Jan 31, 2007 · 09:29 AM
The high-pressure system has been sitting over Seattle for a while now. Sure there’s a burn ban and the air quality is “moderate”, but there’s nothing like a clear morning in the Pacific Northwest. Today, like every other day, was a great day for riding to work.
Jan 30, 2007 · 01:25 PM
I was at a Peets last week in Portland and didn’t get my camera out in time to snap the cargo bike as it rolled past the window (I think the Peets customers were also alarmed that I jumped up so quickly to look at a bike). Todd had tipped me that box bikes were en route and now has the photos and more info.
Also, Marcus reminded me that Seattle has got some cargo bikes as well and Aaron is working on them.
Jan 30, 2007 · 01:05 PM
During a quick scroll of the 2007 bloggies, I noticed that Fat Cyclist was nominated for the Best-Kept Secret Weblog. Def vote for Fatty and hope he accepts the award in lycra, on a fixie, and puts it in a messenger bag!
And if you missed Fattie’s contest last week, the comments are still a good read. He gave away a Twin Six Jersey. I posted on Twin Six last year and unfortunately didn’t get to meet them in Vegas at Interbike.
Jan 30, 2007 · 10:17 AM
I found this music video of the Japanese hip-hop group Rip Slyme. The set-up is that group members are working in a bike shop. My Nihon-go isn’t good enough to understand what they are talking about, at least not on the first listen. And I’m not sure how many more times I can endure to listen. BUT music aside, almost all the props in the video are actually quality keirin components and featured prominently enough that I can identify the model. And really, it’s a welcome break from seeing every wannabe American popstar posing in an Escalade while lip-synching to some cheesewhiz manufactured song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86iUu-9qfIo
Jan 29, 2007 · 08:58 PM
Shimano does a great job of pushing their top-level technology down to their lesser component groups. Cyclingnews.com just did a review of the 105 group, and I really have to second their praise. The 105 stuff works great on my rain bike. If I ever get around (read: get the funds) to building up a travel bike, I’ll probably spec it with Shimano 105. The only thing I can’t get past is the chainrings: What’s up with the cookie-cutter finish on those? The cranks themselves look fine to me, but the rings look a little cheap. Because I’m a vain SOB, I’d swap out for the FSAs and it would be a great looking setup.
Jan 29, 2007 · 05:52 AM
By request, we’ve got Bike Hugger tees in girls sizes and will have them next week, just in time for your spring fashion collection! We’re also restocked on all sizes after selling out twice — you can order directly from us, shipped from Hugger Industries HQ, or from our friends at Amazon.
Jan 29, 2007 · 05:45 AM
Just in time for our Hugger Industries announcement, TypePad featured Bike Hugger! Cool.
Welcome TypePad users and readers. If you like to learn more about what we blog here, check our about page, meet the authors, browse the archives, tags, and contact us.
Jan 29, 2007 · 05:26 AM
Hugger Industries is world HQ for the Hugger family of blogs and fresh products and launched this weekend. As a Bike Hugger reader, you won’t see any changes, but can expect more huggers this year and more products.
Jan 28, 2007 · 08:24 AM
It’s days like these in Seattle, when the sun finally comes out, that I realize how much I enjoy living here. During the lowest low of our record rain, snow, and ice, I hoped for a day like yesterday and watched the radar waiting for the sky to clear.
Out on the roads, the air was brisk and the sun warmed my tights. Old routes were good to ride and it was good to see my teammates from UBC, who I hadn’t seen since November of last year.
Today Pam and I will ride tempo south to the Kent golf course and back.
Jan 26, 2007 · 09:18 AM
Last night I finally realized the true value of the bright headlamp: getting a left-turning driver’s attention. I was using the Princeton Tec Dual 3W LED while riding down a gradual hill in the bike lane. Despite all the lumens I was throwing out and my reflective clothing - a driver turning left from the center turn lane apparently didn’t see me. As he started his turn I grabbed the brakes and looked at him. He hit the brakes and froze like a deer in headlights. He waved apologetically for not seeing me and we both continued on our way. Without the helmet light - I think it would have been a different ending to the story.
Jan 24, 2007 · 04:30 PM
Cyclists come up with all sorts of ways to suffer through training, especially indoors. This year in rain-soaked Seattle, I’ve set an all-time personal record for riding inside, and have timed my workouts to repeats of Law and Order. Starting at the doink doink, I’ll get the Cosmos going, usually have a rest cycle during the commercials, and ride on through until the heinous crime is solved.
