[Cyclelicious] New comment on Shelley Olds stolen track bike.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Shelley Olds stolen track bike":

Suckage.
Those engineers who dreamed up Xtracycles oughta get another grant and dream up a securable bicycle.



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 9/30/2008 06:59:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on A roadie with a blog.

Dana has left a new comment on your post "A roadie with a blog":

I bought this book when it was released. Entertaining and easy/quick read. Jamie does a great job explaining bike culture. I was especially happy to meet Jamie at the Tour de Georgia and have him sign the book. Buy this book and read his blog - he's an awesome guy!



Posted by Dana to Cyclelicious at 9/30/2008 05:26:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Federal bailout of U.S. auto industry.

-p has left a new comment on your post "Federal bailout of U.S. auto industry":

Maybe a thousand out of work auto engineers would have some free time to cook up something useful (cupholders and video games in the headrests of mini vans are not useful).



Posted by -p to Cyclelicious at 9/30/2008 02:22:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Kyle Watson's $9,500 cruiser bike.

-p has left a new comment on your post "Kyle Watson's $9,500 cruiser bike":

If you read the ad, they say it's a "sculpture" and not a bike. Probably code for "if you try to ride it and die twisted in a heap of powder coated coat hangers, don't blame us, you bought a sculpture".



Posted by -p to Cyclelicious at 9/30/2008 02:18:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on It's a guy on a bike, what do I do?.

Byron has left a new comment on your post "It's a guy on a bike, what do I do?":

Hey Fritz, Byron from Atlanta here. I ride daily and actually didn't realize there was a gas shortage until I saw it on the news recently.

We've had unusually high interest in programs and classes at the Atlanta Bike Campaign, but I think that's been all summer and not directly because of the past week. I've gotten several calls for quotes by local media, so there's at least more interest all around.

We're conducting some ridership counts this week and might have more definative numbers after that. I would say that there are fewer cars along my usual commute route, so with the nice weather arriving it's been a great week for bike commuting so far!



Posted by Byron to Cyclelicious at 9/30/2008 02:04:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on A roadie with a blog.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "A roadie with a blog":

Buy it for the collector value and to support cycling artists like Mallett.



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 9/30/2008 01:12:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on A roadie with a blog.

Keith has left a new comment on your post "A roadie with a blog":

I'm always interesting to find some more cycling books to read, cheers for the suggestion.



Posted by Keith to Cyclelicious at 9/30/2008 07:07:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bianchi Dolomiti.

GhostRider has left a new comment on your post "Bianchi Dolomiti":

Anonymous, where are you finding this "surfeit of vintage framesets in superb shape"? Because every "vintage" frameset I come across these days has been hacked by the "fixie crowd"...cable stops and downtube shifter braze-ons ground off, finish rattlecanned over, etc.



Posted by GhostRider to Cyclelicious at 9/29/2008 08:26:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Interbike 2008 link love.

Guitar Ted has left a new comment on your post "Interbike 2008 link love":

Hey, that photo of you and Tim with the Momentum mag folks turned out not half bad!

Must be your equipment, I know it wasn't my skilz!



Posted by Guitar Ted to Cyclelicious at 9/29/2008 04:04:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Interbike 2008 link love.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Interbike 2008 link love":

Hi Ulrike and thanks for dropping by. My Intebike photos are posted to my Flickr stream. I have maybe 50% of my photos uploaded so far -- I'll try to get that done tonight.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/29/2008 03:26:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Interbike 2008 link love.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Interbike 2008 link love":

Hi from Mitey Miss!

Thanks for the kind words and link to Momentum Magazine. I found your site looking for images from their Urban Legends fashion show, but couldn't find them on your site. The Copenhagen link just shows 2.

Are they there somewhere?
My new site: www.ulrike.ca

Cheers!
Ulrike



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 9/29/2008 03:08:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Interbike 2008 photos.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Interbike 2008 photos":

@dartanyon: Salsa booth -- I never made it to their booth, unfortunately, although they paid for my breakfast. I think Tim Grahl got some photos and details though he hasn't posted them yet at Commute By Bike.

@Jennifer: grand prize was two of their high end folding bike. I guessed 26 bikes, the correct answer was 21 bikes.

@josh: integrated design, not compatible with Xtra right now but Rans and Xtra are talking about making the Hammer Truck Xtra compatible. Xtra just recently announced their "open source" design spec.

@meligrosa: Yeah, lots of those around.

@JimG: Shimano was selling their $350 heat molded shoes for only $100 at the show, so it was difficult finding somebody to talk with at their booth. They were all busy fitting shoes to people. I managed to get on the waiting list for the shoes but, alas, they ran out.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/29/2008 12:51:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles at Interbike?.

Electric has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles at Interbike?":

too bad you did not see the FalconEV guy walking around with his new motor



Posted by Electric to Cyclelicious at 9/29/2008 12:49:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Paul Bunyan's wooden bicycle.

getinlost has left a new comment on your post "Paul Bunyan's wooden bicycle":

Hmmm... left side drive. I wonder if they used a tandem crank.



Posted by getinlost to Cyclelicious at 9/29/2008 11:45:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Fritzdaughter - future endurance athlete.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Fritzdaughter - future endurance athlete":

...wow...even better...just a suit, a towel & flip flops...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/29/2008 11:35:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Fritzdaughter - future endurance athlete.

kwc has left a new comment on your post "Fritzdaughter - future endurance athlete":

Dara Torres-oner



Posted by kwc to Cyclelicious at 9/29/2008 11:27:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Fritzdaughter - future endurance athlete.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Fritzdaughter - future endurance athlete":

Believe it or not, Fritzdaughter has no interest in riding bikes! She loves swimming.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/29/2008 10:21:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Fritzdaughter - future endurance athlete.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Fritzdaughter - future endurance athlete":

...if she becomes a runner, it's just shoes, shorts & singlets...

...but if she shares your love of the bike...

...just sayin'...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/29/2008 01:34:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bianchi Dolomiti.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Bianchi Dolomiti":

...la dolomiti celeste...bravissimo...e' molto bello...mi piace...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/29/2008 01:24:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Brooks saddle video.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Brooks saddle video":

It's a DVD that Brooks hands out -- I don't know if it's online anywhere or not.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/28/2008 11:00:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bianchi Dolomiti.

jamesmallon has left a new comment on your post "Bianchi Dolomiti":

I love steel, but if I'm paying that much for steel, I'll get something bespoke.



Posted by jamesmallon to Cyclelicious at 9/28/2008 09:07:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Brooks saddle video.

Jared has left a new comment on your post "Brooks saddle video":

Any link available?



