Tag: cycling

EKOI AERO14 Designed for Performance / Driven by Passion

Post author By John Capobianco
Post date September 10, 2021

A leader in France since 2001, EKOI is coming to the USA.

EKOI has become synonymous with winning in the professional and amateur cycling ranks. Their strategy for the past 20 years was to make quality cycling equipment with an emphasis on reduced price and increased accessibility. This year’s Tour de France saw 4 teams wearing EKOI products.

The Tour has always been a stage for revealing the newest cycling gear and this year EKOI unveiled its latest helmet, the Gara. It will become available soon and I have plans to review it for DOWNTOWN.

The latest addition to their helmet inventory is the AERO14. This helmet was the preferred helmet worn by professional teams Arkea Samsic, Cofidis, Lotto Soudal, and Qhubeka Assos in this year’s Tour de France. It has also been spotted in numerous other professional and amateur races. It is currently on display by four teams in the Vuelta a España. Considered an aero helmet, the AR14 has ten vents and comes in three sizes.

Like its predecessor the AR13, it was designed and tested in a wind tunnel. It is as light, more aero, protective, and ergonomic than its ancestor. Originally used exclusively by sprinters, aero helmets have become increasingly popular in the pro peloton due to their lightweight, style, and comfort.

I was fortunate to recently obtain the AR14 model from EKOI. My experience as a road cyclist spans more than three decades and I have worn many helmets during that time. Most have been the standard vented road helmet.

This was my first experience wearing an aero model. As a resident of central Florida, where heat and humidity are always present, I was more than skeptical. I have been wearing this helmet solely throughout the blistering hot summer months and it has more than delivered.

The cool max foam padding coupled with its dial fit system and adjustable up/down fit to allow it to be remarkably comfortable. The ventilation, clearly my biggest concern, has been exceptional. Its 10 airflow vents have allowed my head to remain cool. That is the ultimate test for any helmet in the sweltering heat of a Florida summer.

All in all, I cannot find anything negative with Ekoi’s latest addition. From its stylish looks to the magnetic closing buckle, this helmet checks all of the boxes. I now understand why many professional riders have adopted the use of aero helmets for everyday riding.

The Ekoi Aero14 injects both style and function to this latest trend in cycling helmets.

For additional information on the AR14 and other EKOI products, visit https://racing.ekoi.com/en-us/

John “Cap” Capobianco M.Ed.

Tags Bikes, cycling, Cycling Gear, EKOI, helmets, Road Helmet

Featured NYC

Rocking the Boat during the COVID Pandemic

Post author By Grace Capobianco
Post date October 17, 2020

Rocking the Boat

We believe in giving back to our community and city. When you are a publication it becomes difficult to dig into your pockets for every great charity program. Rather, our part is to inform our readers of the causes that we have worked with and believe in.

Rocking the boat is one of the many programs that we feel is solid for you to invest your time and money. Launching in 1996 as a volunteer project in an East Harlem junior high school, Rocking the Boat worked under the aegis of New Settlement Apartments, which provided both workshop space and students for the cornerstone Boatbuilding Program.

They incorporated as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2001,

Rocking the Boat continued to cultivate relationships with a wide variety of community-based, educational, environmental, cultural, and historical organizations, and over the years have expanded their size and scope of its services.

Namely, the On-Water Education Program which is near and dear to our hearts. This was added in 2002, the On-Water Classroom in 2005, the Job Skills Program in 2006, Community Rowing in 2007, and the Sailing Program in 2015.

This year with the pandemic we were worried as to how this and many children/young adults charity programs would manage. The word for 2020 seems to be Virtual.

Rocking the Boat was brought to the attention of Downtown by one of our subscribers, and close friends Alies van den Berg

Here’s our conversation with Rocking the Boat Development Director, Jaye Pockriss

DTM: Give us the rundown on how the virtual RTB is going this year and are the participants only walking or running this year or are they doing other activities like Rowan get home or cycling?

RTB: They are walking, running, rowing, kayaking, sailing, cycling, hiking. One woman is riding an adult trike because she has multiple sclerosis. At least two participants are volunteering to encourage voting in the election. One woman is knitting, another gardening. Some dudes are golfing.

