Embracing Winter

Posted on Jan 20th 2015 | Bike Life,

In a perfect world I’d never have to spend more than 2 minutes getting dressed for a bike ride. Getting frostbite on exposed skin would never cross my mind and the thought of road salt corroding my precious ride would be laughable. But living in Wisconsin these are all things I’ve learned to deal with. And, I must adm […] read more...

So long, and thanks for all the lobster

Posted on Jan 13th 2015 | Advocacy,

It is with bitter sweet feelings I share that Jeff Miller has decided to move on from the Alliance for Biking & Walking. You can read the announcement here. Planet Bike has been a primary supporter of the Alliance for more than a decade. In that time, I have seen Jeff transform the Alliance. Prior to Jeff’s tenure […] read more...

Polar Vortex Biking Dress Code

Posted on Jan 7th 2015 | Bike Life, Learn,

In the midst of a polar vortex, I always like to put out a reminder on biking in brutally cold temperatures. This morning on my 45 minute commute to work, the temperature was hovering around -6F with the wind chill at -25F. However, I was completely comfortable riding in the proper attire. Hands and feet have always b […] read more...

2014 in Review

Posted on Jan 5th 2015 | Advocacy,

For the past nineteen years we have collaborated in many meaningful bicycle advocacy initiatives across North America. This year was no exception as we continued to partner with advocates on key national initiatives as well as many locally-targeted programs that focus on getting more people on bikes. On the national l […] read more...

Happy Holidays!

Posted on Dec 23rd 2014 | Bike Life, Blog,

Happy Holidays from the Planet Bike family to you and yours. We’ll have reduced hours over the next two weeks as we take some time to recharge for 2015. Our office and warehouse will be closed December 24-28 and Dec 31-January 4. We’ll be back and ready to rock on January 5.   […] read more...

Throwback Thursday

Posted on Dec 18th 2014 | Better World, Blog,

Planet Bike has long been committed to doing business in a different way. Aside from our mission to help strengthen bike advocacy we also aim to make our business as sustainable as possible. We utilize the best subcomponents we can find to bring you products that work great, are durable and stand the test of time. We […] read more...

Kid Bike Love

Posted on Dec 2nd 2014 | Bike Life, Blog,

I taught my 3 year old to ride a two wheeler this past weekend. He had been zooming around on his run bike for some time and could balance going downhill for more than a block with ease so I figured he’d catch on quickly. To see his determination and excitement about riding a “two wheel pedal bike!” was such a thrill […] read more...

Fall 2014 Super Commuter – Steve Hulme

Posted on Nov 22nd 2014 | Super Commuters,

If you were asked to name a major event of 1997, you might recall that Bill Clinton began his 2nd term as president or that the Green Bay Packers won Superbowl XXXII; you might reminisce that Beanie Babies were booming in popularity or NASA’s Pathfinder landed on Mars. If you asked SUPERCOMMUTER Steve Hulme what he rem […] read more...

The Best Way to Carry Cargo by Bike.

Posted on Nov 20th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog, Learn,

A bicycle is a beautiful thing and to optimize all if its benefits, we all want to be able to carry some stuff with us as we head down the road of life. So, what’s the best approach? Is it your trusty backpack, a classic highlighter yellow Ortlieb pannier or are you planning on getting your three kids to school in the […] read more...

Madison’s Electronic Bike Counter

Posted on Nov 7th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog,

The City of Madison installed its first visual electronic bicycle counter just under a month ago on October 9th. It’s located on the heavily trafficked Southwest Path near UW-Madison’s Camp Randall. The counter tallies bicyclists that pass over loops embedded in the path. Two counts are tallied on the counter. Near th […] read more...

Magical Bicycle Tour

Posted on Sep 29th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog, Product,

Heath, our Director of Product Development, set Alan and Karen up with some of our new waterproof saddle covers prior to their big tour. Below is a note that Alan sent post-tour: Karen and I are back from our magical bicycle adventure. We rode back into Madison from Minneapolis on September 10 after visiting our child […] read more...

WisNic Partners

Posted on Sep 23rd 2014 | Advocacy, Better World, Bike Life, Blog,

WisNic Partners works to enhance the quality of life in Wisconsin & Nicaragua through people-to-people programs promoting cultural awareness & sustainable community development. Planet Bike has partnered with WisNic for the past few years in supplying them with some of our refurbished product returns. It’s gre […] read more...

More than Stores

Posted on Aug 18th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog, Video,

Golden Saddle Cyclery in LA seems to be doing things right; having fun and getting more people on bikes in Los Angeles. Our Superflash even makes a brief cameo in this clip. […] read more...

Employee Bike Profile

Posted on Jul 17th 2014 |

While many of us at Planet Bike are bike geeks, I am usually the one to take it a few notches higher. I’m always tinkering with parts and switching things from one bike to the next. We profiled this same bike a while back and it’s gone through a lot of change […] read more...

Employee Bike Profile

Posted on Jul 17th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog,

Here we are smack dab in the season of changing leaves, falling temperatures, and rain (at least here in WI). It’s the perfect time to take a peek at the rides in the Planet Bike garage!Jesse came on at Planet Bike last winter. It had been quite some time since his last bike upgrade; new job, new bike. He spends a […] read more...