Posted by Jared to Cyclelicious at 9/28/2008 06:04:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bianchi Dolomiti.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Bianchi Dolomiti":

The only problem I have is the surfeit of true vintage framesets in superb shape that can be built up for so much less. I can appreciate the new efforts, but short of using some really exotic tubing and employing the lugs for cosmetics, I don't see the real value



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 9/28/2008 05:53:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bianchi Dolomiti.

GhostRider has left a new comment on your post "Bianchi Dolomiti":

At least they spec a silver-finished Deda threadless stem. I can totally live with that...such a gorgeous machine! And I'm happy to see that at least the top half of the carbon fork is painted celeste.

Now how on earth am I going to justify such an expensive purchase to my wife?



Posted by GhostRider to Cyclelicious at 9/28/2008 05:36:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles":

At least electric bikes are cleaner and simpler to work on than mopeds. With the electrics I'm sure a lot of things don't get repaired, really. Fried modules simply get replaced. Still, the bikes are heavy and bulky, unbalanced and hard to manage when partly disassembled. They're too heavy for a typical bike work stand. Many small shops or shops whose market area demands a lot of floor space devoted to non-cycling merchandise will have difficulty accommodating the space-hogging electrics along with everything else.



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 9/28/2008 04:55:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Fritzdaughter - future endurance athlete.

Ron has left a new comment on your post "Fritzdaughter - future endurance athlete":

ur kidding!



Posted by Ron to Cyclelicious at 9/28/2008 02:58:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles":

...ah...sorry, jamesmallon, case definitely NOT CLOSED...that's not much of a valid argument or even a strong protest opposing getting more people out of cars for short trips to local businesses...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/28/2008 02:25:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bianchi Dolomiti.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Bianchi Dolomiti":

if it only had a quill stem

it would be perfect.....



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 9/28/2008 11:09:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles.

jamesmallon has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles":

Sigh. How many thin people do you see on electric bikes in N. America? Case closed.



Posted by jamesmallon to Cyclelicious at 9/28/2008 06:43:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on People of Interbike 2008.

Ron has left a new comment on your post "People of Interbike 2008":

Hey - Thanks for the mention! It was nice to finally meet you. I had a really good talk with Dennis as well - great guy.

--Ron at Bike World News



Posted by Ron to Cyclelicious at 9/27/2008 08:54:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Las Vegas Criterium photos.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Las Vegas Criterium photos":

Certainly, Vegas - thanks for asking.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/27/2008 03:46:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Las Vegas Criterium photos.

Las Vegas Travel Guide has left a new comment on your post "Las Vegas Criterium photos":

Nice picture, can I use it on my website at www.travelvegas.info on the Sports Page.

Can I go ahead and do this and link to you as the credit/source website URL..?



Posted by Las Vegas Travel Guide to Cyclelicious at 9/27/2008 02:51:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Five things about me.

matthewrmt has left a new comment on your post "Five things about me":

Hi,
I sent you a message thru the page you posted. I sent you Monty's current cell phone number and email address.

If you didn't get them, leave me another message.

I'm sure your Monty is the same one I know.



Posted by matthewrmt to Cyclelicious at 9/26/2008 06:21:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles at Interbike?.

Ron has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles at Interbike?":

Howdy--

I agree that they are useful if they get more cars off the road--but only if the trade is putting ebikes on the road in their place. Unfortunately, ebike promoters don't seem comfortable on the road.

A couple of years ago at Interbike I got into a, um, discussion with an ebike rep when, as part of his sales pitch, he boasted how his industry has slipped through legislation to get these things recognized as human-powered, not motorized. That means they are allowed (not welcome) bike paths.

Our own, local bike path specifically says 'no motor vehicles,' but in the convoluted world of transportation policy, these are apparently not motorized--much like those idiotic Segway scooters, which also slipped legislation through to allow them on sidewalks and bike paths.

During our discussion, the rep suggested I was one of those elitist cyclists who doesn't want to share the joy with the less fit members of society. It didn't go well after that.

His argument was that I can go 20 mph on my bicycle, which is about all the average ebike can muster under motor power. I pointed out that I can't do that uphill, and that I don't maintain those sorts of speeds when I'm riding about for practical purposes, since I don't want to arrive sweaty and out of breath. In short, it's rare for a cyclist under his own power to maintain 20 mph.

By contrast, some sloth with no bike handling experience (in the course of learning to power a bike up to ebike speeds, I've learned to handle it as well) can hop on and go. Forget reading Forester, ignore any conventional etiquette, just go--very fast, for bike path standards.

Personally, I'm not even much of a bike path fan. I lean toward vehicular cycling, and I believe we should be more vigilant in defending our right to the road than insisting on separate facilities (segregation doesn't do much for marginalized populations). However, as long as we have these facilities, they should be specifically limited to truly human-powered users.

If we could limit their use to roadways, I'd be a huge supporter. As I pointed out to the rep, I'm already out there on the road, barely able to maintain ebike speeds, and I would welcome the company of hordes of slower users. I would love to see a broader cross-section of the population understand the injustice of having our public rights-of-way (roads) co-opted by the fastest, most aggressive users (drivers). If there were hundreds of ebikes out on the roads every morning, people would have to learn to accomodate slower users.

Instead, because the lazy-assed promoters of these vehicles don't want to step up and insist on their right to the road, as well as helping users understand how a slow-moving vehicle can share the road safely, ebike users are going to feel entitled to behave like pedestrians.

We've ignored bicycle safety education (while offering driver's ed at every high shcool in the country) for so long that most people don't even know which side of the road a bicycle belongs on, or understand that a sidewalk is much more dangerous than a road. Imagine the problems these uneducated riders will create, magnified by sticking motors under people with no cycling experience.

Ebikes could become a great solution to transportation problems, or they could become a social nuisance. Unfortunately, ebike boosters seem to be pushing the latter.
Happy Trails,
Ron Georg
Moab



Posted by Ron to Cyclelicious at 9/26/2008 08:11:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Lance Armstrong confirms Tour of California.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Lance Armstrong confirms Tour of California":

Now that Lance is back, the real questions is when is Ullrich coming back?



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 11:25:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Safety lighting for cyclists.

dotcyclist has left a new comment on your post "Safety lighting for cyclists":

In the '70s I had a dynamo-driven neon tube that fit the top tube or seat tube of a bike. Bought it mail order from the maker. Have not seen the light for sale anywhere for years. Lost the light when the bike was stolen. Would buy another if I could find it. Also had a camping lantern with a 6" fresnell lens taped to my handlebars. People thought I was a car with one headlight out.



Posted by dotcyclist to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 08:38:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles at Interbike?.

Nathan has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles at Interbike?":

Cover them! Especially, electric assist cargo bikes...
For some commutes, it's liberation from carland.



