TGIF: Special Edition Cycling Cap, Spring Sale & Le Tour de France

First look at our new embroidered cycling cap!

photo Red Dots Cycling

For us TGIF is the day that we realize ... it's Friday! And, where has the week gone?

We are moving closer to finishing our first crowdfunding perk. As I write the brims are on and I'm about to finish with the final threading. And good news! We decided to make a few more Special Edition caps and will put them in our website for purchase. That should happen within 24-48 hours!

I'm busy cutting and prepping more inner tubes for the upcoming new wallet. Some will go to fulfill the Le Domestique perk!

Our popular Spring Sale continues. That's right! We have slashed prices 25-40% off on most in-stock items, get them now... it's time!

I'm excited, it's 14 days and counting until the 100th edition of the Tour de France! It will start in Corsica on June 29th. Check out my cyclingart post for a Tour de France post.

Allez Tour!
100th Edition of the Tour starts June 29th!

Saying of the day...

Image from the Tour du Suisse...

David Millar, stage 2.
via Castelli Cycling

Have a good Friday!

Richard

Planning a Rubber Week

This is what 100's of clean and cut recycled bike inner tubes

look like...

 ready for sewing!

photo: Red Dots Cycling

Friday was spent, and I mean I was spent afterwards-cutting and cleaning 100's of recycled, bike inner tubes.

We're getting set for another run for La Piccola Wallets! Part of these tubes will go to fulfill the Special Edition Wallet Perks from our recent crowdfunding project. It's a messy affair with these tubes. They are now in prep stage waiting for the sewing stage. Next, we will pick out fabric designs, that's the fun part.

Our rubber week production is planned for early June, looking forward to it!

Richard

Piccolo Pouch: Peace Out

Peace out

photos: Red Dots Cycling

Our piccolo pouch is what we consider an important piece of kit.

If not for the flashy and fun inside fabrics it's a strong little pouch to keep your valuables safe.

Before I go for a ride I make sure I have my essentials; cell phone, ID, coffee money, tools and bandages (you never  know). It's durable and water repellent made from recycled bike rubber inner tubes. We made it not bulky and fits in the palm of your hand for easy access into your rear jersey pocket. The natural grippiness of rubber helps keep it firm, safe in the back of your cycling jersey pocket.

Our pouches are one-of-a-kind, we like to keep it this way so you can have the only unique design.

We just posted the Peace and Love Piccolo Pouch and is now available.

 Handy and it fits in the palm of your hand!

TGIF: NO January Blues.

Flemish Winter Wool Cap,

by Red Dots Cycling.

January is remarkably busy for us.

The month is usually a time for us to reaccess and plan for new products for the upcoming year. Now, our work table is full-on for more wholesale custom cap orders. In fact, we just finished and shipped off a batch of cool custom caps to the US. A detailed post upcoming.

We received a unique request to make our Flemish wool winter cap into a ...summer cap. That's a new one for us, that means no ear flap. It's unusual. But, it makes us think there may be a demand for a warmer cap without ear flap. This could be a cap for next Autumn.

After our last craft show, in December, the attention grabber for us is that our winter cycling caps are  a fashion accessory. A young woman, not a cyclist, enthusiastically purchased the Red Hunting cap for about town. Many women bought our winter caps based on the design. It's made to be stylish to walk around town, warm and comfortable to keep that rain/snow out of your eyes. Our winter caps are popular with dog owners.

You may have notice the price has increased on all of our recycled inner tube products. After evaluating our products and the long hours of preparing and producing we can now confidently enter the wholesale market. In fact, we shipped off our fun rubber products to a US sportswear company. Again, a detail post upcoming.

We are planning our upcoming new 3-season caps with new fabric and colors. And, we will be working on some old favorites; to all the folks that have requested some of our popular caps from last season... have patience, they will return!


Have a fun Friday!

500 Recycled Bike Inner Tubes, and Counting!

Back from the local bike shop

with raw tubes and with plenty of hard work we turn

it into...

We realized that we have passed the 500th recycled bike inner tube used in our popular rubber products. That's a milestone.

When we first started Red Dots Cycling, we thought it would be fun to use re-cycled material for our products.

The reality is when it comes to fabric, many companies are already making garments out of re-cycled fabric. In fact, it's difficult to find and if you can find the material it's usually not fit to make a cycling cap. We tried to make caps out of old denim, suitings and shirts. It was fun to make but not a reliable source of fabric to build our cycling cap business. The only option is to purchase new fabrics, pre-wash before making cycling caps.

