Friday, November 30, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Breezer Villager.

Seth has left a new comment on your post "Breezer Villager":

A couple of points:
1. My significant other has the uptown 8 in the same line as the villager. She adores her bicycle. Completely and utterly. I have to admit it is an extremely good bike. Reliable and simple to use. It's odd though that she paid so much for the villager. When we bought the uptown 8 a while back it was only $900.

The shop we picked it up in adjusted everything and watched her on a test ride to make sure things lined up before letting her be on her way. We had the chainguard break in a bad spot but a quick call to breezer and we had another one ordered.

My only desire is that they might see to it to make a tandem version of this line of bikes.

Seth Vidal
-sv



Posted by Seth to Cyclelicious at 11/30/2007 10:32:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Breezer Villager.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Breezer Villager":

...gee, i wonder who should get a nice set of panniers for christmas at the fritzfam household...

...just speculatin'...

...congrats to your sara, fritz, what a great new addition...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 11/30/2007 09:47:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Breezer Villager.

Noah has left a new comment on your post "Breezer Villager":

It's not nearly as plush as the Villager, nor does it really cater to the same demographic, but my wife loves her Electra Townie 3S, which is similarly styled.

We outfitted hers with a genuine Townie rack and trunk bag. For urban commuting, this thing would be the bee's knees. Out here in the hilly 'burbs, it's not quite up to the task but it's great for a nice stroll on the trails.



Posted by Noah to Cyclelicious at 11/30/2007 05:35:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Breezer Villager.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Breezer Villager":

SNork... if you'd scrolled down... it's been one or two haikus per day this week. "Verbose" is one of my nicknames...
I looked hard at that Breezer back when I was shown a Gazelle parked outside The BRead Company a few years back and I was inspired to find A Real Commuter Bike. I liked lots about it, but for that price I want brakes that will work in the rain - heck, I want an *enclosed* chain. I do wish my real Gazelle were a few pounds lighter.
I watched some of the earlier forays into 'commuter bike' world and most of what they had to offer were basically road bikes or hybrids with fenders stuck on. I got the strong impression that the goal was to have a bike that "you can ride this to work sometimes, too," which seems to be how most people have defined bicycle commuting until recently. Kudos to the Weather Channel for having Jorma Duran go to a Chicago bike shop promoting all-year cycling as transportation and http://bikewinter.org/ . Don't know if Jorma's lame "well, I got rid of my bicycle when I came here so I am not going to be part of this movement" helps (because he implies that he could or should) or hinders (good grief, get a bike!).
But hey, there is something we can do... Maybe they keep track of how many hits their assorted videos get. How about a lot of people go and *see* the "ride a bike in winter" video at (look under 'top stories')the weather channel site



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/30/2007 02:09:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Queens bicycle ghetto blasters.

Paul Tay has left a new comment on your post "Queens bicycle ghetto blasters":

Off da HOOK! 5,000 watts beats anything I got: a cheapo guitar amp, power inverter, and 12v lawnmower battery.

I once tried a low-power FM transmitter to leverage the motorists' superior in-car stereo system.



Posted by Paul Tay to Cyclelicious at 11/30/2007 01:04:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on The ethics of transportation choices.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "The ethics of transportation choices":

I thought a lot of it would simply be too far a reach for lots of folks - kinda like slavery... it's just the done thing. How can it be wrong? It's our culture? But the bit towards the end about the invisible city that could be, which posited that it's not the novelty of a blizzard that renders people more joyful and communicative, but simply the removal of the cages between them, was really interesting. *Could* we be that happy all the time? Why not? It's prob'ly all about endorphins...



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/30/2007 10:10:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Taking the lane: How it's done.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Taking the lane: How it's done":

These presentations fail in so many ways to address the realities of cycling, especially the failure of law enforcement, the role of educating auto drivers, and proper road design. No amount of educating cyclists can compensate for the combination of irresponsible street designs, irresponsible auto-truck drivers and iresponsible law enforcement.

Notice how each of these critical areas are labeled "under development". Also the group has a clear and obvious bias against separated bike lanes which can be very beneficial as proven around the world.

In addition, the presentations typically are from the perspective of an adult and ignore the needs of young children and older adults.

Very disappointing...



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/30/2007 10:03:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Fight global warming and obesity.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Fight global warming and obesity":

Hi Thomas, I think I've visited your website before but I don't recall what it was. I admit I usually wimp out on my trips to SF and take the train :-)



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/30/2007 08:42:00 AM

Thursday, November 29, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Fight global warming and obesity.

Thomas has left a new comment on your post "Fight global warming and obesity":

I have been biking for the past 18 years, and have biked to San Francisco 18 times, to San Jose countless times, to Gilroy and Pacifica twice each, to Santa Cruz, San Leandro, Half Moon Bay, Sausalito, and Sunol once each, and to Fremont several times.



Posted by Thomas to Cyclelicious at 11/29/2007 09:44:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycle iPod speakers review.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Bicycle iPod speakers review":

Thanks, Johnny St. Vrain. I like the bikes, the bikes that go "boom!"



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/29/2007 07:48:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycle iPod speakers review.

In a Van Down By the St. Vrain River has left a new comment on your post "Bicycle iPod speakers review":

Richard,

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/29/nyregion/29bikes.html



Posted by In a Van Down By the St. Vrain River to Cyclelicious at 11/29/2007 06:39:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Taking the lane: How it's done.

Ed W has left a new comment on your post "Taking the lane: How it's done":

Thanks, Fritz. I've forwarded this information to one of our local cycling advocates who's looking for instructional material.



Posted by Ed W to Cyclelicious at 11/29/2007 06:05:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Create your own Bike Snob franchise.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Create your own Bike Snob franchise":

Wild, I appreciate your comments. I saw your comment today over at BSNYC also. I guess it is kinda lame....



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/29/2007 02:32:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Create your own Bike Snob franchise.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Create your own Bike Snob franchise":

...sorry fritz, but i just don't get it...you're intelligent, erudite, informative...your perspective on the bike 'scene' is well balanced, easy to grasp, but i just don't 'get' the fascination w/ bsnyc to the point of creating autosnob or the contest...

...appreciating a tree in the woods is great...going home & describing or even painting a picture for others is meaningful...but trying to rebuild the same tree ain't gonna work well or be as successful as the original...
...you're involved in growing a couple of lovely trees of your own...i enjoy watching them grow...

...sheesh, now i sound like chauncy gardener but maybe that ain't a bad thing...

...i'm not gonna try & be any more descriptive & i'm not gonna denigrate ya any more than i have, but from a guy like you, i just don't get it...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 11/29/2007 02:14:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Raleigh UK tells it like it is.