DTM: Do you have as many participants and donors?

RTB: We have the most participants ever, roughly 200, and they are from more places across the country (Texas, California) capitalizing on the “anywhere and everywhere” aspect of this year’s event. Going into the final weekend, 1,700 gifts have been received so far, on par with last year.

DTM: With all the many charitable organizations popping up, why would you encourage our readers to support RTB?

RTB: We can go in a couple of directions here…Rocking the Boat’s South Bronx neighborhood, Hunts Point, is in the poorest congressional district in the nation. Students here need comprehensive and sustained services to contend with the disadvantage of under-resourced schools, and the too frequent lack of adequate family support.

Despite having become synonymous with urban decay and pollution, the Bronx boasts some outstanding natural features including the oldest forest and the only true river in New York City. These spaces are home to a wide variety of trees, plants, fish, land animals, and birds. Rocking the Boat programs intimately connects Hunts Point youth to their environment by helping them enjoy it and giving them the skills to care for it.

Rocking the Boat students work together to build wooden boats, learn to row and sail, and restore local urban waterways, revitalizing their community while creating better lives for themselves.

Rocking the Boat is committed to helping its participants:

Stay in high school until they graduate or receive an equivalency diploma—on average 96% of Rocking the Boat students graduate from high school on time; the rate is an alarming 17.8% in Hunts Point generally
Enroll in college or trade school and be prepared academically and emotionally to succeed there—nearly 100% growth in social-emotional competency and enroll in a post-secondary program directly out of high school
Develop technical skills such as sailing, boat handling, navigating, chart reading, carpentry, sample collection and testing, scientific observation, and recording data, all of which reinforce STEM concepts and put them into a practical context
Develop soft skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking

DTM: What would you like our readers to know about your organization in order to get them involved?

RTB: Rocking the Boat kept rocking. Virtually, at the onset of the pandemic and on through the summer. We know that the current circumstances could change at any moment, but at the same time, we are excited to have resumed in-person youth development programming as of September 21. We have confidence that our hands-on boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing experiences are exactly what our participants need right now. We are lucky that building, rowing, and sailing boats all take place in spaces—a 2,500 square foot shop with 15′ foot ceilings and outdoors on the Bronx River—that offer plenty of space to spread out and fresh air to breathe. Comprehensive distancing and sanitizing procedures are in place and will be strictly enforced to keep everyone safe.

Rocking the Boat engages over 200 teens per year in a series of STEM-based programs that last throughout their high school careers and into college. Participants enter as freshmen and sophomores and choose from one of three programs: Boatbuilding, Environmental Science, or Sailing. They move from being students to paid apprentices to alumni once they graduate high school, at which point they are eligible to work part-time for Rocking the Boat as Program Assistants.

In addition, roughly 4,000 local residents take part in Rocking the Boat’s free weekend rowing events and school-driven programs, most often through their math and science classes. 200 teens and 4,000 community members per year, this is a huge feat!

Featured Fitness Health NYC

Survival of the Fittest – Staying Fit in New York

Post author By Luigi Rosabianca
Post date September 17, 2020

If you need to shed some pandemic pounds and are willing to respect vigilant protocols, we have scoured the City for some rather interesting; not to mention fun, options for you to stay fit.

As spin class orphans during this pandemic, we chose BYKlyn Yard as our first stop.

In the shadows of The Barclay Center, The Yard, a community yard, is inimitable “Brooklyn”. The walls are curated by Bare Canvas with murals painted by Alpha Arts Alliance featuring Flash o Boy. There are 18 generously spaced bikes, sun sails to provide shade and maximize ventilation, and recycled AstroTurf complete with old soccer lines. The BYKlyn Yard schedule includes top instructors from studios all over NYC. Expect diverse classes with different types of music. The instructor at our visit was Mr. Ney Melo – professional dancer by day, spin instructor by night – his mix of Latin beats, 80s remixes, and high tempo music kept us sweating throughout. While BYKlyn lacks the metrics so many A-types rely upon, the holistic approach to fitness-for-all is refreshing.