Posted by Nathan to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 08:35:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles at Interbike?.

The Stouts has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles at Interbike?":

I agree on coverage. They are a far better alternative to a car and they definitely have their place in the cycling world (cargo bikes, etc).



Posted by The Stouts to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 05:12:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Interbike 2008 photos.

Jim G has left a new comment on your post "Interbike 2008 photos":

Please, if you can, find out if Shimano is bringing the DH-3N8x series dynamo hubs to the USA this year. Also any other lighting news. Thanks!



Posted by Jim G to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 04:54:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles at Interbike?.

Jon has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles at Interbike?":

Cover 'em!



Posted by Jon to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 04:54:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles at Interbike?.

ramkum has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles at Interbike?":

I agree that they should be covered here. As others have said - it makes biking realistic in a lot more situations (hauling stuff over hills, etc) and also opens biking up to a lot more people. (older folks, etc), resulting, ultimately in getting more cars off the road.



Posted by ramkum to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 12:43:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles at Interbike?.

Jennifer has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles at Interbike?":

Yes! They're getting more popular and won't go away just because we hate and ignore them. (Sounds familiar, no?) I say we embrace our electric-assist brethren, unless they all start acting like jerks or something. I think there will be enough overlap, since there will probably be similar dangers (perceived and otherwise) and treatment by motorists.



Posted by Jennifer to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 12:32:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles at Interbike?.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles at Interbike?":

...i'm now a fan of electrics...my favorite is the pi-bike...awesome cool look & they fly...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 12:18:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Lance Armstrong confirms Tour of California.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Lance Armstrong confirms Tour of California":

Maybe Lance could be Mini-Phinney's domestique?



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 12:12:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles at Interbike?.

richie has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles at Interbike?":

E-bikes are fantastic-- if you want to talk about enviro goodness or energy efficiency, they are more efficient than growing food, eating it and riding under solely your own power. E-bikes open up cycling as a realistic mode of transport for people who need to haul stuff in hilly areas. If you've never tried riding one, try one and you'll be hooked.



Posted by richie to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 11:46:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Lance Armstrong confirms Tour of California.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Lance Armstrong confirms Tour of California":

...so what was the mood & "feel" of the conference & yes, we need to know if lemond was being intelligent w/ his remarks or was he just trying to incite ???...

...c'mon, yakota fritz...give us the in-depth scoop, not just the 'headlines'...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 11:45:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Vegas Cyclocross: Lance Armstrong finishes about 2....

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Vegas Cyclocross: Lance Armstrong finishes about 2...":

...tried to save ya on this one, pal (check yer e-mails) but this year was the second cross-vegas race...last year being the first...

...just sayin'...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 11:12:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles at Interbike?.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles at Interbike?":

...technically, they are electric-assist bicycles...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 11:09:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles at Interbike?.

gwadzilla has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles at Interbike?":

NO!

unless a hot chic is riding one



Posted by gwadzilla to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 11:03:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Interbike 2008 photos.

kit has left a new comment on your post "Interbike 2008 photos":

Woohoo! You rule, Fritz. Thanks for the Surly pr0n. :)

I hear they're more than introducing new colors--supposedly they're introducing a full build of the Big Dummy and Karate Monkey!



Posted by kit to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 11:01:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles at Interbike?.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles at Interbike?":

I dunno. How much overlap is there in the stuff we talk about? Our celebrations and frustrations... will there be much common ground? What does an e-bike do for endorphin level? Will drivers hate pedalers even more 'cause we *could* go get electrified?



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 10:41:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Safety lighting for cyclists.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Safety lighting for cyclists":

I'd like to send you some money to buy this poor woman some training wheels so that she can actually learn to ride a bike. If she could actually ride a bike, then she would not have to be so embarrassed that she only trains in the dark so no one can see her. Poor girl.



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 10:07:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Electric bicycles at Interbike?.

Chris has left a new comment on your post "Electric bicycles at Interbike?":

They are motorcycles.



Posted by Chris to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 09:56:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Interbike 2008 photos.

Josh Mitchell has left a new comment on your post "Interbike 2008 photos":

So, is that a Rans + Xtracycle, or is it an integrated design (aka, a Rans "Big Dummy")?

Oh, and I'm seeing that correct that it's using the Xtracycle Freeloader?



Posted by Josh Mitchell to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 07:10:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Interbike 2008 photos.

Jennifer has left a new comment on your post "Interbike 2008 photos":

Aw man, it's white.

What's the prize for the Dahon contest? Do you win the Prius stuffed with folding bikes?



Posted by Jennifer to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 01:07:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Interbike 2008 photos.

Dartanyon Race has left a new comment on your post "Interbike 2008 photos":

If you have the chance, I'd love a wonder over to the Salsa booth ... I'm holding my breath for some change to the La Cruz that make it a little more commuter friendly ... say some eyelets, and something less than steal me orange. Thanks !!!



Posted by Dartanyon Race to Cyclelicious at 9/25/2008 12:25:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Word of the day: Fudgatarian.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Word of the day: Fudgatarian":

...i'm a fan of silk's choclate soy milk anytime but w/ winter coming, mmmm, even more...

...nuke it up at bedtime & yum, that stuff is addictive...

...but fudgatarian ???...now that's serious, dude...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/24/2008 08:51:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Delta 7 Ascend.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Delta 7 Ascend":

...personally, i just don't "get" these bikes...

...the mtb version maybe even less because of issues w/ mud & dirt despite their assurances...

...but the road version has got to be unsound aerodynamically...companies now offer dimpled water bottles because they create a better airflow & these guys wanna market this thing ???...

...call it the delta 7 ascend all day, if you want, but when it's time to descend, i'll bet that thing howls in the wind...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/24/2008 05:50:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Delta 7 Ascend.

Jim G has left a new comment on your post "Delta 7 Ascend":

If you're caught riding in the rain, wouldn't the seat tube and down tube fill up with water near the BB?



Posted by Jim G to Cyclelicious at 9/24/2008 04:08:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Emmanuel's Gift.

Alison Chaiken has left a new comment on your post "Emmanuel's Gift":

Bicycle event organizer Planet Ultra provides a high level of financial support to the Challenged Athletes Foundation, including organizing some events whose entire profits go to CAF. Planet Ultra's management are serious distance cyclists themselves, and their management of events exhibits their first-hand knowledge of what riders want. Planet Ultra sponsors well-managed centuries and double centuries through rugged terrain. Check out their website at http://www.planetultra.com/. Riding with Planet Ultra is a painless way for sport cyclists to support CAF!

Claimer: I have no association with Planet Ultra other than as a satisfied customer.