Nick at 53x11 composes music for his rides, some cyclists watch entire stages of Le Tour, the best of police chases, or a movie. My wife Pam finds the most gossipy skinny-model trash TV programs and noted that if MTV actually played music videos. she’d watch those.
How do you get through the trainer grind?
Jan 24, 2007 · 07:09 AM
Normally, we leave the race coverage to Cycling News et al, but today’s vague admission by Museeuw gave me pause. Museeuw was a hero of mine, a powerful big-ring rouleur who was also el dope. Last year, when the Landis allegations broke, I posted on what I believed about cycling and that holds true today.
I believe in the bike and don’t believe anyone else.
Jan 23, 2007 · 06:54 AM
You could sell those old race wheels on eBay or Craigslist or use them to commute! Andy, from Hed Cycling sent us this photo of his commuter — Besides the wheels, I particularly like the Star Trek lunchbox action. Another photo is in the Commuters section of our Photostream.
Jan 23, 2007 · 06:38 AM
I’m in Portland, visting clients, talking new technologies for bikes, and possibly going to see a new bike. After a restless night in a hotel, my Bodum travel press poured a cup of coffee with creme! Nice! While it’s not the perfect cup we’ve discussed before, the pour sure brightened my day.
Jan 23, 2007 · 06:32 AM
This just in: Jackie Earle Haley, best known by Bike Huggers everywhere as Moocher in Breaking Away, just got nominated for an Oscar for his role in Little Children.
As far as I can tell, he's the first Breaking Away cast member to be nominated for an Oscar or Golden Globe since Barbara Barrie was nominated for playing Dave's mom Evelyn.
Jan 22, 2007 · 07:57 PM
Flickr user Wright38 is refurbishing a 1961 Raleigh Gran Sport, carefully documenting the piece-by-piece teardown of its Campagnolo Gran Sport derailleurs, the GB Coureur 66 centerpulls, and a really beautiful GB Spearpoint lugged stem.
He's also located an original Gran Sport catalogue from 1962, focusing on the bike's “race-ace” features and fittings.
Jan 22, 2007 · 01:19 PM
treehugger | HyperBike: Hype or Hope?
Here at the Hugger, we love all kinds of bikes, and all kinds of riders: Low riders, tourists, commuters, racers, messengers. Even folks on trikes and those crazy MTV bikes from the '80s where the rear wheel could pivot (what were those called?).
So it's hard to harsh on somebody with something a little different. But the HyperBike reminds me of Mark Twain's description of golf: It's a good walk spoiled. Theoretically, it's an attempt to take concepts from racing wheelchairs and upsize them to create a new kind of human-powered vehicle, one that uses hand as well as foot propulsion.
The HyperBike's inventor has a working prototype and is looking for investors, so perhaps that excuses some of his more dubious marketing. He throws around 50 mph as an achievable speed, and says his bike will be better able to mix with car and truck traffic because its speed is closer to theirs. Unfortunately, in the demo video, we never see one exceed rest-home speeds. And each time the prototype approaches 5 mph, the outrigger wheel out front heads for the clouds until the rider (walker? prisoner?) slows back down. Maybe the production model will have wheelie bars...
Also posted to Gizmodo, where many of the readers point out problems with the design: absurdly high aerodynamic drag (compared to recumbents or uprights) and a size that requires secure parking -- you can't just lean it against the wall of an apartment or office.
The inventor is interviewed in today's Hamptons Online. Maybe there's more here than meets the eye, but I'm dubious.
Jan 20, 2007 · 09:58 PM
I’ve already stated my preference for disc brake rain bikes. My Trek Portland is perfect for my needs of a training bike and longer-distance commuter. When I’m old and paid off college (and college for my kid(s)) I’ll probably be riding a custom steel bike. There’s nothing more comfortable for the money. A local guy — Brian Marcroft has gotten into building custom rain bikes and his efforts seem pretty solid. If you have the means and are in the market send him a note and support a local framebuilder.
Jan 20, 2007 · 08:05 AM
SAM’s Olympic Sculpture Park opens this weekend and it’s located on one of my favorite rides: Alki to Alaskan Way to Myrtle Edward’s, up to Magnolia, and back.
With the opening, Seattle commuters and cyclists have art a glance on their next ride.
