, still allows cold wind through. The Pearl Izumi boots have a lugged sole similar to a standard mountain bike shoe. They definitely have a stiffer sole than the Lake boots, but the overall warmth seems to be about 5-10 degrees less than the Lake boots.

Answer Kashmir – Worn by Heath

These boots have good closures and a high neoprene cuff which helps with layering and keeping the snow out. When you’re off the bike they offer good traction on the ice. The steal cleats are a nice touch.

With a pair of wool socks, these things are good to about 20 degrees. Add a good pair of shoe covers and some gators and the toes will stay toasty down to 0 degrees. When temps go below 0 degrees I add a sock liner under the wool socks and a small plastic bag over my toes to help with wind protection.

Lake MXZ302 – Worn by Chris and James

I was impressed with these boots from the day I pulled them out of the box. Before you wear them make use of the included Nikwax packet and treat the leather. You will be thankful in the long run as it will prolong the life of your boots and help with all-weather protection. The high neoprene cuff ensures warmth and dryness if you ever need to portage through deep drifts. A combination of the BOA® lacing system and leather Velcro flaps over the front of the boot allow a nice tight fit and increases the probability that your foot will be dry when you get to your destination. The Vibram® sole allows the boot to fit more like a real boot and less like a cycling shoe allowing increased comfort when you want to walk around off of the bike.

I wear a pair of wool socks in them and have no issues. If it gets below zero, I put a pair of cycling socks on under the wool socks and stay warm until about -15. Riding in snow and slush, I have had no issues of my feet getting wet at all. My toes don't get that cold on the commute with wool socks, but if I go for a longer ride, I will unclip and move my foot and toes around for a little bit to get the blood flowing back to them and then clip in and do the same with the other foot.

Planet Bike Employee Winter Tire Selection by james on Dec 23, 2009 read full blog

When I started working at Planet Bike the amount and variety of bicycles and accessories each and every employee rode baffled me. We are constantly tinkering and swapping out parts and components to make the daily commute a little more comfortable. More recently with recent snowfall the daily fleet of commute bikes starting appearing with bigger knobbier tires. Below you will find 4 of the tires we have chosen for the worst winter conditions.

1. Nokian Hakkeplitta - 700 x 32 - 72 Studs
At about $45 a tire they are definitely on the lower end of the studded tire price spectrum. The tread provides a fast commute while the 72 studs per tire keep the mind at ease. On raw pavement you don’t have to worry about sliding out around corners and they don’t weigh much more than a regular tire. They are perfect for the winter cyclist who may be trying studded tires for the first time.

2. Kenda Klondike - 700 x 35 - 110 Studs

These things are narrow enough to cut through the snow and bite the hard pack below. They cost about $64 a tire. Generally the greater the stud count, the greater the price. The tread pattern is relatively deep and generously spaced so they do well in the powder, hard pack, or ice.

3. Nokian Hakkeplitta – 700 x 40 - 240 Studs
This tire hooks up in snow/ice better than any tire I've ever ridden. It's narrow enough to cut through powder and avoid the "snow plow effect". It has a stud on almost every knob, giving tremendous grip whether you're turning or riding in a straight line. The overall knobby tread works great for snow and ice covered paths. Nokian tires also allow the replacement of the studs once they've worn out.

While the large amount of studs is great for snow and ice, they are not the best on solid pavement. I haven't noticed a whole lot of sliding on pavement, but it is definitely something I watch out for when turning on pavement. The 240 steel studs add a substantial amount of weight/rolling mass. At 940 grams, they are close to 3 times the weight of a standard (non-studded) cyclocross tire. However, the piece of mind I get rolling over the icy streets of Madison is well worth the weight penalty. As with any studded tire, there is an increase in rolling resistance. This is especially noticeable on bare pavement. The Hakkapelitta is widely viewed as the standard in studded tires. With that title comes price. These tires are expensive. You can expect to pay about $120 for a set.

4. Nokian Gazza Extreme - 29 x 2.1 - 294 studs
The name says it all. At 294 studs these tires are nothing short of extreme. Every single lug features a steel stud. On bare pavement these tires are fairly loud due to the stud count but the reservation I get floating over the most extreme ice and snow conditions is well worth it.

Employee Bike Feature by james on Dec 21, 2009 read full blog

The snow is definitely here and we have no shortage of it. Have a look at Mark's daily winter commuter. He hammers out the 25 mile commute on this utilitarian Salsa Fargo equipped with steel studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta's to keep it upright.