SoulCycle has launched SoulOutside.

That means everything you have come to love about an upbeat SoulCycle class, plus cool breezes, great views, and a full lineup of rides led by all your favorite instructors. The outdoor studio tent in New York is set up in the Hudson Yards Plaza right outside of their retail studio. This assures you of majestic Hudson River views and no lack of options for refueling post-class. The entire user experience is now handless. Check-in is now digital utilizing the SoulCycle app and the sound system offers an all-new, silent-disco audio experience for the SoulOutside series.

If riding on a stationary bicycle that is going nowhere not your thing.

You’re not the crazy one. We are. So, fret not. Barry’s Bootcamp has opened the terrace at their Meatpacking location to meet your caloric deficit needs. Their high-intensity interval training will push you to your limits. This time these limits have a view of boutiques and lovely dining establishments. Carefully curated playlists are truly inspirational because it is difficult how you can otherwise sprint so faster and lift such heavy objects. Alternating muscle focus exercises ensure your body gets a balanced workout with plenty of recovery time… all under this lovely tent to protect you from the elements and pesky tourists. Wait. We do not have those any longer.

We never appreciate what we have until we no longer have it.

Tags Barry's, cycling, exercise, fitness, health, New York, Soul Cycle

Beauty Featured Lifestyle

Stay at Home Beauty and Grooming Routines

Post author By Grace Capobianco
Post date July 23, 2020

The great news about staying home, we’ve been able to have a little extra time for our team to sample self-care brands

Veronique Gabai has an attachment to the culture, the refinement, the sense of aesthetics, and the pure beauty of France. Born in the Cote d’Azur, in Antibes. Mediterranean by heart, by birth, by origins.

We had the pleasure of sampling her body lotion and delectable travel perfume and case.

“La Crème” is a magnificent lotion, fast applied, fast absorbed, incredibly moisturizing with hydrating properties. Highly concentrated in fragrance and enriched with rose water, it is another way to scent your skin.

I’m in love with this travel case. It’s small enough to fit in any purse. A gorgeous piece looks like a piece of jewelry. Just slip in your favorite scent and go!

Menja’s leading men’s skincare company has received overwhelming queries during the quarantine. Men are using this stay at home time as a positive to stay healthy and ramp up their grooming regimen. Due to this demand, MËNAJI created the @Home Men’s, Grooming Kit. Our COO enjoyed this cooling eye gel after long days of cycling.

Nothing like have a great scrub after a long hot summer day, men, be sure to take care of your skin. Beauty and treatments are not just for women!

Shaving is both a pleasure and a chore, but having a good quality razor and shaving cream can make this daily grooming a pleasure.

Bottega Organica oil + water mist is made from cold-pressed olive oil infused with plants and fruits combined with hydrosols that are collected by steam-distillation of spring water through plant material. When shaken and sprayed, this combination rejuvenates the skin with the dual action of nourishing and moisturizing.

Fables Neroli & Frankincense Hydrating Facial Mist is a dual-action hydrosol and toner; combining the healing and antimicrobial power of Frankincense Oil with the rejuvenating, regenerating powers of Neroli Oil. This mist contains a wealth of beneficial ingredients specifically chosen for their ability to transform the skin into its most radiant self. Aloe Vera and Rose Water open the heart and hydrate your face, while Witch Hazel helps to clear congested pores and balance oil production. This formula is free of alcohol and is pH balanced, ensuring that even the most sensitive skin will benefit from this product.

Nothing like finishing a long day at work, or coming back from a hard workout, after a shower, we enjoyed sampling the neroli and frankincense hydrating mist. It feels cool and refreshing, gives that little pick me up, needed.

Fables Sea Clay & Goats Milk face mask is perfect for oily or acne-prone skin. Sea Clay, which is rich in magnesium, potassium, sulfates, and calcium helps absorb skin impurities and tighten dull weathered skin. Goats milk helps to balance the skin’s PH while infusing trace minerals, omegas, and fatty acids. The perfect solution for combination, or troubled skin. Our editor loved their sea clay and goat’s milk mask, it made her skin felt smooth and moisturized.

