Fender Blender Universale

Crank out smoothies at your party, school, or cafe with pedal power!
FBUniversale Blendtec upgrade
*BIKE NOT INCLUDED

 

The FBU is the most affordable way to bring the magic of human power to your school, organization, event, camp, or home. Almost any bike will work. Pop it on a stationary stand, and start blending!

The advantage of the Fender Blender Universale (FBU) is its simplicity. After a secure installation of the included universal rear rack, you can take this bike blender on and off your bike in under a minute without tools. This means you won’t have to take a bike out of commission just because you want to use it for bike blending. You can use your favorite bike for everyday transport and then blend when you want to.

FITS YOUR BIKE

The FBU fits the mountain bike or city bike you already have. Dust off that old bike and bring it back into service by bike-powering treats for your guest, students, and fans. Click here to view the ideal bike for bike blending.

FBU Rack

 

EVERY FBU COMES WITH A RACK

The basic Fender Blender Universale set up includes a universal rear rack that will attach to nearly all:

>> Mountain bikes (26″-29″ wheel size)
>> Hybrid/Road bikes (27″/700c wheel size)
>> Young adult bikes (24″ wheels)
>> Children’s bikes (20″ wheels)

The included rear rack features vertical adjustability which allows for the range of compatible wheel sizes. This solves problem of your rack sitting at an angle because you happen to have a small or large bike frame. A sturdy rear rack like the one included with your FBU is a great help for other human powered feats, like buying blendables at your farmers market. Now you can carry more stuff around town and take all that stress off your back.

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Above: Bike blending apples for Hot Apple Cider on the FBU Stationary Stand with High Performance Upgrade (Vitamix).

We also offer a 20″ Fender Blender Universale with a smaller rear rack and a Stationary Stand to reach 20″ wheels for kids approximately 4-8 years old.

REAR-RACK-COMPARISON

 

Included in the box are fully illustrated instructions to get you setup and blending ASAP, or view and download the manual here.

INNOVATIVE MOUNTING SYSTEM

Two stainless steel hooks hold the blender base in place and secure the blender to the rack. Unique clamping design allows for a range of blender positions that accommodate tire widths of up to 2.25 inches. Machined plastic parts are dishwasher safe, virtually unbreakable and made of 85% recycled material.

Hand-drawn instructions show you how to get the best results. Call us for helpful customer service if you’re confused.

WHAT YOU GET:

The Fender Blender Universale comes with a rear rack, blender base, and one pitcher–either the standard Oster-compatible pitcher, or a High Performance pitcher with upgrade.

If you’d like to blend in place, you will also need a stand to elevate the rear wheel. We now sell the Fender Blender Universale Stationary Kit, as well as the Fender Blender Universale Stationary Kit with High Performance Upgrade so you can buy it all in one click!

Commercial grade High Performance pitcher: 2x the volume and 2x bigger blades, giving better circulation of ingredients for faster, more consistent and gratifying blending.



This 6 minute video shows in depth the benefits of the High Performance Upgrade:

Click here to buy the Fender Blender Universale with High Performance Upgrade

 

GROOVED BEARING WORKS WITH SPIN ART ATTACHMENT

FBU SpinArt

Every Fender Blender Universale has our new custom Pedal Power Bearing (PPB), with a groove for side chain activities like Pedal Powered Spin Art. You can start making a splash at events with Bike Blending, then later expand your offering with Spin Art. Or consider the Fender Blender Universale and Spin Art Kit, which includes both activities and a stationary stand.

  • Bike Blender parts now made from recycled milk jugs

    Rock the Bike is excited to announce that the custom plastic components of all the Fender Blenders are being made from 100% recycled or reused plastic. Historically, these parts have been made of virgin HDPE (high density poly ethylene), and now will be made from a recycled source of the same material – recycled milk jugs.

    Rock The Bike has always sought to make products that help individuals tread lightly on the planet. Making sure that our products utilize as much recycled materials in the manufacturing process and contain as many recyclable components as possible is an exciting way to deepen our commitment to being a truly environmentally minded outfit.

  • Non-Proprietary parts, easy to maintain

     

    From the gears, handlebars, and bearings on the blender, to the Oster blender blade and pitcher, you won’t have a problem finding and replacing many of the parts on your Fender Blender. Should your chain wear out (after thousands of smoothies, mind you!) Any bike shop should be able to service your bike blender.

    If you are missing a part, we’re more than happy to get you a new one! Use this link to get replacement parts

     

  • How Loud is the Blender?

    We blended ice and water (the loudest thing you can blend) and found the following measurements: At 2 feet, it peaked at 85db for the first few seconds and fell to 75-80 for the rest of the time. At 5 ft, it peaked at 77 for the first few seconds and fell to 70-73. At [...]

  • Can you put ingredients in your bike blender and process them while riding down mountains? Yes you can.

    Props to RTB customer Mark Harris for this fun video demonstrating one fun way to enjoy bike blending. In his blog, the “Transcendental Art of Bicycle Blender Touring”, Mark documents his travels with the Fender Blender Xtracycle, in which he pulls edible food from the side of the road, adds an ingredient or two (sometimes [...]

  • Is My Vitamix Pitcher Compatible with Your Bike Blender Base?

    We have seen the bike blender work with the Vitamix Creations II 48 oz. 12-in-1 Variable Speed Blender’s pitcher, as well as our own Advance Container. We cannot guarantee every blender pitcher from Vitamix is compatible, but you’re more than welcome to ask Vitamix directly. We use Vitamix’s sound reduction pad (Vitamix 15579) and Drive [...]