National's Coverage by james on Dec 17, 2009 read full blog

See what Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writer Tom Held has to say about Planet Bike Cyclocross.

2009 Cyclocross Nationals by james on Dec 15, 2009 read full blog

Well folks, the 2009 U.S. cyclocross season has come to a close. A large portion of the Planet Bike Team were fortunate enough to be able to race over the weekend at the national event in Bend, OR. Many goals were accomplished, and we are proud to announce that we have four national champions to induct into the Planet Bike Hall of Fame. As the Planet Bike cyclocross blog is updated please read more about the weekend here.

Burning Cycle by jay on Dec 10, 2009 read full blog

Nate Loyal brought his 'cross bike to the Playa on his rack equipped Beemer motorcycle...

Planet Bike Team across the globe by mark on Dec 08, 2009 read full blog

Team Planet Bike's 17 year old cross sensation Kaitlin Antonneau has been competing in Elite UCI events all season and her strong results are starting to get noticed. Cyclocross Magazine recently interviewed Kaitie about how her season has been going. Read the article here.

Winter is Here by james on Dec 04, 2009 read full blog

The 40 to 45 degree temperatures we were experiencing last week dissipated swiftly and Old Man Winter rolled in overnight. As I stepped outside on the first fresh dusting of the year I heard that familiar crunch under my boots for the first time in a while. The cold nipped me in the face like a newborn puppy. You have to take the first couple of corners with extreme caution but it comes back to you quickly. Still, there is something a little unnerving cruising at 20+ mph down the less traveled ice covered streets. You have to keep telling yourself to hold it steady, keep the rubber side down, and you easily glide like an ice skate blade across a frozen pond.
We take commuting very seriously here at Planet Bike. Not only do we outfit our commuter bikes with the finest components and accessories for winter riding but we choose our outerwear very vigorously. Working in an office of full-time bike commuters has its perks. The way a winter cycling boot works for one individual may instigate a completely different opinion from another. Riding different kinds of bicycles and gear in a wide array of conditions could constitute a Planet Bike winter riding survival book. We’ve been tossing the idea around of sharing our experiences with our readers so stay tuned throughout the cold winter months ahead to hear our opinions.

The day I gave in and wore a skin suit by heath on Dec 03, 2009 read full blog

Bike Tours Inspire Us by james on Dec 02, 2009 read full blog

We recently heard that Greg McCausland is riding his bike from New York State to the southern tip of South America. We're following his blog and hope you will too.

Happy Thanksgiving! by james on Nov 26, 2009 read full blog

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Planet Bike!

Sunday Muddy Sunday by mark on Nov 24, 2009 read full blog

With the domestic cyclocross season winding down, the Planet Bike cyclocross team is showing stunning form. PB employees/team members Kristin Wentworth and James LaLonde, along with teammates Linda Sone and Kaitie Antonneau headed to the North Carolina GP in Hendersonville last weekend.

SUPERCOMMUTER by james on Nov 19, 2009 read full blog

Don't forget to nominate a Supercommuter for our Spring E-News Letter.
A supercommuter rides through every season, in all types of weather, day and night. Choosing the simplicity, health and pleasure of bicycling, a supercommuter simply prefers to ride a bike to the grocery store, to work, to a concert or the cafe. We know it's a long way off but the sooner you get your nominations in the better. You can read about the past two Supercommuter's here and here. Nominations can be e-mailed to info@planetbike.com

Turning of the Tides by mark on Nov 18, 2009 read full blog

Today's sign of the Apocolypse: James took the crown from Chris' possession and then proceeded to hold off all challengers!

We Have a Winner! by james on Nov 17, 2009 read full blog

We received a lot of great submissions over the weekend and it wasn't easy to choose one. We chose the following entry for its honesty and the bicycle exuberance described by the writer. We wish Brett R. many happy miles to come.

I love my bike for its aesthetic and mechanical excellence. It's a simple thing. A purity of purpose. A configuration of metal, rubber, paint, grease and leather that allows me to consume geography like a butterfly in the wind. I pour my energy and confidence into it, and it returns the favor by delivering me efficiently and effectively to my destination. My bike immerses me in my environment. I smell the freshly cut hay in the pasture to my right; I see the woodpecker scurrying up the tree on my left; I hear the leaves rustling, the wind in my face, the feeling of the road underneath -- I'm alive. I love my bike. --Brett R.