At first, we were not sure about this facial cleanser, never using a charcoal cleanser, after our first use we were hooked. We are looking forward to seeing the slow down in cellular damage. We’ll keep you posted!

Fables Turmeric Charcoal & Copaiba Facial Cleanser is a high vibrational powerhouse. Activated Coconut Charcoal deeply detoxifies the skin while Turmeric (the Golden Goddess of medicinal herbs) reduces inflammation with antioxidants and slows down cellular damage. Lastly, this cleanser is infused with Copaiba Essential Oil, known for its intense anti-inflammatory and hormonal balancing abilities.

Tags almond butter, cycling, eyes, Face masks, Facial Cleansing, hydration spray, men, peanut butter, purfume, shave, skin care, snacks, women

Featured NYC Sports

Cycle Haus – Mobile Bike shop

Post author By Luigi Rosabianca
Post date April 21, 2020

New York has it’s very own mobile bike shop. Founded by Jonathan Romero. In 2010 Jonathan moved to Germany and ended up working at his friend’s bike shop.

During a leisurely bike ride along Brooklyn Bridge Park, I noticed this eye-catching truck with German stripes. Contrary to my Italian instincts, I still pulled over to inquire as to their cycling services. I met Jonathan and his partner Anastasiia Chub, a talent in her own right. She manages the day to day operations and creative aspect of the business

I haven’t regretted it!

As an avid cyclist, I’m more than excited to share this business with all New York cyclists, as Jonathan and Anastasiia have been a life saver several times in our short friendship.

Jonathan, learned everything mechanically to do with cycling and quickly learned the cycling industry. “Working in one of Northern Germany’s busiest shops was a fantastic experience. Throughout the years my passion for cycling grew and I knew it was finally time to make this idea come true. I wanted to bring that experience from Germany here to New York”. Cycle Haus was born.

DTM: Tell us your background and where you are from?

CH: I am a native New Yorker. In 2012 I moved to Germany for 3 years and ended up
working in a friend’s bike shop, a friend who turned into family. He taught and showed
me everything mechanically and on the business end of the cycling industry. Working in
one of Northern Germany’s busiest shops was a fantastic experience.

DTM: How long have you been cycling?

CH: I have been cycling since my childhood. My mom used to take me and my friends on
bike rides to Far Rockaway, parks and beaches. I even remember taking my bicycle late
night to go play soccer with my friends at Pier 40 – Fun times.

DTM: When did this idea come to you to create a mobile cycling shop and why?

CH: Throughout the years my passion for cycling grew and I knew it was finally time to make this idea come true. I wanted to bring excellent experience from Germany, here, to New York. After searching for a storefront and realizing that everything is way overpriced,
that our customer base would be limited to a particular area – I thought why not to go
mobile and be able to help as many people as I can.

DTM: What are some of the comments you’re hearing from your current clients?

CH: Our customers love convenience, that they don’t have to get out of their house, carry
bikes to the shop and wait for weeks to pick it up. We get most jobs done on the spot,
while clients spend time with their family or don’t get interrupted at their job. Also, a lot
of customers noticed that we are cheaper than their local bike shop, which I am happy
with since my goal is to bring cycling culture up in New York City closer to how it is in
Europe.

DTM: What do you want all New Yorkers to know about your business?

CH: We bring a fully equipped bike shop to your door or wherever you are on your bike ride. Now you can have your own support team whether you ride for the breeze, the fitness, the transportation or the suffering of it all – Cycle Haus will be by your side.

DTM: How do we find you or rather how do you find us?

Just Google us. We are always on the go and a lot of times our customers send
“spotted” pictures of the van on the streets to us. That’s funny, this is a small world.

DTM: Are your prices less expensive than going into a brick and mortar cycle shop?

CH: I would say – Yes. We are less expensive than other shops in the New York area, based
on our customers’ feedback.

A)DTM: Do you feel you’re in competition with the cycle shops?

CH: No, I do not. I do not like to look at it as a competition. We are all passionate about
cycling and are always looking to help grow the cycling community. There are more
than 8 million people in the New York City area and a single shop cannot service them
all.

DTM: What other items or services can I purchase from you or is it just for a quick
fix?

