As the world enters a new reality and many of us are returning to our offices, it’s a good moment to reinvent your commute. Whether you are on a hybrid schedule or at a desk every day, a bicycle can bring an element of joy (along with its health and environmental pluses) to getting back out into the world again.

Here we have gathered some of our favorite commuter bikes in a variety of styles and functions—folding bikes, cruisers, hybrids, gravel bikes and even some e-bikes, for those riders who would like a little help on any hills. While many of the bicycles gathered here are top-of-the-line models that will give you years of smooth rides, we have also included a few budget-friendly alternatives.

Best all-around e-bike: Cannondale Adventure Neo ($2700)

The history of e-bikes, or electric bicycles, is almost as long as the history of bicycles themselves. In the 1870s and 1880s, inventors were devising ways of connecting batteries to bicycles. Issues around batteries—above all their weight—meant that many designs remained on paper, but advances in technology especially pedal assist designs, have led to a boom for e-bikes. One source estimates that there will be 40 million e-bikes on roads around the world by 2023.

For commuters e-bikes offer some assistance when necessary. On flat stretches you can rely on pedal power while on hills or anywhere else you want a little extra help, just add a little juice. The Cannondale Adventure Neo seamlessly incorporates its battery into its lightweight step-through aluminum frame. The Bosch battery has a life of up to 65 miles and can provide 20 mph of assist. It’s ideal for both errands in the city and weekend rides.

Best budget e-bike: Propella’s Single-Speed Drivetrain ($1099)

E-bikes as a rule are serious investments and even the least expensive will be more expensive than conventional bicycles. Propella’s Single-Speed Drivetrain isn’t as sleek as the Cannondale Adventure Neo, and its battery’s range is more limited (between 20 and 38 miles) but it is relatively light at 35 pounds and is also easier on the wallet. It can be an ideal starter or occasional e-bike, and if you find yourself converted to the e-bike life you can splurge on a fancier model down the road.

Best gravel bike: Surly Midnight Special ($2225)

From the name, you might think a gravel bike is designed to be ridden on gravel paths. Thanks to their hybrid designs that combine elements of road bikes and mountain bikes, they are actually suited to all terrains. If your commute includes shortcuts through unpaved areas or along potholed roads, the wider tires and lower gearing offer stability.

Surly Bikes’ Midnight Special has an elegant old-school design while not sacrificing anything when it comes to functionality or quality. The high-volume tires allow for tire pressure to be adjusted according to the surface—let some air out for those off-road adventures and top them off when you’ll be traveling on well-paved roads. This solid and dependable bike also has flat-mount disc brakes and front and rear through axles.

Best cruiser-style bike: Marin Bikes Larkspur 2 ($1199)

Cruiser-style bikes let their riders sit tall in their seats, all the better to scan the road for vehicles while also being more visible to drivers. Cruiser bikes are generally built for comfort and not speed with wide handlebars and comfortable seats. If your commute is over well-paved roads, a cruiser is a good option.

Marin Bikes first made its name making mountain bikes, but their Larkspur 2 is designed with urban adventurers, and commuters, in mind. The step-through steel frame makes mounting and dismounting easy, even if you decide to add a basket or baby seat. Disc brakes and wide tires are some mountain-bike details that give the Larkspur 2 the ability to handle various terrains.

Best hybrid bike: Cannondale Quick / CX4 ($700)

Hybrid bikes, as the name implies, combine features from both mountain and road bikes. Most have flat handlebars, as is typical of mountain bikes, allowing for an upright ride that most commuters prefer. On the other hand, they have the lighter frames and thinner tires associated with road bikes. The result is an ideal commuter vehicle—it has the ability to handle a variety of terrains and a lightness that means pedaling to the office doesn’t feel like a serious workout.

The Cannondale Quick is a good option on paved roads, while the Quick CX 4 is more of an all-terrain option with suspension forks to absorb any bumps. The aluminum frame is light—the bike weighs 28 pounds—and the 24 gears assure a ride calibrated to every incline and terrain.

