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Let me start by saying that historically I am not that good on human-powered modes of transportation like bikes, skateboards, or scooters; however, it’s more of an anxiety thing than a bike / skateboard / scooter aversion. Take the recently popularized motorized scooters for example. They go WAY to fast for my liking and I get nervous when there are a lot of people around / thinking that I will accidentally crash it into another person. It is likely a lack of control thing… which is probably why I don’t enjoy skiing. All that to say, I have come a LONG WAY in the bike department and might even say it is something I enjoy now. Don’t worry - I’m fine with cars ;)

Retrospec Beaumont Step-Thru City Bike 7s in Blush (c/o) | Retrospec CM-1 Commuter Helmet in Matte White (c/o) | Madewell Sweater | Madewell Jeans (c/o) | Veja Sneakers | Aerie Sunglasses

Since moving to Los Angeles, Nick and I have spent a lot more time outdoors. With the pandemic and all that 2020 has brought, we have gravitated even more towards nature, as that is pretty much all we have been able to do. We are actually super thankful to be in a place where we are just a short bike ride away from the beach or a quick drive to a hike. It has made this year more bearable to say the least.

Nick has a longboard, but that’s not really my jam. During this summer, we were thinking of more things we could do outside together besides just walking and bikes came to mind! We were not the only ones to consider bikes though, as most that we looked at were very low in stock or completely sold out. It’s no wonder though. Biking is a great form of exercise. It is low impact, so it is easy on your body. It’s also an easy form of socially distant fun. I started looking into bikes and researching options and kept coming back to Retrospec.

Y’all know I love when a great product is combined with a good story and Retrospec is just that. They say necessity is the mother of invention and that’s how Retrospec came to be. Founded in 2008 by Ely Khakshouri, Retrospec was the answer to expensive and time intensive road bikes that Ely noticed on the campus of USC while attending. He decided to build quality bikes for a cuter price ;) Okay it is me who says its a cuter price and that is because it’s true! The bikes are so nice, but are cheaper than what you’d think they’d be sold for. The traditional retail for the bikes you see here is around $300+, but Retrospec sells then for around $250. To be quite frank, I’ve seen some 7 speed models (what our bikes are) at Costco pushing $350 and they are not near as nice as these Retrospec bikes!! All that to say, Retrospec bikes are really nice, along with being really budget friendly.

So what did we think of our bikes? Long story short, we love them! I have the Beaumont Step-Thru City Bike 7 speed in blush. It only comes in one size (42 cm) and honestly it is perfect for me. For reference, I am 5’ 7.5”. Nick got the Beaumont City Bike 7 speed in matte olive drab, size Large / 58 cm. For reference, he is 6’ 3”. His is a great fit as well!

Retrospec Beaumont City Bike 7s (c/o) | Everlane Bomber Jacket | Everlane T-Shirt | Mott and Bow Jeans (c/o) | Nike Sneakers | Raynban Sunglasses

The bikes come with some assembly required. It is pretty straightforward, Nick says. He put them together for us ;) There were a couple parts where I helped him by holding a piece straight or so, but I helped very minimally. If you don’t want to or don’t have time to put the bike together yourself, I’m sure you could take it to a local bike shop for assistance. We actually plan on taking our bikes into a shop when we get back in town from holiday to have them tuned and such. Retrospec actually recommends this to make sure everything looks good. It also increases the longevity of the bike! Think of it as taking your car into to the body shop for an oil change. You do it to take care of the car! Same thing.

Don’t forget about bike safety! Nick already had a helmet - though he pretends he is Tony Hawk and doesn’t buckle it. I didn’t have one and opted for one of Retrospec’s! They are as great as the bikes. Mine is the CM-1 Commuter Helmet in matte white. My head circumference is 23”, so I got the size medium and it fits well.

On the same safety note, the bikes also have reflective lights and bells to alert those around you!

If you’re needing a last minute holiday gift or maybe want to gift yourself something for the new year, we would highly recommend Retrospec. And hey, if you aren’t into bikes, they also make skateboards, paddleboards, and more. Youth sized product too! They have free shipping, a return window of 50 days, and offer the ability to pay over 3, 6, or 12 months with Affirm versus all at once. A Retrospec product is a great investment for yourself or a loved one.

Brb, gotta go ride ;) Catch me outside - how about that!

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