Posted by Alison Chaiken to Cyclelicious at 9/24/2008 02:45:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Gun totin' road rager followup.

kit has left a new comment on your post "Gun totin' road rager followup":

Damn. On the upside people may think twice before raging at you in EPA. On the downside--maybe they'll shoot first.



Posted by kit to Cyclelicious at 9/24/2008 09:27:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bulletproof armor plating for a bicycle.

Matthew has left a new comment on your post "Bulletproof armor plating for a bicycle":

I think you meant to say, someone was watching too many action movies in the early 90s. That disclosure is over 10 years old.



Posted by Matthew to Cyclelicious at 9/23/2008 09:28:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bulletproof armor plating for a bicycle.

GhostRider has left a new comment on your post "Bulletproof armor plating for a bicycle":

"And it's not as if even police cars are bullet proof either."

That's why in TV shows, the cop hides behind the door of the car, but in real life they're better off behind the engine block.

Bullet-resistant (because few things are truly "bulletproof") materials can be incredibly lightweight (like Dyneema, in particular), but a bike fitted with bullet-resistant armor would be highly susceptible to crosswinds. I think the best thing a cop could do would be ditch the bike and get behind some real cover in case of gunfire.



Posted by GhostRider to Cyclelicious at 9/23/2008 04:53:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Word of the day: Fudgatarian.

LegoAndy has left a new comment on your post "Word of the day: Fudgatarian":

Depending on where you live, there are several vegan desert options. In San Jose, there is the Vegetarian House and Good Carma. On the other hand, there are several good vegan desert places in SF, such as Herbivore and Millennium.



Posted by LegoAndy to Cyclelicious at 9/23/2008 04:48:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Road rager with gun.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Road rager with gun":

(email request for details emailed privately to Frank)

If anybody else has problems with my new ads, please let me know.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/23/2008 04:07:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bulletproof armor plating for a bicycle.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Bulletproof armor plating for a bicycle":

And it's not as if even police cars are bullet proof either.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/23/2008 03:58:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bulletproof armor plating for a bicycle.

Cafn8 has left a new comment on your post "Bulletproof armor plating for a bicycle":

I was thinking about disc wheels too. You might also say that bulletproof disc wheels would make it worse.

I'm just wondering how heavy a set of armor panels would have to be in order to offer any real protection against gunfire, and how useful a bike fitted with armor plating would be. The remark about too many action films sounds pretty accurate.



Posted by Cafn8 to Cyclelicious at 9/23/2008 03:16:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bulletproof armor plating for a bicycle.

331 Miles has left a new comment on your post "Bulletproof armor plating for a bicycle":

I think bulletproof disc wheels would make it even better!



Posted by 331 Miles to Cyclelicious at 9/23/2008 03:04:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ezra's seatless bicycle.

willow naeco has left a new comment on your post "Ezra's seatless bicycle":

I'm dedicating this month's Chicago Critical Mass zine to Ezra. It's words about/for Ezra in the guts of the zine and the back cover is a Get Well Postcard that people can cut off, decorate, and mail to him. If you want to help cheer him up, contact me at willow naeco at gmail dot com. Just looking for well wishes to print in the guts...I'll send a copy of the zine to Ezra and will cross my fingers that the 1,000 postcards I pass out this Friday will make it his way.



Posted by willow naeco to Cyclelicious at 9/22/2008 07:52:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Road rager with gun.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Road rager with gun":

For reasons which will become apparent, I am anonymous. My State doesn't allow citizens to arm themselves. But I do. It's deeply concealed, and it is to be used in the gravest extreme, when I feel that I am threatened with death or grievous bodily harm, and that I have made every effort to retreat or avoid the problem in the first place.

I haven't yet used it during a ride, but I will if I have to. I have practiced with it and am very proficient in its use; I have used it before under very different circumstances, but if only one of some nutjob or me that is going to walk away, it's going to be me.cc



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 9/22/2008 05:30:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Two speed Strida.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Two speed Strida":

There is a good discussion of the Strida and its aims by its designer (to be more an everyday 'no-sweat' bike than sport), again on Bicycle design.

http://bicycledesign.blogspot.com/2008/06/guest-post-by-mark-sanders.html

Interesting ideas about Blue ocean theory and upright riding positions in places like Holland.



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 9/22/2008 01:41:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Five things about me.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Five things about me":

Hi Matthew and thanks!! Monty would be 41 now. I don't have access to your contact info through Blogger -- can you please contact me at this page? THANKS!!!!



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/21/2008 05:04:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Google Maps mobile.

kit has left a new comment on your post "Google Maps mobile":

well yeah they like bicycles ok but they need to beta a "by bicycle" routing system with SVBC so it doesn't always route you onto El Camino (del Muerte).



Posted by kit to Cyclelicious at 9/21/2008 04:45:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Safety lighting for cyclists.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Safety lighting for cyclists":

...anon 4:07am....you said "my first reaction was that the problem at hand could be solved much more simply and cheaply by simply avoiding use of a turbo-trainer on the street at night."...

...euphemistically speaking, it's simply like being on a road to nowhere, while being kept in the dark...

...& consider them more than just safety lighting for your bicycle...look at them as a beacon, a form of illumination, to lead you on your path out of the darkness of anonymity...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/21/2008 06:06:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Airline bicycle fees.

Shriram Krishnamurthi has left a new comment on your post "Airline bicycle fees":

I'm a very satisfied Bike Friday owner. Been with it to several states and several countries.

Sure, the feel isn't 100% road bike, but then again, forget 80 inches and waiting for oversize luggage to arrive; it fits in 62 inches and rolls off the conveyor.

One of the other comments mentioned the Ritchey BreakAway. Another great option, but I believe the case is larger than 62 linear inches. In this era, I expect airlines aren't forgiving.



Posted by Shriram Krishnamurthi to Cyclelicious at 9/20/2008 07:27:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Safety lighting for cyclists.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Safety lighting for cyclists":

Good demonstration of bike lighting in your video, @lg0naim



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/20/2008 12:47:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Basil panniers in the US?.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Basil panniers in the US?":

Ironic that I come across this blog now. I had the same question and my result was also the Basil line for my wife's cruiser. You can contact http://seattlebikesupply.com/ and they will tell you who your local distributor is. Enjoy.



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 9/20/2008 11:55:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike Pirates.

GhostRider has left a new comment on your post "Bike Pirates":

I put an endcap with a long bolt on the end of the pole and attached it to the kickstand plate. Then, I used an old metal reflector bracket and ran a bolt through the pole to it for extra stability right at the seatpost. Piece of cake!

Everyone should fly a pirate flag -- it garners motorist attention like nothing else...