Best single speed bike: Ribble Urban 725s ($688)

Single-speed bikes are an ideal option especially if you live in a city with good-enough roads and without any hills. If you don’t have to face inclines and you will typically be riding along at a leisurely pace, skip the extra weight of derailleurs and gears. By foregoing all those extra parts, single speeds are also easier to maintain—there are fewer parts to get clogged with dirt and grease. Another advantage of these pared down bicycles is they are generally cheaper, so you can get a first-class model for the same price you might pay for an average road bike.

The Ribble Urban 725s is a marriage of simplicity and quality. There aren’t many components—a large part of the appeal of single-speed bikes—but those it does have are all top of the line. The solid steel frame is well-suited to the stresses of urban commuting. The bicycle can also be easily switched to a fixed gear one, if you want a taste of fixie life.

Best folding bike: Tern Bicycles BYB S11 ($2499)

Much like e-bikes, folding bikes have a much longer history than many people realize. In the late 19^thcentury a number of inventors filed for patents for foldable bikes (though in reality many of them were less foldable than easily disassembled). In the 1960s there was another spike of interest with bicycle manufacturers in Europe and North America producing many foldable bikes and then later, in the early 1980s, models from Brompton and Dahon became popular.

The folding bike has some obvious advantages for the urban commuter—it doesn’t take up space in small apartments and rather than leave it on the street outside your office, it’s easy to break them down and bring them inside. Among the best folding bikes is Tern Bicycles’ BYB S11. It’s 30 percent smaller than other folding bikes, has 11 gears (Shimano), and Kinetix Pro X wheels.

Best budget folding bike: Zizzo Folding Bike Urbano ($430)

If Tern’s BYB S11 is more than you want to spend on a folding bike, there are some lower-cost options. Among our favorites is Zizzo’s Folding Bike Urbano. It has eight gears (Shimano) and weighs in at a light 24 pounds thanks to its LX aluminum frame. Depsite its modest price, it’s a bike capable of handling most terrains and folds up to a size small enough that it’s easy to throw into your trunk for a weekend away, as well as sliding into a corner of your office during the workweek.

Looking for the newest technology in air purification that is still sleek and stylish? With most people working from home, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to your indoor air quality.

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We checked out the Sensibo Pure, touted as the world’s most advanced air purification system. Using smart sensing technology, this is the only filtration system that is powered by Pure Boost, a unique patent-pending technology that uses both HEPA and Carbon filters and removes particles as small as 0.1um(more than 100 times thinner than a human hair).  Pure Boost™ regulates the airflow based on factors like geolocation, inside air quality, outside weather & air quality to regulate the fan level of the device. Even better, if you have a Sensibo AC controller, it will use your AC fan to circulate the air even more, when air quality is dangerously low.

This includes contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and pollen, as well as PM (particulate matter) PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10. Additionally, the active carbon filter absorbs atoms of harmful gases such as smoke and VOCs (Volatile Organic Components).

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Always on and sensing the air quality, this is the perfect filtration to do all of the work for you. Compatible with Amazon Echo and Google Home, control is at your fingertips, and Sensibo’s advanced smart sensing algorithms save up to 40% on utility bills by letting you define triggers and schedules, helping you choose the right temperature settings, and reminding you to clean your filters. All in all, a win/win situation. To learn more: sensibo.com

This article was originally published on Pursuitist. Republished by permission. 

Staying at home these last few months has sparked a serious boom in demand for at-home fitness equipment. To be sure, there are a number of high-tech players in the at-home equipment game that have a possibility to disrupt the gym industry — or at least make working out so much more convenient!