  • Where can I see a bike blender and taste pedal powered food?!

    There are various smoothie shops around the United States that incorporate bike blending and ice cream churning into their business. Use the interactive map to find your closest location!

  • Can I get replacement parts for missing or damaged pieces?

    Yes, you can! Use this photo to identify which replacement parts you need and place your order in our online store here for blender base and pitcher parts: https://oldsite.rockthebike.com/store/fender-blender-pro-accessories/113-fender-blender-replacement-parts.html   Use the video (below) to see how to dissemble and reassemble your blending component.     If you need parts for your Fender Blender or Generator [...]

  • Bike Blending: How many crew? How much ingredients? How many bikes?

    Here’s a copy of a recent receipt from Trader Joe’s for a Bike Blending event that served 100 people. To serve the most people in the least time, here are the factors to consider: – Ingredients. This is the easiest. Ingredients cost $0.60 per 8 oz smoothie. Scale this to meet your crowd needs. – [...]

  • Is my Fender Blender compatible with the Spin Art attachment?

    Pedal Powered Spin Art is compatible with all models of Fender Blenders: Pro, Universale and Xtracycle. If your Fender Blender was purchased before 2011 chances are you will need a new spindle. The photo shows the proper spindle: If your not sure send a picture of your spindle to customerservice@rockthebike.com

  • Tech tips for installing a FBU (Fender Blender Universale) on a 20" Bike for little kids

    A 20″ bike is the smallest bike you can use with our FBU bike blender. This will allow you to get the youngest kids pedaling. The small size of the frame on 20″ bikes means that there may be some customization needed to install the rack at the correct height. Tip 1: Do not use [...]

  • I love your Fender Blender bike blenders. Do you make one for kids?

    Yes. Rock the Bike offers 2 Fender Blender options for kids. We offer a Fender Blender Universale with a smaller rear rack and a Stationary Stand to reach 20″ wheels for kids approximately 4 – 8 years old. 6-year-olds and up can also blend with the Fender Blender Pro, pictured above. The FB Pro can fit a wide [...]

  • What makes a bike ideal for blending and/or Pedal Power?

    BLENDING                                                                                                    PEDAL POWER Fender Blender Universale [...]

  • How do I blend smoothies in stationary mode with the Fender Blender Universale?

    The FBU requires a stand to be able to blend smoothies in stationary mode. Without a trainer, you’ll literally have to ride around the block to blend a smoothie. We sell a good-quality basic trainer.  Call us at 888-354-BIKE if you have more questions about Fender Blenders.

  • How do I make a thick and tasty smoothie with my Fender Blender?

    NOTE: The directions below are good to follow for the proportions, but not the order. Do not start with ice! The blade needs to get moving and a piece of ice can jam it. Start with something soft like chunks of banana! We’ll be updating this page with up to date photos. First, fill up [...]

  • Are there sponsorships and grants available for my Nonprofit?

    Bike Blending in action at Longfellow Elementary’s Spring Carnival Our Nonprofit Discount Program grants awards of 10% off your purchase and 15-20% off the rental of Rock the Bike gear to a limited number of nonprofit or educational applicants per quarter and has a simple application process. Requirements: – Proof of nonprofit status (501c3) – [...]

  • How long does it take to blend a smoothie with the Fender Blender?

    It takes about 15 seconds of firm pedaling to blend a smoothie with a Fender Blender.

  • Smoothie Bike encourages exercise, healthy eating

    Finding a unique way to involve the community in active and healthy living can sometimes be a challenge. This is the challenge that Broken Spokes manager Colin Knab and the community-based initiative, Healthiest Manitowoc County, are tackling with their newly created Smoothie Bike. Taking its cue from similar bikes that have been sweeping the nation, [...]

  • Brainfood promotes Nutrition and Health with a Bike Blender

    A look at the workshops the Community MVPs have done with Brainfood‘s very own bike blender. As the President/CEO of Youth Service America said, “The smoothie tasted even better knowing that I contributed to it.” Brainfood is a non-profit youth development organization in Washington, DC. Using food as a tool, Brainfood builds life skills and [...]

  • Something Good in the World's Holiday Craft Fair sold more fruit smoothies at our fundraiser than ever before, thanks to the bike blender

    At Something Good in the World‘s Energy of Youth Concert, teenagers performed and raised enough funds to purchase a Bike Blender from Rock the Bike.  Every year, the Blue Star Youth Movement members make delicious organic fruit smoothies for Something Good in the World’s Holiday Craft Fair, and this year, anyone who wanted a smoothie [...]

  • Bike Blender Impacts Communities with New Perspective on Healthy Eating

    My name is Jeremi, I am the Family Market Coordinator at the Capital Area Food Bank located in Washington, DC. My role at the food bank is to help supply food to schools that are in high-need, and under-served areas around the DC, MD, and VA regions. I really enjoy what I do, especially knowing [...]

  • FBU has a great debut

    We had a great debut for our Bike Blender this weekend! Lots of people were checking out the bike, taking pictures and asking for Rock the Bike’s website.       The guys at Princeton Sports who helped me install it are talking about getting one for their shop too!   Thanks! The Ulman Cancer [...]

  • Blender Bike & Spin Art Cycling: Spinning Toward a New Type of Celebration

    MONTE VISTA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO Like many schools, Monte Vista Elementary School depends on fundraisers throughout the year to maintain special programs and student activities. Cake Walks, cookie dough sales and a BBQ with typical, unhealthy fare were some of the school’s most popular fundraisers. Over the past few years, the school’s [...]

