Ocean Air Cycles – Click to Shop

I make 90% or more of my trips to the post office by bike.  The smaller boxes are easy enough to fit in the saddle bag or panniers.  The big ones, think surf boards and bikes, end up on the xtracycle for drop-off to UPS and FedEx.  The medium ones are the challenge.

Today I had a vintage rack in a light but bulky box and improvised with some cord.  It worked fantastic and had me thinking of some rack ideas John Cutter had designed a couple of years back.  How are you getting the medium sized loads around by bike?

A while back I had read about the Bicycle Coalition up near Marin, Ca starting a program where members would help to mentor those flirting with the idea of bike commuting, but still tentative to try the water.  I liked the idea, and am pretty sure it would help get a bunch more people out of their cars and onto bikes for the ride into work.  This week I was able to get my buddy Aaron back onto his Rambler (No.2).  He has been an occasional bike commuter, but usually drives the 8 miles or so into work when he is not out to sea.  We had the chance to ride in together this morning, shake down the most recent build on his bike, talk about what makes a bike commute work for him, and hang out a bit.

The ride in was cold, cloudy and just a light mist at times.

I am pretty sure he is completely stoked on everything from the fit and ride to the ease of integrated lighting.  Dealing with battery lights for riding at the margins of the day or night is not that hard, but often a complaint by commuters.  Aaron’s Rambler is set up with a dynamo hub and high-powered LED head and tail lights.  The wiring is neatly tucked into the fenders and inside the frame reducing the chance of damage.  All he needs to do is get on and ride, no batteries, increased visibility for him and oncoming traffic is built right into the package.  Starting your bike build with a frame-set like the Rambler, having integrated provisions for easy and secure mounting of racks, fenders, and lighting can really be a game changer, not needed, but sure makes the bike a full package ready for getting places near and far, with the load on the bike not on your back.

Sales pitch over…we had a blast, I will likely ride in with him once a week while he is in town.  Having someone to ride with helps keep us both pedaling in the mornings

I just added the newest version of the leather Makr / Touring wallets to the store front.

These wallets, like most things here at OAC, were an organic progression.  Both designs are rooted in traditional leather craft patterns.  I wanted a simple wallet for a couple of cards and a little cash, and the single pocket version was born.  Then I needed a business card holder and the two pocket version entered the scene.  A couple of year’s worth of refinements and it is something that is ready for debut.

Both are made be me here in our workshop with high quality 4oz leather from Herman Oak, stitched with V92 sailmaking thread, and the up-cycled chain link is stitched on by hand. I treat them with a healthy coat of Obenauf’s leather treatment to keep the look natural.  The pockets will each hold a few credit cards or a stack of 15 business cards.  The slot can take some cash folded in half, then in half again.

The leather will take on a shiny deep brown tone that only gets better with age.

$40 + 2 shipping and handling will get you one to your door.