Psychalist has left a new comment on your post "Raleigh UK tells it like it is":

Ah, that so mirrors my experience. I even commented about a similar experience in a recent trip to the LBS. I've yet to find that elusive 'feel good' experience in a bike shop, but I've resolved to look further afield to find one. Right now, I've only myself to blame for not doing so. Nice to know it's not a local thing though.



Posted by Psychalist to Cyclelicious at 11/29/2007 01:23:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycle turn signals / indicators.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Bicycle turn signals / indicators":

Best turn signal is your hand...with a machete in it.



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/29/2007 09:06:00 AM

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Help! Help!.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Help! Help!":

Yo Jim G, that bike truck is cool.



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/28/2007 11:16:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Help! Help!.

Jim G has left a new comment on your post "Help! Help!":

check out this cool custom cargo bike using a Nuvinci hub: http://james.architectureburger.com/cycle/cargo.html



Posted by Jim G to Cyclelicious at 11/28/2007 10:52:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycle turn signals / indicators.

Fishbones has left a new comment on your post "Bicycle turn signals / indicators":

I can see the excuses now: Officer Futzliwitz stated that the cyclist was at fault as bike was not roadworthly - one of his indicators had a cracked lense. Charges will be laid once the cyclist comes out of the coma

Good idea, really, really bad ramifications



Posted by Fishbones to Cyclelicious at 11/28/2007 04:50:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Raleigh UK tells it like it is.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Raleigh UK tells it like it is":

Emailed that to my 60-yo bike shop guy who thought it was pretty accurate, though he's only moderately-highly cynical, and he doesn't moan *that* often, and endeavors not to be miserable.
And yea, the key is to be a groupie :) Even scruffy moaners have egos and cheer up with positive feed back :)



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/28/2007 02:50:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Raleigh UK tells it like it is.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Raleigh UK tells it like it is":

50-60, highly cynical, miserable, moaning and scruffy. Does this guy have a spy cam on me?



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/28/2007 10:44:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycle turn signals / indicators.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Bicycle turn signals / indicators":

I got one a few years back (not wireless or anything) at the Hilly Hundred but installation defeated me. (I'm not hard to defeat.)
I'm thinking something on my shoulder to smack to turn on might be the trick.



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/28/2007 08:34:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycle turn signals / indicators.

Warren T has left a new comment on your post "Bicycle turn signals / indicators":

You might want to hold off on getting these shipped to the US; I've chatted with one of the people at the company and they are still waiting on approval from the FCC (due to the wireless signal used to connect the front and back units).



Posted by Warren T to Cyclelicious at 11/28/2007 06:22:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Help! Help!.

Toby has left a new comment on your post "Help! Help!":

Hi there, I saw a cool concept at this years EuroBike in Germany.
Check it out: www.matra-ms.com

Toby



Posted by Toby to Cyclelicious at 11/28/2007 12:26:00 AM

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycle turn signals / indicators.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Bicycle turn signals / indicators":

solving a problem i didn't even know i had!



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/27/2007 10:10:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Help! Help!.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Help! Help!":

I was wondering if Ellsworth was still selling the Nuvinci equipped bike. I think Batavus might be the biggest user of that technology right now. I've also seen a couple of Nuvinci equipped cruisers (maybe Ellsworth built and rebadged?)



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/27/2007 08:19:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Help! Help!.

Nicholas has left a new comment on your post "Help! Help!":

NuVinci, as mentioned.

Ellsworth is making a bike out of it.



Posted by Nicholas to Cyclelicious at 11/27/2007 07:30:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycle haiku and other bicycle blog madness.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Bicycle haiku and other bicycle blog madness":

Yep, Anon, that's kinda how I feel about it. When you drive alone, you drive with Hitler or Osama or Ahmadinejad or al Qaida or whomever the bad guy is.



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/27/2007 05:34:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycle haiku and other bicycle blog madness.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Bicycle haiku and other bicycle blog madness":

A meme in need of promotion is that it is your patriotic duty to save oil for our boys and girls in uniform.

They need your oil to fight for freedom.

It's one thing to drive a light truck if the tray is full of tools - on the other hand, commuting alone with your laptop in an SUV is an unamerican activity.



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/27/2007 05:12:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Help! Help!.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Help! Help!":

Ditto
http://www.fallbrooktech.com/NuVinci.asp



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/27/2007 05:07:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycle Christmas cards.

Guitar Ted has left a new comment on your post "Bicycle Christmas cards":

Skeese Greets just hit our shop today. WOW! They are alot for the money and the personal service given was fantastic. I highly recommend these to any LBS.



Posted by Guitar Ted to Cyclelicious at 11/27/2007 04:33:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Help! Help!.

Guitar Ted has left a new comment on your post "Help! Help!":

Uhh.....Fallworth Technologies Nuvinci hub, by chance? Constantly Variable Transmissions? (CVT) Am I getting warm?



Posted by Guitar Ted to Cyclelicious at 11/27/2007 04:30:00 PM

Monday, November 26, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Vote early and often for cycling funds.

Carlton has left a new comment on your post "Vote early and often for cycling funds":

Thanks, Fritz. The more votes the better. It's cycling that's the winner, not just a bunch of bike projects in the UK.

The lottery site doesn't say US citizens are prevented from voting. Not that it says they're allowed, mind.



Posted by Carlton to Cyclelicious at 11/26/2007 11:21:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Thankful.

Donna T. has left a new comment on your post "Thankful":

Fritz - hope you enjoyed your long weekend...great post, thanks for sharig it with us all.
And, may the 'tough times ahead' be not as tough as you think, my friend.



Posted by Donna T. to Cyclelicious at 11/26/2007 06:46:00 AM

Saturday, November 24, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Thankful.

Coelecanth has left a new comment on your post "Thankful":

One thing you can always say about life is that there are always tough times ahead. But if you have any age on you at all there are tough times behind as well. Getting through it and remaining grateful for all the important things in life is a sign of a life well lived.

These days I'm stuck on a sheep farm in rural Australia with only a Brompton 3-speed folder to slake my bike addiction. It's been hard not to have a stable of bikes to choose from and harder still to have nowhere really to ride to. But you know what? In the middle of writing this I picked up the pacifier that my 4 month old daughter had spat out in her sleep. Her beautiful face is a constant reminder of how lucky I am bike or no bike, and your post reminded me of that.

Thank you Fritz, and all the best to you and yours.



Posted by Coelecanth to Cyclelicious at 11/24/2007 08:44:00 PM

Friday, November 23, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Caltrain: 2 more trains on weeknights.

AllenTomDude has left a new comment on your post "Caltrain: 2 more trains on weeknights":

I'm happy to hear about the additional evening train, because it sucks that there's an 80 minute gap between the 189 and 191 northbound trains.

I actually would like to see another bullet and/or express train, because they stop a bit early for me.