  • Phat Beets uses FBU at Farmers Market to promote healthy eating habits

    Phat Beets Produce works to connect small, marginalized farmers to urban communities through farmers market, CSAs, and gardens.  The pedal powered smoothie bike is for our youth and community based free farm stands in North Oakland.  We heard about the smoothie bike from OBUGS.  We are using funds from Farmers Market Consortium group to promote [...]

  • FBU Fits Perfectly into the Farm and Nutrition Education Program at Jones Valley Teaching Farm

    Jones Valley Teaching Farm is in the middle of downtown Birmingham, Alabama and is a valuable resource to the community. They have helped improve healthy food access by providing community garden plots to downtown residents and sell their produce on site as well as at the Saturday Farmer’s Market. While they are a production farm, [...]

  • Bike Blending at the Driftless Music Festival in Viroqua, WI

                                We had a great event in Viroqua, Wisconsin blending smoothies at our first annual Driftless Music Festival. The [Fender Blender Universale] worked amazingly well, blending up frozen strawberries and ice, and the kids loved it! — Lynn K.

  • FBU at Berkwood Hedge Recharge Station for Bike to Work/School Day

    Berkwood Hedge School has been enjoying our Fender Blender Universale.  The EARTH class (2nd grade) was the first group of kids to test-ride our bike blender.  They were impressed by its efficiency and enjoyed sharing fruit smoothies during their afternoon break on the playground. The bike blender was a hit at May 10th’s Bike to [...]

  • Small business using the Fender Blender Universale

    Aloha from Hawaii! The Fender Blender Universale is now a member of Lanikai Juice Hawaii, where it has been stirring up a scene around the island. It was even the life of the party at the largest town celebration I Love Kailua.      

  • Enjoyed our bike blender greatly at the retreat.

    We have been enjoying our bike powered blender greatly. We used it on saturday for a Minnesota Campus Energy Challenge Retreat and it will be used again this Thursday for a end of the semester party for our campus bike coop. -Miwa in Minnesota

  • The kids enjoyed bike blending on the community ride.

    "The kids really enjoyed being able to make healthy smoothies as part of their community ride! Our budget is extremely tight and we would love to be able to add this component to our community rides with your support." -Bike Smart

  • A Blast

    “Here’s some pictures of the pedal palace! It was a blast.” She and her partner Beda used the Fender Blender Universale to raise money at festivals. Local cyclists pitched in, carrying all the fruit to the Pedal Palace debut. -Ruby from Colorado

  • Garden School Foundation's Nasturtium Pesto

    Our friends over a the Garden School Foundation told us, “We loved making nasturtium pesto with our bicycle blender!” They loved it so much they want to share the recipe with all our bike blending fans. Check out their Instagram account, @gardenschoolfoundation, for more great pictures of kids learning gardening and cooking skills, and of course–bike blending!


    gardenschoolfoundation-bike-blending-instagram

    GSF is using the Fender Blender Universale with  their own bike! Their recipe is below:

    gardenschoolfoundation-nasturtium-pesto-recipe

  • Flax and Spinach Power Smoothie

    8091997261_905eed16d0_b

    This recipe comes from Jessa Hokayam of e2 events in Virginia. They whipped it up recently for a Bon Secours event, and it’s quickly becoming an e2 staple!

    Prep It In Your Pitcher:

    1. Place your banana in the bottom of the blender, closest to the blades.

    2. Add 1 cup strawberries and 1/2 cup blueberries.

    3. Add 1/2 cup fresh spinach.

    4. Squeeze 1 tsp of lemon juice in your pitcher.

    5. Add 1 tsp flax seeds and 2 tsp raw almonds.

    6. Top off with 1 cup of ice (if not using frozen fruit) and 1/2 cup of water .

    7. Cover with the lid and pop onto your bike blender! Blend until smooth (roughly 30 sec – 1 minute, depending on how hard you pedal), adding more water for desired consistency.

    Serve immediately.

    Makes 24 oz of smoothies, or double the recipes for you 48 oz High Performance pitcher.

     

    For 120 -5oz servings this is what e2 recommends you buy:

    3 cups flax

    3 cups almonds

    2 pounds blueberries

    4.5 pounds strawberries

    9 pounds bananas

    50 oz (25 cups) spinach

    6 quarts water

    6 lbs ice

    1 cup lemon juice

  • Introducing the High Performance Upgrade for Fender Blenders

    Blue FBP Blendtech 72dpi (1)

    Same frame, same base. New Blendtec-made pitcher.

     

    We’re changing the name of our high-end Bike Blenders from “Vitamix Upgrade” to “High Performance Upgrade” and including a Blendtec pitcher rather than a Vitamix pitcher. We’re also now offering new package pricing that will make it easier for customers to get 2 or 3 pitchers per bike. Having more pitchers is key to meeting the needs of a crowd. We will continue to sell both our value-priced Oster-compatible pitchers and our Vitamix brand pitchers. (more…)

  • New video shows what it takes to do a large, legal bike blended smoothie booth

  • Blueberry Beach Cruiser Smoothie Recipe

    This simple 4-ingredient recipe is perfect for busy events!

