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2014 Faraday's Guide to Living Well on a Bicycle

Posted on December 19, 2014 by Bridget Duffy | 1 Comment

The holiday spirit has been overflowing at Faraday HQ this year. We were delighted to be featured in a variety of holiday gift guides and we had a jolly time pouring over the latest in high tech gadgets, outdoor gear and fashion. While it may be a a bit late in the shopping game, it got us thinking…what is the ultimate wish list for a Faraday rider? So we polled the office, and without further ado we bring you our cycling chic wish list. From the casual cruiser to the fervent commuter, we think we found a little something for everyone.

For the Stocking Stuffer - Adam/ Founder & CEO/ Portland Native

This is what happens when your company's founder is from Portland, OR. Adam couldn't help but include The Athletic's classic PDX airport sock. So bad, it's good.

For the Coffee Enthusiast - Jim / Electrical Engineer / Resident coffee expert

Coffee lovers? Who are we kidding, what real cyclist doesn’t love coffee. This single origin coffee package from Heart Roasters in Portland, OR has everything you need to impress even the the most discerning coffee enthusiasts.

For the Serious Rider-Hugo / Mechanical Engineer/ Man of many tools

No cyclist worth her salt should be without a tool kit - and this compact steel version by Brooks England is top notch. Containing several Allen keys, a wrench and screw drivers, it is ideal for on-the-move repairs. Wrapped neatly in leather, this set can be stowed in your backpack or a jacket pocket without snaring or adding weight

For the City Bike Commuter - Peter / Operations/ Newly minted road riding enthusiast

Fashionable enough to wear into the office but built for performance, Rapha never disappoints with great looking & functional cycling gear. The track jacket is designed to keep you toasty on the bike so you can ride in style year round.

For the Casual Commuter - Victor/ Customer Experience Manager/ Resident SF city riding expert

In the land of ‘California casual’ a good pair of jeans are worth their weight in gold. Add some spandex to help increase mobility and reflective accents, now you have a daily staple. True to the name, the Betabrand Bike to Work denim is the perfect choice for logging some miles on the way to the office.

For the Night Rider- staff pick

Our friends at RevoLights have officially launched their award winning lighting system designed to fit our 26” wheels perfectly. For commuters braving the season of darkness or frequent night riders, there is no safer way to ride than with Revo Lights. You will be the envy of the bike lane.

For the Shoe Lover - Victor / Battery Engineer / Office organizational guru

Leave it to the dutch to design the perfect cycling shoe. They know how to perfectly orchestrate a morning commute so there is no surprise that their riding shoes go perfectly with your Brooks' leather saddle.

For those Needing a Sunny Getaway - staff pick

We are suckers for accessories that scream handmade in California. Not only are the sunglasses made from real wood, they inspire you to head to a warm climate asap.

For the Faraday Lover- staff pick

There's no better gift for the Faraday enthusiast than our limited edition Faraday bag from Rickshaw Bagworks. Handmade in San Francisco, this classic backpack is the perfect compliment to the Porteur. Our favorite details include the laptop sleeve, custom Faraday print lining, splash-proof zippers & sneaky side zipper access to all your goodies.

Hope you enjoyed our holiday wish list from rainy San Francisco. Let us know if there is anything we missed! You can write us at info@faradaybikes.com or find us on social @faradaybikes . Thanks for reading & happy holidays!

Posted in gift guides, holidays

Celebrating the Holidays with Anthropologie

Posted on December 15, 2014 by Bridget Duffy | 0 Comments

'Tis the season for celebrating and this year we have plenty to celebrate. While an electric bike may be a little tough to hide under the tree we are delighted to see the Faraday Porteur on a number of holiday wish lists. From high tech to high fashion, electric bikes even top the list for professional athletes! It warms our heart to think that even the fittest of human beings need a little "boost mode" every once in a while.

Now it is our turn to spread the holiday cheer. To celebrate our first catalog appearance we will be raffling off a $300 shopping spree to our favorite whimsical retailer, Anthropologie. Just sign up for the Faraday newsletter between now and January 15th and you are entered to win. The winner will be notified via e-mail & announced online on January 15th, 2015.

Happy happy holidays and happy riding to all!

*Don’t worry, we are too busy building bikes to spam you. Winner will be drawn January 15, 2015, please see complete rules.

Posted in anthropologie, gift guides, give-away, holidays, press

5 uses for an Electric Bike during the Holidays

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Bridget Duffy | 1 Comment

When most people think of bike riding they don’t think of winter as the premier riding season. Think again! If you were planning on tucking your bike away for the holidays, think twice - there are plenty of reasons why an electric bike is a holiday hero.

1. “The Errand runner” : the holidays are a time of eating, drinking, gathering and forever running trips to get that one last thing you forgot at the store. Instead of risking your sanity to brave the mall or the grocery store parking lot during peak shopping hours enlist your trusty electric bike to shop for that one last spice to make the perfect dessert. Nothing feels better than pedaling past the gridlock for front door parking at all your favorite local spots.

2. “The Family Entertainer” : Do you have a horde of relatives you need to entertain? In need of an activity to get folks out of the house and keep them occupied? Hello electric bike demo rides! Since less than 1% of the population has ever ridden an electric bike you can ‘wow’ them with their first e-bike ride and send them up the biggest hill they can find.

3. “The Calorie Burner”: Turkey comma or holiday cookie overload? A leisurely post meal pedal around the neighborhood can keep you active in the midst of a busy season of delicious temptations. Not only is the motor useful when you are stuffed but you don’t have to subject yourself to the full spandex kit. Even with Boost Mode, a little exercise goes a long way this time of year.

4. “The Holiday Tour Vehicle” : One of the best kept riding secrets are neighborhood night rides. There is no better way to check out the neighborhood’s lights then bundled up on a bike. You are going fast enough to cover some ground and generate a little internal heat but slow enough to appreciate everyone’s decorations. Perfect family activity or romantic evening for those long winter nights. Plus, with your Faraday's integrated lighting, you're part of the festivities!

5. “Santa’s Helper” : Looking to spread the holiday cheer around your neighborhood? Load up your front rack with goodies, attach the kids trailer for your little helpers and throw some decorations on your bike for added flair. A great excuse to visit neighbors and friends while you introduce them to Santa’s new, environmentally-friendly delivery vehicle. After all, spreading cheer and spending time with your loved ones is what the holidays are all about.

Posted in fun, holidays, utility