Pursuitist examined some of the latest in smart home fitness technology, equipment, and apps and narrowed the field to our top five favorites. Here, we list them in ascending order:

Tonal ($2995 + monthly subscription)

This is a “weight machine” that uses digital weights in a compact gym that extends from a mounted touch screen with a built-in coach. It replaces your personal trainer at the gym by putting one, on-demand, in your own home, offering real-time feedback as well as compact design. Tonal, which uses electromagnetics to create combined resistance, mounts on your wall — but keep in mind that you’ll need to have a wall appropriate for installation.

A stationary bike is the best exercise machine for home exercise. If you want to lose your fat calorie a daily basis you buy a recumbent bike to lose weight smartly. Most of us smart persons buy stationary bikes to keep their bodies fit. If you have any idea about stationary bikes you may read this guide to gather your beginner knowledge.

Fight Camp Boxing ($1219 + monthly subscription)

Fight Camp Boxing is a free-standing bag, workout mat, and glove set that makes any space a boxing ring. This smart home gym equipment comprises an in-home boxing bag, guided workout classes, and smart boxing gloves with sensors inside that tell users how hard they’re hitting and how many jabs and punches they actually landed. Fight Camp Boxing has an impressive roster of boxing coaches leading virtual classes and its punch trackers measure punches thrown, speed, and punch output.  It also gamifies your boxing workout by using your stats to beat your own personal records.

Hydrow Connected Rower ($2245 + monthly subscription)

This high-tech, virtual rower allows you the feel of the river in the comfort of your own home. This piece of smart home rowing equipment has an ultra-smooth electromagnetic computer controlled drag system. With it, you can stream high-energy rowing workouts on-demand as well as mat workouts. A swivel display makes it easy to watch the screen during your floor workout, and two wheels on front make it easy to move when you need to store it away.

The Mirror ($1495 + monthly subscription)

A full-length mirror and LCD screen that offers hundreds of cardio, strength-training, yoga, boxing, pilates, and barre exercises with a very small physical footprint. It hangs on your wall and provides instructor led, live on-demand classes. This interactivity is one of the best features of this smart home gym machine, added to the fact that the mirror allows you to keep an eye on your own form during your workout. And its slim design is the ultimate space saver!

The Peloton Bike ($2245 + monthly subscription)

Pelaton—no introduction needed—is an indoor-spin bike with adjustable seat and handle bars that capitalizes on the popularity of the boutique spin-class boom. But Peloton’s monthly subscription comes with unlimited classes, and not just for cycling. While its price is a commitment to making fitness a priority in life, Pelton brings out its riders’ competitive side, with an app that tracks improvement while monitoring resistance, cadence, and output. We love its smooth quiet ride, and give this one bonus points for its TV-sized touchscreen display, but the very best part may be the challenging new workouts added every day.

This article was originally published on Pursuitist. Republished by permission. 

At the Architectural Digest Design Show that took place in March in New York, Pursuitist visited the expansive Sub-Zero exhibition space, which showcased its most recent innovations within its Sub-Zero, Wolf Gourmet and Cove product lines. Continue reading →

Travevel is a new platform that combines the familiarity and interactivity of a social platform with user generated content focused on travel, tourism, exploration and adventure. Travevel’s interactive platform is ad-free and filled with user-generated image and video travel content, including an interactive map. Here’s what CEO LeAnn Campas has to say about the future of travel and social media’s role.

Q. Why are travel and social media so synergistic? 

A. Social media is visual and there are few things more visually interesting than travel images and videos. The two were made for each other. Additionally, the vast majority of us put more weight on personal experiences, and there is no better way to share our adventures, explore others’ experiences and interact with them than through a social platform.

Q. Does Travevel lend itself more to user-generated content (UGC) than some other genres and if so why?

A. UGC always carries more weight and credibility to consumers than any form of paid content and we have seen growing frustration from users of other platforms as to the aggressive amount of ads they are seeing, which has a negative impact on the user experience.  With Travevel, our mission is to focus on authentic content from personal users.  While business user accounts will be a part of the platform, the content they upload cannot be branded or watermarked, nor can they pay any additional fees for their content to be prioritized or shown in a different manner than individual user content.  We want to ensure that the user has full control over what they see and how they interact with not only other users, but businesses as well.