Posted by AllenTomDude to Cyclelicious at 11/23/2007 01:46:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Thankful.

DJones has left a new comment on your post "Thankful":

Cheers Fritz! Yes- Thinking back... I'm thankful for that new found freedom we find as kids... that first ride without training wheels. I found that feeling again completing my first of three century rides in the NC mountains this year. I'll be sure to check in on your blog daily.



Posted by DJones to Cyclelicious at 11/23/2007 12:30:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Thankful.

Warren T has left a new comment on your post "Thankful":

Amen to your post and to the comments above. I was thinking the same thing a couple days ago. My daily ride to work and home is about the only "me time" I get and if I have to skip it I miss it both physically and emotionally. Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful. You know that Cyclelicious is one of the things we're all thankful for, don't you?

From a guy who has gone through several "Count it all joy" times already...



Posted by Warren T to Cyclelicious at 11/23/2007 07:33:00 AM

Thursday, November 22, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Thankful.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Thankful":

Happy addictions and gratitudinosities to all!

I figure when a rental car company reads my blog and calls me I'll be set for life with the proceeds from my marketing campaign.

Tough times coming... but planning/hoping not to let them toughen me up except in the inner-strength sense.



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/22/2007 09:50:00 AM

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Thankful.

Nathan has left a new comment on your post "Thankful":

Word! Great post, it's great to consider the things that we value and keep us going. I look forward to cycling daily and I'm thankful that I stumbled back into it. And the getting in touch with the greater cycling world through the web is a great way to find kindred spirits.



Posted by Nathan to Cyclelicious at 11/21/2007 04:18:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Jorja Fox goes bike shopping.

Rosie has left a new comment on your post "Jorja Fox goes bike shopping":

These comments have been invaluable to me as is this whole site. I thank you for your comment.



Posted by Rosie to Cyclelicious at 11/21/2007 01:20:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Thankful.

Jerry has left a new comment on your post "Thankful":

Hey Fritzy, you're blog is on my daily perusal and enjoy your writing even though, yes, I still won't ride my bike. We're there for ya on that road ahead.



Posted by Jerry to Cyclelicious at 11/21/2007 11:07:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Introducing Carl in Longmont.

getinlost has left a new comment on your post "Introducing Carl in Longmont":

Thank you for that build up. I really enjoy your site. It has become one of the morning "coffee stops". For some more horn tooting, it was the school that my kids go to that had the 98% turnout!
Thanks, Carl



Posted by getinlost to Cyclelicious at 11/21/2007 06:29:00 AM

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Expect more expensive tires next year.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Expect more expensive tires next year":

Interesting; Thanks for that info, Anon.



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/20/2007 11:44:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Expect more expensive tires next year.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Expect more expensive tires next year":

The Chinese Yuan doesn't float in value in the currency markets, but is actually coupled to the US dollar, as mandated by the Chinese government. The coupling used to be a rigid 8:1 (Yuan:Dollar), but a year or two ago China allowed the Yuan to be coupled to a "basket" of international currencies that was strongly weighted toward the value of the dollar. Today a dollar will buy 7.42 Yuan, but most economists believe the Yuan would have much greater buying power if China allowed it to be traded freely. (by keeping the Yuan artificially weak, China assures strong markets for its goods abroad)



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/20/2007 10:41:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycling advocacy and public safety.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Bicycling advocacy and public safety":

On a visit to Baltimore, I apparently accidentally rode the Tour de Sketchy Neighborhoods. On the old beater fixed gear, with my typical shabby wardrobe, no one gave me a second glance.

You gain a lot of safety by not projecting a sh*thead attitude. Don't project a lot of fear or arrogance and don't ride flashy equipment. Look like you know where you're going, even if you don't.

Around hostile rednecks in a rural environment all bets are off. (Cue the banjo)



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/20/2007 04:51:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycling advocacy and public safety.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Bicycling advocacy and public safety":

The car culture is one of the principal causes of crimes. Building "needed" highways to support sprawl so citizens can escape dangerous areas diverts public funds from crime prevention. Then parking lots must be built, destroying neighborhoods and creating ugly environments. Depopulation is the result and public resources become additionally strained. It's hard to stop it once it starts.



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/20/2007 06:43:00 AM

Monday, November 19, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycling advocacy and public safety.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Bicycling advocacy and public safety":

...fritz, i wasn't rippin' ya, honest, but enjoy yer time off...sometimes we all need a good break...

...believe me, i know...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 11/19/2007 10:41:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycling advocacy and public safety.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Bicycling advocacy and public safety":

Of course, some of the safest large cities in the USA are also in the Bay Area. Even portions of Oakland are nice if you know the areas to avoid. Vallejo and Richmond are probably best to stay clear of also, though again if you know where you're going.

I guess I have been posting a lot of doom and gloom lately. I need an attitude readjustment. Posting will probably be sparse to non-existent over the Thanksgiving holiday as I recharge my batteries.



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/19/2007 09:33:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycling advocacy and public safety.

Michael has left a new comment on your post "Bicycling advocacy and public safety":

Camden, New Jersey is obviously a HORRIBLE place to bike. However, just over the bridge is great riding in Philadelphia. The Ben Franklin Parkway, Fairmont Park, Manayunk, the rail-trail to Valley Forge...all great areas.



Posted by Michael to Cyclelicious at 11/19/2007 08:11:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Expect more expensive tires next year.

Michael has left a new comment on your post "Expect more expensive tires next year":

Good thing we don't get a lot of our products from China...

Oh wait.



Posted by Michael to Cyclelicious at 11/19/2007 08:10:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycling advocacy and public safety.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Bicycling advocacy and public safety":

...fritz, you paragon of joy & good news...
...the highest gas prices in the whole country AND two of the top ten most dangerous cities in america, right here in the bay area...
...& yet, all this beauty...

...ah, yes, thus is the dichotomy of the sf bay area...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 11/19/2007 07:41:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bicycling advocacy and public safety.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Bicycling advocacy and public safety":

I find those maps nice 'cause it's useful to know where around me things like burglaries have happened, having nothing to do with riding.



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/19/2007 07:32:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Two pounds of bug parts.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Two pounds of bug parts":

...conspiracy theorist sez...

...jonathon actually swallowed a secret 'robotic bug' developed by evil government scientists & his thoughts are being monitored as we speak !!!...

...oh, sorry, didn't mean to get all paranoid on ya...
... i just watched a u-tube vid of actual robotic 'cockroaches' mingling w/ real ones...didn't look anything like the real ones but because they mimicked the same actions, they were accepted...kinda strange...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 11/19/2007 07:27:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on $4+ gasoline in San Mateo, California!.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "$4+ gasoline in San Mateo, California!":

Go to work?! What a waste of feeling better. ;-P



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/19/2007 10:56:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Two pounds of bug parts.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Two pounds of bug parts":

Yea, I was thinking "bet cyclists double that!" Wonder about those Clif Bars :)



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/19/2007 10:04:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Free phone 411.

