I've been an avid fan of that other bottle manufacturer for years. Those polycarbonate bottles have taken some real abuse over the years and keep chugging along. Replacing them was like losing an old friend. But here's why I love the sleek new stainless steel water bottles from Kleen Kanteen:

1. No risk of BPA (or other plastics leaching into your body)
2. fully recyclable
   
3. fits in the bottle cage
4. just big enough for ice, but small enough to be lip worthy
5. dishwasher can't kill it
   

Simple, elegant, durable, safe. Klean Kanteen is a winner for grab and go hydration. You can get them in a growing variety of colors, but I like the standard silver bullet.

*don't toss your old bottles yet: consider using them for non-potable fluids, Fido's water, in the shop/garage, and road trip bladder emergencies*

buy it from Amazon HERE

The Alien DX 27 updates the original Alien (the Grandfather of all commuter ultra-tools). With 27 functions, it includes everything you need to make almost any repair to just about any kind of bicycle. From derailleur and brake adjustments to snapped chains, all are quickly addressed, allowing you to get back on the road to your destination faster than AAA.
There are plenty of imitators out there, but the Alien DX 27 shatters the laws of physics to pack in more tools than the closest competition. My personal favorite feature is the tool's ability to come apart into two pieces that can be used as tire levers. Even the plastic tool carrier joins the action, turning would be extra weight into extra utility. It's genius.

With an extra tube and the Alien and in your bag you can be sure you'll get home in time for dinner. When you get there, break it out one more time and use the included bottle opener to celebrate your preparedness.

The Topeak Alien DX 27 is available online for $36.59.

My mountain bike is my weekend heavy hauler. When you've got three shopping bags and a loaded backpack to lug from the market, the last thing you want is a flat tire slowing you down. These are my go-to tires for errand day.

At 2.3 inches wide, this rubber keeps the ride cushy the whole way home. The tread pattern is perfect for the bike lane, and the jaunt across gravel paths at the park.

Their design reminds me of old-school BMX tires, which really up their cool factor for looks as well as performance; they're smooth on the acceleration and absolutely stable in the turns. And they last a good while. I'm well into my eighth month with the pair I have, and I haven't yet come home with melted ice cream.

Daylight Savings is right around the corner. For me that means more rides home in the dark, a potentially dangerous situation in rush hour traffic. I've been looking for a reliable headlight that is a step up from the average. Enter the Stella 200L by Light and Motion, a multi-use 200 lumen lamp that provides a bright pattern of illumination for those last few miles past sunset. With up to 50 hour run-time from a four hour charge, it is one of the most efficient models in its price range.


You can order multiple mounts for it, for a second bike or if you prefer a lamp on your helmet. Light and Motion even manufactures a headstrap for this light which you can order from their company, allowing this lamp to serve double-duty on your next camping trip or rock-climbing outing. Light and Motion is an award-winning company that supports the efficient use of energy in its production as well as its full range of lights, allowing customers easy access to replacement lamps, batteries and parts.

The Stella 200L is available for $249.00 at Amazon. More info at Light & Motion.