Why Do You Love Your Bike? by james on Nov 13, 2009 read full blog

Tell us why you love your bike in a short paragraph. We'll choose one to feature on our blog and send the featured writer some cool Planet Bike schwag. Send your paragraph to James, james@planetbike.com

Confidence Regained - and the Crown by james on Nov 11, 2009 read full blog

In an extreme effort to redeem himself during the 4 p.m. showdown Dave showed everyone who is boss when it comes to table tennis. After winning the final game 11-9 Dave's voice could be heard echoing throughout the halls of Planet Bike, "I'M BACK, I'M BACK!"

Summer Weather in November by james on Nov 10, 2009 read full blog

We came across this nice piece in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Light Finder 2010 by james on Nov 09, 2009 read full blog

We shot our annual Light Finder last week. The weather was perfect! Look for it late this year / early 2010.

Fall E-news Letter by james on Nov 06, 2009 read full blog

Don't forget to check out our most recent e-news letter. The e-news letter is released quarterly and contains an information section, product feature, advocacy update, and a featured supercommuter. Be sure to add yourself to the list so you receive the newsletter via e-mail in the future.

Bike Calorie Calculator by james on Nov 03, 2009 read full blog

There is a pretty cool bike calorie calculator available at Everyday Health. If you're trying to maintain a specific diet or are just curious on how many calories you burn on your daily bicycle commute take a gander, especially because Turkey Day is right around the corner.

Bike Accessories for a Safer Ride by james on Nov 02, 2009 read full blog

This morning, the Los Angeles Times did a piece featuring accessories to make your bicycle ride safer. If you don't have access to a hard copy of the newspaper, it can be read here. One of the featured items was our Spok taillight which is a very affordable, versatile single LED light. Save money and buy the Spok set!

The Reigns Have Changed by james on Oct 30, 2009 read full blog

Word has it that the Table Tennis reign has changed at Planet Bike. This is evident from the crown on Chris' desk. One things for sure, it won't stay like that for long!

Employee Bike Feature! by james on Oct 27, 2009 read full blog

The employee bike feature library is still bursting at the seams. Don’t think that we haven’t realized we’re long overdue for an update! The time has flown by with all the chaos that goes along with Interbike, Outdoor Demo East and the start of the cyclocross season. Since then, we’ve tightened the bolts on our fenders and dusted off our wool attire. To get back in the groove of things and because our minds are on cyclocross, let’s take a look at James’ custom Ellis singlespeed. This steel bike was hand built by Dave Wages of Ellis Cycles. Though Ellis is a new company Dave has over 10 years of frame building experience. This bike has definitely seen its fair share of races and word has it that James may be making the trip up to the Midwest Singlespeed Championships in a couple weeks!

Race Across the Sky Trailer by james on Oct 23, 2009 read full blog

Don't put the knobby tired bike away yet! We may be a day late but I guarantee THIS will pump you up to go for at least one more ride!

NEW SOCKS! by james on Oct 23, 2009 read full blog

That's right, wool socks just in time for all that cold rainy drizzle we've been suffering through for the past week. As always, Sockguy has done a phenomenal job with our newest batch. Navy blue with a grey Planet Bike logo. Check 'em out!

Fall Commute by james on Oct 23, 2009 read full blog

Every morning we breath in the crisp Fall air as we ride our bikes into the office. It seems that each turning week requires another layer of gear. The leaves are changing offering a palate of color for our eyes to feast and the road ahead is covered in an exquisite array of radiance. The cold rain falls upon us as we turn our lights on for the early morning commute. The smell of freshly ground coffee awaits as we start yet another day. Happy Fall from all of us at Planet Bike.

Planet Bike Toronto Cyclocross by james on Oct 21, 2009 read full blog

The Planet Bike Elite CyclocrossTeam had quite a showing this past weekend at the Toronto International Cyclocross event. Day 1 was recognized as a UCI C1 race where racers were greeted with a technical and grueling course. On the men's side Tristan Schouten was 5th and James LaLonde finished 13th. For the women it was Linda Sone who snatched 2nd place with Kristin Wentworth and Katie Antonneau in 3rd and 4th. On Day 2 the course changed completely but that didn't stop Tristan Schouten from finishing 5th and James LaLonde again finishing 13th. The ladies decided to mix it up a little bit with Katie Antonneau finishing 2nd, Linda Sone 4th and Kristin Wentworth in 6th. As always you can follow Planet Bike cyclocross here.

Blaze 2W Goes Live! by james on Oct 13, 2009 read full blog

Our newest and brightest headlight, the Blaze 2W is now available for purchase on our website! See what all the LED gurus are raving about!