Michael has left a new comment on your post "Free phone 411":

I use GOOG-411 all the time. You can say "Text Message" at some point during the one of the menus to get the number, address, and directions (for internet enabled phones - via GoogleMaps obviously) sent directly to you.

I LOVE IT!



Posted by Michael to Cyclelicious at 11/19/2007 07:01:00 AM

Sunday, November 18, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on $4+ gasoline in San Mateo, California!.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "$4+ gasoline in San Mateo, California!":

Thanks, Citizen. I'm kind of better today. I plan to go into work tomorrow.



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/18/2007 10:25:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Two pounds of bug parts.

Warren T has left a new comment on your post "Two pounds of bug parts":

I may have gotten half my yearly allotment Friday on the ride home. Temperatures warmed up for a couple days and my ride next to the creek was bug infested. There were several times it felt like someone had thrown a couple handfuls of rice in my face. Did my best to breath through my teeth until I cleared the woods and made it back to traffic. Still, I was happy to have the water bottle handy to wash a few of the bugs down...



Posted by Warren T to Cyclelicious at 11/18/2007 09:25:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on $4+ gasoline in San Mateo, California!.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "$4+ gasoline in San Mateo, California!":

Get well soon!



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/18/2007 07:27:00 PM

Saturday, November 17, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on RevoPower gasoline bicycle wheel.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "RevoPower gasoline bicycle wheel":

It's vaporware. They've been touting this since 2003. It was supposed to be launched this year at $400 and now it's been pushed back to 2008 and $600. Forget about it. Meanwhile, it has so many problems that it'll never make it in the market. It adds at least 12 pounds of unsprung weight to the front wheel. So much for your suspension fork. They don't have a disk brake version, so disk brake owners are SOL and you have to buy proprietary replacement rims from them when your rim brakes wear through it. In some states like New York, it's completely illegal because it's not insured and registered. If the cops feel like it, they can confiscate your bike and your $600 motor. But of course Revopower won't tell you that on their website.



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/17/2007 07:14:00 AM

Friday, November 16, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco":

This was made in 2005. If he's either dead or maimed or not riding anymore.



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/16/2007 05:22:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco.

Ben has left a new comment on your post "Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco":

It's really not cool, because he is endangering any pedestrians he is near. I hope he realizes that he is going to hurt somebody some day.



Posted by Ben to Cyclelicious at 11/16/2007 03:50:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on The Autosnob.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "The Autosnob":

I messed up on the link -- sorry about that. Fixed now.



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/16/2007 03:48:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on The Autosnob.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "The Autosnob":

...fritz...i'm clicking & clicking & nothing is...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 11/16/2007 03:10:00 PM

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco.

Gino Zahnd has left a new comment on your post "Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco":

So dumb, so dumb.



Posted by Gino Zahnd to Cyclelicious at 11/14/2007 06:48:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco.

Jim G has left a new comment on your post "Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco":

Please don't feed the pigeons!



Posted by Jim G to Cyclelicious at 11/14/2007 11:43:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco.

Paul Tay has left a new comment on your post "Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco":

I am not quite getting the significance of the shoe. With all that testosterone and GUTS, shouldn't a building or a moving bus SUFFICE?



Posted by Paul Tay to Cyclelicious at 11/14/2007 10:11:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco.

Russ has left a new comment on your post "Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco":

Yeah.... I would have to say that is not even "cool-stupid" just stupid.



Posted by Russ to Cyclelicious at 11/14/2007 08:19:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco.

gttim has left a new comment on your post "Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco":

At least the guy wears a helmet! Oh, wait... nevermind.



Posted by gttim to Cyclelicious at 11/14/2007 08:02:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ontario exempts bicycles from sales tax.

John has left a new comment on your post "Ontario exempts bicycles from sales tax":

"Young and young-at-heart"? So the USA isn't the only country where bikes carry the stigma of being children's playthings? Weird, considering they say they're trying to encourage commuting. Oh well.



Posted by John to Cyclelicious at 11/14/2007 07:12:00 AM

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco.

ahpook has left a new comment on your post "Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco":

that is so freaking stupid it hurts.



Posted by ahpook to Cyclelicious at 11/13/2007 07:53:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Brakeless singlespeed in San Francisco":

...O M G...i concur...INSANE...

...& i hardly ever capitalize...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 11/13/2007 07:25:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Tour of California 2008 route announced.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Tour of California 2008 route announced":

Fritz, keep us informed of the events that help support the race. Particularly how residents are encouraged to cycle for basic transportation needs, how safety is promoted, and how non-cyclists are enlightened. How many people were at the announcement? Thanks...
Jack



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/13/2007 03:24:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":

I'd agree that the bias affects the researchers who might vaguely remember what scientific research is, while most of the folks are in the "what are you paying me to find?" category :( Hmmm... how to do research to support that?



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/13/2007 12:56:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Fight global warming and obesity.

bother yam has left a new comment on your post "Fight global warming and obesity":

kids can't walk to school any more -- it's not safe. traffic is bad or they'll get snatched up by predators or terrorists.

little jimmy or suzy have to wrapped up in a hummer and bundled off to school. it's the (new) american way.

i walked to school for years -- and i played string bass and cello. try walking 1/2 mile with either of those at age 11...



Posted by bother yam to Cyclelicious at 11/13/2007 08:01:00 AM

Monday, November 12, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ontario exempts bicycles from sales tax.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Ontario exempts bicycles from sales tax":

...born & raised as a kid on a red raleigh during the '50's & '60's in ontario, my first thought was "oh, cool, those sensible canucks, what a great idea"...

...but the second paragraph & the light shed on it by the first response reveals a different picture...

...kinda like the old dope dealer adage: the first one's for free, kid, then yer gonna pay...ya ride the cheapy 'til ya get interested & when ya wanna upgrade, yer gonna pay the full price...

...hopefully mc guinty will take the plunge & fully commit...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 07:36:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ontario exempts bicycles from sales tax.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Ontario exempts bicycles from sales tax":

Thanks for the additional info, Anon. I didn't know that about BC.



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 04:45:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ontario exempts bicycles from sales tax.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Ontario exempts bicycles from sales tax":

This is sort of lame by Canadian standards. British Columbia, for instance, has no provincial sales tax on bikes at all. For smaller Ontario bike shops, this means that they'll have to reprogram their point of sales systems to just charge taxes *sometimes*. This will be a pain for them. I fear that it will benefit the big bike sellers - Canadian Tire and Walmart - more than it will stimulate business for the small guys. Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth, but McGinty really should have gone a little further with this one.



