A horse on a bike on a mountain. With snow on it.

The full instructions were, "Draw a horse. On a bike. Riding on a mountain. With snow on it. Now put words on it. Make him say "YES!" "

So there you go. A horse on a bike on a mountain with snow on it saying "yes!"

I tried to hand it to my 3 year old niece when it was finished, but she said, "No. I made it for you."
"Wait. But I drew it."
"Yeah, but I told you to draw it for you. So it's for you."

Can't argue with solid logic like that.

Names

This bike's name is Michael Jordan.

He's tall, and wearing black & red.

I'm not one for naming my bikes. I tend to refer to my bikes by their color or their function (the commuter, the mountain bike, the other mountain bike).

There's a good number of folks who come by the shop who have great (and much more creative) names for their bikes. My favorites include: Gary, Blueberry, The Magistrate, Frank the Tank, Big Orange, Little Green, Frenchy Blue, and Sparkleboogie 2 Electric Boogaloo.

Two Questions

Curious minds want to know (also, I may have a gentlewoman's bet to settle). Help out by answering two questions?

One Week

This is our last full week before close up shop for a month of bike adventure, recharging, and planning for 2013. There's still time to get a hold of a last minute gift or two for the bike nerd in your life (maybe that nerd is you, I won't judge...). Place an order with us by Weds (12/19) and we'll have it for you by the end of the world Friday (12/21). BTW, that speedy delivery is free (as it always is), yo.

I, myself, and working on a last minute project or two before I head someplace warmer for some cycling. Here's a little peek at my new bike, painted by the very talented fellas at Circle A:

Wimpy 2 Electric Boogaloo

It's the same color as another adventuring vehicle I once had. The pink stripes are a little washed out in this picture, so imagine they're a darker pink. I'll post up a full bike pic when this baby is ready to roll.

Winter Plans

The shop will be closed for a month this winter- from December 23rd until reopening January 24th . Like last year, I'm planning to go on a bike trip. Unlike last year, I'm going to focus on off-road travel. I've started loosely making plans. Here they are so far: I have a new bike coming my way, any day now. It's going to be a 650b Get Rad Machine, in a mystery color (when given the choice I chose 'builder's choice'), built with theses parts:

I'm very, very excited about this bike. So, I'm going to pack up the mystery (get rad) machine, along with my riding buddy, and we're going to hit the road. We're going to look for single track here(ish):

I haven't forgiven you yet, Florida.

Just a girl in a truck with her dog and a locally designed and fabricated mountain bike, driving through the countryside looking for adventure. Sounds like the start to the greatest country song never written.

Favorite

We got new stickers! For your bike. Your favorite bike. I'm terrible at favorites- I don't have a favorite color, or food, or animal (Oh, wait. Yes I do.). Every trail I've ridden has at one time, or another been my 'favorite'. Just as every bike I've had has spent a least a little time as the 'favorite'. It's just too much work to pick out the most/best/greatest out of a bunch of good things. And, in the end, does orange care that it's your fave? So why try to force a choice of a 'favorite' by sticker? Well, if you have one bike, it's easy. And if you have more than one bike, we got a boatload of these- so you can have more than one sticker.

 

Wait! But what if your bikes find out that they're all your favorite? Here's the thing- bikes are inanimate objects, so they won't know if none/all of them are favorites. Have a bike you feel 'eh' about? Maybe this sticker will make you feel better about it. Try it out.

 

This bike has no idea that it's only one of a number of favorites. 

Swing by the shop to pick up one (or more) of these babies. Or hit us up on Twitter for one.

Winter is Coming

Nerds.



But seriously. Remember this? Well that little baby of a frame has grown up into a complete bike:

This one goes to 7.

So far it's been test ridden by a half dozen individuals, and has caused two of those individuals (real grown humans) to giggle. In addition to being hilarious, it eats concrete parking stops for breakfast. Riding over those concrete parking stops has the been the extent of 'getting rad' that this bike has seen so far, but I see a long, snowy, muddy, rocky, rad future for it.

I think I'm going to take it with me to the Wicked Ride of the East, and see what happens. I may even write up some thoughts about how it rides, but given my recent track record on updating this ol' web log- I wouldn't wait up for the review. 

Wanna take it for a rip through the parking lot? Stop by and try it out!

craigslist Buyer's Guide

Craigslist- a place for finding all kinds stuff (except weapons, food stamps, and body parts), bikes included. If you're patient. Really patient. And you keep a few these four things in mind:

One!
Know what you're buying. Some bikes come from bike shops. Those bikes hold up better over time (and multiple owners). Other bikes- mostly from department/big box stores- don't hold up as well. These brands are department store bikes:
Magna
Free Spirit
Huffy
Murray
Next
Ross
Genesis
Pacific
 Royce Union
Roadmaster
(newer) Schwinn
(newer) Mongoose

This means they weren't originally assembled by trained bicycle mechanics. They were originally assembled by the guy (I assume) who's also responsible for assembling grills, flat pack furniture, and baby cribs. They have 'entry level' (read: cheap) components, that don't last as long as their 'mid level' counter parts. Many of the components I've seen on these bikes aren't serviceable- so when they go outta whack you're looking at replacement, not adjustment. Bottom line- they may not be 'bad' bikes, per se, but they have a short working lifespan. If you're buying one used it's short life is even shorter. I won't say don't buy one of these bikes, but......... don't buy one of these bikes.