    Blueberry-Beach-Cruiser

    Ingredients:

    Frozen Blueberries
    1 Banana
    Yogurt (organic is best)
    Vanilla Soy Milk (organic is best)

    Prep It In Your Pitcher:

    1. Peel your banana and place in the bottom of your blender pitcher

    2. Add 1 cup yogurt

    3. Scoop in 3 cups of frozen blueberries

    4. Pour in 2 cups vanilla soy milk.

    5. Cover with the lid and pop onto your bike blender! Blend until smooth (roughly 15 sec – 1 minute, depending on how hard you pedal.)

    This recipe yields 32 oz, which can be serves in 8 small samples (4oz), 3 – 4 9oz samples, or 2 16 oz beverages.

  • Hummus Recipe

    Foost, our Australian partners, have been using the Fender Blender Pro (High Performance) at all their events. A recent event they participated in promoted Melbourne city workers to get active during their lunch break, and to eat more colorful veggies. To stick with the theme of the event they whipped up some hummus and then served it in shot glasses with veggie sticks. Everyone enjoyed it and they got lots of complements on the hummus, so give it a try! photo 1

     

    Ingredients: 1 15oz can chickpeas, liquid drained
    1 large lemon, juiced
    2 teaspoons crushed garlic
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1 heaped tablespoon tahini
    1 teaspoon cumin

    1/4 cup water or liquid from chickpeas Pinch salt, optional

    Prep It In Your Pitcher: Blend all ingredients together with your bike blender (we recommend the High Performance option for this). Adjust garlic, lemon juice and tahini to suit your taste buds. Serve with fresh veggies!

    photo 4

    Alternative Ingredients:
    Try making pink hummus by adding raw grated beetroot.
    If you don’t have tahini, use 2 tablespoons of roasted sesame seeds (simply put sesame seeds on a baking tray and roast for 5 minutes).

  • Bike Blended Berry Breakfast Smoothie Recipe

    This smoothie uses more banana to make it thick and should be topped with granola and even fresh fruit to make it a filling healthy breakfast.

    Morning-Breakfast-Smoothie

    Ingredients:

    Frozen Blueberries
    Frozen Mango
    2 Ripe Banana
    Yogurt
    Vanilla Soy Milk (organic is best)
    Granola / Fresh Fruit topping

    Prep It In Your Pitcher:

    1. Peel your bananas and place them in the bottom of your pitcher

    2. Add 1/3 cup yogurt

    3. Scoop in 1/2 cup of frozen mango and 2/3 cup frozen blueberries

    4. Pour in some vanilla soy milk. Roughly 1/2 – 2/3 cup. If too thick after blending, add a little more

    5. Cover with the lid and pop onto your bike blender! Blend until smooth (roughly 30 sec – 1 minute, depending on how hard you pedal.)

    6. Pour and top with granola, fresh fruit, and even a sprig of mint. Enjoy!

  • Shopping List for 2 Day Bike Blending Event for 500+ Smoothies

    This year we hosted a Bike Blended Smoothie Booth at Maker Faire 2014 in San Mateo, CA. Below is some information from the event that can help you plan and shop for your upcoming bike blending event.

    Event Length: 7 – 8 hours / day

    # of Smoothies Served (estimate): 500 16 oz smoothies OR 8,000 oz (2,000 4oz servings / 1,000 8oz servings)

    # of Flavors: 4 – Strawberry Banana, Mango Strawberry, Paradise Punch, and Mixed Berry
       Tip: Have flavors that use the same ingredients. We only needed 4 different kids of frozen fruits to make these 4 flavors.

    Bike Blending at Maker Faire - by Eric Montross

    Photo Credit: Eric Montross

    Shopping List for 2 Days (purchased at Costco):

     2 Almond Milk (case of 3 each)                     $7.29
      3 Vanilla Soy Milk (case of 3 each)               – $21.87

      4 Yogurt, Plain (64 oz each)                           – $17.96
      7 Yogurt, Greek (48 oz each)                         – $32.45

      10 Orange Juice (1 gal each)                          – $69.90
      16 Bananas  (3 lb bag, each)                          – $31.84
      11 Frozen Mango (4 lb each)                          $95.59
      14 Frozen Triple Berry (4 lbs each)             $143.46
      11 Frozen Whole Strawberry (6 lbs each)  – $98.89
      5 Frozen Pineapple (4 lbs each)                    – $32.95

                                                                  TOTAL:          $552.20

    We had some leftovers afterwards. Want a no-leftover shopping list for a 7 – 8 hour bike blending event?

    ‘No-Leftovers’ Shopping List for 1 Day:
    Roughly 225  16 oz smoothies OR 3,600 oz (900 4oz servings / 450 8oz servings)

      1 Almond Milk (case of 3)
      1 Vanilla Soy Milk (case of 3)        

      4 Yogurt, Plain (64 oz each)                                
      4 Orange Juice (1 gal each)                      
      9 Bananas  (3 lb bag, each)                      
      6 Frozen Mango (4 lb each)              
      4 Frozen Triple Berry (4 lbs each)         
      5 Frozen Whole Strawberry (6 lbs each)
      4 Frozen Pineapple (4 lbs each)     

                                    TOTAL:          $254.91

  • Tips for a Successful Bike Blended Smoothie Booth

    First: Check with your local health department on what they require at temporary food/beverage stalls. Requirements vary by county, so if you’re planning to travel, check every place you’ll want to set up.

    Below is a blend of our experience at large crowd events and working with Bay Area health departments.

