COMMUTER SPOTLIGHT

Vince Rhino

For me, cycling has always been more than getting point A to point B. It opened up the opportunities to foster new relationships and experience new things. From meeting different people, and sharing memorable moments together to opening doors to earn a living.

Throughout my life I’ve realized a regular 9 to 5 lifestyle doesn't work out for everybody. Some people are non-conformists. They like to make money on their own time, and for myself as a bike messenger allows one to do that.

Don't shoot the messenger? I always took that literally, because you typically don't know what you're carrying. So I always make it a point to get there as fast as I can. that’s true freedom; being able to ride your bike, experience new things, and just take everything in.

COMMUTER SPOTLIGHT

Stephanie Sterling

In my role as Chief Infectious Disease Epidemiologist at NYU, I found myself face to face with a devious, deadly opponent in Covid 19—an invisible enemy bearing little resemblance to anything previously seen. When I was asked to lead a new vaccine research clinic, I said yes, immediately—then bought a bike to commute to work.

Before the pandemic, cycling was non-existent in my life. Once the pandemic hit, cycling became my lifeline. Through commuting I quickly realized how much fun one can have on the bike. And cycling came to represent a new kind of freedom.

COMMUTER SPOTLIGHT

Kevin Hubsmith

When I wake up on a ride day, what I'm thinking about is that I can go out before anyone is awake, and see the city empty. It's a feeling of comfort, riding the fixie in the city. I can just match my pedal stroke with the cars to create a real connection with the bike. On a fixed gear, you're never not connected to the bike. It's one and one. If you're moving your legs. It moves. You stop. It stops. That feeling creates a sense of freedom for me.

One of the things that people don't know about me, and don't see when they look at me, is that I also have my own struggles with mental health. This is important, because I don't think people see "me" when they see "mental health". Being able to share my story frees me. It’s that same freedom that I feel on my bike, I’m able to share my story for the first time.

COMMUTER SPOTLIGHT

The Gentry's

We have three kids, and they learned to ride their bikes in the city, on the sidewalk, with all the cabs and buses riding around. Bikes for us is an adventure. Exploring the city together as a family takes it to the next level, and turns a stroll into a city escape.

Riding, especially during COVID, is a community experience. People are happy to be together, in the same space, doing the same thing. Even if you have no idea who each other is, it feels like there’s camaraderie for commuters. Even more so, seeing our kids racing around, it always brings some laughter and some competition.

Getting to ride more as a family, made us feel like we were really connected with a community, while still staying safe.

Express MIPS

From busy city streets to night rides across town, the Smith Express MIPS® bike helmet is all-in when it comes time to ride. The advanced angled impact protection of MIPS® and a clean, minimalist design will let you go anywhere two wheels will take you with the protection you want.

Get the perfect fit with the easy turn of a dial and pop on the visor for those sunny days. Reflective straps give you extra visibility any time of day, and for a boost, snap in the rear light to really let yourself be seen.

Express

Whether it is a grocery run, a Saturday of cruising, or the daily commute, the Smith Express helmet pairs a lightweight design with a clean, minimalist style you’ll want to wear.

Vents keep the air flowing as you ride letting you arrive at your destination feeling fresh. Fine tune your fit with the quick turn of a dial, and reflective stitching on the chin straps will give you a boost of visibility in low light.