Two! 
The guy who posted his used bike is 5'10", and so are you, but that doesn't mean his bike is going to fit you. Maybe he's been riding a bike that's too big or too small for him this whole time. Maybe he has oddly short legs, or long arms. Maybe you have oddly long legs and/or arms. Bring a multi tool with you so you can adjust the seat when you take it for a test ride.You were going to test ride it, right?

Three!
Test ride it.  Make sure there's air in the tires, that the brakes work, and that the quick releases are tight. Put your helmet on. Then take it for a spin. Keep an ear out of creaking, squeaking, clunking, etc. Noises don't mean you shouldn't buy it, but it will be helpful information to pass along to the mechanic when you bring it in for a check over.

Four! 
Bring it in to your LBS to get it checked out. Even if the posting claims that it's been "recently tuned up".  "Recently tuned up" is a relative term that can mean anywhere from 'tuned up at an actual bike shop' to a 'buddy of mine (who knows alot about bikes) looked at it'. At the very least you want a trained set of eyes to make sure it's safe and worth the money.

If you don't want to wait around for your dream bike (in the right size) to pop up on craigslist, you can always check out what the fellas at Cambridge Used Bikes/ Metonomy Used Bicycles or support the good work being done at Bikes Not Bombs by buying a used bike from those folks.

World Traveler

We pack bikes for travel here. It's not our most requested service (that would be flat tire fixes), but we probably box up 3-4 bikes a month. Bikes get boxed for shipping, for going on airplanes as checked luggage, in moving trucks, or on Amtrak (I hear the rates are reasonable). You can buy bike specific bags and boxes, but unless you're going to do multiple trips it usually makes the most sense to pack in a regular ol' bike box. They're the boxes that bikes get shipped from the factory in- they're sturdy enough that if they're handled with reasonable care you can get a use or three out of them.

This particular box is super sturdy. It must have been in a batch of particularly well made ones. It first contained a new bike that was shipped to a shop in Portland, OR. That's where my buddy, Mr. E picked it up to pack his bikes for a move to Texas. Where I grabbed it from him to bring the Brown Machine back after my winter adventure. It's now going on a moving truck, headed for who knows where (probably the person moving, that's who). It's still in wicked good shape, so I hope it gets passed on for another journey.

Old Dog, New Bike

If you don't mind being a little chilled, the past couple of weeks have been great for riding. I've been fitting in a little singletrack time in the mornings when the trails are nice 'n frozen.  I coaxed my riding partner out into the cold Actually, I didn't have to do anything. She was born ready for winter riding.

Look at that face.

I got a new single speed MTB frame recently (don't worry- one in, one out- enjoy your new home, Frankenbike). Maybe I'll write more about it later. Or maybe not. We'll see. I will say it's pretty sweet. Not that I'm overly concerned with weight- but I'm pretty excited that this bike built up more than 2lbs lighter than my last setup.  It makes me feel fast.  Like awesome bike racer fast. It's really a feeling more than an actual improvement in performance, though. I'm pretty sure I look like this when I ride (oh, or this- thanks, Jody).

It comes with operating instructions right on the top tube and it's sporting this years hottest fashion accessory- the NEMBA Headcap. Don't be jealous. Get yours here.

What a Deal

Welcome back students. Grad students, at least. I know you undergrads are on your way, too. One thing you should know about this great little city you're moving to is that it's great for bikes. It's compact, flat, and packed with diverse neighborhoods to check out. Perfect for bikes.

In order to be a successful bike rider in Boston you need (1) A bike. And (2) The Big 3 for the safety of you and your bike.

Here are a couple of deals I put together for you folks who want a good bike and all the fixin's essentials for success at a fair price. These bikes are single speeds (or fixed gear, if you like. You've got options)- simple, easy to maintain, fun.

Biria Fixed bike, Nutcase Supersolid helmet, PDW Spaceship/Red Planet light set, and Kryptonite Series 2 mini U lock for $500.

Biria Fixed- Steel frame, 42mm deep section rims, mid rise handlebars, good brakes, one speed.

Available in Small (white frame) or Large (black frame) (48cm or 55cm, if you're into numbers)

For those of you who'd like to class it up a bit, with 4130 steel, real track geometry, sealed bearings all around, and custom dropouts.... Tada! The All City Big Block track bike, Nutcase Supersolid helmet, PDW Spaceship/Red Planet light set, and Kryptonite Series 2 mini U lock for $900.