Barns of Wisconsin

Posted on Jul 10th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog,

I’ve been fascinated with barns for a long time. Living in Wisconsin one quickly grows accustomed to seeing barns across the countryside. It’s easy to just pass them by without a second thought, but I’ve taken a different perspective. The history, construction, and beauty has a special place in my heart. Over the last […] read more...

Protected Intersections

Posted on Jun 23rd 2014 | Advocacy, Bike Life, Blog, Video,

This is definitely an interesting concept for intersections. What do you think? Would you support protected intersections? Judging by the comments not everyone thinks it’s a good idea. Protected Intersections For Bicyclists from Nick Falbo on Vimeo. […] read more...

Calling All SUPERCOMMUTERS

Posted on Jun 16th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog, Super Commuters,

Each quarter Planet Bike likes to honor what we refer to as the silent hero, aka the SUPERCOMMUTER. This person rides through every season, in all weather, day or night. Choosing the simplicity, health and pleasure of bicycling, a SUPERCOMMUTER prefers to ride to the grocery store, to work, to a concert or the cafe. I […] read more...

USB

Posted on Jun 10th 2014 | Blog, News, Product,

USB rechargeable lights are really starting to come to the forefront of the bike lighting market. We’ve joined in on the full with a couple of USB rechargeable tail lights. These have been out for a bit and there’s a good chance they are already on the shelves at your local bike shop. Both the Superflash USB and Super […] read more...

Sideload Cages

Posted on Jun 4th 2014 | Blog, News, Product,

We are always trying to improve our current product line-up and add thoughtful/useful new products. A recent addition to our bottle cage lineup is the Sideload Cage. The aluminum cage is lightweight and perfect for small frames that make using normal cages a hassle. As a bonus, we’ve discovered they work really well w […] read more...

Royal 162

Posted on May 19th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog,

After a day of digestion I’m still completely clear on one thing: the Royal 162 is a beast of a race. After few hours of much needed sleep on Friday night we were crushing some continental breakfast and terrible hotel coffee by 6am. The consensus was to wear kneewarmers, armwarmers and vest for the low 40 degree start […] read more...

Spring Mountain Biking

Posted on May 7th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog,

Yesterday was a beautiful day in Southern Wisconsin. With temps forecasted in the mid-60s I decided to take the day off of work and get in a good ride at the Kettle Moraine State Forest or the Kettles as it’s known in Wisconsin. The trails were in prime shape and I managed a very solid 5 hour ride. If you are ever in […] read more...

Build It. Bike It. Be a Part of It.

Posted on May 2nd 2014 | Advocacy, Bike Life, Blog, Video,

Yesterday was the kickoff of the 5th Annual Build It. Bike It. Be a Part of It. campaign and the beginning of National Bike Month. Throughout the month of May, Adventure Cycling Association is campaigning to raise awareness and support for the U.S. Bicycle Route System (USBRS). With the help of supporters, they’ […] read more...

The Big Apple

Posted on Apr 30th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog,

I just returned from a sales trip to New York City. It was a great chance to meet and talk with some great Planet Bike dealers in the NYC metro area. I also had the chance to explore the city a bit. The bike infrastructure in the downtown area is pretty impressive. Lots of Citibike stations and separated bike lanes. B […] read more...

Thereabouts

Posted on Apr 24th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog,

Thereabouts from cycling tips on Vimeo. Over the summer Port Macquarie brothers Gus and Lachlan Morton, the latter of whom rides for Garmin-Sharp, got back to basics in an attempt to recover the lost magic of the sport. This is their story; a story about the concept of ‘Thereabouts’. Read more on cyclingtips.com. […] read more...

Spring 2014 Super Commuter – Mark Martin

Posted on Apr 22nd 2014 | Bike Life, Blog, Super Commuters,

Mark Martin is an anomaly. In a culture dominated by automobiles, he has chosen a car-free lifestyle. In a community with meager bike infrastructure, he has commuted by bicycle for nearly 15 years. In a world where few people are willing to take the lead and push for change, he has become a leading force for bicycle r […] read more...

Employee of the Month

Posted on Mar 13th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog,

Our buddy Chad of Planet Bike distributor J & B Importers has recently garnered the honor of Employee of the Month down in Miami. J & B heavily encourages commuting by bike and pays their employees $4 a day if they do. Last year Chad commuted 216 days by bike. Ironically, that was enough to cover his car insur […] read more...

Alliance Announces 2014 Advocacy Award Winners

Posted on Mar 4th 2014 | Advocacy, Blog, News,

Since 2009, the Alliance has solicited public nominations for the Advocacy Awards, which recognize the exceptional efforts of individuals, organizations, and business leaders in advancing active transportation in North America. This year, the Advocacy Awards were presented by Bicycling Magazine. Check out all the winn […] read more...

Spring Thaw

Posted on Feb 19th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog,

I’ve been taking advantage of the mid-February thaw Madison has experienced the last two days. The sun on my face and melting snow spraying below my fenders holds a special place in my heart. A reminder that warmer days are not too far off. This one might just be a false alarm though. Freezing rain, snow and below zer […] read more...

Winter Bike to Work Day

Posted on Feb 5th 2014 | Bike Life, Blog, Events,

Bike commuters in Madison are a different breed. I’ve spent many winter mornings pedaling to work in below zero temperatures. Thanks to the efforts of Madison Bike Winter to support our local bike commuters, both fair-weather and diehard. This morning Heath and I set up camp along the SW bike path near UW-Madison’s Ca […] read more...