Planet Bike Dominates Near and Far by mark on Oct 05, 2009 read full blog

The Planet Bike cyclocross team is wasting no time showing it's massive power. Katie Compton traveled to Italy for round one of the World Cup and rode away from the field just two laps into the race!

Interbike Party by jay on Oct 01, 2009 read full blog

Advocates, industry and beer...three great tastes that go great together.

Interbike 2009 by james on Sep 29, 2009 read full blog

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our Interbike booth last week!

Planet Bike Rides 20,000 Miles by james on Sep 09, 2009 read full blog

We take our commutes pretty seriously here at Planet Bike. When Civia's Greenlight site went live we were thrilled. By mid-March the majority of us were signed up and logging our miles daily. Last week we reached the 20,000 mile mark.

The Top 10 Facts on Bicycling and Walking in the United States by mark on Aug 31, 2009 read full blog

1) Bicycling and walking make up 10% of all trips made in the U.S., but receive less than 2% of federal transportation funding.

2) Bicyclists and pedestrians account for 13% of traffic fatalities, but receive less than 1% of federal safety funding.

...and We Thought Our Customer Service Was Good by james on Aug 26, 2009 read full blog

Yesterday morning it was decided to have a custom stamp made with the Planet Bike logo. This was an effort to reduce the use of stickers on Interbike folders and was far cheaper than printing folders digitally. I placed the custom stamp order with a slight up charge for rush delivery from the folks over at Stamp-Connection.com. Within 45 minutes I received a UPS tracking number for the package. Low and behold at 10 a.m. this morning our custom stamp was delivered. Not only did our stamp arrive within 21 hours from the initial order but these individuals are a pleasure to deal with on the phone and via e-mail. Thanks!

off your butts, into the street by jay on Aug 25, 2009 read full blog

Six miles of rolling downtown Madison streets are all ours!! Check it out this Sunday, August 30.

Dance Party! by james on Aug 25, 2009 read full blog

Planet Bike donated lights to kick off the annual Bike Pittsburgh Bike Fest; a celebration of all things cycling. The lights covered a portion of the wall and were given to those riding home without a light.

Employee Bike Feature by james on Aug 21, 2009 read full blog

Mark had this custom fillet brazed road frame built earlier this year by Stoic Cycles. Located in Kansas, this ambitious builder keeps it real with steel builds focusing on cyclocross and mountain frames.

Bike Feature by james on Aug 05, 2009 read full blog

Chris had this bike custom built by Banjo Cycles this past spring. A cross between a Surly Big Dumm and a Surly Pugsley this bike has the most carrying capacity I have ever seen. It accepts Xtracycle Wideloaders which demonstrated their usefulness last week when Chris loaded up 300+ t-shirts and transported them back to Planet Bike HQ.

Riverwest 24 by james on Jul 31, 2009 read full blog

We would like to congratulate one of our own, Liz R. on her victory in the woman's solo category at the Riverwest 24-Hour Bike Race this past weekend in Milwaukee, WI. Liz completed 49 laps while earning an additional 13 laps for bonus checkpoints. Way to go!

The Easy Way Out by james on Jul 30, 2009 read full blog

Who needs a car when you have a Big Dumb Pug? Chris proved the usefulness of his utilitarian monster truck bicycle yesterday afternoon when he loaded 300+ t-shirts and transported them 5 miles across town to the Planet Bike offices.

Planet Bike Assists Green Efforts at Summer Outdoor Retailer by james on Jul 28, 2009 read full blog

Planet Bike supported the Bike Share Program at this year's Summer Outdoor Retailer(OR), a trade show venue for the outdoor specialty industry which was held in Salt Lake City, UT July 21-24. The 1st year Bike Share Program offered 20 commuter bikes by Swobo equipped with Planet Bike locks and Bern Helmets. Retailer exhibitors and attendees were allowed to utilize the bikes to get around town in 60-minute intervals. What a GREAT way to see Salt Lake City! In conclusion to the Summer OR, all locks were donated to the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective.

Thursday Fish Fry by james on Jul 16, 2009 read full blog

Traditionally, Wisconsin is home to the Friday night fish fry. We broke the rules today and took advantage of the nice weather as well as the fresh walleye from Jeff's Canadian fishing expedition.

City of Angels...City of Lights by jay on Jul 15, 2009 read full blog

bilingual bike advocates + bike lights + knowledge = safer immigrants (and expanded bike advocacy movement)

New Cycling Caps by james on Jul 09, 2009 read full blog

We've partnered up with Walz Caps to produce two versions of high quality 4-panel cotton cycling caps. They come in two different sizes as well. The Planet Bike logo is embroidered on the right side.