Grey skies, Space Needle, freight trains, traffic, and a sculpture park — all seen during our ride to check out the Olympic Sculpture Park. More photos in the Photostream.
Jan 19, 2007 · 03:23 PM
I barely got in 30 minutes on the trainer last night after nearly being derailed from my challenge to ride every day (damn dinner parties). How is the rest of the crew doing out there?
Jan 18, 2007 · 07:02 AM
With a few Bike Hugger friends in Taiwan for business, I found Shut up and Drink the Kool-Aid’s post about the factory that manufactures Masi particularly interesting.
Jan 18, 2007 · 06:56 AM
A reader altered us to the attack on cyclists and Bike Portland has posted about it. “Two cyclists said they were attacked by three teenagers near a north Portland bus stop on Wednesday. “
Jan 17, 2007 · 03:55 PM
I posted earlier about how I love my new 3 Watt LED light. I do - I still love it, but Princeton Tec has sent me their soon to be released DOUBLE 3 Watt LED offering. 2 HAS to be better than 1 right?
Jan 17, 2007 · 06:51 AM
Reading about chasing an owl on Bike Seattle, I remembered the animal encounters I’ve had on my bike
Jan 17, 2007 · 06:38 AM
Win the best custom bike ever ever at the Handmade Bicycle Show being staged in San Jose, USA, in March. Nine legendary bike builders are collaborating on the one-of-kind bike and raffling it off. Given that’s 9 builders instead of one, I have to wonder if it’ll turn into a Monster Garage like mistake or work of combined genius?
My all-time fav custom bike is a Davidson. What’s yours?
Thanks to BikeBiz for the story.
Jan 16, 2007 · 08:59 AM
Schooner Exact, “a local, small batch microbrewery focused on quality, handcrafted ales,” is having their release party on Saturday the 20th, 7:00 PM, at The Beveridge Place. Last year, when Schooner Exact first started, they made us a batch of Bike Hugger Brown and have promised us more kegs this spring, just in time for the snow to go away!
Bike Hugger and friends will attend the party and toast Schooner Exact! See them kegs stacked up below.
Jan 15, 2007 · 02:53 PM
Bike to Life, a blog about bicycling to a better life, includes posts about Morag, an in-progress Xtracycle. One day, possibly, Bettie and Morag will meet on the bike path.
Jan 14, 2007 · 08:10 AM
A little bike that Mark saw in Japan — now if you could get a mini Xtracycle for that …
Jan 14, 2007 · 12:51 AM
A few days ago I finally mounted up some Shimano Dura Ace ten-speed STI to my everyday road bike, the last of my three road bikes to get the DA-10. Of course, the rest of the components on that bike are still nine-speed, and somewhat beat-down at that. But these STI are so sweet and precise. Yeah, KA-CHUNK into gear…solid like a hammer to a firing pin. I freaking love Dura Ace.
You don’t have to look far to find a flag-waving Campagnolo fan, going on and on about Italian flare and finish BLAH BLAH BLAH Tour de France BLAH BLAH Nuevo Record BLAH BLAH…but DA just works soooo well. You can tell me that you like the style of Campagnolo, or the ergonomics of it are better for you. I could respect that.
Jan 13, 2007 · 05:24 PM
I love Japanese bicycle products. My current obsession is the high-flange Dura Ace track hubset, the 7600-series. But there’s some crazy stuff to be found in Japan. Like this bicycle from a company called “Spank”. I’ve always wanted a “Spank bike”.
A friend of mine bought a Japanese-made truing stand, and it included a white card of plastic to sit below the guide to make the gap ‘tween the guide and rim more visible. The manual stated that it was “for to use in the dark situation”. For years we’ve laughed about the sinister “dark situation’, imagining that it must be some sort demonic curse, like being chased by Jesuit ninjas or something even worse…
Jan 12, 2007 · 11:32 AM
“Keirin”. First syllable should rhyme with the English word “Say”. Second syllable is half the duration of the first and rhymes with the word “Keen”, but the “r” is pronounced with the tongue right behind the front teeth, making it a blend of the the “r” in “reed” and the “l” in “lick”.
This is Japanese for CARNAGE!!!
Jan 11, 2007 · 12:17 PM
…but maybe more interesting. Seattle cyclists out on the town shot by a local pro photog. I know a couple of the ladies featured in the .83 Girls Calendar so I thought I’d throw it out there to a wider audience.