There must be another plentiful, re-cycled material to use?

Richard requested a pouch to hold keys, money and tools on his rides.

So, we came up with the idea of rubber bike inner tubes from bike stores. A sustainable practice that makes sense. We are happy and proud to be using re-cycled bike inner tubes  that would be destined for a long time in the landfill. But, it requires a lot of work to get it, secure it, wash it, cut, and produce. Many companies have approached us for our rubber inner tube products to sell in their stores.

We looked long and hard and having sold our products for the last two years at a low price it was time for a price change. We are thankful it's a free material. When Richard returns with bags full there are often surprises. It does come from a bike shop and it's always dirty or really dirty. We often find rust, oil, grease, and that annoying no-flat goo to prevent flats. And of course that allergic white powder inside every tube. What this means, there is many hours of prep before we go into production. Cleaning that is!

So, this is why we have raise the price of our popular inner tube products to cover our costs and time. They are all one of a kind, fun, well-made and now available in many stores in Manchester UK, Ontario and Oregon!

... fun, innovative products!

A Fun Affair... The Women's Winter Faire.

Our famous selling Scuola!

Red Dots Cycling

When it comes to our cycling caps, I work with cyclists. I was so happy to discover, after this past weekend's Women's Winter Faire, that people love to wear our winter caps to stay warm and fashionable walking around town. They are not only for cycling.

Before the show, Richard and I wasn't sure if the Scuola Pouch would be an item for us to continue producing. It wasn't selling as well as the other items and we wanted to introduce new rubber products. After this weekend, I'm having doubts. People were going crazy and in love with the Scuola pouch. Before Sunday, I had to take seven Scuola's off from our website. Well, they sold and now I have only two left. We will decide soon whether it returns, perhaps with a glass of wine to make the decision process easier.

It was a pleasant surprise for me to see so many Francophone vendors. My friend Helene, Chicachicdesign, was a vendor and ceramic artist, Micheline Claret of L'Atelier De Poterie. I learned that Micheline and her partner, Jean-Marie is retiring after 40 years producing beautiful ceramic pieces. Sadly, this was their last craft show. I could not help myself and bought two wonderful coffee mugs. I wish Micheline and Jean-Marie a happy retirement.

This was my first show by myself. It was an interesting show. In fact, the 19th edition and the organizers are already talking of a huge 20th anniversary show for next year.

I had fantastic response for my knit wear, almost selling out. That means, I'll have the extra money to buy lots and lots of yarn.

Thanks to Pat and all the volunteers for making this show a success, I plan to return next December!

Jean-Mariee & Micheline

The perfect stocking stuffer: Piccolo & La Piccola

Just one example of our new Piccolo Pouch...
fun and colorful!

As Christmas is nearing we have more Piccolo Pouches and La Piccola wallets to make as the perfect stocking stuffer.

Go ahead and check out our new fun designs because everyone deserves one of these practical recycled rubber inner tube products!

Good Karma Harris Tweed SmartPhone

Our new SmartPhone Wallet.

As promised, here's a sneak peak of our new SmartPhone Wallet...

We'd like to thank ilSoigneur for the 'good karma' Harris Tweed Wool. There's a bit of Harris Tweed love in each of them. They have a zipper to close your valuables safely and the slip pocket to keep your smartphone nice and cozy. Today was a good day... we sold quite a few.

For now, the Good Karma Harris Tweed SmartPhone is only available at our craft shows!

TGIF: Make it Time!

Richard's CyclingArt prints are available at the show!

This is day 2 of Make it!

We invite you over to the Croatian Centre, Vancouver. Our handmade cycling caps and rubber inner tube products are available. The show opens at 11 AM - 9 PM. Our booth is 121 and we are located in Room A. You can't miss us just look for the glowing 'bike' sign!

See our new limited edition SmartPhone Wallet! That's right ...exclusive to the show, perfectly fits the new iPhone, Blackberry and Samsung phones. It's our posh wallet lined with Harris Tweed Wool. And, most likely to fit other phones. Come on over and try out your phone.

Also, Richard's unique CyclingArt Prints and postcards will be available... a perfect christmas gift for the discerning cycling fan!

Skank it up on the SKA Piccola Wallet

You're Welcome, Jam...

Skank it up!

It all started with a request on making a custom SKA cycling cap.