Planet Bike Visitor by james on Jul 08, 2009 read full blog

This little guy has been poking his head around Planet Bike for some time now. When he's not rummaging around in the back 40 he can usually be found on the side of the office munching on our lawn.

WI gets Complete Streets by jay on Jul 07, 2009 read full blog

In a major win for all road users (especially bikers), Wisconsin has adopted a state-wide Complete Streets policy.

Setting the bar high by mark on Jul 02, 2009 read full blog

How's this for encouraging safety in the use of bicycles as transportation?!?

Matembezi Angavu by mark on Jul 01, 2009 read full blog

A while back a couple of fellows contacted Planet Bike about a touring trip they were planning from Cape Town to Cairo.

The Trek to Re-Energize America by james on Jun 29, 2009 read full blog

Our friends participating in The Trek to Re-Energize America will be in Madison, WI tonight. The Trek to Re-Energize America is a tour by bicycle to Washington D.C. in order to acknowledge the challenges and effects climate change has on us as individuals within our communities and the environment. The ultimate goal is for citizens to engage in these conversations with their political leaders, thus influencing ‘green’ initiatives for our country. Please visit The Trek to Re-Energize America website for more information.

Employee Bike Feature 7 by james on Jun 29, 2009 read full blog

Dave's commuter featured as the seventh installment of the Employee Bike Feature

Planet Bike Exercise Programs by james on Jun 25, 2009 read full blog

Dave remains table tennis king at Planet Bike...

Tailgating by mark on Jun 18, 2009 read full blog

Who says you have to have a raised up 4x4 to tailgate at the local baseball game? Certainly not the local Madison bike crowd, that's for sure.

Bike to Work Week Recap by james on Jun 16, 2009 read full blog

Another Bike to Work Week is in the books thanks to the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin...

Employee Bike Feature VI by james on Jun 12, 2009 read full blog

Check out Heath's Commuter!

Frequent Bikers by mark on Jun 02, 2009 read full blog

The Madison area keeps proving why it is so bike friendly. Check out this cool new program

Employee Bike Feature Numero Quattro by james on Jun 01, 2009 read full blog

Check out Jeff's Cross-Check!

Rider Chat with Mark LaLonde by james on May 29, 2009 read full blog

Planet Bike rider recently featured on MTB Race News.

And Then There Was Light by james on May 26, 2009 read full blog

Check-ou that dual Blaze Dynamo setup on Marko's Commuter!

Take your brat to work day by mark on May 22, 2009 read full blog

Chris came up with a heck of a plan for this morning: meet at Olin Park, pedal over to Brat Fest, pick up a couple of Double Johnnys, and ride in to work.

Mark LaLonde Wins Race 1 of WORS Series by james on May 20, 2009 read full blog

Planet Bike’s own Mark LaLonde took the overall in the Men’s Cat 1 / Pro Field in Iola, WI Sunday, May 17th. The Planet Bike / GT team rider outpaced the star-studded lead group eventually having to out sprint his brother Jesse at the finish line. This was Mark’s second win ever at a WORS event, a 12-race series which claims to be the largest mountain bike series in the United States. The 25 mile course consisted of rolling hills, open ski trails, and sandy wooded single track. “The course was fast and furious,” Mark stated in an impromptu interview. “The single track was great. It was everything I had hoped and dreamed that it would be.” Mark will continue the series May 31st in Rhinelander, WI.

Spring Arrivals by james on May 15, 2009 read full blog

Don't forget to check out some of our new Spring Arrivals - TWEET TWEET!

Employee Bike Feature by james on May 14, 2009 read full blog

Jay's custom Independent Fabrication Planet X studded with Planet Bike accessories is the perfect commuter setup. Check out that titanium Jeff Jones H-Bar and custom Ahren Rogers rack!

Back 40 haiku II by jay on May 08, 2009 read full blog

Dave reminded me it was time for another tulip story...

Employee Bike Feature by mark on May 07, 2009 read full blog

I guess you could say we're fans of touring and touring bikes. Here's James' tourer and sometimes commuter.

> 450 by jay on Apr 29, 2009 read full blog

It's an honor to walk the halls of the Capitol and practice democracy. This is what makes America such a great place.

Employee Bike Feature by mark on Apr 27, 2009 read full blog

Here at Planet Bike HQ you'll find each employee possesses a certain level of bike-"geekness". There's 50-60 bikes among the 8 that work here.

