The B.O.S.S. Report is the only trade newsletter servicing the Bicycle, Outdoor, and SnowSports markets. BOSS, as it has become to be known in the industry, provides comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, and unique insight into the the trade news of the week. The B.O.S.S. Report is delivered each week via e-mail in Adobe PDF format and can also be downloaded directly from this site by clicking on the “Download Past Newsletters” link to the right.
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Apparel Brands Boasting More Innovation in Spite of Weather Woes…
And while “performance” continues to be a big story and the competitive scene continues to grow, apparel and footwear that crosses over from performance to lifestyle is also seeing the greatest interest. Made-in-America is also gaining more and more traction; as is Bluesign certification.
Boulder-based Green Guru CEO Davidson Lewis added, “The winter show is always interesting. We are able to get a little more face time.” Green Guru is one of many advancing in the commuter market, and Davidson says lower price-point items are selling best. Its up-cycling program with American Rec and Patagonia returns departments continues to be one of the strongest growth areas.
Hey Folks,
Glad you are following our little blog here! If you tuned in last time, you know that today’s issue is about how to get that old ratty cruiser out of your garage and up and running again!
The thought of repairing an old bike in your garage may not seem like an appealing way to spend your weekend, but rest easy, this project can be done over time, and end result, will leave you with a stunning bicycle you can brag to your friends about restoring yourself!
Lets break it down into four main components:
Frame, Drive train, Brakes, Wheels
If you tackle each one of these individually, you can build your way up to restoring your bike around your busy schedule.
Frame Restoration- First thing is you want to make sure the frame you are looking to bring up to snuff does not have any rust (steel only), cracks or major blemishes on any of the tubes. If your frame comes with a fork, make sure this is unharmed as well, otherwise, make sure when replacing a fork to be positive it is compatible with your frame set Now then! The fun part! Strip every last moving part, clip, and accessories from your frame. Keep good track of all of your screws! Use product to remove all oil, and other imperfections from frame. Take your bike to a local repair shop and see what they will quote you to sandblast your frame, and paint it. Reasonable prices range from $150 to $300. You will need your own paint, which can be procured at Home Depot.If you are a super savy individual, this step can be done at home by constructing a “paint booth” and using a pnumatic paint gun (or high grade spray paint for the MacGyver).
Once your frame has been repainted, look up and contact the original manufacturer to track down original or reproduction decals from your make and model bike. Plan the schematic for your bike, then apply decals as you see fit! Reattach components such as handlebars, brake lines and other hardware.
Drive train- All of the old parts you have are probably still usable and should be de-greased, oiled and checked for proper working order. Cruisers are notoriously simple designs and it should not be difficult to check things like the bottom bracket, rear cog, and chain for rust, excessive oxidation or damage. Soak all components in de-greaser and use an old toothbrush to “de-gunk” components. Different types of metal polish can be used to achieve the desired luster of your parts. If any parts are deemed unusable, contact your local bicycle recycler/vendor and ask them if they can find a replacement part for you. Odds are that old rusty chain will need to be replaced! Reattach all parts to your frame and apply oil to all moving parts.
Brakes- Chances are your cruiser has old school cantilever brakes. Pads are easily replaced and are available online or from your local bike shop. Check the cantilever mechanism to assure it is not frozen open or closed. Give them an old once over with WD-40 to assure they are moving smoothly. Run new cables through fresh housing from brake handles to brakes. I put on new clips to attach housing to top tube. Check tension and adjust to the wheels when they are mounted on your new bike! If your bike is a fixie, just mount the cog, attach your chain and forget about the beginning part of this section!
Wheels- Determine if your old wheels need a true, spoke adjustment or need to be replaced due to excessive pitting or damage. Most wheels can be polished and cleaned to match the look of the rest of the bike. If you are going for a totally restored look, visit your local bicycle recycler and ask them to help pair your wheels to your bike. Stick to the size of the original wheels from the manufacturer. Next, choose a new set of tires to match your wheels. Lots of different colors and brands available. Bring your old tubes to Green Guru to recycle into your future messenger bag ;)
You can’t leave out the details! Reflectors, bells and whistles can easily be found at any bicycle or sports recycler as well as the ever elusive “pre-worn” Brooks Saddle to top off your classy vintage ride! All and all, if you can be savvy about repainting your frame, or can avoid it entirely restoring your cruiser shouldn’t cost you more than a couple hundred dollars and will turn heads around town. Newer production cruiser bikes are cool, don’t get us wrong. But there is something to be said for an original oldies!