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 04:18:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Fight global warming and obesity.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Fight global warming and obesity":

I adopted the bike as transportation in the 1970s because I grew up watching my parents get fat and listening to them bitch about it, while they did substantially nothing to reverse the problem. I figured out that if I put the bike between me and the paycheck in the morning and supper at night, I would have to ride. At the same time I would save vast amounts of money, be able to overeat a little (or a lot) without suddenly ballooning in size, and reduce traffic congestion and pollution. It seemed so sensible to me. My reward from the rest of American society has been a steady stream of threats and abuse from increasingly obese drivers in increasingly ridiculous trucks.

Even so, I would do it all again. It has been a good way to live and a good life to promote. I'm not a pure cyclist. I drive when I have to. But I recommend non-motorized recreation all the time and non-motorized transportation as the default, with a car used only under conditions requiring it. (Yes, there's fine print.) Just try your best to avoid motors. Life is incredibly better.



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 03:25:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on To Protect and Serve?.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "To Protect and Serve?":

I guess that's why there are concealed carry permits...or Gandhi-esque passive resistance.

All you can do is keep trying to teach. If we go to war, we lose automatically. Infuriating, sn't it? Especially when you hear from some cretinous moron spouting of about what a blight and a bother those damn bicyclists are.



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 01:23:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on To Protect and Serve?.

gttim has left a new comment on your post "To Protect and Serve?":

There is an institutional bias against cyclists by almost all police departments and a social bias against cyclists by most of the public. Both of these need to be dealt with at the same time. Education is the cure, but remember, a lot of the public and far too many police officers are just imbecilic and will not benefit from any amount of education.



Posted by gttim to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 01:03:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":

I appreciate the comments, all. Note that this was posted by Dr Robert Shanteau, a traffic engineer in Monterey who has also been a tireless cyclist advocate since the 70s in the SF Bay Area. Please welcome Bob Shanteau to Cyclelicious.



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 10:35:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":

Too many traffic engineers fail to incorporate variables that are difficult to measure into their analysis for obvious reasons.
The auto and truck industries are well represented while independently minded cyclists are easily overlooked. Recreational bike paths are being funded while critically needed bike lanes, wider streets, proper signs, drivers' education,... are being ignored and unfunded.
Cities that have successfully integrated more cycling in their tansportation system are great examples of what works. Why some cyclists continue to deny the obvious is hurting all cyclists.
Jack



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 10:01:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ....

Jana Eggers has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ...":

Hi, Carlton,

Yes, the graphics are different. Our partners submit graphics, and they decide where they want to sell. I can check on the bicycle graphic and see if it can be brought over.

The Trigema selection isn't available here. Trigema isn't popular in the US, and we don't have an outlet to get them wholesale.

We did try some similar jackets in the US, but they were not popular. We are adding some additional athletic wear for North America in January, but no jackets are planned.

Thanks,
Jana



Posted by Jana Eggers to Cyclelicious at 11/12/2007 09:23:00 AM

Sunday, November 11, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on To Protect and Serve?.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "To Protect and Serve?":

Yeah, I thought they were pretty much bullshit myself, but then I read something that made me think they might have some value. They don't really get people to share the road any more than people willingly floss their teeth or quit smoking, but at least the signs remind them that they SHOULD.

I just forget what I read or where I read it. Anyway, they can't hurt...except when some redneck saws one down and drops it on you.



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:51:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on To Protect and Serve?.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "To Protect and Serve?":

Most cyclists know from experience that STR signs are a waste and ineffective.



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:47:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":

My key word was "usable" cycling infrastructure. In other words, not the usual sidepath to nowhere, that amounts to a concentration camp for cyclists and forces them to use their bike as a toy, separate from the practical portion of their lives. The industry just wants to sell bikes, true. But they are the only deep pocket on the cycling side of the equation. Where else would funds come from? Advocacy groups? I can't afford to belong to one. When I did, they ignored my letters to them and barraged me with requests for more funds.

The best cycling advocacy an individual cyclist can perform is to go out there and ride, relentlessly. Recruit other people to ride.

Our local rail trail gets lots of traffic, even though it is lame. So the industry is right that if people believe they have a safe place to ride, they will do so. This may not appear as a jump in sales, because a lot of people own bikes already. And they aren't as in love with technology and new new new stuff as the industry has been trying to believe.



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:35:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....

Ed W has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":

I've been working through the Thunderhead Benchmarking Report. Now, realize first that a good deal of Thunderhead's funding comes from the industry, and the manufacturers exist to sell more bikes. In their view, anything that helps sell more bikes is a Good Thing. In their conclusions, TA simply says,
"Examples abound and local advocates and officials
know that a new trail or path built where few biked and walked
before more often than not will dramatically increase bicycling
and walking in that particular corridor. Results of this study
suggest what these advocates and officials know to be true:
when you build it, they will come."

The underlying assumption is that the 'build it and they will come' approach will help to sell more bikes. There is no evidence to support this, of course, and in reality things have worked out quite to the contrary. Bicycle sales have been essentially flat while public spending on bicycle and pedestrian facilities went from $22.9 million in 1992 to $394.9 million in 2006. Don't misunderstand me - I'm not saying that money was wasted, but it may be disingenuous to suggest that on a national scale spending more money leads to more cyclists.



Posted by Ed W to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:21:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":

Sad but true: sponsors of research tend to get the results they're paying for. This is my cynical and unverified assertion, but I bet I'm right.

Has anyone in the bike industry tried to get studies done to support the establishment of usable cycling infrastructure? Does any advocacy group have the funds to bankroll such studies? If not, you'll get what you're getting now: highway and traffic research paid for by motor vehicle interests to support their desires.



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 05:27:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on To Protect and Serve?.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "To Protect and Serve?":

Bike lanes don't educate people. Education educates people.

"Share the Road" signs do remind motorists that bikes are out there and have a legal place on the road. Driver education that includes the rights and responsibilities of cyclists will educate all road users about the cyclist's place among them.

I have had numerous brushes with misinformed law enforcement officials, but have also had some wonderful support from others in that profession.

A police officer once pulled me over on a state highway and told me I wasn't supposed to be on it because of its speed limit. He was wrong, but I didn't have time to argue, because it was also late in the day and I needed to get home before sunset. He grudgingly allowed me to continue, but only if I rode at the far edge of the debris-strewn shoulder. I did this until he was out of sight. Then I sprinted back up to 25+ mph at the right edge of the travel lane, as I had been before.

After this incident I always carried at least one copy of the state laws pertaining to cyclists, so I could hand it to the next well-meaning but poorly-trained peace officer.



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 05:18:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on To Protect and Serve?.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "To Protect and Serve?":

Further proof that bike lanes and associated infrastructure are necessary. Not only for space, but as a means to educate and constantly remind law enforcement officials and the public of cyclists' rights.
Thanks for making this obvious!