Versatility at its Finest by mark on Apr 21, 2009 read full blog

Another recent addition to the Planet Bike line is the Versa Rack. We racked our brains and came up with a rear rack that fits 97% of all mountain, road, and hybrid bikes.

Bike Walk Madison goes live by jay on Apr 17, 2009 read full blog

It's 70 degrees and sunny...the grassroots are moving forward...

The New Backpack by mark on Apr 15, 2009 read full blog

Cargo isn't just for ships and eighteen-wheelers anymore. Yesterday we stocked up a large portion

Spring Cleaning by mark on Mar 26, 2009 read full blog

We got rid of some junk in our trunk...

Green Machine by mark on Mar 17, 2009 read full blog

Temperatures are hitting near 70 degrees today, and Planet Bike took full advantage with 100% of the staff using pedal power to arrive at work.

Twist and Shout by mark on Mar 12, 2009 read full blog

Internet social networks seem to be all the rage these days. They’re hardly new but the masses continue to flock to them. Planet Bike is jumping on the cool kid train

The purple is dead. Long live the purple. by jay on Mar 05, 2009 read full blog

Thunderhead Alliance recently upgraded to version 3.0. The identity upgrade includes a new name, the Alliance for Biking & Walking, and a new website, www.peoplepoweredmovement.org.

Stimulating Biking by jay on Feb 18, 2009 read full blog

The new economic stimulus package sets aside somewhere between $875M to $1.5B for bikes.

See the Light (and be seen) by mark on Feb 04, 2009 read full blog

We want you to be safe when you’re out pedaling around town. That’s why we developed that fantastically intense POW! POW! blink blink burst of the Superflash tail light.

Inaugural Presence by mark on Jan 29, 2009 read full blog

Last week, as the world’s attention focused in on the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States, we wanted to play at least a small role in the historic occasion.

And the nominees are... by mark on Jan 22, 2009 read full blog

Planet Bike has been selected as a finalist for REI’s 2008 Vendor Partner of the Year Award for their Actionsports Division.

New kid on the block by mark on Jan 21, 2009 read full blog

Our pals (and former PB employees) Erik and Dan have hit the ground pedaling

oh the weather outside is frightful... by mark on Jan 19, 2009 read full blog

As the snow falls and the temperatures dip many of us cyclists have to make a tough decision:

Riding (and breathing) at -13° Fahrenheit by jay on Jan 15, 2009 read full blog

Lately, Chris has arrived each morning with a serious snotsicle hanging from his mask...

Madison-Madison, the long way by mark on Jan 06, 2009 read full blog

You may or may not recall our mention of Planet Bike pal Charlie Brigham IV back in August.

Spread the Holiday Cheer! by mark on Dec 30, 2008 read full blog

We know you’ve spoiled your friends and family with love and gifts over the Holiday season. Isn’t it about time that you spoiled yourself?

New Blood by dp on Oct 30, 2008 read full blog

We're making some changes around Planet Bike, and we think you're gonna like them.

Team Planet Bike Blog by dp on Oct 27, 2008 read full blog

With so much going on, we're giving our 'Cross team a little space of its own.

Page Second in Belgium by dp on Oct 17, 2008 read full blog

Team Planet Bike's Jonathan Page continues his impressive 'cross campaign finishing second in the Kermiscross race in Ardooie, Belgium.

Interbike Wrap Up by dp on Oct 15, 2008 read full blog

It feels like a year ago, and we've been busy since about a month before it happened, but we've finally put Interbike 2008 to bed.

Vote For Follmer by jay on Oct 03, 2008 read full blog

What's the biggest thing you've carried on a bike? Chris moved his household by bike and the Austin Bike Blog is taking votes for the most impressive move.

Page Wins Cheq 40 by dp on Sep 15, 2008 read full blog

As a tune up for the coming Cyclocross season, Planet Bike's Jonathan Page headed up to Hayward, Wisconsin to contest the Chequamegon Fat Tire 40.

Lighting up the Velorution by jay on Aug 28, 2008 read full blog

Ripon College gave away 180 bikes to incoming freshman

Use it, but don't lose it by dp on Aug 21, 2008 read full blog

I thought of a good way to never lose or forget my tail light again. Heres how:

Get Some! by dp on Aug 19, 2008 read full blog

The Blaze 1 Watt is in stock now.

A toast to Charlie by dp on Aug 12, 2008 read full blog

Charles Brigham IV is a friend of Planet Bike's who is slowly making his way around the world via two wheels and his wits.