Color Scheme Suggestions:
Cream White, Tan Leather Saddle, Blacked out hardware and handlebars
Forest Green, Black Saddle, Yellow Graphics
Good luck on your projects!
Everyone hates getting a flat tire. Most of us are not lucky enough to have a team car riding behind with spare wheels and a mechanic for a quick change. Flats are not all bad though. The geniuses at Green Guru Gear will take discarded tubes and other items to make great products for you to use on and off the bike.
Loaded up after a trip to the farmers market.
The Ruckus bag is made to carry everything you need. For the light days heading into the office, you have 1,890 cu. in. of space to fill. This gives you plenty of room for your laptop, lunch, and workout gear. For weekend trips or a ride to the local farmer’s market, it expands out to 2,520 cu. in, plenty of space for a few days worth of cloths or a week’s worth of fruit and vegetables. It’s not just a big bag to throw your things in though. The laptop pocket holds up to a 17” laptop with a velcro strap to keep it secure. The cavernous main compartment of the Ruckus is ready to hold everything else, cloths, groceries, even a cat (a certain tux is now unhappy with the writer for experimenting*). There are two pouches to help organize some of the smaller items as well. When the load is light, and you want to keep the bag as small as possible, a drawstring at the top of the main compartment, cinches the bag tight to decrease the volume.
The outside features a handy organizer for the small items. A nylon divider holds papers or anything you need quick access to. On the outside of the divider, a zippered pocket keeps valuables safe, and organizers are ready to hold things like pens, small flashlights, and a phone. There is one last pocket that is not as obvious. On the back of the Ruckus, there is a hidden pocket behind the back pad to hold a hydration sleeve. It even has a nylon loop to hook the hydration sleeve to.
To keep everything covered and contained, the Ruckus has a large flap covering the entire front of the bag with long velcro strips on each side and adjustable plastic clips at the bottom. These features help keep the flap in place regardless of the amount packed. There is also a light loop with reflective stitching ready for you to attach your favorite rear light. Either side of the bag has nylon straps to slide something like an umbrella or camera tripod through. The shoulder straps are wide and padded to carry the load comfortably, and feature various loops on the front to hook items to. The left strap also has a bit of reflective stitching to keep you visible from the front. The sternum and waist straps are removable for the days you aren’t on an epic adventure.
Green Guru Gear Ruckus Bag
On top of all the great features of the bag, you get the peace of mind knowing that you are helping to reduce waste in the world of sports. Each Ruckus is made out of six upcycled bike tubes, which makes the bag weatherproof, keeps it extremely durable, and gives it a unique look. Any manufacturer’s markings or welded on patches from the previous rider are left on to give the bag character. The fabric used for the liner and dividers in the main compartment are made out of 100% recycled PETE water bottles, while other nylon portions are made out of 60% recycled PETE fabrics.
Whether you are a bike messenger, commuter, or a desk jockey, the Green Guru Gear Ruckus bag is ready for any adventure. When traveling, it fits nicely under the seat in front of you in the airplane (tested on a recent trip to Europe) and will keep your cargo dry when caught out in the weather. Cleaning is simple too. The nylon surfaces can be cleaned with products such as Simple Green, and the rubber portions look great after a light wipe down of Armor All.
If you are interested in recycling items with Green Guru Gear, check their website for a list of drop off sites. They take tubes, wet suits, tents, and climbing rope, and turn them into great and useful products. If you do not have a local drop off site, you can send your used items directly to their manufacturing center in Boulder, CO, and talk to your local shops about becoming a drop off center.
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Here is a nice article in the Boulder County Business Report about our partnership with @bikefixtation helping their bike repair vending station customers recycle their old tubes. More and more places diverting tubes=a better world.
http://bcbr.com/article/20130207/NEWS/130209960/-1/newsletterThursday?utm_source=BCBR+Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=163140e23e-BCBR_Thursday2_7_2013&utm_medium=email
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AllTrails’ Holiday Gear Countdown reviewed the Spinner Backpack, and here’s what they said:
“It may not be designed exclusively for the outdoors, but Green Guru’s Spinner is just plain cool. The pack is made from a combination of recycled mountain bike tubes and recycled PETE plastic (think water bottles), and features most of the functionality you’ll ever need: two large, separate compartments (one with an integrated laptop sleeve), elastic pockets on each side and an interior hanger for water bladders. It might also make you more popular.”
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Are you eco-minded? A social butterfly? Attend expos?
Be a Green Guru Ambassador for 2013!
Get gear, give swag, and promote upcycling.
Apply here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KPSQY87
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