Posted by GhostRider to Cyclelicious at 9/20/2008 05:21:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Safety lighting for cyclists.

lg0naim has left a new comment on your post "Safety lighting for cyclists":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR-IxpY3lHc



Posted by lg0naim to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 11:18:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Chris's poem.

Ron Callahan has left a new comment on your post "Chris's poem":

I love it. I was similarly proud when my five year old wrote on a paper for preschool that going for rides in the bike trailer was one of his favorite things.



Posted by Ron Callahan to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 02:41:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Monkey Electric Contest.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Monkey Electric Contest":

Paul V. of McKinney, Texas is the winner.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 12:00:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike Pirates.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Bike Pirates":

...on the non-Xtra bike, that is.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 11:54:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike Pirates.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Bike Pirates":

Wonderful! How do you mount the flag pole?

The rest of you feel free to post links to your own pirates and bike photos.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 11:54:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Monkey Electric Contest.

GhostRider has left a new comment on your post "Monkey Electric Contest":

Well, who won? Because I sure didn't get any email!!!



Posted by GhostRider to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 11:54:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike Pirates.

GhostRider has left a new comment on your post "Bike Pirates":

Let's try that long one again:

http://tinyurl.com/45o9lz



Posted by GhostRider to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 11:52:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Bike Pirates.

GhostRider has left a new comment on your post "Bike Pirates":

Two bikes of mine have flown the Jolly Roger:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8731815@N08/2713898590/

http://velospace.org/node/3021

Garrrhhh!



Posted by GhostRider to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 11:51:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Two speed Strida.

ramkum has left a new comment on your post "Two speed Strida":

Fritz, thanks for the links to the Strida reviews. Those were helpful. I have to say the Dahon doesn't fold up quite as nicely as a Strida, and therefore is a bit harder/clunkier to carry in a bus or a train. And the Strida probably is a lot lighter too. I guess it probably will ride OK for short rides.

Btw, the 2008 Dahon Curve is still $529 (per Dahon US's website), so pricewise that's still pretty low compared to Strida. But the Strida is a lot more sexy, I'll say.



Posted by ramkum to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 11:26:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Safety lighting for cyclists.

John Calnan has left a new comment on your post "Safety lighting for cyclists":

"Does my butt look big in this safety light, honey?"



Posted by John Calnan to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 11:05:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Monkey Electric Contest.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Monkey Electric Contest":

I just can't spell is all. Fixed now.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 10:43:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Safety lighting for cyclists.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Safety lighting for cyclists":

Many night cyclists say they want to be identified as a car. When I lived in the snowbelt, I wanted to be misidentified as a snowplow -- lots of flashing strobe lights everywhere. Nobody wants to run into a snowplow.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 10:34:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Monkey Electric Contest.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Monkey Electric Contest":

So... the linke above to "warren-T" says it doesn't exist.
Another bailer?



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 10:26:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Safety lighting for cyclists.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Safety lighting for cyclists":

I think my $7 SpokeLits whirling round and round under that headlight and blinky go a long way to identify me as a cyclist, pretty instantly.
There's something to be said, too, for the WTF element of the one up on my helmet. Doesn't identify me as a cyclist - but inspires observers to figure out what I am. (That was the effect one in front of me had on me, and it's what drivers have told me.)



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 10:25:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Two speed Strida.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Two speed Strida":

Thanks for dropping by, Tilin Corgi! For the benefit of others, Tilin is writing about this post.

Ramkun, you're correct that the Strida isn't the most efficient or comfortable bike out there, but the seat adjusts sufficiently to allow full leg extension. I posted my Strida reviews here and here. James @ Bicycle Design posted his review here. The Strida is okay for very short rides (less than three miles). It excels at multimodal commutes even on very cramped trains and buses -- I can throw a folded Strida into the overhead luggage bin. Dahon's are better for longer rides than the Strida. It's a little unfair to compare 2007 with 2009 prices; bike prices, especially folding bike prices, are shooting up significantly.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 10:23:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Safety lighting for cyclists.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Safety lighting for cyclists":

@wle: Back in the 80s I used to strap a battery powered flourescent light (sold for camping) to my top tube for a similar effect.

@renato: I think the model is female.

@anon 5:10: You have a point there.

@nathan: That seems like a good idea.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 10:11:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Two speed Strida.

ramkum has left a new comment on your post "Two speed Strida":

The bike looks cool, but I don't see how it can possibly be comfortable and good for *real use*. To me it has two seemingly fatal flaws:

1. The distance from the seat to the pedals seems insufficient. This means your knees will be kinda bunched up while riding, resulting in greater discomfort and less efficiency (if you are not able to extend your knees fully while pedaling you won't get the full thurst).

2. The location of the handlebars. They are not far enough from the seatpost. Resulting again, in your elbows probably having to be bent while riding. Uncomfortable and inefficient.

Am I missing something? Can someone who has ridden a Strida share?

For the record, I ride a Dahon Curve (2007 model) folding bike (takes 10 seconds to fold), I have put ~800 miles on it, and I have had to replace one part. And it costs $1000 less than the Strida!



Posted by ramkum to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 10:10:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Airline bicycle fees.

Michael has left a new comment on your post "Airline bicycle fees":

I actually found it's cheapest to ship my bike with FedEx. Plus, you can track to see where your bike is, rather than hoping it shows up at the airport you land at.



Posted by Michael to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 09:12:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Federal bailout of U.S. auto industry.

BD has left a new comment on your post "Federal bailout of U.S. auto industry":

Bailouts won't work with these jerkoffs because the they still put out shit products aka broken down SUVS and other assorted shitty vehicles.

And don't get me started about the parasites called unions.



Posted by BD to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 08:41:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Safety lighting for cyclists.

wlexxx has left a new comment on your post "Safety lighting for cyclists":

you can get fluorescent tube lights like this at walmart for about $10

wle.



Posted by wlexxx to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 08:37:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Safety lighting for cyclists.

Renato has left a new comment on your post "Safety lighting for cyclists":

That's a great idea but it look better if the biker is a girl ;-)



Posted by Renato to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 06:30:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Safety lighting for cyclists.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Safety lighting for cyclists":

I suppose I'm too concrete a thinker. Upon looking at the photo slide show on the site, my first reaction was that the problem at hand could be solved much more simply and cheaply by simply avoiding use of a turbo-trainer on the street at night.



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 05:10:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Airline bicycle fees.

GhostRider has left a new comment on your post "Airline bicycle fees":

I won't be there this year...darn it. Next year I'm taking the train.

Moe, RL and the rest of the Bikecommuters.com/Mtnbikeriders.comcrews will be there, though. I'm hoping they've got a lot of meetings lined up (I asked Moe to get some more inside scoop on the new steel Bianchis for me).