Ska: A music genre from Jamaica in the 1950s. Characterized with heavy moving bass it's popular with the 1960s British Mods.

Jam from the UK was looking for a special SKA cycling cap. We loved the idea! And there's a cool tie-in of the chequered pattern of the 70s-80s Peugeot cycling teams.

We had problems finding the chequered pattern fabric... it was a quest. After trying many suppliers we did come up with a small supply and introduce a limited edition SKA-licious cap. Jam asked us to produce a SKA La Piccola wallet and we did have enough fabric to make him two.

It sure was fun to Skank it up with Jam!

SKA-licious Cycling Cap.

Richard

TGIF: New Wallets/Pouches, Francophone Women's Entrepreneur & Shipping to Malaysia

New La Piccola's and Piccolo's!

Last evening I had a wonderful opportunity to present Red Dots Cycling at the Vancouver Francophone Women's Entrepreneur monthly meeting. It was a success, in front of an enthusiastic group of 30 business women. I started off the meeting with my 10 minute presentation and shared, quite proudly, with our recent success in Bicycling Magazine. I was the intro of the evening with the main portion following about how and why to build your business with LinkedIn. I'm grateful to go to the monthly meetings and it's important for me because I learn important business tips/strategies  and it also keeps my French alive!


Here's an update on our rubber madness week...

It's almost at the end and with the help of the blue monster sewing machine we will be ready for November's Make It Show in Vancouver! Everyone loves a deal... here's a link on how to receive $1 off admission! Hope to see you there!


We have tons of new La Piccola wallet designs ready and especially a special Skull custom design. We plan to have new wallets/pouches sometime up on the website by the end of next week.


We are becoming more global...

Today, we are shipping two winter caps to Malaysia... a first for us!


Have a great Friday everybody!

Carolle

We'll be ready!

Hope to see you there!

TGIF: Rubber Madness & Joong

First phase: cutting 

La Piccola Wallets.

When most of us are thinking of Halloween, we are knee-deep in preparing for Christmas!

This is the first part of our 'Rubber Madness', preparing for the Blue Monster sewing machine that will be with us starting tomorrow. The above image is a numerous amount of La Piccola Wallets in the first phase of cutting.

In preparation for Rubber Madness, Carolle decided to make Joong, a Chinese delicacy of sweet rice wrapped in banana leaves. I'm proud of her as she is probably the only non-asian, Quebecoise that knows how to make this delicacy. I'll bet my last penny on this. It takes a few hours to prepare but once ready takes minutes to cook and makes a delicious lunch. I'll help her with the prep, so check out Carolle's post on ...Joong.

Have a great Friday!

The Return of the Blue Monster

To ramp up our rubber inner tube production, we will also introduce a brand new product...

This weekend is the return of the Blue Monster sewing machine!

Stay tune for the continuing adventures as we sew our way through the rubber inner tube jungle with the help from the Blue Monster...

And, we will endeavour to save as many used inner tubes from the evil landfill!

Fun & Practical: New La Piccola Wallets

The new 'John Deere' inspired Piccola wallet

All photos: Red Dots Cycling

It's about two-years since we made our first La Piccola wallet...

When I first saw the finished product, it was a happy moment carefully crafted from upcycled rubber inner tubes and looking every bit the pragmatic wallet ...I always wanted. Gone are the days of using my old heavy leather wallet that looked more burdensome than practical. I have a wallet for the daily essentials; enough cards and some banknotes and nothing more. It's super light and fits in the palm of the hand comfortably. It's made of recycled rubber and from time to time it gets dirty, a good thing or bad? That's subjective. If it gets dirty just wipe it with a damp cloth. Or better yet, polish from time to time with a little Armor-all for the royal treatment. If you prefer the faded timeless look of aged rubber, leave it alone.

We sewn in fabric for two reasons: the full-on fun effect and cards are easy to grab.

Here's a few brand new and very practical La Piccola Wallets... enjoy!

Richard

Our Superman inspired Piccola Wallet.

Rubber Fetish: 3 Bags Full

...and 3 Bags Full!

We have a rubber fetish!

I just returned from Our Community Bikes where Jesse graciously provided us with an ample supply of free used inner tubes. We'll recycle it and do our part to keep this rubber out of the landfill. This important rubber inner tubes will go into our La Piccola Wallets, Piccolo Pouch and a new product (that's a secret).