CH: You can purchase everything from nutritions, bar tape to freshen up your ride, a bicycle to cruise around town and all the way to a cycling support team that will keep your bike running, give you a boost over a hill, fuel you up, so you can ride further, faster and
longer.

DTM: What do you love about Cycling?

CH: The freedom it gives you.

DTM: Have you seen an increase or decrease in business since COVID-19?

CH: I have seen an increase in business for sure. I have a lot of calls from essential
workers, many of which understand the risk and do not wish to take public transportation,
that’s why first responders are always my first priorities. Also, sadly to say, I see that
people are stuck at home, can’t get their routine in and are looking for alternative
opportunities – finding their bicycles in their garages stuck for years and trying to get
some exercise in. That is why I get most of the calls today and am working some days
until midnight, trying to squeeze everyone in, to help as many people I can.

Cyclists, when you are on the road no matter where in New York, and you find yourself in need of a bike fix, pick up your phone and dial 516.412.9847.

Fashion Featured Lifestyle News Wellness

Getting Around NYC Efficiently: Are You Ready to Commute by Bike?

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date December 24, 2019

Something very interesting happens in New York City every morning. Thousands of affluent professionals, many of whom are wealthy executives, ride their bicycles to work. Despite the fact that they could easily afford to drive a Bentley, they actually choose to ride a bike. What exactly is going on here?

Well, daily commuting in New York City can be challenging, tiresome, and even dangerous in some situations. The fact is, many wise business people have realized that riding a bike is the most reliable and efficient way to get to work. You can search for the best commuter bikes recommended by Pedallers

Cycling vs Other Commuting Methods

There are so many factors that make almost every form of transportation a hassle in NYC. However, after a brief comparison of the perils involved with each, you’ll find that cycling is generally the most reliable and preferable, particularly in scenarios that involve typical commuting distances of less than 5 miles. Here’s a rundown of cycling versus other commuting methods:

Bike vs Personal Vehicle – If you choose to drive your own car, then you have to contend with the absurdly crowded traffic, inflated NYC gas prices, and extreme parking difficulty in many places. Cycling might seem physically difficult, but many commuters have started using electric bicycles like these EMOJO bikes to reduce or eliminate the burden of pedaling. So, in a way, it’s sort of like a one-person, slow-moving automobile that can go more places than a vehicle can.
Bike vs Public Transportation – If you opt for public transportation, you have to deal with unexpected delays, crowding, a complete lack of privacy and the possibility of sitting next to an odorous derelict, violent criminal, or anyone else that fate happens to throw your way. You don’t have to share your bike with other passengers and conform to routes & schedules.
Bike vs Taxi or Rideshare Cab – Taxi cabs and rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are options, but then you’re dependent on the timely arrival of the driver, and even if they pick you up on time, you could still wind up stuck in traffic in the back of a cab or Uber long enough to make you late for work.

Ultimately, the best way to get around New York City is to use an electric bike. For traveling longer distances, use a rideshare app to get within biking distance.

Electric Bike + Rideshare is the Formula

Taking an electric bike with you in an Uber or Lyft ensures that you’ll never be completely stuck in traffic jams because you can always hop out and bike the rest of the way. An electric bike also makes it easier to get from one stop or station to another if you choose to go the public transportation route, so it’s a compatible accessory to every form of commuting. Of course, make sure you choose a rideshare driver who has a bike rack.

Other Perks of Commuting on a Bike

By now, you should be thoroughly convinced that riding a bike to work is the smartest move in many scenarios, especially for people who live within a few-mile radius of their job. As an added benefit, it’s also great for the environment and it’s better for your health than sitting stagnant in a vehicle, train, or bus. Even if you choose to ride an electric bike, you still have the option of pedaling when you want to, so your bike can also be used as a tool for exercise. Additionally, studies have proven that boosting blood flow raises alertness and improves cognitive performance, so you’ll arrive at your job feeling ready to tackle the day after a morning bike ride.

Tags apps, Biking, city life, Commuting, cycling, electric bikes, emojo bikes, Public Transportation, Ride share, Transportation, uber, Vehicle