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

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!

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!

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

See you there!

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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.