Editors Choice For Super Set by dp on Aug 05, 2008 read full blog

When the mail showed up on Monday, we found out that Bicycling Magazine is in to our Blaze/Superflash light set

What Would A Tree Do? by dp on Jul 29, 2008 read full blog

I stumbled across this image while surfing the web this morning.

Thunderhead Coast to Coast by jay on Jun 16, 2008 read full blog

Houston, we have ignition. Bike advocacy goes into orbit.

A time for fenders by dp on Jun 13, 2008 read full blog

This June is proving to be a very wet month across the Midwest.

The Dispatch by dave on May 08, 2008 read full blog

The tulips are in bloom and your bike is calling. The latest edition of our quarterly dispatch comes just in time for National Bike Month.

Spring Cleaning by mark on May 02, 2008 read full blog

Moppin' up at the PB

Tulips in the Back 40 by jay on Apr 30, 2008 read full blog

Emerging from my cube into the spring sun I happened upon some volunteers out behind PB HQ.

Commuter Chris by mark on Apr 14, 2008 read full blog

Our own Chris Follmer gets interviewed by bikecommuters.com

It's Friday! by dp on Apr 04, 2008 read full blog

I'm all alone in the office and it is really nice outside...

April showers by mark on Apr 01, 2008 read full blog

DIY rain booties

Two Wheeled Way Of Life by dp on Mar 25, 2008 read full blog

Around here bikes are more than just a way we make a living. Bikes are a way of life.

Big news for our 'Cross Team by dp on Mar 20, 2008 read full blog

One of the best cross racers in the US, if not the World, Jonathan Page has signed with us for 2008.

Dick Burke Part 2 - Revolution Now, The father of bike advocacy by bob on Mar 15, 2008 read full blog

Bob's Planet Bike blog by bob on Mar 12, 2008 read full blog

Thoughts and adventures from the founder of Planet Bike

Spring is in the air! by dp on Mar 06, 2008 read full blog

We know spring is on the way because we're starting to get a lot of our new products in stock.

Warm fuzzy from Vancouver by mark on Feb 25, 2008 read full blog

Terry tells us about his experience with the Vancouver police

Planet Bike's Jay Ferm in the news by dp on Jan 22, 2008 read full blog

Jay's work on the the Madison Platinum Bicycle Committee recently got him some attention in the local paper.

What can't you move by bike? by dp on Jan 16, 2008 read full blog

Check out this video of folks in Portland moving by bike!

Keepin' the pedal on the metal by dp on Jan 03, 2008 read full blog

Tristan keeps mixing it up with the big guns across the pond.

Tristan in Belgium by dp on Dec 28, 2007 read full blog

Our main man Tristan Schouten is across the pond currently racing as many 'cross races as he can.

Planet Bike Goes Solar by dp on Dec 21, 2007 read full blog

We're proud to announce our newest Planet Bike employee; the Sun.

Planet Bike team heads to 'Cross Nats by dp on Dec 17, 2007 read full blog

The cold and ice can't keep our riders down!

Xtreme office work by mark on Dec 06, 2007 read full blog

No heat last night at Planet Bike HQ, but soon our ten kilowatt solar panel installation will be complete...

New cyclocross photo gallery by mark on Nov 29, 2007 read full blog

2007 marked the first year Planet Bike sponsored a racing team. We started small, and with a type of racing that is close to our hearts: cyclocross.
We hit up races all over the country, grabbed a few podiums, got muddy, and had a blast. Here are a few photos from the season.

Kind of Spooky by dp on Nov 15, 2007 read full blog

A friend of ours sent this video...

The Power of the Bicycle by dp on Oct 30, 2007 read full blog

Ran across this story about World Bicycle Relief on the Internet today

Blaze light in the media by dp on Oct 25, 2007 read full blog

Lately our Blaze headlight has been getting very popular, and this week it popped up in some national media outlets.

New Aquilo gloves in stock! by dp on Oct 09, 2007 read full blog

Just in time for 'Cross season, we've taken delivery of our new windproof Aquilo gloves.

Limited Edition Pink Cascadia Fender Sets by mark on Sep 20, 2007 read full blog

Like Molly Ringwald, your bike can be pretty in pink

Fall is here, and that can mean only one thing! by dp on Sep 13, 2007 read full blog

It is cyclocross season once again!

TRON Race by dp on Aug 28, 2007 read full blog

If you are looking for something to do in the Madison area this weekend, and you like 80's films, you might want to check this out.

News You Can Wear by dp on Aug 07, 2007 read full blog

We've just put our new "Global Cooling Machine" T-Shirts in stock.