    (more…)

  • Raspberry Sorbet with Pink Champagne Recipe

    ned-bell-raspberry-champage-sorbet
    Above: Executive Chef Ned Bell serves bike blended Raspberry Sorbet w/ Pink Champagne to hungry guests.

    From the Chef:

    This is an incredibly easy recipe!

    We make all our own Sorbets here at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, but you should just buy some excellent raspberry or strawberry sorbet from Bella Gelateria…

    In the bottom of your Blender Bike, add:

    • 1 cup fresh berries
    • 1 cup frozen but soft sorbet
    • 1 cup of your favorite sparkling wine!
      I love BC sparkling like Sumac Ridge or Blue Mountain!
      Rose Bubbles are perfect for a warm spring or hot summer afternoon of evening treat!

    Spin like a mad man (or woman) to incorporate well!

    Serve in a mason jar and top with some additional fresh berries, some fresh mint, a wedge of lime and bit more bubbles poured on top! Enjoy!

     Here’s an excerpt of the evening’s recap:

    Fresh Raspberry Sorbet – made with the Vega Blender Bike!

    The highlight of the night (for us and everyone else at YEW that night) was this fresh raspberry sorbet!  Chef Bell blended a “special” vegan dessert just for us– and by blended, we mean “cycled” using the infamous Vega Blender Bike.  Not only were we entertained throughout dessert, but we thoroughly enjoyed the layering of this treat.  Dehydrated strawberries on bottom added beautiful texture.  And the sparkling rose that accompanied the sorbet really hit the spot.

    Go here to read all about The Vegan Option’s dinner with Chef Ned.

    Watch Chef Ned bike blend up some Kale Pesto:

     

     

    Chef Ned Bell, Executive Chef at Hotel Vancouver, is an avid cyclist.

     

    Click here to see more Pedal Power recipes
    If you have a recipe you’d like to share with the bike blending community, please send it to customerservice@rockthebike.

  • Moberi's 'Ferngully' Smoothie Recipe

    Here’s something our friends over at Moberi have been making lately. This smoothie is filling, but a bright energy booster to help through the busy holidays and winter season!

    Fill your pitcher with:
    1 Handful of Greens (mostly Kale and Collards)
    1 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Milk
    1 TBS Coconut Oil
    1/2 Cup Frozen Pineapple
    1/2 Fresh Banana
    1 TBS Almond Butter
    1 TSP Maca (optional)

    Pop on the lid, get the pitcher on your bike blender of choice, and blend until smooth (30 – 60 sec).

    For more Pedal Powered recipes, please check out: www.rockthebike.com/recipes

    Moberi is making bicycle powered smoothies on the streets of Portland!

     

  • Recipe: Nut Butter from a Bike Blender

    Nut butter is packed with protein and can be a healthier alternative to smoothies.

    FullSizeRender (2)

    Above: Cashew nut butter freshly pureed with Pedal Power!

    Ingredients:

    At least 4 ounces of your raw nut of choice (cashew, almond, pecan, etc.)

    If you desire roasted nut butter put a layer of nuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir once or twice to prevent burning.

    Puree It In Your Pitcher:

    Pour raw or roasted nuts in your High Performance pitcher and begin pedaling. It’s that easy!

    If it feels like it’s getting caught up on the edges of the pitcher you can use a little water to help the blending process. You can also scrape down the edges in between blending to help. It should be completely mixed in about 10 minutes. Raw nuts require a little more pedaling.

    You can serve up as is, or mix in salt, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, etc. for a little extra flavor.

     

    Watch the Fossil Fool blend it on the Fender Blender Pro (High Performance). Nut butter starts at 3:23:

     

    Click here to see more Pedal Power recipes
    If you have a recipe you’d like to share with the bike blending community, please send it to customerservice@rockthebike.

  • Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Recipe

    pumpkin-pie-smoothie

    We served Pumpkin Pie Smoothies at Berkeley Sunday Streets. This is a great seasonal treat for the fall and requires very little cooler space at an event.

    In your pitcher add:

    1 banana
    1 cup pumpkin puree
    1 cup vanilla yogurt
    2 tbsp honey
    1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

    Top with 1 cup ice and place on your bike blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a cup and enjoy!

    Pro Tip: Bring a can opener with you to the event, or buy pumpkin puree in a carton.

     

    “We are enjoying the bike and tried a few more seasonal recipes today.  The Pumpkin Smoothies were a bit hit for sure!”

                                                                                               –Davenport School of the Arts 

     

    Click here to see more Pedal Power recipes
    If you have a recipe you’d like to share with the bike blending community, please send it to customerservice@rockthebike.

  • Smoothie Recipe: Paradise Punch

    Paradise Punch is very popular flavor at many of our bike blending events. When someone has their first sip they typically make a statement along the lines of, “Wow, now all I need is a hammock!” It’s probably because the flavor is so refreshing and slightly reminiscent of a Piña Colada that it makes you wanna lay in the sun and enjoy the world around you. Now you can bring more smiles to faces with this refreshing treat.

    Ingredients:

    2/3 cup frozen pineapple
    1 cup frozen mango
    1 ripe banana
    1/2 cup yogurt (Greek or regular)
    orange juice
    ice

    Ingredients for a 48-oz High Performance Pitcher:

    1/2 cup yogurt
    2 bananas
    2 cups mango
    1 cup pineapple
    2 1/2 cups orange juice

    Prep It In Your Pitcher:

    1. Peel your banana/s and place in the bottom of your pitcher

    2. Add yogurt

    3. Scoop in frozen pineapple and mango

    4. Top with roughly 1 cup of ice (you may want to use less).

    5. Fill up the pitcher with OJ until it tops the ice (this is roughly 16-24 oz. of juice).

    6. Cover with the lid and pop onto your bike blender! Blend until smooth (roughly 30-60 seconds depending on how hard you pedal).

    smoothie-bike-blender-vitamix

    Click here to see more Pedal Power recipes
    If you have a recipe you’d like to share with the bike blending community, please send it to customerservice@rockthebike.

