It’s been a while since I’ve talked about the fun stuff to buy here that I find all over the web. I used to have an entire series dedicated to it, but have since relegated most of my finds to Pinterest. I think it’s about time I liberated a few of those pins to share with you guys here.

First of all, you have to love these Heritage Bicycles, handmade here in Chicago. This one’s called the Broncks, and if you’re anything like me and like to bike when it’s reasonably warm in the Windy City, you could use a locally crafted solution. [Pinned]

Next up, check out this collaboration piece from Shwood, makers of wooden sunglasses (which you may remember), and San Francisco clothing company HUF, made from the plywood of skateboards. They also have an excellent video to accompany the project. [Pinned]

I really love this Therm-O Terra thermos from Horne. Keeps beverages hot or cold, BPA and lead free, and keeps you from having to use plastic bottles. Plus, it just looks gorgeous. [Pinned]

I’m not usually a big Anthropologie fan, but did you know they made knobs? Me neither. That is, until I stumbled upon this racing stripes one that a friend had pinned. I love the difference this could make to a door – from boring to subtly fun. [Pinned]

Lastly, I want to leave you with these Mark McNairy Contrast Sole Suede Tassel Loafers. Guys, there’s nothing like contrast soles to help you stand out – if you’ve got the balls to wear them on a pair of suede loafers. [Pinned]

Check out my Materials board for more fun items as they catch my eye. What fun things have you pinned lately?

It’s hard to bike to work every day. I used to do it (when I lived closer to where I worked, and wasn’t a wuss), and I can say with full confidence that while it’s good for your body and the earth, it’s bad for your ensemble. There aren’t a lot of good looking biking accessories out there.

Fortunately Yakkay has at least got your head covered. Finally you can look dapper and keep your head protected at the same time. Imagine, when you’re about to go on a ride, looking like you’re about to play a game of Polo.

Thanks, Yakkay, for finally making safety a grown-up thing. [via Ecouterre]

Let’s face it: most luggage is ugly. Stand out with the Indiana World Traveller Set.

Made from 100% Scottish leather, this duffel bag, Dopp kit and passport case would be as great to take on your next European tour as they would be on your next safari. [via Definitive Touch]

When I was contacted by the Sportback Team at What Are You Into? to try out the new Lancer Sportback for a weekend, I did the obvious thing: I Googled “Sportback”. Apparently a Sportback is a combination of a hatchback and testosterone.

Having gotten used to driving family-friendly cars, I wasn’t prepared for (1) the kick of driving a sports car again, or (2) the complex process that is driving a sports car again. When it was dropped off, terms were thrown at me like “paddle shifters” and “Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST)”. It was a little overwhelming. I was used to just getting my wife and son from A to B.

Not that the Lancer Sportback couldn’t do that. I was actually surprised by how much room it had. I was able to fit our six-month-old’s car seat and our stroller in the back comfortably. And considering the one-touch auto-folding rear seats, I got the impression that much more could be hauled than my offspring.

I didn’t spend a lot of time hauling however, unless you count my friends. We used the Lancer as an excuse to go on as many road trips over the weekend as possible. Which seemed appropriate: when a car is clearly built for play, that’s exactly how it should be put to use.

So if you find yourself the kind of person who has room for a lot of play in your life, the Lancer Sportback may just suit you. For me, most of my play happens on the ground with my son. Still, it was fun to have it on the road for a weekend.

Biker? No longer be bound by the confines of your small car. Introducing the Montague Boston, a new line from the Cambridge-based bike retailer. The Boston can be folded in under 20 seconds without the use of tools – perfect for those last-minute biking emergencies.