Q. What is it like launching a travel-oriented social media platform during a worldwide pandemic that has brought the travel industry to its knees? 

A. There is no question that this is a challenging time to develop and launch Travevel, however, we have found there to be some benefits to the timing.  Through speaking with other travelers worldwide who have had severe restrictions placed on their movements and activities, we have seen even more enthusiasm about future travel not only from frequent travelers, but from those who didn’t have any plans pre-pandemic.  A very large number of people have been actively researching and exploring new destinations to escape this new, and drastically different normal. Travevel is a platform that helps users plan now for travel later.

Q. Will COVID-19 change the future of travel even after a vaccine? What are the positives and negatives that will come out of this for the travel industry? 

A. Based on the dramatic increase in activity we have seen in the last few months as more destinations started to open, I feel the only thing that will prevent a return to normal levels next year will be limitations on air transportation and rolling travel restrictions across the globe.  Being shut in for so long has certainly seemed to increase interest in travel and new experiences, which should greatly benefit the industry.  The main negative long-term will be transportation and occupancy based.  It may take some time to see the effects of reduced airline routes combined with destinations operating a reduced occupancy.  Unfortunately, at least in the short-term, employees will bear the brunt of these decreases.

Q. What are some destinations you recommend right now for Americans based on COVID-19 restrictions and protocols and all the headwinds associated with them.

A. While it is difficult to put together a list, there are so many amazing National parks and outdoors destinations close to home, no matter where you live.  Internationally we have been very impressed with the protocols and restrictions imposed by Jamaica since the country reopened in July.  Requiring a negative COVID test, designating a tourism corridor and mandatory masking in public areas have been very effective, and to date, they haven’t had any cases by guests or staff at resorts.  We have visited four times since July and have always felt safe.  Many countries are now reopening to tourism with a wide range of protocols in place from Mexico with no testing or authorization required, to others where a negative test is required as little as 48 hours prior to arrival in addition to travel authorizations, mandatory insurance.  From our personal viewpoint, we prefer to travel to an area with well thought out, and in some cases, challenging safety protocols.  These are interesting times for travel and we strongly encourage others to visit destinations that make you feel safe and comfortable based on your personal situation.

Q. What will travel look like in 2021?

A. There is certainly no shortage of people wanting to get away.  The struggle will be finding available space in both transportation and lodging because of reduced routes and capacity.  These transportations challenges could very well lead to a dramatic increase in weekend trips to parks, beaches and other outdoor attractions close to home.

Q. Any tips for travelers in 2021 and beyond?

A. Be flexible, be patient, and be understanding.  The entire world has changed and everyone is still figuring things out.

If your personal preference is centered on design and style, or on food and entertainment, here’s our list of the top high-end culinary brands that will suit your preferred lifestyle.

Live, and dine, in luxury with these incredible kitchen appliance brands, as Pursuitist presents the Best Kitchen Appliances for 2020:

Bertazzoni. Italians are renowned for their passionate love of food. Bertazzoni continues that tradition, as a fifth-generation, family-owned Italian manufacturer of high-end kitchen products. The company’s products include free-standing ranges, built-in cooktops, ventilation hoods and other design-coordinated accessories.

Gaggenau. Gaggenau is the world’s preeminent brand of high-performance restaurant-grade cooking technology for the modern home. Specializing in cutting-edge, built-in home appliances, its sleek portfolio includes ovens, gas, electric and induction cook-tops, ventilation, dishwashers, modular refrigeration and freezer columns and wine storage units. Gaggenau also produces specialty appliances such as steamers, grills and deep fryers, and the Asian-influenced Teppan Yaki – all crafted for the luxury American kitchen.

