NYC
words/images Judith Ecochard
BROOKS ENGLAND, PEDaLED, BOOKMAN LIGHT, BIKE GLOW
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7JLPxKT8iDD_BArkKukcPcaQ64deHzWcuc8OX_qWZJ-oPKdwydSlaWAL4-nZ4LJ4O3Uq5aXw-3_o0Vrrbzw9EkE-Zfk8hbyMW4INM-4IBtYT0mVSXZoFo7ZgxzSJP0OS8CDlB3n5EK85/s640/IMG_9258.JPG) |
Brixton Tote |
Bicycles are a time honored way of commuting...around the world, and here in the USA, a growing way of getting to work.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEa2Hi4-rQpmpcEVh4KnM72-DCgoita4ADMt-Q-bbySe35p9h_AJf3waQD08FFJZJEWIaPqGmvw4406mgDrkMRbKD0OBS9CtNPDunr8I15EJYzFOlyD3D_iRR02GD0DkY61LOpioWE4iFU/s400/IMG_9259.JPG) |
Eton Leather Satchel-shoulder straps can be used backpack style |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPRkTGjGE23ElvoawTP_4NdElVsC2ci90AZiOmRjVQpLeai4Za_-wEUQg9u0PGgGfNOeAACH60MjkoJSZwtIfJltwoKATc-onuw9lHOx2ynY_eTp6VjN5vwJEHiUcEDIoeCzktWLQATHX/s640/IMG_9260.jpg) |
Barbican Leather Shoulder Bag-w/adjustable shoulder strap |
How nice then, that an Italian cycling conglomerate owned
Brook England Ltd. --- a refreshed heritage brand with a collection of masterfully crafted panniers and cycle luggage, messenger bags, saddles and ponchos...is launching here.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROjY5W4vsZYx8KmKs1CuKSP6s2gMyv03Fi_RviSGgk4Cc0S1EPprR3Lk1B-I3cXCAqTbJJ_ikquJ71A-i2nGkUuU5Y_QafC5a_FZk8F1fyXv6DiMUikFPOJR_2wrSDnGADyh4AB0dxW3S/s400/IMG_9262.JPG) |
Piccadilly Leather Knapsack-middle and Challenge Saddle tool bag (l) D-Shaped Saddle Bag (r) |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxqdyv0pAPUjSKJjE40eQ8hENCfmgP5ry84_d1UZzxw3ch5xdf7v9HcwsmkgL1FBfn8vEwAPa6jWlOiJpz35Sm0IYUCpFzrI8bVRUSc3QFGaEIcMbXDyxAFz77PH9bjg9e4TJGxNOW9zDo/s640/IMG_9263.JPG) |
this poncho fits right underneath the saddle... |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiElZsHNNUCuAb2-jNzQpTJhaVM1rde7Z0xUXYWJujA4Jryfp9ji2M2VGSlD2nnSTPlQxs8btRFNxAKksrrojOzuld7x01MO0tKmGZPFEFgeOWKC-aFgdt1tJAk8ohHKLbH2KLxUgtE-nPu/s400/IMG_9264.jpg) |
Victoria Saddle |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFjYgdUHw9vqEO42Nt2h137MBnQRVsziNRV9WDgGEy23JSPLNm2cQYS_IEIHahSphNSDq99y8QRsHJxHypsQ8jUWBEAY6eMsDFFZpUh68nS8Qiwh0U_ViE7kkTDBQ-KuYx_cUIGCTGfr8/s640/IMG_9265.jpg) |
rain proof poncho |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8VtJ8KE3Q0rUxRvrNtN5mEtWZKD9D6uqiCSUSdSYsllGljkpwL4qOuZVrHOooiNQKYvnIbovy4UjaEuKlzJTnljrJmyU5lbUmrmrMAqKtUrc5fXrp96cEmxSe3GIEBvocgOLPleezRZu/s400/IMG_9267.jpg) |
Pickwick Backpack made of water resistant canvas, leather trim, roll-top w/ Brixton Tote |
http://www.brooksengland.com
Another brand launching here hails from Japan...