Aero Monday by mark on Aug 06, 2007 read full blog

Dan gets into a tuck and powers through some emails

24 Hours of 9 Mile by dp on Aug 02, 2007 read full blog

What's better than camping out, riding bikes and building fires with your friends? Nothing.

New Swag For Your Feet by dp on Jul 23, 2007 read full blog

Yes, we make blinky lights and fenders, but we've got some soft goods too.

The Lion King Video Test by mark on Jul 10, 2007 read full blog

No, not that Lion King. We're talking about Mario Cipollini, the flamboyant sprinter who terrorized the peloton for over a decade.

Roadie Pump Review by mark on Jul 05, 2007 read full blog

The New York Times reviews our Roadie frame pump

Second City, first rate by dp on Jun 19, 2007 read full blog

Best City to ride a bike in may not be the first thing you think of when someone mentions Chicago, but maybe it should be.

Busy busy busy by dp on May 25, 2007 read full blog

It's been a little while, but here is a taste of what's been going on around here.

It Makes You Think by mark on May 08, 2007 read full blog

A picture is worth a thousand words, or 426,000 cell phones

A Dirt Sweat And Gears Race Report by dp on May 02, 2007 read full blog

Our man in the field, Lee Unwinn, filed this report after his season opening race.

SlowFastSlow by dp on Apr 27, 2007 read full blog

It was a pretty slow day around the office until a special visitor showed up

Planet Bike Races Into Spring by mark on Apr 20, 2007 read full blog

A couple of ferocious pictures from a hard-charging sprint to the line

Fast and Furious M-B-M by dp on Apr 16, 2007 read full blog

With the weather we had over the last week, racers were certainly delighted to find conditions as favorable as they were for Madison-Basco-Madison.

Madison-Basco-Madison an instant classic? by dp on Apr 10, 2007 read full blog

M-B-M seemed like a good idea when we planned in back in January. We'll see what hand the weather deals us.

Equality amongst the fendered by dp on Apr 03, 2007 read full blog

Larry Leven from Oly Bikes recounts the epic tale behind the creation of the Cascadia

Is it spring or not? by dp on Mar 28, 2007 read full blog

It's warm. It's cold. It's sunny. It's rainy. C'mon, can we get one or the other?

Cascadia thoughts, from Cascadia by dp on Mar 15, 2007 read full blog

Mega-miler Kent Peterson, of Seattle sounds off about our new Cascadia fenders.

Chilly Hilly by mark on Mar 08, 2007 read full blog

A shout-out to a spring classic

Creepy Cool by mark on Mar 02, 2007 read full blog

Perhaps one of the coolest/creepiest pictures anyone has ever sent us of one of our products

While Supplies Last by dp on Feb 21, 2007 read full blog

The new Cascadia fender and the HID are back in stock, just in time for the spring thaw!

Cargo Squirrel by jay on Feb 21, 2007 read full blog

Putting all that nervous and frenetic energy to use hauling stuff on your bike

Year of the Pig, son. by jay on Feb 21, 2007 read full blog

Well wishes to 1.3 Billion Chinese. May the year be lucky and fertile.

Frost Bike and New Products by dp on Feb 15, 2007 read full blog

We're headed up to Minneapolis for Frost Bike and we'll have Cascadia fenders soon.

When will you have ______ in stock? by mark on Feb 07, 2007 read full blog

Can't wait to get your hands on some of our 29er fenders or the hard-to-find BRT Straps? Here is an update on when (we think) everything will be in stock...

Borealis gloves back in stock by dp on Feb 05, 2007 read full blog

Just in time for the heart of winter, our Borealis gloves are back in stock.

Wednesday Night Ride by dp on Feb 01, 2007 read full blog

Bitter cold and dark as the heart of winter is, sometimes the best way to embrace it is to get on your bike and just ride.

Logistics by mark on Jan 23, 2007 read full blog

A visitor to our new website happened to see the gallery dedicated to bicycle loads and sent us the following link to blow our minds. Indeed, they were blown: http://aistigave.hit.bg/Logistics/

Dark Days by mark on Jan 22, 2007 read full blog

"It's always night, or we wouldn't need light"
-Thelonious Monk

Welcome by dp on Jan 04, 2007 read full blog

The brand spanking new site you are beholding is the result of several months of riding, conceptualizing, planning, riding, taking lots of photos and lately a lot of time in front of the computers.

Happy Holidays! by mark on Dec 15, 2006 read full blog

Enjoy the holidays with some vital Idol.

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