La Cornue. Each Château and each Cornuchef is assembled by hand and by one person; this person will follow production through to the end and finalize every last detail. Each kitchen range is monitored, controlled and tested at all the stages of production. Even if you happen to be the Queen of England, you will have to wait at least two months for your Château La Cornue. The superior ranges simply cannot be made any quicker. For three generations, La Cornue has loved and served cuisine in the same way as a stringed-instrument craftsman loves and serves music. La Cornue cultivates an ideal of excellence.

Dacor. Working together to redefine the modern kitchen, the Dacor family has produced an impressive array of industry firsts. Patented features abound throughout their full line of cooking appliances. Features like an infrared gas broiler inside an electric oven, a Pure Convection system for even heat distribution, a Butterfly Bake Element for an extraordinary traditional bake, and extra-large Dacor Greats that simplify cooking with large pots and pans.

Miele. Each Château and each Cornuchef is assembled by hand and by one person; this person will follow production through to the end and finalize every last detail. Each kitchen range is monitored, controlled and tested at all the stages of production. Even if you happen to be the Queen of England, you will have to wait at least two months for your Château La Cornue. The superior ranges simply cannot be made any quicker. For three generations, La Cornue has loved and served cuisine in the same way as a stringed-instrument craftsman loves and serves music. La Cornue cultivates an ideal of excellence.

Viking. In spite of its tremendous growth and success, Viking Range Corporation remains essentially the same entrepreneurial company it was at its inception. This small, close-knit company culture serves Viking and its customers well, and greatly contributes to the company’s ongoing growth and success. By carefully preserving this unique, creative and stimulating environment, and through offering only the very finest, highest quality products, Viking plans to continue its aggressive growth and expansion to further increase its already strong presence in the worldwide major appliance and related culinary lifestyle industries.

Sub-Zero Refrigeration. For 60 years, Sub-Zero has offered innovative, aesthetically appealing and technologically advanced solutions to meet virtually any home refrigeration need. Through foresight and responsiveness, the company has earned its position as an industry leader – a position Sub-Zero intends to maintain well into the new millennium.

GE Monogram. GE has been a leader in American manufacturing for years, gaining a corporate reputation for unmatched reliability and innovation in their products. Their Monogram line consists of their premier professional-grade products, from refrigerators to cooking appliances and everything else you can dream up for your kitchen. Should you ever take issue with a Monogram product, GE employs a nationwide fleet of vans and repairpeople to provide prompt service on your appliance.

Thermador. Thermador has been at the forefront of cooking technology for more than seven decades, fusing state-of-the-art performance with classic design to satisfy the most demanding culinary enthusiasts. From introducing the first built-in wall oven almost 50 years ago, to revolutionizing gas cooktops with the patented Star Burner, Thermador’s innovations have helped to transform the kitchen from a mere workplace into the social and entertaining center of the modern American home.

See also:

8 Great Commuter Bikes To Get You Back To the Office in (Eco) Style

5 Great Juicers for Your Next Juice Cleanse

Wolf. For more than 70 years, Wolf has been synonymous with professional cooking equipment for restaurants and hotels. Now, as part of Sub-Zero, the Wolf line has been adapted for the serious in-home cook. With their superior performance and leading-edge design, Wolf instruments fuel a passion for cooking.

Bosch. Also for 70 years, the beauty of Bosch exterior design is how well it blends with your kitchen decor. Their integrated system allows you to match the dishwasher to your cabinets, complementing the entire look of your kitchen with ergonomically-designed controls are at your fingertips.

Jenn-Air. This company creates luxury appliances that are more than a facet of your kitchen, they make your house more of a home. Ranked #1 for the last four years in their creation of built-in refrigerators, Jenn-Air will never fail to impress guests in your home.

AGA. Aga has nearly a century of experience of enriching kitchens around the world. The Classic Aga Range employs cast iron construction and energy efficient heating, which combine to offer a truly unique cooking experience. Available in a variety of enameled colors; Aga ranges offer tremendous design flexibility. Now enhanced with complementary undercounter refrigeraton Aga continues to redefine upscale kitchen design coupled with professional cooking prowess.

