carbon negative
begins
Why carbon(-) ? Most of us want to do the right thing and reduce our carbon footprint, but many transportation solutions out there have required sacrifices people don't want to make. We've always been 'green' as one of the top Vespa dealers in the USA, but transportation technology is evolving rapidly, and a Vespa isn't a perfect match for everyone.
To that end, carbon(-) is a unique new retail concept from the creators of Vespa Soho. Our job is to research, test, and select the best of the best. We're here to change the relationship between people and their city, aligning desire and expression with responsible citizenship. Join us in re-imagining one of our most basic human needs, transportation, with a focus on sustainability.
We'll be introducing our full website soon, featuring a complete line of products to equip yourself for a 'carbon negative' lifestyle.
Girard
in Greenpoint
Growing up on the Lower East Side of NYC, my first experience with bike riding was on a ten speed bike that belonged to my brother's super tall buddy and in tiny broken glass and garbage strewn "park" when I was 17. Needless to say, it was not a fun experience. So, when we got our first batch of bicycles at carbon(-), I was a bit nervous. But the moment I got on the Electra Amsterdam, I finally got that, "Whee, this is fun!" feeling. Not only did the bike fit me (finally), but it was a breeze to ride. The fact that I didn't have to worry about my trench getting caught in the wheels or getting dirty from road spatter was great. Can't wait to ride it all summer!
A2B
Metro
The Ultramotor A2B is by far the best electric bicycle we have tried - its the only reasonably priced product available in the US that has been designed from the ground up to be what it is: an electric moped. We don't want to cause confusion - Legally, the A2B is bicycle with all the advantages that come with it. Advantages like no drivers license, no registration, no parking tickets, bring it into your apartment, ride in all the great new bike lanes, etc.
However, Ultramotor did something very smart with the A2B, and built it to the limit of US bicycle law. That means the most powerful motor and top speed legally allowed (749 watts and 20mph). Functionally, the A2B has performance much more like the classic smoke spewing mopeds all the hipsters are riding around these days, but without the environmental poisoning, gas leaks, and 'adventures' like being stuck under the BQE hitting it with a rock trying to make it run. Silent, clean, and light enough to carry up a flight of stairs (72 lbs), the A2B is a perfect fit of technology and application. www.ultramotor.com
Amsterdam
Royal 8i
I have been riding the Royal 8i around the city and I have to say I love it - the set of features that it has works really well for New York. With bicycles, its all about the details - the Royal has a rare combination of features in a relatively light package. The coat guard and enclosed chain keeps your pants and any long cloths clean and intact, without the pants-tucked-in-sock look which I hate. The internal brakes is another detail many don't think of - but they work exactly the same (well) regardless of how wet or slimy the streets or wheels get. I certainly have ridden plenty of bikes where the brakes pretty much go away entirely as soon as they are wet - no fun at all when a cab swerves into the bike lane. Before I logged any real miles, I kinda scoffed at the 'flat foot technology' that Electra touts on their website, but it actually works to give you correct knee geometry for speed and low strain, while taking all the load off your wrists and allowing easy, flat foot stops at lights etc. Combined with the 8 speed internal hub, this makes stop and go riding very easy - unlike a derailluer type gearchange, you can shift gears after you have come to a stop, without pedaling. Very, very slick!
Electra
Amsterdam
The dutch have been using bicycles as their primary form of transport for a hundred years or so, and have refined the concept of a bike meant for transportation as well as any in the world. The Amsterdam line of bicycles from electra are inspired by and draw from the best of these traditions with a few twists that make them even better suited for the us market. In broad strokes, Electra bicycles are significantly lighter than you would expect, and all feature their 'flat-foot' technology.