  • Spring Harvest Smoothie Recipe

    Jones Valley Teaching Farm shared this refreshing, seasonal smoothie recipe:

    Harvest spinach and strawberries, if available- figs, blackberries, raspberries and mulberries

    This makes one blender full- about 10 sample cups.

    ¾  cup spinach

    ½  cup strawberries

    ½  cup other berries and figs

    ¾  cup OJ

    ½ cup low fat vanilla yogurt

    ½ banana

    Mix all ingredients together in bike blender and let student pedal. Serve in 3 or 5 oz. paper cups.

    Bike Blending with an FBU at Jones Valley Teaching Farm
    Above: A youngster pedals the Fender Blender Universale at Jones Valley Teaching Farm.

    Click here to read more about the Fender Blender Universale at Jones Valley Teaching Farm.

     

    Click here to see more Pedal Power recipes
    If you have a recipe you’d like to share with the bike blending community, please send it to customerservice@rockthebike.

  • Bike Blender parts now made from recycled milk jugs

    Rock the Bike is excited to announce that the custom plastic components of all the Fender Blenders are being made from 100% recycled or reused plastic. Historically, these parts have been made of virgin HDPE (high density poly ethylene), and now will be made from a recycled source of the same material – recycled milk jugs.

    Rock The Bike has always sought to make products that help individuals tread lightly on the planet. Making sure that our products utilize as much recycled materials in the manufacturing process and contain as many recyclable components as possible is an exciting way to deepen our commitment to being a truly environmentally minded outfit.

  • Non-Proprietary parts, easy to maintain

     

    From the gears, handlebars, and bearings on the blender, to the Oster blender blade and pitcher, you won’t have a problem finding and replacing many of the parts on your Fender Blender. Should your chain wear out (after thousands of smoothies, mind you!) Any bike shop should be able to service your bike blender.

    If you are missing a part, we’re more than happy to get you a new one! Use this link to get replacement parts

     

  • Freewheelin lends bikes, spirit at DNC and RNC


    Above, an elephant bike spotted at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, photo: jacob.scheckman

     

    Blending smoothies at the DNC
    Bike blending in the street on one of 1000 FreeWheelin’ loaner bikes.

    In both Denver and Minneapolis, the bike advocacy crew FreeWheelin’ provided 1000 loaner bikes to both residents and convention goers, easing traffic and keeping bikes on the minds of convention leaders. Shown above mixing smoothies on the road using Rock the Bike’s Mini Bike Blender. Freewheelin kept track of their totals, which reached 7500 rides at the RNC. (more…)

  • Smoothie Bike encourages exercise, healthy eating

    Finding a unique way to involve the community in active and healthy living can sometimes be a challenge.

    Nancy Randolph, manager at Manitowoc County Human Services, rides the Smoothie Bike at a recent farmers market. (Photo: Submitted by Lindsay Brookshier )

    This is the challenge that Broken Spokes manager Colin Knab and the community-based initiative, Healthiest Manitowoc County, are tackling with their newly created Smoothie Bike. Taking its cue from similar bikes that have been sweeping the nation, this locally owned business and community initiative is bringing the Rock the Bike movement to Manitowoc.

    “It’s just seeing biking in different ways and what biking can do,” said Knab. “It’s all about getting into the culture of biking, it’s just one step to move forward into that.”

    Using an exerciser trainer model, the Smoothie Bike depends entirely on its rider to power the blender. To mix the drink faster, the rider will have to pedal faster because the bike only operates at one speed. But the bike has the capability to make more than just smoothies. The bike can create dips, pesto, milk shakes and even soups.

    The philosophy behind the bike ties into the goals that many organizations within the community, such as Healthiest Manitowoc County and Broken Spokes, have been working on for years. Specifically, they have been supporting initiatives to increase the consumption of locally grown fruits and vegetables and being active 60 minutes a day.

    “The Smoothie Bike is a creative tool for the Activity and Nutrition Coalition to expose, engage and educate youth, parents and community members about the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption,” said Cath Pape, Healthiest Manitowoc County grant coordinator. “We can’t afford to ignore our poor health. Two out of three Wisconsinites are overweight and at risk for heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Our local food movement understands that investing in a strong food system is right for health, business and budget. The bike is a fun, friendly reminder that we have better health when we make better choices about where we live, learn, work and play.

    For members of the community that experienced the Smoothie Bike, creating something delicious using locally grown food and the power of their own body made the bike an exciting concept.

    “I love the ‘Fender Blender’ bike and am amazed at how quickly it becomes the center of attention when someone is pedaling it. I think that using the bike to bring focus to the Healthiest Manitowoc County initiative is a fantastic way to market the ‘buy local and eat fresh’ approach.” said Nancy Randolph, manager at Manitowoc County Human Services who gave the bike a spin at its showcase at the Manitowoc Farmers Market.

    The bike’s success at the Farmers Market is a promising sign of how the community is pedaling its way to a healthy lifestyle through the enjoyment of locally grown food.