Have fun out there!



Posted by GhostRider to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 04:56:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Safety lighting for cyclists.

Nathan has left a new comment on your post "Safety lighting for cyclists":

This is an interesting idea. I have also thought of pointing an LED light at myself while riding. Seems we are sometimes still pretty invisiible behind that point of light.



Posted by Nathan to Cyclelicious at 9/19/2008 04:07:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Airline bicycle fees.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Airline bicycle fees":

I guess that means I won't see you in Vegas, Ghost Rider?

How about Moe or the rest of the bikecommuters.com crew?



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/18/2008 10:42:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Chris's poem.

Kit@thejakkit.com has left a new comment on your post "Chris's poem":

How old is that kid!? For a kid who can barely draw or write letters the way he wrote the up and down angled up and down and just the content is phenomenal. He'll be one to watch :)



Posted by Kit@thejakkit.com to Cyclelicious at 9/18/2008 07:49:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Federal bailout of U.S. auto industry.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Federal bailout of U.S. auto industry":

Ford makes a car that gets 65 mpg, but cannot import it to North America. It costs to much.

Should the big three be bailed out? No! Free Enterprise requires them to fail if they cannot compete.

What happened to the American idealism that the strong survive, and the weak perish. Every one that supports government assistance to big business is a "Liberal" the worker will not be assisted the rich will be helped. The debit placed on the backs of the working class.

So go bury yourselves by giving assistance to every big company that comes crying, the jobs will still go overseas. You are helping the rich get richer and yourselves into the work houses.

The American Dream!



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 9/18/2008 06:56:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Federal bailout of U.S. auto industry.

Jennifer has left a new comment on your post "Federal bailout of U.S. auto industry":

Heh.



Posted by Jennifer to Cyclelicious at 9/18/2008 06:39:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Two speed Strida.

winecountrydog has left a new comment on your post "Two speed Strida":

My corgi legs are too short for the Strida! But I can really only do sidecars anyway.

My apawlogies fur taking so long to tell you how much I loved your 8/15 comment on 'Your Car Is Your Cage.' The link you sent to that cartoon made my dog-ma laugh so hard. We still smile thinkin' about it.

Woof thanks, Tilin Corgi



Posted by winecountrydog to Cyclelicious at 9/18/2008 06:23:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Airline bicycle fees.

GhostRider has left a new comment on your post "Airline bicycle fees":

Screw all of them...I just won't fly! Bad juju for the carbon footprint anyway (and did I mention that I'm terrified of flying and haven't set foot on an airplane since 1995? And the last time I had to hold a grown man's hand the entire flight out of abject fear, despite a bellyful of cheap gin).



Posted by GhostRider to Cyclelicious at 9/18/2008 06:08:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Keep the loonies on the path.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Keep the loonies on the path":

GhostRider:
* KISS bike shorts
* KISS jersey
* Black Sabbath jersey
* A slightly less tacky Pink Floyd jersey.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/18/2008 03:57:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Airline bicycle fees.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Airline bicycle fees":

...hey...most airlines make you feel you're being herded like cattle anyway, so why not pay an exorbitant fee to have the opportunity to get your best bike (the joy of your life) mangled by some resentful miscreant who's willing to practice his box throwing skills because he's pissed that he's underpaid & damn well knows that it's gotta be an expensive bike if you're willing to fly w/ it...

..."please return your seat to the upright position & fasten your seatbelt...we'll be landing in..."...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/18/2008 01:20:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Honjo brass fenders.

GhostRider has left a new comment on your post "Honjo brass fenders":

HELL yes! Honjo rocks.



Posted by GhostRider to Cyclelicious at 9/18/2008 07:18:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Keep the loonies on the path.

GhostRider has left a new comment on your post "Keep the loonies on the path":

Why aren't there any COOL rock-band cycling jerseys...I mean, KISS? Pink Floyd? Where are the Misfits or Black Sabbath jerseys?!?



Posted by GhostRider to Cyclelicious at 9/18/2008 07:17:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Keep the loonies on the path, Part 2.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Keep the loonies on the path, Part 2":

...shouldn't that be "dark side of the moons"...

...just sayin'...

...& "brain damage" on the shorts ???...oh, i get it...that's for folks suffering from anal/cranial inversion...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 09:52:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!.

Nicholas has left a new comment on your post "Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!":

I don't like this enforcement for completely different reasons.

First of all, I almost always wear a helmet. Sometimes I don't when I riding a bike around a parking lot fiddling with a derailleur... 99% of the time I do. Helmets have probably saved my life at least once.

I don't see people car's getting confiscated for lack of using safety devices. If a person doesn't wear a seat-belt they might face a $100 fine.

LET PEOPLE DO WHATEVER THEY WANT!
Weather or not Billy's parents make him war a helmet will not affect you very much. It's much like the helmets on motorbikes discussion. I don't care. It's not affecting anyone else. I might think you're an idiot for not wearing a helmet. But in our country, I think an individual should be able to choose what is best for them, ESPECIALLY if it does not affect anyone else!

* NOTE: I am only referring to adults in this comment!



Posted by Nicholas to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 09:35:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Honjo brass fenders.

Nicholas has left a new comment on your post "Honjo brass fenders":

These will look even cooler when they turn green. I will leave them out for a year on the porch before putting them on my bike!



Posted by Nicholas to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 09:21:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Keep the loonies on the path.

Nicholas has left a new comment on your post "Keep the loonies on the path":

The shorts, maybe. If I was mountain biking on Monday night, and they were really comfy. Jersey, never.

I do love that album though.



Posted by Nicholas to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 09:19:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Five things about me.

matthewrmt has left a new comment on your post "Five things about me":

Did you ever find your brother-in-law? I knew a Monty Buchanan in NYC. He lived with me for about Three months in Fall 2006. He was a round 40 years old. Does this sound like this could be your brother-in-law?

I last saw him May 2008 in Manhattan.

Contact me if this is your guy



Posted by matthewrmt to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 08:26:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Keep the loonies on the path.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Keep the loonies on the path":

Joel, do you mean something like this?



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 03:43:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Keep the loonies on the path.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Keep the loonies on the path":

...loved the band from syd barrett's "the piper at the gates of dawn"'s "interstellar overdrive" through "dark side", "wish you were here" which was rog waters tribute to syd who'd gone to the dark side of the moon w/ the use of psychedelics, to breaking down "the wall" & on 'til "the final cut"...a seminal band undoubtedly, but wear the cycling gear ???...

