Fender Blender Xtracycle

Fender Blender bike blender

The original Fender Blender bike blender. You can toss this in one of your Xtracycle bags, roll to an event, set up your rig, and start cranking out smoothies or Margaritas. Inventor Nate Byerley (a.k.a. the Juice Pedaler) created this product so that he could make money and smiles at summertime music festivals in California.

Together with his friends and employees, the Juice Pedaler cranked out over 10000 smoothies. You too can start a bike blended business, or just a local phenomenon.

Fender Blender bike blender in Tokyo
Photo: Tadashi Fukui

The Xtraycle and the FBX are a great combination. During the week you commute and do the shopping. On Sunday, you roll to the park and crank out smoothies at the Barbecue. You can set up your bike for blending without tools. A special kickstand called the Kickback Stand allows you to pedal in place, and helps when loading blending supplies.

The FBX is compatible with all models of Xtracycle Cargo bikes.

BUILT TO LAST

Machined plastic parts are dishwasher safe and virtually unbreakable. Square drive shaft is heat hardened and plated for maximum life. All hardware is stainless steel and will never rust.

INGENIOUS ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM

Curved grooves in bottom platter allows blender mechanism to swivel into or out of the way of the tire. The only adjustment tool you need is a flat screwdriver or better yet, any small coin will work! Allows the FBU to be used with tire widths from 1.25″ to over 2.5″

FAST FRICTION DRIVE

No electronics necessary! Just use the inherent gearing advantages of a bicycle to spin your Fender Blender at over 12,000 RPM. System is designed to protect your bicycle from damage while maximizing efficient energy transfer between rider and blender.

COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER BIKE BLENDER ACCESSORIES

Will work with additional accessories, ideal for mobile blending and blending with children, as well the High Performance Upgrade or Pedal Powered Spin Art. Prop your bike up on your Kickback Stand and you have a human power generation station wherever you ride!

EASY TO DISASSEMBLE

Easily disassemble your Fender Blender with standard bicycle tools to clean components after a day of blending. Most parts are designed to last a lifetime, and when your bearing needs replacing, it’s easily accomplished by a bicycle repair shop.

*UPGRADE OPTION* Commercial grade High Performance blender 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:

  • 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

  • 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, [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • Shasta County loves their bike blender

      “We LOVE the bike blender and use it all over the community!” — Lorraine, Public Health at Shasta County Shasta County is using a Fender Blender Xtracycle.

  • 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

  • Wheely Fun Wheels - Pedal Powered Variety

    "Last year we bought a bike blender for our Xtracycle and haven't looked back! It has now taken over as our main business." -Alastair of Wheely Fun Wheels

  • Flax and Spinach Power Smoothie

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    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

  • Bike Blended Apple Cider

    bike-blender-apple-cider

    What You Need:

    – 8-10 lbs. fresh apples  (big-flavored, tangy, juicy varieties encouraged. We like Honeycrisp!)
    – water
    – two High Performance pitchers
    – 2 bowls or Cambros, 1 for apple pulp and one for juice.
    – electric kettle or access to stove and pot
    – cheesecloth, or paint straining sack
    – cutting board / knife
    – cinnamon sticks and clove (optional)
    – Fender Blender bike blender (High Performance)

    – Staff of two (1 bike coach and 1 food handler)

    Instructions:

    1. Core the apples and cut them into wedges. Fill the blender pitcher with wedges.

    2. Add up to an inch of water at the bottom of the pitcher. The water is necessary to help the wedges move, and reduce in size at the beginning.
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    3. Blend, blend, blend! You’re done when all the ingredients are circulating in a vortex, but don’t worry you can’t over-blend it.
    Coach, please note: It’s likely that the blade of the blender pitcher will jam at the beginning. You may have to grab the wheel and move it back and forth to help the blade reposition and be ready to power through the apples. You may also want to whack the the side of the pitcher to shake apples down into the forming vortex. Adding more water can make this whacking step unnecessary. If you do the whacking step, do it with two hands where one hand stabilizes the pitcher while the other gives it a whack. That way the pitcher won’t go flying!

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    4. Dump the whole contents into the cheesecloth and then squeeze! Clean hands or gloves are essential for this step and this is why the coach can’t be the chef/food prep person.

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    If you stop here you have pedal powered apple juice, continue on to make apple cider.

    5. Add a stick or 3 of cinnamon and some cloves (to taste), and heat until warm and steaming. Take notes on how long it takes to heat the juice in your electric kettle or stove top and then don’t overheat (and risk scalding your guests). For the nearly quart of juice that’s likely to result from one pitcher full of apple wedges, you probably only have to heat it for 3 minutes or so.

    For those who don’t like to waste any food, the pulp can be used in a streussel topping.

  • 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.

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    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

     

  • 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/

  • 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…)

  • 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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