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 04:32:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on What a pretty bicycle, she said.

Shanerh has left a new comment on your post "What a pretty bicycle, she said":

Thanks for the link! Saw the original video via a link from your site and was inspired to make a version myself. It helped get me started on a bigger project.. taking the 4500 photos and hundreds of video clips and turning them into a movie.



Posted by Shanerh to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 04:28:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....

Eccentric guy on a bike has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":

Critical thinking is dead. Arguing that correlation does not imply causation is seen as negative cynicism these days, even in higher education. A "researcher" who doesn't arrive at the correct conclusions isn't likely to get more funding for further research.

The Mike Judge movie "Idiocracy" might be realized even in our lifetimes. Today, soccer moms are driving diesel powered monster trucks that barely fit in existing lanes or parking spots, so they're widening. But a handful of eccentric guys riding bikes who don't spend a lot are a whole lot easier to ignore.



Posted by Eccentric guy on a bike to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 10:51:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f....

Ed W has left a new comment on your post "Why is sponsored research into cycling safety so f...":

Thanks for posting this, Fritz. I've forwarded it to the state and local advocacy group, as well as a knowledgeable planner and an engineer.



Posted by Ed W to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 08:30:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ....

Carlton has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ...":

Thanks for the feedback, Jana.

I couldn't find the bike symbol on the US site. The graphics are different.

Also, there wasn't the same - or similar - Trigema training jacket.



Posted by Carlton to Cyclelicious at 11/11/2007 07:37:00 AM

Saturday, November 10, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ....

Jana Eggers has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ...":

Hi, Carlton,

Sorry for the confusion. The number of text colors between the US and EU are the same. We do have differences in colors, based on apparel selection and suppliers. Which ones were you missing specifically? I can't promise we'll get it, but the feedback is helpful.

You can add graphics after text is added. Not sure what went wrong. The designer is the same between the US and EU. It must have been a click path. If you can tell us what it was, I'd appreciate it. (I tried to find it, but probably know too much.)

Thanks,
Jana



Posted by Jana Eggers to Cyclelicious at 11/10/2007 11:39:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ....

Carlton has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE shirts now available in USA, Canada & ...":

Wow, thanks again, Fritz.

It's really odd how the cool features in the Euro-version of Spreadshirt don't seem to be on the US version. The text colours are not as broad and there doesn't appear to be a way to add extra graphics after text has been applied. Prices are a lot less, mind.



Posted by Carlton to Cyclelicious at 11/10/2007 09:49:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Top 100 lifestyle blogs.

Will has left a new comment on your post "Top 100 lifestyle blogs":

Congratulations!

Here's My Cycling Blog for your top 100 list consideration

www.cycling-challenge.com

A new challenge every year while cycling legendary climbs in the French and Swiss Alps.

Regards



Posted by Will to Cyclelicious at 11/10/2007 03:35:00 AM

Friday, November 09, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE jackets and shirts.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE jackets and shirts":

Sue, that's way too subtle and eggheadish for my little literal minded brain...

Jana, thanks for the note about Spreadshirt USA. Do you normally read Cyclelicious? Or do you have a blog alert set up for mentions of your company name?



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/09/2007 05:08:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on NYMEX light sweet crude price.

Warren T has left a new comment on your post "NYMEX light sweet crude price":

Fritz linked my haiku
He lives by the rules he's set
Thank you much, my friend



Posted by Warren T to Cyclelicious at 11/09/2007 04:58:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE jackets and shirts.

Jana Eggers has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE jackets and shirts":

Hi, folks!

I have some good news... Spreadshirt does deliver to the US... actually North America!

Y'all just need to set-up a shop on Spreadshirt.com. You'll have the same functionality. There is some difference in apparel selection, due to availability and styles in the two continents.

Enjoy! Happy to have you with us!



Posted by Jana Eggers to Cyclelicious at 11/09/2007 03:50:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE jackets and shirts.

Carlton has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE jackets and shirts":

Hey, thanks, Fritz.

I tried to load to Cafepress but there's no text option as per spreadshirt. I loaded a text graphic but the baseball jersey won't accept it no matter what size I resize it.

I've also Googled lots about 'impersonating police' and found stuff about a stripogram who seemed to have been charged not with the clothing but carrying the baton.



Posted by Carlton to Cyclelicious at 11/09/2007 12:52:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike POLITE jackets and shirts.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Bike POLITE jackets and shirts":

I feel a PhD thesis coming on: the visual pun. Enhanced opportunities for merging meanings in the post-graphic world.
I dig it.



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/09/2007 11:36:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Contest: Guess the price of crude.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Contest: Guess the price of crude":

Thanks for the guesses, all. Comments are closed now.



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/09/2007 09:52:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Contest: Guess the price of crude.

Carlton Reid has left a new comment on your post "Contest: Guess the price of crude":

Who do I contact to report Fritz for such an anti-competitive competition?

US and Canadian residents only, indeed!



Posted by Carlton Reid to Cyclelicious at 11/09/2007 07:57:00 AM

Thursday, November 08, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Free bike lights for Stanford students.

Ken has left a new comment on your post "Free bike lights for Stanford students":

Recently I made the decision to give up my dependency on the automotive commute. I made the decision to localize my lifestyle by riding my bike everywhere that I possibly could. San Diego traffic, gas prices, insurance rates, countless parking tickets are just a few reasons for me GOING GREEN. I had the pleasure of speaking with Sami Tauber, CEO of Bikewear World the other day. Her sincerity and passion to help San Diegans become more environmentally and health conscious really confirmed my own desire to stop contributing to oil dependency, air pollution and a host of other negatives related to driving and start Biking! I'm starting to really understand the meaning of "Think Global, Act Local".



Posted by Ken to Cyclelicious at 11/08/2007 09:59:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Contest: Guess the price of crude.

bitterexgeek has left a new comment on your post "Contest: Guess the price of crude":

I'm going to say $96.65



Posted by bitterexgeek to Cyclelicious at 11/08/2007 04:56:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Contest: Guess the price of crude.

danielo has left a new comment on your post "Contest: Guess the price of crude":

$96.50



Posted by danielo to Cyclelicious at 11/08/2007 04:48:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion":

Humans seem to respond to simple choices rather than nuanced explanations. "Cars and Oil Bad" keeps it short and to the point.

As for a massive reduction in single speed riders when the fad dies down, anyone who sticks with it for more than a few rides is permanently hooked. You either love it or you hate it. So maybe for fad's sake you keep one around for a little longer than it took you to figure out you hated it, but not too long.



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/08/2007 09:57:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Contest: Guess the price of crude.

Noah has left a new comment on your post "Contest: Guess the price of crude":

Does Amazon sell gasoline? My Explorer's runnin' on fumes. HAHAHA



Posted by Noah to Cyclelicious at 11/08/2007 08:25:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Contest: Guess the price of crude.