...like the last two albums, not so much...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 01:14:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Jennifer Lopez on a bicycle.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Jennifer Lopez on a bicycle":

Team estrogen had fun with the photo, too... I b'lieve the heading of the first post was delight that hey, in some contexts *anybody* can look like a dork!



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 12:59:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Going clipless-less.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Going clipless-less":

...while i have massive respect for grant peterson, he's starting to sound like an ascetic in a cave...

...soon, wool jerseys won't be enough...it will only be righteous if you sheared the sheep, carded & spun the wool yourself, dyed it w/ juice from berries you picked in the full moon & then proceeded to knit your own jersey...by candlelight, i'm sure...

...in other words...clipless is here to stay & personally, i guarantee you, i do pull up...in sketchy situations on my cross bike there are times when i'm both pushing down on one pedal & pulling up on the other...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 11:55:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Going clipless-less.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Going clipless-less":

4000 meters is not that long a ride. Pursuit is a balls-out proposition in a big gear, in which the bulk of the pedaling probably would fall into the strongest power zone: the front of the pedal stroke.

Out in the real world I guarantee I pull up as well as push down. I can tell because of how my muscles fatigue. I also consciously shift the effort around the pedal stroke to move the strain.

I have used slotted cleats on old-school cycling shoes for road riding. I might have gone to step-ins in the 1980s, but I got out of racing. Toeclip pedals let me get some extra power and security out of street shoes and full power with cleats. I do snug them, having mastered the track stand early-on to avoid having to drop the landing gear at stops.

Toe straps feel like "feet belts" to keep my feet securely on the pedals. But wait: you anti-helmet folks probably think seat belts are BS too.:-P

At some intersections or on some days I can't do a reliable track stand. That calls for creativity or a quick departure if I can arrange it. For instance, at one spot on my regular route I used to grab a handy street sign to perch. In any case, having both feet on the pedals ready to go got me away from lights way ahead of the motorists (especially the ones pausing to dump their car ashtrays in the street).



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 10:51:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!":

I second bikesgonewild recommendations, particularly the training of law enforcers. Require them to ride bikes on heavily traveled motorized roads for a year or two and their attitudes may finally align with our laws. After learning the required skills, then the judges should join them for a few months, at a minimum.
Jack



Posted by Anonymous to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 10:45:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!.

cafiend has left a new comment on your post "Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!":

I've had crashes without a car around in which my helmet came into play. I've also had crashes without a helmet in which I was lucky to avoid serious head injury, although one of them put me out of work for ten weeks. I collected stitches in my forehead in that one, as well as the separated right shoulder and broken left hand.

Mandatory helmet laws and ridiculous penalties for non-compliance don't help cycling any more than anti-social acts by frustrated cyclists do. Politicians and rule-enforcers just want to be seen doing "something." If that something actually discourages cycling, so much the better from the motorist perspective.



Posted by cafiend to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 10:30:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Honjo brass fenders.

The Stouts has left a new comment on your post "Honjo brass fenders":

those are PURTY......

Couldn't imagine putting them on a bike of mine, but cool nonetheless.



Posted by The Stouts to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 08:24:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Off shore drilling passes U.S. House.

Rob has left a new comment on your post "Off shore drilling passes U.S. House":

The ban would have expired later this month anyway. This puts a ban on drilling from 100 miles in unless the states agree then drilling can occur from 100 to 50 miles in. However, this bill also eliminates the royalties that have been paid to the states. This bill keeps 90% of our oil off limits. This bill does is just another ban.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7620282.stm



Posted by Rob to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 07:20:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!.

bikesgonewild has left a new comment on your post "Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!":

...'mandatory'...hmmm, lemme see...

...i think it should be 'mandatory' that a much greater awareness of the bicycle/motor vehicle dynamic & the resultant safety issues should be taught in schools to young people...

...i think it should be 'mandatory' that that same dynamic & the resultant safety issues should be given much greater precedence before anyone gets or renews their license...

...i think it should be 'mandatory' that police officers spend a minimum of a year on bicycle patrol before they are ever allowed behind the wheel of a police car...

...i think it should be 'mandatory' that the courts, judges, prosecutors & lawyers be schooled in that same bicycle/motor vehicle dynamic & again, the resultant safety issues that are encompassed so that cyclists are not seen as trivial or second class in matters of the law, when those matters reach the court...

...of course, i think that cyclists should find it 'mandatory' within themselves to start using common sense, start obeying traffic laws & start occasionally being courteous in order to reap the same benefits...

...i know that that needn't be applied to all cyclists, because plenty of folks already try & i'm also aware that there are occasions where we're egregiously infringed upon by people 'wielding' motor vehicle & understandably we react, in the heat of it all...

...however, as far as 'mandatory', i think all of those precedents are of greater importance than forced helmet wearing when discussing bicycles & safety...

...just sayin'...



Posted by bikesgonewild to Cyclelicious at 9/17/2008 12:10:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Crazy bus passenger.

gordongreg has left a new comment on your post "Crazy bus passenger":

This is nice article. but really it is a piece of work.
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gordongreg
California Dui



Posted by gordongreg to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 08:15:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!.

SiouxGeonz has left a new comment on your post "Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!":

Snork... this is *Boston?* They're just a tad famous, after all, for inane paranoia.

Mandating safety teaches people not to think. I *do* think people's cars should be impounded if they don't wear seat belts and get three tickets for anything. So. Boston's weird enough they might go for it.

I luv my helmet ... but I luv my freedom to choose my risks as well.



Posted by SiouxGeonz to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 07:23:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!.

Sweet William has left a new comment on your post "Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!":

Australia has had mandatory helmet laws for long enough that statistics are starting to be meaningful

There's a bunch of discussion - the key outcomes are:
* helmets help avoid head injuries
* mandatory helmets cause massive drops in participation
* increased participation is the single best way of improving safety

See http://bta-bulletin.blogspot.com/ for links to research



Posted by Sweet William to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 07:21:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!.

Jennifer has left a new comment on your post "Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!":

Well, I was grateful for my helmet when I rode smack into a low-hanging tree branch on a poorly lit section of off-street trail the other night... But if anyone told me that I had to wear a helmet or risk some steep penalty, I probably wouldn't ride my bike at all. Isn't that precisely the psychology behind such laws, anyway, to discourage certain behavior by making it as inconvenient as possible?



Posted by Jennifer to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 05:13:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!":

* There's no claim in my post that "helmets don't save lives," and in fact I write "I won't pretend that helmets are useless."


* Let the punishment fit the crime. Encourage helmet use if you wish, but confiscating the bike is over the top.

* The topic of discussion is not touring and road cyclists riding 3,000 to 15,000 miles per year who have a higher risk of serious and fatal injuries, but school children on local roads.

* Doctors are smart people, but they are not necessarily experts at risk management.

