We have a rain coat tester!

It was so fun to read the short re-caps from the intrepid tester volunteers of their daily rides.  Really makes me happy to know you are all out there, rain or shine.

We had to select a tester at random as all were immanently qualified.  We will update all on our findings.

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Holiday Re-craft Re-cap

Hub and Bespoke and Alchemy Goods re-craft party people

Re-crafters made holiday angels, purses, earrings and more from salvaged signage and inner tubes.

Just wanted to share some photos from the holiday re-craft party with Alchemy Goods. You can check them out on Facebook here (you don’t need an account). We had fun!

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Holiday re-craft party in early December

Alchemy Goods and Hub and Bespoke recraft gifts image

Samples of re-craftiness.

Have you ever received a gift made by the person who gave it to you? If so, it probably made you feel pretty special knowing someone took time to craft something just for you. Well, here’s a chance to give that same great feeling to people on your holiday gift list.

Hub and Bespoke and Alchemy Goods invite you to join us for a re-craft session, where you can create jewelry, ornaments, picture frames, smart phone stands, and anything else you can dream up, out of wonderfully reusable bicycle innertubes.

Not sure what to make? That’s okay; we’ll have samples of previously re-crafted gift items on hand to inspire you, as well as a room full of fellow holiday elves with whom you can share ideas. Alchemy Goods will supply the tubes and the workshop, while Hub and Bespoke will provide refreshments (to get those creative juices flowing). All you have to bring are your imagination, a friend or three, and any tools or supplies you might want for ornamenting and the like (think jewelry beads, rings, rubber stamps, etc.).

Details: Tuesday, December 6th, 6-9 p.m. at 1723 1st Ave South. No admission fee. Happy holidays!

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Movie Night: The Flying Scotsman

From IMDB: The true story of Graeme Obree, the Champion cyclist who built his bicycle from old bits of washing machines and who won his championship only to have his title stripped from him. Trailer here.

Wednesday, November 16th, 6 p.m. at the shop. BYOP (bring your own popcorn) and invite a friend.

See you there!

 

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Awwww…

Today these two little trick-or-treaters made us melt.

Meet “bike box” and “bike lane”:

Check out mom’s blog, especially if you are trying to figure out how to incorporate bike transport into your family life.

Happy Halloween!

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New at the shop: Iva Jean Rain Cape

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Just in time for Seattle’s autumn drizzle, the Iva Jean Rain Cape offers an elegant solution to the challenge of staying stylish while cycling in damp conditions. Many thought it couldn’t be done. Ann DeOtte–Iva Jean founder, blogger, and designer– thought otherwise.

The Rain Cape has many features that make it bicycle-friendly. Reflective piping subtly adds visibility. Interior thumb loops keep the cape in place and your arms and legs dry. A billed hood works with or without a helmet. And the clean, sleek look makes it easy on the eyes.

If you often ride (or get caught) in light rain, the Rain Cape would make a great addition to your cycling wardrobe. One size, available to try on at Hub and Bespoke.

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Oregon Manifest – (utility) bike eye candy

bike by University of Oregon

Utility bike by University of Oregon

Last month, Portland hosted Oregon Manifest, an annual event showcasing hand-built bikes by frame builders, or “constructors,” from across the country. This year’s show challenged constructors to create the ultimate utility bike, i.e. a bicycle that could serve as the primary means of transport for urban living, suitable for errand running, commuting, hauling stuff–generally whatever you’d use a car for. What’s interesting is why they chose this theme. From their website:

“The two-wheeled revolution won’t come on the saddle of a race bike or a specialty bike. The utility bike is the transportation mode of the future for millions of Americans who want to live healthier, more sustainable lives, but don’t think of themselves as “cyclists.” The key to realizing this future is thoughtful, innovative bike design that fills multiple needs and fits into their lives.”

Makes sense to me. You can see pictures of all the wonderfully creative entries by clicking the builder links on the constructors page. Enjoy!

bike by Folk Engineered / Discovery Charter SchoolOregon Manifest - Donkelope utility bike

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An evening with Telaio – You’re invited!

A year ago we blogged about Telaio, a Ballard company that creates bespoke wool trousers, knickers, and shorts for cyclists. Hub and Bespoke has proudly offered these items in our shop, and customers have raved about their classic looks and comfort. Now Telaio is introducing two new products: men’s wool vests and a women’s ’365′ dress. The vests are designed with cycling details and elegantly styled to cut the chill. The dress, offered in a beautiful heather grey wool with a touch of spandex, is easily accessorized and styled for year-round everyday wear.

To showcase these new items, Hub and Bespoke will host a “Meet the Maker” event at the shop. Telaio founder and owner Katharine Andrews will be on hand to answer questions about the virtues of wool, and she’ll have a diagrammatic ‘sequence of construction’ that illustrates how she creates her signature wool trousers. This event is a great opportunity to see how a small-scale local company is producing thoughtful, well-made wool garments for people who ride. We hope you’ll join us!

When: Thursday, October 27th, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Hub and Bespoke (google map)

Gift with any Telaio purchase: A Telaio wool cycling cap

Light snacks, beer & wine will be served

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Slow Ride Speed Date Cancelled

Hi everyone. We didn’t receive a critical mass of sign-ups for our upcoming speed date event, so unfortunately we are canceling. We were excited to do it but without enough people, the speed dating logistics don’t work very well. I appreciated this message from one person who signed up: “Aww… That was like, the best idea ever. Sorry it didn’t pan out. We need more LGBT cyclists!”  Agreed–we need more cyclists of all kinds!

We continue to hear from people (mostly hetero participants) who want to do this, so we will have another two-wheeled dating event once the days get longer again.

Thanks to everyone who signed up, and to all the great blogs and media folks who helped get the word out. We’re bummed it didn’t work out but always happy to see that people are game for fun bike events.

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Slow Ride Speed Date, Round 2

photo: David B. Weaver via Poppy Gall Blog

As promised, we’re hosting another round of bicycle speed dates, this time for gay and lesbian singles.* It will be pretty much the same setup as the first Slow Ride Speed Date, but for cyclists who ride on the same side of the street, so to speak. Once again spots will be limited, so if you or a single someone you know wants to participate, sign up early! Here are the details:

- Tuesday, October 4th. Meet at 5:45 p.m. at the shop; dating from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

- Each speed date will be about 3 to 4 minutes along a pre-set path.

- You must have a bike to participate!

- To sign up, email us at hubandbespoke at gmail.com and let us know your name and gender, then we’ll email you with additional details.

*We had to do separate events because the pattern of pairing is different for hetero vs. homo groups.

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