Michael has left a new comment on your post "Contest: Guess the price of crude":

"Price is Right" bidding strategy will work well here...



Posted by Michael to Cyclelicious at 11/08/2007 07:18:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on One literally HOT bike!.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "One literally HOT bike!":

I wonder, does it use more, less, or about the same amount of fuel as an SUV?



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/08/2007 07:04:00 AM

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Folk cycling.

Fishbones has left a new comment on your post "Folk cycling":

Fishbone, do you live outside the U.S.? Most cyclists in America appear to be recent immigrants riding bikes from *Mart or yardsales and pawnshops.

I'm waaay out side the USA.

Bikes actually outsell cars by a big margin, thanks mainly to the *marts. This is having a significant impact on the ubiquity of bicycling. Which in turn affects govt expenditure and driver attitudes. Local studies show that the #1 way to improve bicyclist safety is to get more bikes on the road.

Legally, adult riders are vehicular road users. Depending on what state/province you are in the rules vary but usually there are a few cycle specific regs, such being allowed to pass stopped traffic on the "wrong" (ie kerb) side. Helmets are universally required.
Importantly, the bike specific rules are covered in learner driver tests.

The demographics of cyclists vary widely, but there's basically:
* kids on bikes
* recreational *mart MTB riders on bike paths. Adults across the spectrum.
* lycra clad sports bike (group) riders on roads. Mostly higher income - seen the cost of a trek madone lately?
* commuters - mainly white collar workers
Oh, and
* couriers.
There's a fair bit of overlap between the groups, obviously.

The road rules are regularily bent to suit reality: probably the most common would be riding on a footpath. I'd say a fair number of *mart MTB riders wouldn't know it was illegal. The couriers know but don't care.

In everyone's defence, the intermittent nature of bike paths and roads often makes at least a small amount of footpath use sensible on many, many trips.

For second place "Failure to indicate" would have to fight it out with "failing to stop at red lights/stop signs". The lycra brigade are particularily bad and are doing the cause no good on this front.

Myself I tend to jaywalk across red rather than ride as the odds of being nicked are less.

Sometimes the law is an ass - in which case we should try and change it. I'd love to see some Iowa style laws come in.

My final comment would be to draw a strong contrast between "civil disobedience" and a) ignorance or b) rules-are-for-other-people

Some of folk cycling are actually trying to change laws and attitudes from a well-informed and deeply thought out position. Critical Mass generally meets that criteria.

But I've yet to see an example of a lone cyclist riding the wrongway down a one-way street meet that criteria.



Posted by Fishbones to Cyclelicious at 11/07/2007 08:31:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion":

Pearl Izumi is based in Broomfield, Colorado, which broke away from Boulder County a few years ago over development, open space and tax issues. Nevertheless, no doubt many of their workers live in neighboring Boulder County and might be influenced by some of the anticar politics in the city of Boulder.

Speaking of green athletic wear companies, I should have also mentioned Patagonia, which has long committed itself to environtmental action through grants, fabrics made from recycled plastics, "green" construction in their buildings, and so forth. Still, their very attractive catalogs feature customers who travel the remotest areas of the planet to conquer nature and new and interesting ways, so even with them the message is mixed.

I'm certainly not blameless -- I love snow skiing, for example, which as an industry is destructive of the natural environment.



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/07/2007 11:05:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion":

I was thinking that somebody somewhere in the marketing process got that in and the 'higher up' dudes didn't really dig it, but it was better than whatever other lame marketing stuff was proferred. Either that or somebody's *really* patriotic in the chain of command and sees oil dependence as a threat.
I dunno, I don't see SUV folks feeling drawn by those ads, though I've never understood how guilt conflicts work in the human mind.



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/07/2007 10:07:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion":

Yeah it may be PR but on Sunday I cycled past two similar cars-r-coffins lots with my young sons. We had a great laugh over our fellow citizens' investments. Young minds are wonderful.
Jack



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/07/2007 08:47:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion.

Herbert has left a new comment on your post "Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion":

Well, with the rising gas prices we might be forced to ride our bikes, whether we believe in "green marketing" or not.



Posted by Herbert to Cyclelicious at 11/07/2007 06:08:00 AM

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion.

Steve Nordstrom has left a new comment on your post "Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion":

Its not about the people wearing the gear and their socio-economic situation: these ads get at the roadie's desire to be out on the bike more often than he or she is, and with less automobile traffic to compete with them for roadspace. They about getting more people on bikes, not appealing to a hipster subculture demographic that refuses to ride with more than one gear, and will probably exit the market just as quickly as they entered it after the fad dies down. The SUV owner who uses his or her bike 1-5 days a week instead of his or her vehicle is participating in the spirit of the message these ads send. They certainly can appreciate the desire to save money on gas through using a human-powered vehicle to get around.



Posted by Steve Nordstrom to Cyclelicious at 11/06/2007 03:13:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Pearl Izumi's got anticar religion":

Amen.

Maybe some higher up at their company believes in the message :P



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/06/2007 02:07:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Folk cycling.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Folk cycling":

Doug, lane splitting (riding between two lanes) is legal only in California in the United States, but filtering forward at an intersection at the right is maybe legal on the principle that if motorists can safely pass cyclists in the same lane, then the reverse should also be true. I Am Not A Lawyer, though, and my advice is worth about what you paid for it.

I personally ride "vehicularly," but I'm also, umm, flexible about the rules. If there are only a handful of cars at an intersection I might wait my turn in the queue, especially if lane width is not adequate for safe passing. If the lane is wide enough, though, I'll filter right up to the front with hesitation. Just watch for the right hook and you should be fine.

I know a lot of people get really uptight about cyclists slowing but not coming to a complete stop at stop signs, but that pretty much matches driver behavior *shrug* I also like the Iowa yield law that Ron mentioned.

Fishbone, do you live outside the U.S.? Most cyclists in America appear to be recent immigrants riding bikes from *Mart or yardsales and pawnshops.

Thanks for the comments, all!



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/06/2007 12:56:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Folk cycling.

doug has left a new comment on your post "Folk cycling":

is passing a clot of cars stopped at a light and waiting for the light in front of them illegal?

i do that because i feel safer positioning myself separate from the cars where they can see me before hammering the gas pedal when the light goes green.

i break other rules all the time. i run stop signs and, far less often, stop lights. i have rules, though: i don't go through intersections if a car is stopped or already moving through. if pedestrians are moving through the intersection, i always pass behind them so they aren't startled by me flying by at 10mph.

i also occasionally take the sidewalk (going sloooowly of course) to get past thick traffic that leaves no room even for a bicycle. i always apologize to pedestrians, but most people don't mind because most people think bikes belong on the sidewalks anyways.



