Shopcast

With the arrival of our first 2013 Brompton models to the shop, copies of the all-new Brompton catalog have begun to trickle in to the store. If you've been considering a Brompton for a while now, why not take the leap this year? An extended demo ride is a great way to learn how this little folder from across the pond would fit into your life, and our demo fleet is better than ever. Call the shop at 612-827-8000 to find out more about checking out a demonstrator bike for a 24-hour period. Three demonstrators are available including a superlight M6LX in Apple Green, an H6L in Pink and White, and a brand-new S2LX equipped with a Brooks B17 Special and Eazy wheels, also with Titanium extremities. All three bikes are spec'd with Telescopic Seatposts to allow for the maximum range of fit for riders of all heights.

Below are just a few of the improvements you can expect on a 2013 Brompton bicycle. And, for those of you who've already put in a number of miles on a now well-loved Brommie, we're pleased to say that 2013 replacement parts are beginning to arrive at the shop as well. For those looking to catch a deal, select pre-2013 parts are on sale while supplies last in store and at PerennialCycle.com.

All 2013 bikes will be built with a new double-wall Brompton rim

Brompton's Kevlar tires (I mean tyres...) have changed from black and grey to all-black

A newly designed aluminum brake lever with improved ergonomics, materials, and finishing

Updated, more consistent finishes on a number of parts

An improved Busch and Müller LED headlamp makes for an upgraded Shimano dynamo package

For more information about how these changes add to the Brompton experience, stop in to the shop for a test ride or give us a ring.

p.s. We're excited for 2013 for another great reason: the Brompton US Championship will return to Minneapolis this summer and we are once again the grateful hosts of the event. As for details? Hold tight. We've set the date along with Open Streets Minneapolis—Sunday, June 23 is the date to remember. Shopcast readers, Facebook fans, Twitter followers, and newsletter subscribers will be the first to know when registration opens. Spring is almost here, so in the mean time... get on that Brompton and ride! And, while you're resting from your training regimen, read up on race strategy at the newly launched bromptonuschampionship.com.

There's still time to shop before the Holiday Season is through! Here are a few last-minute ideas for the Bike Commuter in your life. Below you'll find a mix of new products, old favorites, top-selling items this fall, and a few gift ideas from nearby local shops.

1 - Super Shield Gloves

2 - Commuter Combo Light Set, including the Urban 200 front light and the Vis 180 Micro tail light from Light and Motion

3 - A small saddle bag like this one from Gilles Berthoud is the perfect place to stash a few essential tools for flat changes on the fly

4 - For any Minneapolitan commuter, a Winter Maintenance Membership from Perennial Cycle is a gift of piece of mind that will keep the bike commuter in your life rolling with whatever our Minnesota winter throws our way, now through March 31, 2013!

5 - A 2012 must-read for any bike commuter, The Enlightened Cyclist by Bike Snob NYC is available through Magers and Quinn and at ROAM Interiors on Hennepin.

6 - Ortlieb's waterproof Pelican is the perfect commuting bag for any weather.

7 - Minoura iH-400-OS Phone Grip with Clamp

8 - 3Wrencho from PDW

9 - Give the gift of added safety with a high-visibility reflective vest with a long tail designed especially for cyclists.

10 - A sturdy pair of MN-made Red Wing shoes for him or for her.

11 - Who knows bike commuting better than the Dutch? The Mirte Shopper, designed in the Netherlands by Basil Bags, makes a great commuting bag and is especially handy for running errands by bike.

12 - The Giro Reverb Helmet was named one of Oprah's Favorite things this year and is a great fit for any commuter.

13 - Rema Patch Kit

14 - No bell has a more classic sound than the Riten Rotary Bell from Crane.

15 - MN Loves Bikes 12.5x12.5 print, available locally at Forage Modern Workshop or online from the Aesthetic Apparatus design team. An added bonus: this print fits in an inexpensive record album frame.

Last week we were all about gifts for Dad. Naturally, Mom comes next! Maybe she's into road races. Maybe she's a commuter. Maybe she loves the ease of skipping traffic and running errands by bike. Either way, tell her how special she is with a dash of red, silver, green, and gold. For more ideas for Mom (or Grandma, Aunt Sue, or your lovely wife), stop in for a chat! We'd love to help you find something that will bring a smile to her face.

1 - Linus Headlamp

2 - Chain Bracelet made in Oregon from up-cycled bike chains by Resource Revival

3 - Basil's Bottle Basket, available in three additional colors

4 - Simi Mini Dots helmet from Nutcase

5 - Fly T by local designers Twin Six

6 - The Loop Pannier from Chicago's Po Campo, available in a choice of colors and waterproof fabrics.

7 - Key Chain Loop from Russell & Hazel, available at their flagship store on 44th and France in Minneapolis.

8 - Black Chocolate Honey Bon Bons from local maker Mademoiselle Miel, available at the Walker Shop and at Surdyk's.

9 - Make it a memorable holiday! Bring home the Boda Boda and up your car-light cred with this groovy cargo cruiser.

10 - Soma Pocket Square Multi-tool... never leave home without it!

11 - For a special gal with discerning tastes and a lot of miles behind (and ahead of!) her, the B17 S Select is handmade from extra tough, organic leather by the one and only Brooks of England.

12 - Tandem Bicycle Red Christmas Tree Bike Ornament made by Utah-based Kate Daisy and team.

13 - New from Crane, a hand-painted Suzu Bell makes a unique gift.

14 - Help her stay cozy with a hand-dyed scarf by Minneapolis' own Martha McQuade of Scarf-Shop. Catch Martha in person (and say hello to Kristy from The Beez Kneez) at this weekend's Last Minute Handmade gift market.

For Dad, for your partner, for Grandpa... we all have at least one especially distinguished fellow on our lists. Here are a few ideas we hope will be helpful in letting him know you're thinking of him this holiday season. Whether he's a commuter, a gravel rider, or another sort of bicycle enthusiast, we've got you covered!

1 - Brooks Trouser Strap

2 - Ortlieb's Office Bag in Hazel

3 - New this year, Grant Petersen's Just Ride will help him cultivate the Un-Racer within. Grab your copy, and a copy for Dad at Magers and Quinn, just down the road from Perennial Cycle.

4 - Nothing sounds better than classic brass. Crane's Suzu Bell is one of our (and your) favorites.

5 - Abus Steel O Chain

6 - Carradice Zip Roll, available in green with honey or black with creamy-white leather detailing.

7 - PDW's Bar-Ista, the bottle holder of choice for toting your coffee along on the ride.

8 - Twin Six Deluxe Socks

9 - Always be prepared with a Crank Brothers 10 multi-tool

10 - The latest issue of Bicycle Quarterly magazine

11 - Surly's Junk Straps are a must-have in any tool bag

12 - Go West Jersey with pearl-button snaps from Club Ride

13 - Bottle Opener Keychain, made in Oregon from up-cycled bicycle parts.

14 - Local artist Redcruiser has outdone herself this year with a brand new 2013 Seasonal Beer and Food Pairings Calendar. These are selling fast, so check back if you don't see one available in the shop right this second... more are on the way!