     

    This article was posted on July 15, 2014  by HTR NEWS, and written by Lindsay Brookshier. For the full article please go to: http://www.htrnews.com/story/life/2014/07/15/smoothie-bike-encourages-exercise-healthy-eating/12709149/

  • Boulder Bike Blenders

  • Brainfood promotes Nutrition and Health with a Bike Blender

    A look at the workshops the Community MVPs have done with Brainfood‘s very own bike blender.

    As the President/CEO of Youth Service America said, “The smoothie tasted even better knowing that I contributed to it.”

    Brainfood is a non-profit youth development organization in Washington, DC. Using food as a tool, Brainfood builds life skills and promotes healthy living in a fun and safe environment. They are using the Fender Blender Universale Stationary Kit for their workshops.

  • Mississippi 4-H Youth and UnitedHealthcare Promote Healthy Lifestyles with a Bike Blender

    UnitedHealthcare and Mississippi 4-H youth hosted a Family Fun and Fitness Day for Jackson-area families to promote healthy eating and exercise at the Mississippi Basketball & Athletics facility.

    The event was part of the UnitedHealthcare Mississippi 4-H “Eat4-Health” partnership, now in its third year, which aims to reduce obesity rates among young people and families in the state through youth and community-based education and awareness programs.

    At today’s event, UnitedHealthcare’s mascot Dr. Health E. Hound joined Jackson-area youth, their families, 4-H youth and community leaders, including Jackson Mayor Chokwe Lumumba, for fun, healthy activities such as relay races, fitness games, dance routines and basketball shoot-arounds. There were also hands-on cooking demonstrations, healthy-smoothie competitions with a “blender bike,” nutrition information and free Body Mass Index (BMI) health screenings.

    Left: Cheered on by Dr. Health E. Hound and Mississippi 4-H program leader Manola Erby, nine year old Joseph Walker pedals to create a healthy smoothie using a “bike blender.” The Family Fun and Fitness event was part of the UnitedHealthcare Mississippi 4-H “Eat4-Health” partnership, which aims to reduce obesity rates among young people and families through youth and community-based education and awareness programs. The activities at the Family Fun & Fitness Day are part of a series of trainings and events made possible by a $30,000 grant provided by UnitedHealthcare to Alcorn State University Extension Program, which administers 4-H programs to all counties in the state. (Photo: Business Wire)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • Dairy Council Awards $48,000+ to Healthy School Team Leaders for Bike Blenders....Amongst Other Things!

    Santa came early this year delivering more than $48,000 in grant funds to the Healthy School Team Leaders for each of the 12 Winter Park Consortium schools at their holiday party at the Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF) on December 11.

    Representatives of the Dairy Council of Florida played the part of Santa, presenting king-sized versions of grant checks to HST Leaders and their principals who joined them for the party. They also brought along a photo booth, games and a bicycle blender to add to the festivities.


    Above: Bike blending on the Fender Blender Pro

    The grants were awarded through the Dairy Council of Floridas Fuel Up to Play 60 (FUTP60) program.  The program was created by the National Football League in collaboration with the National Dairy Council to decrease child obesity.  As part of the program, schools are invited to apply for grant funding for programs and activities that encourage healthy eating and physical activity.

    Grant dollars will be used for a variety of projects ranging from the purchase of blender bikes children ride to make smoothies to the creation of a cooking club, the support for healthy food and smoothie tastings, and the addition of a white board to promote healthy eating.

    To promote physical activity, the grants will be used to buy pedometers, bicycle helmets, roller skates and related safety supplies, bicycles, heart rate monitors and a table tennis set.

    The partnership with the Dairy Council of Florida is new this school year, and was made possible with the help of Melodie Griffin. She serves as an independent contractor to the Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF) responsible for coordinating bi-monthly HST leader meetings, providing technical support and helping identify resources and external funding sources to help leaders in meet their goals.

    Do you know of a school that needs help funding a bike blender in 2014? Please direct them here!

     

    Story Source: http://healthykidstoday.org/2013/12/dairy-council-awards-48000-plus-to-healthy-school-teams/

  • Fender Blenders in the Media


     

    Food Network’s “The Kitchen”

    A photo from the production of "The Kitchen" in Montclair, N.J., on Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Photo: David M. Russell/BSTV

    A photo from the production of “The Kitchen” in Montclair, N.J., on Wednesday, June 3, 2015.
    Photo: David M. Russell/BSTV

    (more…)

  • Pedaling Paradise

    In Juneau, Alaska Paradise Cafe is well known in the community for it’s fun and quirky vibe. Recently, Paradise Cafe just got quirkier, with the addition of a Fender Blender Universale (FBU)! Rather than just having a bike blender in the cafe, the owner, Joan, is having a Bike Blender Smoothie Contest!

    On July 27, 2012 contestants will be able to show off their pedal power prowess by bringing all their ingredients and $10 for a local charity. Once the competition is underway, judges will determine the winner based off originality, taste, color, health benefits, presentation and speed of blending. We’re excited to see our customers get innovative with Fender Blenders, and this idea is definitely a sweet one!

    As Paradise Cafe comes to it’s tenth year of business, the future looks uncertain. Luckily, Joan’s creativity is leading her to a path where healthier meals (including smoothies) and off-the-grid energy will be at the forefront of her business. Rock the Bike wishes Paradise Cafe good luck with their Bike Blender Smoothie Contest! Pedal on!

    Click here To read the full article.