All City Big Block- Great components from wheelset to headset

The helmets are available in a bunch of colors. Stop in to check out your choices.

The fine print is that this deal is available now through the end of September on the stuff we have in stock.

All Good

Yeah, summer!

Things are really in full swing here. Tune ups, custom bike builds, and flat fixes as far as the eye can see. All you folks prepping your bikes for racing, charity riding, long distance touring, brand new commutes to work, knee surgery recovery, and whatnot have been keeping us very busy. Thank you!

We had a great flat fix clinic this month. Great turnout and lots of great questions (that, I hope, were fully answered). I'm looking forward to the next round (August 3).

I got to go mountain biking with my Sig O last weekend. This was after a, I'm going to say 'mostly unsuccessful', first MTB ride last fall. This time nobody bled, and I (swear I) heard the phrase "Well, I didn't hate that." Brought a tear to my eye...

I'm headed out to Woburn for the start of the New England Classic tomorrow morning. I'll be out helping riders, who've helped raise money for the American Diabetes Association, who helps (in part) fund researchers, who will someday (in the next ten years...) cure diabetes! So basically, I'll be curing diabetes this weekend.

We got a super dope new shop bike:


Just try to not smile your face off while you're riding this thing.


Keep it up the good work, summer, keep it up.

Surly Troll

I mentioned last post that I had a new bike. I got this bike because I needed fewer bikes. Don't worry, it makes sense. My collection was getting out of hand. There are good reasons to have more than one bike, but at some point it gets to be too much. One reason is because I like a good project. I'd gotten to the point where I was finishing a project bike, and then picking up another one, to put the extra parts from the first project to good use. Or I'd want to try something new, like a 2-speed kickback hub, or a disc braked fixed gear, you know, product testing. So I can provide sound, tested opinions and suggestions. I suppose I could have gotten a Surly Cross Check. It's a frame I really like, and would allow for lots of parts swapping, but no disc brakes. And I already have a 'cross bike.

Enter the Surly Troll. 26" wheel bike, with means to attach anything you want (within reason)- disc brakes, full line guides, post mount brakes, derailleurs, racks (front and rear), fenders, specially threaded holes to attach their new trailer, and horizontal dropouts for single speeding.


Here's how I have mine built up (for now):

Riding in a winter wonderla... ugh. It's gross.

Single speed. Right now it's fixed. Front hydraulic brake. My favorite seat/saddle and handlebars. And giant tires. 26 x 2.4! I know they're excessive, and my choice is almost purely aesthetic. I just prefer the way they fill up the frame, especially on a mountain bike. If I was a car person, I would probably be this A-hole guy:


So far I've enjoyed the ride. The heavy, heavy wheels/tires do take a little energy to wind up, but if I keep them up to max air pressure it's not so bad. Plus, I don't fear the potholes quite as much on the 2.4s. Which is important for my daily commute these days- have you seen S'ville Beacon Street? Pinch flat city.

I'm looking forward to taking it off road a little. And probably for a little light touring. And give it a geared drive train sometime. Or 3 speed. And maybe try it with some skinny tires. Or whatever other project I can come up with.

Frankenbike

In addition to cranking out pro-style tune ups for the good people of the Greater Boston Area, I occasionally like to work on a bike or two for myself. I've just put the finishing touches on a commuter/off road/fire road ripper/monster cross trainer/ninja rider/etc. bike. It might be ugly, but maybe in an adorable way (uglorable?)? You know, for a bike made up of parts from other bikes:

Ta Da!
The details, in case you're into that kinda thing: Unit 2-9 frame, disc brakes, 32/13 fixed gear (shh... don't tell anybody) *cough*, ahem- single speed, 700 x 42 tires, 40 degree sweep handle bars!, because I've never said, "wow, I wish these bars had less sweep"

Comfy for your hands
It took a little tweaking to get this baby ready for bombing around town, mainly in the stem/handle bar zone, I mean it is a 29er mountain bike frame and therefore a little upright and mountain-bikey. So, why wouldn't I just get an appropriate townie bike? Well, I don't need to see the ocean everyday, but I need to know that if I did need to see the ocean I could. Which is why I can't live in the midwest. Similarly, I don't necessarily need to ride this bike off road everyday, but I need to know that I can when the mood strikes me. That's why all of the bikes I'm fortunate to own can be trail ride ready in 15min or less. Sorry road bikes, we just aren't meant to be.

Plus, with this frame there's no chance of a slow-motion-toe-overlap-in-traffic-while-I'm-trying-to-track-stand crash. There's metric tons of clearance. See:

There's still plenty of room with shoes on, too.
It's super fun. I don't ride fast (and I have no plans to start, it takes sooo much effort...) so, the fixed gear adds a little challenge to my favorite not-so-technical trails/fire roads. And riding bikes with one gear always makes me feel like a kid. True story.

Thanks for letting me geek out a little bit here.