PEdALED-
founded in 2007 by Japanese fashion designer Hideto Suzuki, FYI: The poetic expression “pedal earth diving” is the acronym of “PEdALED”.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4Ik0GaFgsxeYVqXiyJ2LKDWjxe-wonfgH_TzRwCysvVo3_DqpyYY6z3KluJsdoNoFv3SUQVVMPfS3Lr39Bn39geONiC0f_PY6CdRsdvUSIy7kzDTSRZy_rJDdlPh0w-5I2dMgPUET8pm/s640/IMG_9269.jpg) |
weather resistant, reinforced shoulders for packs, with great front angled, easy access pockets -ergonomic sleeves, longer back |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2t9U4Ujk11mPC9OLM4gTnBMALfpmO83vN5Y0UneLoW7adC3iKWzxIvWl8YmxWMI__wfqVmRJ7o2ikCYw5u8Dohz4CUVh7oWKNG-Xo9bPX2_Tk-BeAS-3Ibz7kymK4gElvzjYfOMc4uW5/s400/IMG_9270.jpg) |
cuffs role up |
The clothing we saw is in theory-is inspired by cycling---and are obviously -commuter friendly....with reflective details, ventilation features, and made of breathable natural fabrics---hemp, linen and organic cotton.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgybOXKcH1czldevlAqpR0hdeePHnD4vk-M2kurJUtzDxNG25Hwu67LRBX_hE7pVQMUCQsg7RjP70ukRkSEsueuyO5yIC_vNAZ5P6Dlai62LAjHbpCX60xl6C-8rvsKee4Iv9lT9xtV3Tcj/s640/IMG_9271.jpg) |
Eurobike Gold Award 2012 Urban Jacket-made from special waterproof, breathable cotton. Ergonomic sleeves, smartphone pocket, earphone wire guides, reinforced shoulders, pockets double as air vents |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ic8h1FCpWavcWpZcDMIQztLs2ONgqVZYR3NMXuadC2UUnO7hWAb5YxAKlJsPBGrJMZ4TJoaggsLKMVqT6iONV1NpTz1wc7GtJ1BkzpDAM5AwfcQOPYRviCms8UYX_0kD5Kd6n0ITi_w1/s400/IMG_9273.jpg) |
back pockets, adjustable hood and hem via elastic |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zh9epEd7WRiT22KPHqFHFgHDw79IUQqKgXCdgFcc17KKaYfBZ3gL5BxBfCDSjLFt_j90UyOcZL6iCNUbl6rCrizvmETRh_jxkM02fCUZ0SFYcirgCXf9in2zwaAyjl9CCMjrq19v0QDl/s320/IMG_9272.jpg) |
reflective cords, storm flap-rip open, quick release |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8YZghU_IDoqasT-aidWFcxpXTzukXJ9fwtojpOzkZHjLawdv0E7OVvgr5qaywvyOcCHsUDsPio83MhVjqHC916TeVBEenwj-rAAyyGzMjcm3nKwCOuJaUd8NBr7K_4n1g_IucZDBngba/s640/IMG_9275.jpg) |
RE VEST mixed textiles-wool plaid keeps core warm-made from recycled military stock----angled front pockets for easy access, two access back pocket-the width of the back-like a hunter's vest---though the tag states otherwise |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mjpyQ7y3QJSIuH4WuZCUqWC-ixy6Yoz8uxKaGRtqKlBzKtRSBdvirSoWPB0V2gSH5V8cbrdJCjIFgr3vgwpNsHmfQN1wX_6ZAQ6BfJdzZLpt68QP0VsQBUhF4Lqlinh5Fsg7vqMSRmcm/s320/IMG_9276.jpg) |
vest-reflective details |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKzGagolDiM_eEfWupubvOelKZlb7ere35iMFHr1-TbumZjHjyeOIdwL_lIcp9kmq0lluV7MJ_Ic3jtHcO_5rsWTsdJt0lCdSdxK-jbBJ2yA14KLUMg_sHFfy0-Oc2rQOiBK1lbjFjd5t/s640/IMG_9277.JPG) |
Japanese denim...l/s shirt-shaped for riders...nice enough for going out on the town |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOrp59G3YlH7KTivTbuM1lJCOujpKImNCLzn-v5LsMk7No67aHSXQ_Ah1RuGEsrJljwgslAvl0mQcTdcTotxGVRVzAVQhTrGMRzemguyVOaVR_xm5kJCX6g6rdg82SfQrDaN0pTYyY5Xc/s320/IMG_9278.JPG) |
lether covered buttons |
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sure beats using rubber bands---leather straps keep pants out of pedals |
Bookman is a Swedish company that makes easy to place on bike lights ---in fashionable colors...using a simple design-a rectangular shape with a curved underside for a snug fit on the front handle bar and rear saddle pole, an oversized rubber button for on/off...and a groove for attaching the elastic band. With three light options, slow/fast flashing, and steady light---the front light is white---the tail light is red. Water resistant-replaceable batteries.NICE.
If you want to be really visible---from a distance, or say, outer space-the BIKE GLOW is a relatively light weight.
WATERPROOF-battery operated light wire, secured with wire coils (included) that easily wraps around a bike's frame.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4WecmcdOGBc-pKEl3Op_2cz1miwcxkkhsIrqIjR5IuI0DTukbmqF-JyRWT4DO6PWdNUXhObZmWqTkiiI5b-4X_1qAPY6SxQv4a8wKTnxF9XQivyxn_bJ47mPOfAx-3XEDJGIzM8CnRwP/s320/IMG_9333.JPG) |
unscrew the nails---2 AA batteries go in here. A little screw driver is included in the kit. tape under bike saddle. Tape and a velcro strap, included. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyC1yebbtIAYWpTlth5FuPM7LGCpY2V3F2_Wj86l-ZoCIzEl26hMRC3TD6sBrRdjB8F7Y-ByqwbWnxAsR9wj810vX8s4dCuXSIMefJeZS3ALFOJivL4gKHuV1gar0DalrgIL2HYlAklVG/s640/IMG_9334.JPG) |
even Luddites will get these instructions-EASY |
Three light options-slow/fast flashing and steady...and in eight colors available for brightness that cannot be missed by those with their eyes open. MSRP $24.95
We tried it on our triathlon race bike ---and honestly we are loathe to add any weight on it...and found the Bike Glow-unobtrusive.
Better though---for commuter bicycles...especially in areas where it gets dark early. Or to wrap around our backpack when we go hiking during hunting season---when we don't want to be mistaken for Bambi.
http://www.bikeglow.com