Bike Dump or Bike Heaven
While it may not be the lost city of El Dorado, this bike location could be just as rewarding for bicycle lovers. It's rumored to be hidden on S Street here in the District. If you know something more...or could provide a treasure map, please, don't hesitate to write. I'd love to feast my eyes on this little slice of heaven. Or better yet, begin my next project.
Mission Styled
Busy day for me on the job, so I'm digging into my archives for this post. Starting at a reasonable cost of $750, the guys over at Mission Bicycle in San Fran will build some pretty mean machines.
Here's what the guys have to say about themselves, "We started Mission Bicycle because we weren't satisfied with the bicycles sold in bike stores. The best bicycles on the streets of San Francisco are the custom built fixed gear bikes those with the know-how are building up for themselves and friends. It didn't make sense to us that these bikes were not available to everyone else so we set out to change that."
It’s not a bike, but it does have wheels.
Kevin Cyr is at it again. From the man who created the Bike Camper, I give you the Cart Camper.
He's looking for some help to make this thing a reality. Each donation qualifies you for some of his artwork. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me.
Further proof that the cool kids are riding BMX
This is a direct swipe from the Bike Snob. Once again if you haven't read his stuff, it's really worth checking out. Sometimes you have to sift through some long, albiet funny diabtribes to find the real gems. But all in all...it's good stuff.
"In any case, the Ironic Motorized Revolution appears to be yet another indicator that the fixed-gear heyday is over. And if you're still not convinced, consider this JCPenney commercial, forwarded to me by a reader. In it, you'll not only see a brakeless fixed-gear bicycle used as a prop, but you'll also see a model "portaging" it in such a manner as to get drivetrain grime all over his salmon-hued fleece:"
Bad bad Madsen
I believe I have found the bicycle equipped to haul the bike camper that's dancing in my head. I give you the MADSEN. I've got my eye on the kg271/Rack. The key feature for me is its load capacity. The Madsen claims to be able to carry 600lbs. If I build this camper the way I am envisioning, and not like the self proclaimed contraption that Kevin Cyr built, I think it'll work without any additional modifications. Here is the run down on the remaining specs. Now....I just need to find a dealer close enough so that I can take a test run.
kg271/RACK
- Frame. OST Hi-ten steel. Step-through frame.
- Derailleur. SRAM X5 8-speed
- Shifter. SRAM X5 trigger shifters
- Disk Brake. Promax 160mm
- Stem. Promax adjustable 1 1/8''
- Colors. Black, Cream, Blue
- Size. Adjustable for a variety of body types including 5'- 6'6'' builds.
- Rack. Oversized steel tubing with 12 threaded brazons for accessory attachment. 7.5'' x 36''
- MSRP. $1099
For my own dignity, a top bar will need to be added. I'm not riding a girls bike!
The Alta Bike. Great bike, great ads.
ALTA bike comes to us from Norway. Put together by an unusual mix of designers from a variety of disciplines (furniture, product designers, graphic designers, and clearly a bicycle designer) Alta's are intended for riders looking for a stylish low maintenance bike. Clearly they have succeeded. The bikes and their color schemes are gorgeous. Unfortunately, I still haven't found anything about how much it'll cost to roll down the streets in one of these bad boys.
Then...to add insult to injury. Alta has also put together a clever ad campaign. Despite the fact that these ads were run back in 2005, they are still fresh to me! Which, I should note, is a serious concern for me...considering I'm an art director in advertising!
Dusted by a SE LAGER
I took the MTB bike out for a 30 mile ride saturday afternoon on the Mount Vernon bike trail. Granted my Jamis isn't ideal for riding on the pavement, however, I generally take pride in my ability to not get passed by other rides. Saturday I was not so fortunate. One of these SE Lager's blew past me as if I was standing still. In a desperate attempt to salvage my pride, I stomped on the pedals and kept him within my sights. Granted...this is pretty open terrain so sights could mean... 10yards or 100yards. When I finally caught him, (because he dismounted) I was to out of breath to even ask him about the bike. So, I just pedaled on home with my wounded pride hidden behind my sunglasses.
MacNeil does the cruiser right
For years now, I've found myself going back and forth on my love for cruisers. Some days I think they're the greatest thing ever invented, other days, I don't see the need. Today, thanks to MacNeil, I can honestly say the debate is over. I love them.
Frame – Classic loop tail full chromoly frame built by the same skilled welders that make our BMX frames
Fork – One piece steerer, full chromo legs with laser cut chromo built by the same skilled welders that make our BMX frames
Bar – Full chromo BMX bar built by the same skilled welders that make all of our bars
Integrated headset
Integrated seat clamp
Sealed bottom bracket and hubs
Logoed brake bridge
Forged alloy crank with integrated spider with Euro BB
Alex rims 1.75” 36 hole
10mm axle slots
Tires- 26” x 1.90 Multi surface for low rolling resistance and flat prevention
Hollow forged front loader stem
Imperial Seat (Pivotal)
6061 aluminum seatpost (Pivotal)
MacNeil Zoomer Grips
Nyon Wellgo pedals
V-Brake for fast stopping in wet and dry conditions
Top Tube – 22” Medium, 23.5” Large
Rear Triangle – 16.5”
Head-tube angle – 71.5°
Seat-tube angle - 67°
Stand over height: 29.25” for both sizes.
Seat tube length is: 13.75”
Effective seat tube length: 19.5”
Weight: 24.5 lbs
Colors: Black with Red or White with Gold
The Big Dummy
When I returned from my vacation in Puerto Rico I was happy to find this interesting machine from SURLY in my inbox. Not quite strong enough for my camper bike plan...but, it's an interesting bike none the less.
On a side note. I love the name...and it would certainly be appropriate for me.
The most expensive looking bike ever made
“SE has just released some pics of their super rad 2010 OM Flyer $100 Bill Wrap. The newest incarnation of this retro frame bike is clearly meant to stimulate your personal economy through the “mind on my money / money on my mind” philosophy it embodies, although it’s gonna cost you eight $100 bills to get one.” Head here for a closer look.
This and that
Archives
- December 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009