Jan 10, 2007 · 08:32 PM
Rain storm back flip, by Dbennison..
It's the first HDR image to make photo of the day. Definitely check out the larger versions.
Jan 09, 2007 · 09:32 PM
MyFox Atlanta | Proposed Cobb Ordinace Would Limit Bicyclists (video)
A popular Atlanta recreational cycling route is under attack, as residents of the neighborhood are pushing for a “no-cruising” ordinance that could fine riders who pass any point on the route more than twice in an hour.
Columns Drive runs along the Chattahoochee River, just inside Cobb County. It's adjacent to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and cyclists have ridden laps on Columns Drive, 2.5 miles long, for as long as I can remember (and I was rafting the Chattahoochee 20 years ago). The road is wide, with a wide shoulder; it's a dead-end (marked, I believe, at 25 mph) which limits traffic; and because it runs parallel to the river, it's as level as anything in Atlanta. Also, there's a large parking lot just across Johnson Ferry Road from the mouth of Columns Drive, so many riders drive to the lot, then do 5-mile laps.
Jan 09, 2007 · 07:55 PM
Engadget | Motorola to roll out cellphone-charging bicycle in "emerging markets"
Motorola instantly responded to Apple's iPhone announcement with an announcement at CES that they'll soon be in the bicycle business. Seriously.
Seems Motorola wants to sell its mobile phones into China and other nations with little or no electricity, so they're turning to a Motorola branded, generator-equipped bicycle with a charging station right on the handlebars.
Jan 09, 2007 · 11:40 AM
What amazed me the most (and there was plenty of amazingness) about Apple’s iPhone announcement, is that I was thinking, “who cares about an mp3 phone, or a ‘smart phone!’” The sweet spot is taking your home folder on the road with you, in your hand or jersey pocket and that’s what Apple designed. Just amazing. I was hoping for an “internet communicator.”
I’ve held onto my Sony Ericsson T-616 for more than 3 years waiting for a product like this. I kept the Sony in part because of the small size and feature set. In it’s day, it was a benchmark of design — works as phone, nearly worthless mMode aside, and as a GPRS bluetooth modem for quick email checks in an airport or on the road. And mostly if fits inside a Timbuk2 strap pouch, which fits right inside of my jersey pockets.
Here’s how the iPhone announcement unfolded with photos and all the features. As soon as it’s available, I’m buying it and riding with it. Check the demo from Apple’s site.
Jan 08, 2007 · 06:25 PM
A bicycle built for you - Los Angeles Times (free reg. required)
A little behind the New York Times (You Paid How Much for That Bike? in November '06, now behind their ridiculous paywall), the L.A. Times takes a look at custom high-end road bikes, interviewing Rob Vandermark of Seven Cycles and Lennard Zinn.
There's also a good summary of traditional road bike fitting conventional wisdom: Knees over pedal spindle, handlebar flat obscuring the front hub, with balls of your feet directly over the pedal axle and your feet parallel to the top tube. Pain in the front of your knee means your seat is too low, while pain in the back of your knee means you've cranked it up too high.
Those are all good rules of thumb, but keep in mind that different physiology may require different positioning; if any of those rules don't work for you, talk to an experienced bike fitter at a shop.
Jan 08, 2007 · 03:06 PM
How’s the new year treating you all? Getting out for your daily rides? Seattle has been particularly unaccommodating with its dreary winter weather. If you go to weather.com they have a column to tell me just how pitiful the outlook is for “Fitness Comfort”. San Diego scores mostly 9s and 10s. Seattle’s high rating was a 4, with a couple days at 1. Ouch.
I’ve been at the challenge a week and I’m 7:7. This week might get dicey as the ice and snow comes in again and I have business trip Friday, but I think I’ve got it covered. How are the rest of you making out?
Jan 08, 2007 · 07:07 AM
For me at least, all good rides (even bad ones) begin with good coffee. When traveling, I take grounds with me and a Bodum Travel Press. At home, I use a Rancilio Espresso Machine and mix up the coffee using Lavazza, Illy, Cafe Mauro the occasional Bustelo, and Batdorf and Bronson ground for me by Alki Mail (where we ship all the Clip-n-Seals and Bike Hugger shirts).
What do you brew? Some crazy chai drink? Straight up espresso? Snort nodoze, or beer bong red bull?