  • Fender Blender Universal in Sierra

    Fender Blender Universale in Sierra

  • Jay pedaled! National TV debut of the Fender Blender Universale

    To our delight Jay Leno climbed on a stylish white and orange step-through cruiser with a properly installed Fender Blender Universale bike blender (FBU) and blended what appeared to be a daiquiri, about 15 minutes into his show as part of the Last Minute Gifts segment. He pedaled for about 15 seconds, though to be honest I was too busy celebrating and making rock signs to count accurately. Jay had a medium-slow cadence and seemed very comfortable on the bike, smiling his trademark chinny grin and joking as he went — “for the active alcoholic!” Although his leg extension wasn’t optimized for power output, he had no problem crushing ice. He did not tuck in his pant leg prior to pedaling.

    Watch the segment on Jay’s site: fast forward to 25:00 if you’re in a rush.

    Above: The Fly Stick Van De Graaf effect levitation wand, one of the cooler toys on the segment.

    Of the 13 products he selected, only three — the FBU, the Fly Stick Levitation Wand, and Snow To Go instant snow — fell into the category of positive, educational, or amazing. The others were novelty gags.

    Six of the products were off-color: a stripping, singing Santa, a pole dancing alarm clock, and two products that involved sticking something (a pencil to be sharpened and a beer bottle to be opened) into the backside of an animal.

    Two were personal care products gone awry — a head massager and a facial treatment system.

    At $249 The FBU was the most expensive product on the segment.  The others (apart from the Deer Rump bottle opener) were all in the $30-and-under price bracket. All of the products were available through the internet. Not a single mainstream store such as Target was mentioned.

    When the producer emailed today to say that Jay had selected the FBU for the show, I had to think for a minute where I’d be able to watch it — there hasn’t been a TV in my place for two years. Luckily Adam had one and was willing to host a viewing party. Four of us from the Rock The Bike crew, plus his two housemates, were there to take it in. At the top of the show, we took bets on whether Jay himself would pedal the bike, or an assistant. Heading into the segment, 4 out of 6 in our SF viewing party thought he’d do the deed. But at the last moment Grace changed her bet and it was 3 and 3.


    above: Adam updating Facebook status to “Jay Rocks The Bike” moments after Leno cranked out a frozen cocktail.

    When the show first contacted us a few weeks ago to request an FBU, we offered to send it to them complete and built up on a Jamis city bike. We figured that they’re busy TV people, not bike people, and they’d probably rather have us install it. No thanks, they said, just send hthe boxed FBU. Clearly installation was straightforward for them. The rack was perfectly level and the pitcher sat directly over the rear wheel.


    above: the FBU installed on a classic Stumpjumper with Sweetskinz tires.

    Invented in 2006 by Nate Byerley, the FBU is our most affordable bike blender, and it’s the one that a lot of schools, nonprofits, and summer camps buy. Earlier this year our engineer Leif redesigned the FBU so that it goes on and off a bike without tools (once you install the aluminum rack). When the blender base is removed, you’ve got a strong, light, functional rack you can use to commute, carry groceries or boxes. Every FBU we sell is adding carrying capacity to the bicycle fleet of America!

    Bike blending is the most approachable, affordable way to demonstrate human power at an event or school. It’s a great conversation starter —  literally an awesome ice breaker — and one of the few products that can raise environmental consciousness without a guilt trip. It gets people pedaling at events, which reminds them how awesome bikes are. Kids love it! Check out the awesome testimonials we’ve posted for the product.

    We also recently came out with a human power generator that’s compatible with every Fender Blender we’ve ever sold, so that a school that bought one, say, in 2007 can now add the generator and use their FBU to make power for a music system, lighting display, etc.

    Many thanks to Jay and the producers for helping to spread the cheer and magic of Pedal Power at the holidays.

  • NPR's Jen Sharpe checks out Human Power on All Things Considered

    Seeing human power as a tool for community building, his company: Rock the Bike, sells what might make a good mascot for the human power movement: A pedal-powered bike blender called the Fender Blender.

    NPR’s Jennifer Sharpe interviewed Rock The Bike in August, and also attended the California Academy of Sciences Night Life event the night Rock The Bike brought the Pedal Powered Stage.

    Recording the sounds of a shop for NPR by leifcycle.

    In the shop on the day of her visit we were finishing up a build of a new hybrid Electric Mundo that we used at Nightlife as one of our generators.

     

    david butcher and his pedal-powered prime mover by sharpeworld.

    Sharpe also interviewed David Butcher, a pedal power afficionado based in the Mountain View, who seems to get younger as the years pass.

    lonnie green and his human powered bulldozer by sharpeworld.

    And she visited Lonnie Green in Grass Valley who came up with a Pedal Powered earth mover.

    Transcript excerpt:

    (Soundbite of song, “Sending Out”)

    Mr. FOSSIL FOOL (The Bike Rapper; Founder, Rock the Bike): (Singing) You got to leave your Prius outside the club. You got to leave your Hummer outside the club.

    SHARPE: Pedal-powered bike rapper Fossil Fool, also known as Paul Freedman, is out on the steps of San Francisco’s Academy of Sciences. Seeing human power as a tool for community building, his company: Rock the Bike, sells what might make a good mascot for the human power movement: A pedal-powered bike blender called the Fender Blender.

    Mr. FOSSIL FOOL: Almost everyone that buys it, the first thing that they want to do with it is they want to take it out into their community and share a sweet, thick, bike-blended smoothie.

    (Soundbite of a blender)



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