The Top 10 New Amsterdam Bike Show Stoppers

By
Lauren Matison
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Missed the Amsterdam Bike Show? Mark your calendars for the Bike Expo on May 5-6

Today officially marks the beginning of Bike Month, but this past weekend’s New Amsterdam Bike Show seemed to summon half the city’s cyclists for an early celebration of two-wheeled travel. At the event benefiting Transportation Alternatives, handlebar mustaches and leather-bound handlebars mingled over a glass of Grolsch in the beer garden, tweed-clad models walked the bike fashion show runway, and leisure riders and road racers salivated over the coolest products—from the Vanmoof No. 3’s integrated headlight to retro jerseys and beautifully handcrafted Italian bikes.

Here are our ten favorite finds for a wide range of urban cyclists.

Turn heads as you turn the wheels of this sexy 8-speed cruiser that is perfect for biking to work, the farmers market, and up hills. You’ll stress less with a Linus bike that can handle whatever NYC’s unforgiving streets throws at it. Get a lot of classy bang for your buck, between the leather saddle and grips, shimano components, chromoly steel frame and fork, light aluminum wheels, custom rear rack, fenders, kickstand, bell, and more. linusbike.com
The Pedal Pusher’s Club makes cool shirts, hats and jackets for men, women and kids. These soft, 100% cotton tees are getting the message across with unpretentious panache. “The people that ride their beater bikes to work or to the grocery store everyday are just as much cyclists as anyone else,” said PPC president Brett Novick. “We decided to call the brand a “Club” because as far as I am concerned if you like to ride a bike than that’s all I really need to know, you’re in the Club. Consider us the everyman of cycling t-shirt companies.” pedalpushersclub.com
Cute as a button, these lights are bright bad ass defenders of your safety while you ride. Equip your bike with one front and one rear light, which offer three settings—slow, fast, and steady flash—are battery-operated, and come in eight colors, including lemon yellow, heavenly blue, and raging red. momastore.org
Williamsburg-based track cyclist Taliah Lempert’s talent has touched more than a blank, bike-hungry canvas. She screen-prints jerseys and t-shirts and sells her unique designs on caps, mugs, earrings, coloring books, and more. (Jersey/$89.95, Ryan’s Freedom Deluxe (pictured center)/ $3500) bicyclepaintings.com
Even when we’re pushing through pain, biking makes us feel good. Consider doing a charity ride with Bike to the Beach to add a greater purpose to those pedal strokes. Join the nonprofit, which benefits Autism Speaks, on the June 8 ride from NYC to Westhampton, or train more and do the Boston to Newport century on August 31. Both all-inclusive events promise plenty of good food, mechanic support, a jersey, hotel discounts, scenic routes, and a rewarding experience that’s sure to be a highlight of your summer. biketothebeach.org
Meet the true definition of a wild ride. Created digitally and 3D printed using nylon and hand dye, these planters attach easily yet firmly to your tube with an elastic nylon cord, and are sure to spiff up the standard bike structure—a previously planted succulent or air plant will do the trick. etsy.com
Never again find yourself distracted by an uncomfortable backpack while biking. These ultra-cool carriers are great for long rides or hikes, come rain or come shine. The Drop Liner has multiple belts to keep it secure and the weight well distributed, and includes outside clips for the gear that just won’t fit. The waterproof bag also has a customizable interior and side panel coloring, reflective tape, and an adjustable sternum strap that doubles as a whistle. trucedesigns.com
It’s like the Smart car of bikes, only sturdier and more respected on the road. Don’t let the foldable features fool you; it’s as strong a bike as you’ll need for dodging potholes and withstanding punctures from debris. The Tern Joe 24 can collapse in five seconds so it’s perfect for storing in apartments and bringing on public transit. Enjoy a free $75 tuneup when you purchase through NYCeWheels. nycewheels.com
Meaning “helping each other succeed,” Asungtaba baskets are made out of 100% all natural tropical grasses and dyes, and are hand-woven by nearly 1,000 Ghanaian women. House of Talents is donating 5% of its company’s profits to a scholarship fund for children in this basket bearing village in Ghana. Check the site for one-of-a-kind items that come in all different colors. When you ride, you’ll have this beautiful reminder that the journey truly is the reward. houseoftalents.com
This practical slap bracelet-like accessory is a must-have for cycling commuters who’d rather not risk getting their pants caught in the greasy gears. Choose from eight colors, including apple green, black, raspberry, honey and violet. Available at adelineadeline.com.

Photos: Courtesy of each company; handlebar mustaches by Morgan Crossley.

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