Use it, but don't lose it by dp on Aug 21, 2008
I currently live about 12 miles from the office; past the edge of town, through the country and into the next town. If, for what ever reason, I'm riding back after dark, it is VERY dark. I permanently installed a prototype Blaze Dynamo light on the front rack of my bike, and since I always ride with the same Chrome backpack, I started thinking about a way to permanently affix a tail light to it.
For a while, I just used the belt clip to hang the light on a zip tie that ran through the buckle in the center of the bag. But the light would swing around, and always wanted to point downward. Also, I wanted to have it more to the left side of the bag to face cars as they pass me.
We acquired a grommet tool kit a couple of years ago while working on our Interbike booth, and after work one night I got to thinking that some grommets might be a great way to attach a light.
I removed the belt clip from my Superflash Stealth, punched four holes in the rubberized canvas flap, installed the grommets and cinched the light down with 2 zip ties. Simple, effective, cheap and I think it doesn't look too shabby. This method would also work on the back of a seat pack, a kid trailer, etc. You can get a grommet kit from your local hardware.
Get Some! by dp on Aug 19, 2008
We've had a lot of interest in our Blaze 1 Watt light since it was reviewed a couple of times this past spring. Well, we finally have some in stock. If you are looking for one, act now, 'cause they're going to go quick! A large chunk of this shipment has already been sent to our distributors as well, so your local shop may also have them.
Also, just as a note, the Blaze 2 Watt will not be available until sometime in 2009, hopefully the spring.
A toast to Charlie by dp on Aug 12, 2008
Charlie was, up until last September, one of the local bike shop employees here in Madison. On Sept. 15th of 2007 he set off for home, the long way around the earth. He's been on the road for almost a year at this point, and has under his belt a ride down the length of the eastern seaboard of the US, a tras-Atlantic voyage on a sail boat, and a taste of Europe. You can follow along with his beautiful exploits here. Below is a picture of Charlie in London. Everyone this is Charlie, Charlie this is everyone.
Editors Choice For Super Set by dp on Aug 05, 2008
We were delighted this week when the September 2008 issue of Bicycling Magazine showed up and our Blaze/Superflash light set had been bestowed with an Editors Choice award for light sets. We like to think we are doing a good job with our products, and sales have been pretty good this year, but getting a nod from a prestigious publication like Bicycling is the kind of validation that every company works towards!
What Would A Tree Do? by dp on Jul 29, 2008
As one of the marketing guys here at Planet Bike, I tend to take long hard looks at what others in the industry are doing with regards to marketing cycling. During my search today I came across this image. It is compelling if nothing else.
Thunderhead Coast to Coast by jay on Jun 16, 2008
Our favorite, obscurely named grass roots bike coalition, the Thunderhead Alliance, has a new supreme leader. Jeff Miller, former Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, has been named President and CEO for the Thunderhead Alliance.
I got to know Jeff during his regular calls to Planet Bike HQ to hustle free lights as premiums for Bike Maine’s membership drives. Never have I felt so good to hand over so much. Jeff’s powers of persuasion no doubt helped him grow BCM from 200 members in 1996 to more than 6,000 members today. And now they serve Thunderhead.
Best known for conceiving and piloting the Lobster Bike, Miller’s accomplishments at BCM include passage of a landmark 2007 safe passing law; working with MaineDOT on bicycle safety education and trail development; and sponsoring the Maine Lobster Ride & Roll, Great Maine Bike Swap, Women's Ride for Heart Health and Maine Bike Rally.
I’m psyched to see Jeff’s talents shifted to national bike advocacy. Given that Planet Bike gives over $100,000 a year to the Thunderhead Alliance, I’m looking forward to getting even more bang for our advocacy buck.
A time for fenders by dp on Jun 13, 2008
If ever there was a good time to have a decent set of fenders, it would be this last week. Since last Friday, old Ma Nature has savagely dumped several inches of rain on the Madison area, and I gotta say, we're getting off easy compared to others in Wisconsin and Iowa. Other than a little water in all of our basements, and some dampness in the warehouse, we are all just fine. I'd love do see the trails dry out in the next 24 hours, but I doubt that will happen, so no mountain biking this weekend.
I do foresee a really strong wave of mosquitos hitting in about 2 weeks, and that is going to suck.
The Dispatch by dave on May 08, 2008
The ice has melted, 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. We hope you enjoy it!