We're busy making the Piccolo Pouch with new fun fabrics. This new supply of tubes will be put into good use. I'll start off by choosing the right tubes for production, then washing them and then the production stage. We want to be finish at the end of October and have products for our website and the upcoming Make It Show in November.

Jesse was the perfect host as he piled me with bag after bag, inviting me back if I run out. This may happen sooner than later.

We are proud and happy to work alongside OCB, a local community merchant. Many thanks to Jesse of Our Community Bikes for the used inner tubes!

TGIF: Zero at the Pumps, L'Enfer du Nord & Gray Matters!

Zero at the pumps!

Well, it's TGIF at Red Dots Cycling HQ and let's get started...


This week, we sent more of our fun and practical inner tube products to Keep Pedalling bike shop in Manchester UK. So, if you are in Manchester UK, go on in to say hi to Shona and Rich and pick up our Piccolo, La Piccola and Scuola re-cycle inner tube products!

Have a warm ride through Hell!

 L'Enfer du Nord winter cycling cap...

now available in two sizes!

Red Dots Cycling.

Our winter cycling caps are now available on our site and the Autumn Sale is going strong! In fact, L'Enfer du Nord is a customer favorite and now available in two sizes: Small/Medium and Medium/Large... have a warm ride through Hell!


Here's a wonderful image of a gentleman wearing one of our favorites; a Bianchi Pirelli wool jersey. A beautiful classic in light blue/white with the two-button front pocket and retro goggles... fantastic!

We're spreading the Etsy love by including, every Friday, a Treasury. To showcase the cool products in the Etsy Sphere this week... Gray Matters!


We at Red Dots Cycling support the bike as a simple, eco-friendly and fun way to get around. Gasoline prices seem to be going right through the roof, so give your car a rest and ride your bike... Have a good weekend!

Red Dots Around the World!

Red Dots around the world!

Monday started very well for us with packages of cycling caps and inner tube products going out around the world. We still get a kick when we ship to far away lands like China... A huge Thank You to our customers!

New Piccolos & Autumn Shift Festival

Sunny day in September!

SoMa (South Main) on the E 10th Ave bike lane.

Yesterday, Carolle and I enjoyed a leisurely stroll on Main Street for the 3rd Annual Autumn Shift Festival. It's one of two days in Mount Pleasant, Vancouver that is closed off to vehicular traffic. The other day is Car Free Day. It's fun with tap dancers, fashion show, music, mascots as dogs, and real dogs and folks selling all sorts of stuff. It's literally car free heaven and we like that.

Bamboo fixie frame with what appears to be a steel fork.

This guy was busy answering questions.

It was a beautiful warm Autumn day and we are convince that we will escape September without rain. Only two blocks long, it crosses the E 10th Ave bike route and we would like the City and the organizers to make it a weekly Summer ritual. The show has grown exponentially with more tents and activities. A fun neighborhood party!

Our new Pink Piccolo Pouch!

Today we have introduced six more of our wildly popular ...Piccolo Pouch! Check out the Piccolo's on our Etsy page. Perfect for a cell phone, ID, money, tools ...you name it. I always have one on my rides and it's made from recycled, reclaimed rubber inner tubes, that means it grips and stays put where it belongs...in your jersey pocket!

La Piccola Review on ibikedaily

 La Piccola Wallet

courtesy ibikedaily

What a busy run in to September...

Last month, CJ of ibikedaily.com contacted us expressing interesting in our La Piccola recycled inner tube wallet for an upcoming review.

ibikedaily is a very cool blog where CJ and staff review new bike gear essential for any cycling enthusiast.

We're so excited we sent CJ his own La Piccola wallet for review... Thank You ibikedaily!

Read it here.

Purchase La Piccola here
.

Recycled Rubber Labels

In the past, we tried many labels on our products.

It made sense to have something handmade.

My first thought, "How can I make my own labels in house?"

I experimented with many techniques and never happy with the results. I went online and came across custom made rubber labels. It was embossed rubber labels. It was extremely costly rubber labels. So, with all the recycled rubber I have ...what can I do with it?

In the last year, we've made all of our own labels using recycled rubber inner tubes. We heat press our logo on the rubber and sew the label onto each product.

Often, our customers don't realize we use recycled rubber inner tubes for our labels. It's obvious when our labels are on our rubber products, it's not so obvious when it's on our cycling caps.

Our customers are pleasantly surprised!

Carolle