Jan 08, 2007 · 06:50 AM
Frustrated with our old host, we moved last week to Strangecode, a boutique host with all the blog goodness. Everything is up and working well and we’ve got more changes coming in 2K7, including some new sexy features.
Jan 08, 2007 · 06:45 AM
Our Bike Hugger shirts sold out again and more are on the way. We’ve got 2xls and restocked mediums and will have the rest restocked this week. We sold the shirts all over the country and abroad and during my travels, I hope to see someone wearing one soon.
Jan 07, 2007 · 07:49 PM
So, here at the Hugger, we love good design, and generally agree that “form follows function.”
So I was a little surprised when my first reaction to this admittedly innovative helmet design, which won a reddot design award, was, “They expect me to put my head in that?” and my second was, “Honeycomb’s big … big, big, big…”
I think it’s an awesome idea to incorporate lights in a helmet: The higher they are, the sooner they’ll be seen. I’ve ridden with riders who clip small flashing LEDs at the back of their helmet, and it definitely helps.
But as for the “new aesthetic in bike helmets … moving away from the typical aerodynamic and aggressive shapes” toward “a more friendly approach suitable for urban riders,” which this helmet, the Cascuz, promises? I’m (literally) not buying.
What do you think? Like the Cascuz? Is the current crop of helmets too aggressive looking?
Seen at Bicycle Design.
Jan 07, 2007 · 07:50 AM
At least once a year, I’ll have a bad ride. Yesterday, I didn’t feel good (iTunes) when I got up. Riding over to meet the team, I felt even worse. Turning squares, legs heavy, and heart rate high, I decided I’d just sit in for a while with the team, ride to Seward Park, then back home: when in doubt, leave it out.
Climbing up to the I-90 tunnel, I slipped twice on ice and nearly went down. It was way colder than it seemed out there, and my toes were numb in about 1/2 an hour. I waited and waited, cold really cold, the team never showed, and I crawled home.
I should’ve listened to my body and not even rode. When a bad ride happens, how do you get through it?
Jan 05, 2007 · 01:45 PM
Whether we admit it or not, gear is as much about design and fashion as it is function—we need the objects around us to look good for the same reason we need the food we eat to taste good. So I always think it’s refreshing when a gear manufacturer openly embraces the fashion side of their business—and what better way than to team with a fashion designer? That’s just what Mercian has done, joining with designer Paul Smith to roll out a line of track and touring bikes with Smith-design color schemes.
In turn, Smith uses a coat of paint to highlight those little details that distinguish artisanship.
Hat Tip: The Goat.
Jan 05, 2007 · 09:54 AM
Ahhhh….the New Year. I would like to officially give the finger to AD 2006 and welcome Two-double-Aught-Seven into my arms.
My body is currently under viral assault from whatever illness has been leveling all my friends and co-workers. Maybe the 5 nights of Jolt Cola-fueled manic activity prior to New Year’s Eve lowered my immunity. Maybe the imperial gallon of nigori sake (champagne is for the plebes) I consumed on the Eve wasn’t healthy, and maybe I didn’t need to go riding in the freezing rain the next day…but I couldn’t think of a better way to start off a smashing new year. I may be bed-ridden and coughing up bits of my internal organs, but even that won’t dampen my spirits.
I guess it’s tradition to start of the new year by expressing one’s wishes and resolutions:
Jan 03, 2007 · 10:22 PM
a ghost is born (ten), by eight double / steven wade.
From a photoset on the ceremony placing the bike and remembering the rider.
Also, if you're in Illinois, you should read about Matt's Law, and consider calling or writing your representatives about it. If enacted, it would stiffen penalties for distracted drivers, after Matthew Wilhelm was killed in September 2006 by a driver downloading a ringtone to her cellphone. Jennifer Stark, the driver who killed Wilhelm, was fined $1,000 and served just 6 months of probation.
Jan 03, 2007 · 02:48 PM
What do I think about on rides home like last night? A ride with constant, soaking rain for an hour straight on a road edge filled with debris. Apart from the non-stop thought of “can they see me” I usually find myself day-dreaming about the good rides I have to look forward to.
I’m lucky enough to have a nice long vacation planned to Brisbane, Australia. I’m still working out the logistics of the bike and whether or not I need to buy a travel version, but I’m eagerly counting the days until sun. It makes the wet rides that much more passable.