* A cyclist who's had three live threatening crashes in 15 years of cycling should wear a helmet. I put racing, high speed training, and mountain biking in the higher risk activities in which helmets are indicated. But again, we're talking about school kids on local roads.



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 05:06:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!.

Peter has left a new comment on your post "Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!":

the thing is Benjamin, if you weren't wearing a helmet, you probably would not have been hit in the first place. cars give more breathing room to unhelmeted riders, and that's my mode of operation, avoid getting hit in the first place. i've never been to a doctor to check on my after an accident, so i've never had the occasion to hear a doctor tell me that a 'helmet saved my life'. :)



Posted by Peter to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 04:56:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!.

Peter has left a new comment on your post "Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!":

san jose only tickets kids. i contacted the mayor and said, "don't".

and i tried to convince Bike Emory that mandatory helmets just to get a bike were a bad idea. they weren't interested.



Posted by Peter to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 04:26:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!.

Cliff has left a new comment on your post "Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!":

In 15 years of 3,000 to 15,000 mile years biking, my helmet has saved my life the three times I have fallen. If it wasn't for my helmet I would have only ridden 3 years, or 10 years or 12 years, with the helmet I plan to go another 15 to 20.

I don't know if helmets save lives, but they have saved mine three times and that is enough for me. I don't, and my kids will not go 5 feet with out a helmet.



Posted by Cliff to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 04:05:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!.

spokencontract has left a new comment on your post "Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!":

My Boston pride is beaming after reading this. What happened to all of our progress to become a stronger cycling community? I guess ticketing and stealing bikes from kids is more worth the time and money than...painting bike lanes? paving pot holes? setting up DUI checkpoints?



Posted by spokencontract to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 03:45:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!.

Will has left a new comment on your post "Ride helmetless and lose your bike?!":

Sorry but this post is very disappointing.

Wearing a Helmet is important, especially for children.

Where is the harm in this law if people just where a helmet?

Your 2/3 of zero quote is a bit silly. Cycling deaths are far bigger than zero across the USA.



Posted by Will to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 03:25:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Going clipless-less.

Ron has left a new comment on your post "Going clipless-less":

Howdy, all--


If anyone's already seen this at the Bike Forum's Living Car Free list, or on the Surly Long Haul Trucker Group, I apologize for the triple post (and the length). I just thought I'd share this, since many people (other than Fritz) seem to be going through some of the pedal angst I've felt over the years. While your results may vary, this is how I've come to feel about the
topic.


I believe the much of the gain in efficiency from toe clips or even clipless pedals is illusory. Being connected to the cranks gives a rider a powerful feeling.


Toe clips might give some benefit across the top of the pedalstroke, but unless you reach down and tighten those straps when you mount up, you can't pull up on the backstroke. You might feel like you're putting some pressure
against your toes, but how much do you think you can really pull up against a loose strap and a flexible chunk of nylon?


Clipless pedals are a big improvement. Older riders will remember cyclists frantically fumbling with toe straps they'd forgotten to slack before stopping; they'd tip over with one hand grabbing at a foot. Clipless pedals release easily, and they can theoretically provide power across the bottom of the pedalstroke, as well as on the upstroke. I say theoretically because tests don't bear out cyclists' perception that they're applying power throughout the pedalstroke.


This is from Edmund R. Burke's "Science of Cycling":
"When asked, most cyclists' response to a question regarding the direction of force application during the recovery phase is unequivocal. The say they
definitely pull up." He goes on to write, "In all of our studies of the steady-state riding of the elite 4000m pursuit team and of recreational riders, we only found a few examples of pulling up."


If people generally aren't getting power out of the backstroke--in fact, Burke even found that some racers were applying small amounts of pressure on the backstroke--then being attached to the pedals provides minimal benefit, mostly through the bottom and top of the pedal stroke.


I've found that the traction afforded by a sticky set of flat pedals also allows power transfer through these parts of the stroke. BMX and downhill pedals also tend to have large platforms, which offer similar benefits to stiff bike shoes. These qualities make the pedals my top choice for most
every type of riding, as they allow me to wear shoes that aren't so single-purpose as most bike shoes. Spiky platforms also eliminate concerns about slipping off the pedals (which suggests you have too much weight in the saddle, but that's another issue).


For what it's worth (sorry, I don't care for acronyms), I rode toe clips from the '70s bike boom well into the mountain bike craze. I've ridden clipless from Time, Shimano and Crank Brothers, with shoes from Sidi, Northwave, Pearl Izumi, and others I've forgotten. I now have platforms on my mountain bikes and my Long Haul Trucker. On the LHT, I'm using the Kona Wah-Wah, which is wide, slim and spiky. The slim part is accomplished by using bushings
where bearings would be preferable; I'll see how that works out.


While others may have a different experience, I don't get a significant gain being attached to the pedals--especially off-road or on rough surfaces. In fact, I'd be surprised if I get two percent. Really. And if I'm wrong, I don't really care, because I'm so blissfully happy riding around in
any old sandals or shoes, free to move my feet about as I please.
Happy Trails,
Ron Georg



Posted by Ron to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 03:05:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Going clipless-less.

Dana has left a new comment on your post "Going clipless-less":

I don't think I could do it now! I went to hop on my bike for a few hundred yards with shoes on top of my look cleats and then wondered how I was really going to pedal by just pushing down. Seems almost unnatural. I decided to walk the bike instead so I never tried it!



Posted by Dana to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 02:17:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Going clipless-less.

Jennifer has left a new comment on your post "Going clipless-less":

It's easy. Just like riding a bike.



Posted by Jennifer to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 12:57:00 PM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Jennifer Lopez on a bicycle.

Michael has left a new comment on your post "Jennifer Lopez on a bicycle":

So much wrong with that shot though. A loose fitting shirt, shoes with STRAPS, etc...

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...



Posted by Michael to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 11:36:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Road to Roubaix.

velocycling has left a new comment on your post "Road to Roubaix":

ALready saw it at SF film Fest. Pretty Cool.



Posted by velocycling to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 11:11:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on Jennifer Lopez on a bicycle.

Warren T has left a new comment on your post "Jennifer Lopez on a bicycle":

These may be the first photos I've ever seen of celebrities wearing bike helmets.



Posted by Warren T to Cyclelicious at 9/16/2008 08:37:00 AM

[Cyclelicious] New comment on They ride bicycles in the Large Hadron Collider.

Yokota Fritz has left a new comment on your post "They ride bicycles in the Large Hadron Collider":

Juan, yep.:-)

Burn, how very cool -- thanks!



Posted by Yokota Fritz to Cyclelicious at 9/15/2008 10:28:00 PM