And that concludes our list of the best luxury kitchen appliances for 2020. What culinary brand, from refrigeration to cooking, do you own? Share this on social and add your favorite brands!

Sous Vide (sue veed) means “under vacuum” and presents a cooking technique where food is heated to a consistent temperature in a water bath. Although it dates from late 18th century, it was revealed in 1960’s, when it was used by French and American chefs at expensive restaurants. Continue reading →

Lexus, the iconic luxury automaker, continues to diversify their high end lifestyle leadership beyond the road. Continue reading →

On May 2nd, 2019 JetSuite, Inc. announced that they have partnered with luxury travel company Embark to launch “JetSuite Experiences.” Continue reading →

Instead of 007 making his grand entrance to the sound of a roaring V12, Daniel Craig will be driving an almost silent all-electric Aston Martin Rapide E in the next, newly eco-friendly James Bond film. Continue reading →

From March 26th-April 7th, The Lexington Hotel, Autograph Collection is showcasing a $4 million Marilyn Monroe “Red Velvet & Golden Dreams” Exhibit, featuring original historic color separations of Marilyn Monroe in The Norma Jeane Penthouse Suite, her former residences with Joe DiMaggio. Continue reading →

Time has a way of sneaking up on us.  And before you know it the holidays will be here and you’ll be darting around town (or the internet) buying gifts for friends and loved ones at the last minute. Continue reading →

Camping in the summer is a fresh, rejuvenating experience. But it can also involve quite a few unpleasant surprises, especially if you are one to enjoy luxury and feel reluctant about leaving your “comfort zone”. Continue reading →

Most elite travelers take a great deal of care when planning vacations, from exclusive itineraries that elevate the experience to elegant modes of travel like yachts and private jets that afford the ultimate in luxury and privacy. The same amount of care should be taken when choosing a timepiece to accompany you on your journey. Continue reading →

The Olympics are bigger. The World Cup is arguably better. The World Series certainly has more history. But when it comes to the sheer amount of money put down on a bet, nothing beats the Super Bowl.

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Although a car usually has enough gadgets to satisfy the average driver, many feel an urge that they need additional car gadgets and accessories to make their experience feel even more unique. Deck your car out in some cool, new and helpful gadgets. Continue reading →

As much as we focus on diet and exercise as parts of wellness, you simply can’t live the good life without consistently good sleep. Continue reading →

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The Mini Clubman is the biggest Mini to date to get the full John Cooper Works (JCW) treatment, meaning it now has ample speed as well as ample interior space. Continue reading →

The Superbowl! March Madness! The Kentucky Derby! Where are you going to place those bets and watch the action? Well, Vegas of course…but where?

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It’s $400 and has no touch screen or removable battery, yet GoPro’s new Hero4 Session is ideal for active people and here’s why

The new GoPro Hero4 Session is without a doubt a completely new animal—even compared to other GoPros. It’s 50% smaller (in it’s waterproof casing) and 40% lighter than the regular Hero4.  Continue reading →

Hybrid Bikes Are Now As Stylish As They Are Functional

Hills. They’re the enemy of anyone on a casual bike trip. While hardcore riders thrive on the adrenaline rush that comes with tackling an intimidating incline, the casual rider, looking to give the earth a break by leaving the car in the garage, could do without them. Continue reading →

Out with the old; in with the new. As we usher in the sparkling, fresh finds of spring, why not find an equally shiny home for what you’re going to toss? Yes, we do mean trash, but not that plain plastic bucket from the 90s. Continue reading →

Ok, boys, let’s be honest: how many of us have kissed our shaving kits, or at least the shaving cream, good-bye thanks to an overzealous TSA agent? Continue reading →

It is such a mainstay we almost no longer notice it, but every kitchen needs one: a blender. It slices! It dices! It comes in thousands of versions with thousands of prices! Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping are excellent resources to whittle down the herd, but only to a point. Continue reading →