Posted by doug to Cyclelicious at 11/06/2007 12:05:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Folk cycling.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Folk cycling":

I split lanes three times yesterday... because the line of traffic at four cars deep is just deep enough that I'm cmpletely invisible to the bloke about to make a left turn oncoming, and/or it's a quick light that I won't get through hanging back. All four cars get by me before I'm back on skinny roads (I plan it that way).



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/06/2007 09:35:00 AM

Monday, November 05, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Folk cycling.

Fishbones has left a new comment on your post "Folk cycling":

I take exception to "most cyclists". Round hereabouts most cyclists do the right thing - but there's a few percent consisting primarily of couriers and neophytes who do the wrong thing.

Not to say that differenciation in rules is a bad thing - but blatant and dangerous disrespect for them damages cycling as a whole.

Dave Moulton has a distinct take on it.
http://davesbikeblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/cyclists-and-pobs.html



Posted by Fishbones to Cyclelicious at 11/05/2007 07:08:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Folk cycling.

Ron has left a new comment on your post "Folk cycling":

Howdy--

Okay, I haven't linked to the other blogs, I've only read Fritz's synopsis, but I think this might be pertinent.

One of my favorite sets of bike laws is in Idaho, where cyclists get to enjoy the "Idaho stop". That is, cyclists get to treat stop signs as yields, and we can proceed through red lights after coming to a complete stop (though I hope that doesn't encourage riders to split the lane between parked cars and traffic).

I think these allowances recognize that the laws weren't made for cyclists, who will yield out of self-interest, and who could make do with much less expensive and complicated traffic control than stoplights. Plus, the stoplight part allows riders to leave a plug of traffic behind and enjoy some open road.

Happy Trail,
Ron Georg
Moab



Posted by Ron to Cyclelicious at 11/05/2007 01:51:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Folk cycling.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Folk cycling":

Now the one you said to go read, which I read first, was much more interesting.
Of course the best way to educate drivers about cycling is to get 'em out on bicycles. How about we arrange a perfect storm and have all the pieces in place for a major marketing campaign when the days start to warm up, and not wait for our so-called leaders to tell us that we can become less dependent on oil by ... using less of it...



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/05/2007 12:39:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Folk cycling.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Folk cycling":

Welp, mr. folk cycling lost me when he stated as fact that "And yes, they sometimes ride the wrong way on a one-way street, because it is less dangerous to meet a car or motorcycle head-on than to be passed by one."
Whatever.



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/05/2007 12:34:00 PM

Sunday, November 04, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Daylight savings ends Sunday.

Warren T has left a new comment on your post "Daylight savings ends Sunday":

I'm jealous. That looks incredibly fun! It would appear that we switched modes this weekend; I abandoned the trails to ride in traffic.

(Note to self, it's time to find an old mountain bike and try the trails at the park...)



Posted by Warren T to Cyclelicious at 11/04/2007 07:05:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Car R Coffins.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Car R Coffins":

My car mechanic says, "if you want people to drive safe, get rid of all the airbags and s---, and put a big f---in' spike in the middle of the steering wheel. THEN they'll slow down!"

I really like my car mechanic.



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/04/2007 06:15:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Car R Coffins.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Car R Coffins":

Gee you mean drivers don't know to slow down and be more cautious when dangerous conditions are apparent? Whether it's for fog or bicyclists, auto-truck drivers have more excuses...
Jack



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/04/2007 04:35:00 AM

Saturday, November 03, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen":

...hell, i can't fault the man for digging a 21 year old, but that chick just doesn't look very wholesome...

...that's what makes me wonder about his judgment...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 11/03/2007 07:50:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen.

Mike Myers has left a new comment on your post "Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen":

Michael---he had an amazing wife who was with him through what, exactly? Success after success, fame and riches? It's not like she was there holding his hand when he had cancer, ya know. More power to Lance if he wants to nail a 21 year old. That's one of the benefits of being rich, athletic, and famous.



Posted by Mike Myers to Cyclelicious at 11/03/2007 09:03:00 AM

Friday, November 02, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen.

Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen":

Cafiend: Best comment ever!



Posted by Fritz to Cyclelicious at 11/02/2007 08:20:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen":

He's really just trying to get close to Mary Kate to get some weight control tips now that he's no longer training like a fiend.



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/02/2007 07:53:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on DIY Rainlegs.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "DIY Rainlegs":

What's the matter with Hefty bags and duct tape?



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 11/02/2007 07:51:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen.

Gene has left a new comment on your post "Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen":

If you add the twins' ages, they total 42. Then he'd be dating older women again.



Posted by Gene to Cyclelicious at 11/02/2007 03:01:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen.

Donna T. has left a new comment on your post "Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen":

It just seems wrong somehow but, personally, I'm thinking the media is blowing something way out of proportion that really isn't much of anything. Like they've never done that before! :)
At least that's my theory...



Posted by Donna T. to Cyclelicious at 11/02/2007 01:19:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen":

Lance, where oh where did you go wrong?!? EWWWW!



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/02/2007 12:11:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen":

As John McCutcheon proclaims, I don't care.



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 11/02/2007 07:39:00 AM

Thursday, November 01, 2007

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Kirsten Gum nude.

Arleigh has left a new comment on your post "Kirsten Gum nude":

A good story about her....

She is friends with an old bike shop owner/boss of mine. She came into town on her way to a race and her seat sucked. So I sold her one of my seats.... which she loved

There's a great chance Kirsten Gum is riding the seat still that my bare ass once touched.



Posted by Arleigh to Cyclelicious at 11/01/2007 07:59:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen.

Michael has left a new comment on your post "Lance Armstrong and Ashley Olsen":

You have to give it to Lance. He had an amazing wife who was next to him through everything, but then he left her and ended up with Sheryl Crow. Then he left her...

Now he's with Ashley Olsen?!

Doesn't make any sense to me.

And the blog is in an "internet coma" right now. Not dead, but on life support. Not sure if I can host a blog through my SmugMug site, but I am working on it. Although MichaelFranken.com is still doing quite well!



Posted by Michael to Cyclelicious at 11/01/2007 07:32:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on BioPerformance gas pill.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "BioPerformance gas pill":

Wow, Lisa, fritz, etal. The illusion that ypu are getting better milage amazes me to no end,I do know what i am talking about. I sold this crap for almost a year before the A.G of texas shut it down, which was good, because ALL the people I sold it to either had car trouble (clogged injectors) or wanted their money back because it made the MPG worse. I can assure you that their is no scientific controlled experiment that shows and improvement in that product. I threw a case of that suff out (stinking up the garage), cause I could not GIVE it away. Anybody that says I dont know what I talking about is making money selling the MLM "vaporware" marketing side and for all practical purposes could be selling wishes. Good luck folkes.....suckers!!!!!!!!



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 11/01/2007 03:59:00 PM