Monthly Archive for March, 2008

Reelight SL120 Bike Lights

Reelight

In bicycle-friendly Denmark, the law says you need to have front and rear lights on your bike. So it’s no surprise that Reelight’s battery-free bike lights are a Danish invention. And what a great idea… Self-powered bike lights that are always on. Reelight even conducted a study that shows daytime running lights significantly reduce bicycle accidents.

The lights are fueled by electrodynamic induction. In layman’s terms, a pair of spoke-mounted magnets pass over a copper coil (contained within the light unit) as the bicycle wheels rotate. The SL120 models feature an energy storing capacitor that allows the lights to continue flashing for several minutes once the wheels have stopped.

Aside from the convenience and inherent safety benefits of bike lights that never run out of power, battery-free bike lights are also environmentally friendly. And Reelight is proud to be promoting such a “green” product.

Reelight bike lights attach to the bike’s axles, which unfortunately means the lights are mounted too low to provide optimum visibility. So while they are a great backup or addition to conventional handlebar, seatpost, backpack or helmet-mounted bike lights, we at Urban Velo do not suggest using the Reelight system as your primary lighting system.

The Reelight mounting system isn’t quite perfect, either. Because the light units attach to the axle, you probably shouldn’t use them with quick release hubs. Since most modern bikes don’t use bolt on hubs, it might be nice if there were fork-leg and seatstay mounting alternatives. And even though there are compact, extended and left-side models available, certain bikes and accessories may hinder installation.

At $40 to $65, Reelight’s bike light sets do not come cheap. Unfortunately that’s par for the course with most environmentally sound products. The SL120 Compact model (tested) retails for $55. Visit www.reelight.com for more info or to order direct.

Published by Urban Jeff on March 31, 2008 in Product Reviews. 13 Comments

Ride a Fucking Bike

Incase you didn’t know where we got the slogan for the sticker, it comes from a song called Helter Smelter by Fifteen.

Just drove my car to work every day,
I didn’t mean to hurt nobody
Like 100 million other people just like me,
I couldn’t tell there was any other way,
I just couldn’t realize but now I think I’ll throw it away
There’s 7 billion other people just like me

I was thinking about blowin’ up all the automobiles
It seemed like such a good idea
You said hey man wouldn’t that be hypocritical
No way man cuz mines’ the first to go
Do it,
Now,
Stick a rag in,
Light the fucker up

I was thinking about melting down all the cars in the whole world
Making brand new mountain bikes for all the boys and girls
You said hey man wouldn’t that be helter skelter
No way man all we need is a giant smelter
Send it to Peoples Park,
Berkeley CA, 94704

Ride a fucking bike
Ride a fucking bike
Ride a fucking bike

I just lit my car on fire today I didn’t mean to hurt nobody
Just like 100 million other people just like me,
I could tell there wasn’t any other way
I finally realized and now it’s going up in flames
Cuz there’s 7 billion other people just like me
Having fun, since I was six, We’re only bike terrorists
Five thirty,
second Friday,
Berkeley Bart

Published by Urban Jeff on March 30, 2008 in News & Views. 7 Comments

Ronny the Biker Dog

Slovakian industrial designer Brano Meres has really outdone himself this time. Not content with his frame-building accomplishments, he’s gone and created a carbon fiber helmet for his parents’ Shih Tzu.

Visit Brano’s website, www.bmeres.com, and check out his other designs. They include a carbon/bamboo mountain bike frame, interesting takes on headsets and hubs, and a blue-tooth equipped Soviet army phone.

Published by Urban Jeff on March 29, 2008 in News & Views. 2 Comments

Velo Rock in Brunswick

You’re all invited to a human powered bike gig, Saturday March 29th at the Brunswick Velodrome (in Australia). The gig kicks off at 2pm and admittance is free. Along with music from six performers, there will also be free bike repair and trailer races. Visit www.velorock.net for more information.

Published by Urban Jeff on March 28, 2008 in Events. 0 Comments

Bespoke My Heart…

Our friends in Australia, GTO, have unveiled their website and are ready to start shipping product any day now. This boutique-sized company specializes in limited quantity runs of high-quality cycling apparel, and strives to utilize locally produced materials using “100% non sweatshop Australian workmanship”. Because these designers make their living elsewhere, they are able to focus more on what makes them happy and less on what makes money for the company.

The merino wool t-shirt and armwarmers caught our attention, and the availability of bib shorts shows that Gerard and company know what’s up when it comes to technical cycling apparel (if you’ve never tried bib shorts instead of ordinary cycling shorts, you’re missing out). Visit their website and sign up for their mailing list to learn more about their offerings.

Published by Urban Jeff on March 27, 2008 in News & Views. 0 Comments

Guilty As Charged

According to post #61 on the Stuff White People Like blog, if you’re a Caucasian, there’s a good chance you like bicycles. We at Urban Velo find ourselves guilty as charged, and the same goes for sushi, hip-hop, Apple products, microbreweries, film-festivals and coffee.

Like all good satire, it’s funny because it’s true. The posts aren’t just well-written, they’re well-researched (unless the author happens to own an NJS approved track bike with Phil Wood hubs and Aerospoke wheels). But it’s almost as interesting to read through the comments to see how many people take offense to a white guy from California’s sense of humor.

Published by Urban Jeff on March 26, 2008 in News & Views. 7 Comments

Summing up the 2008 National Bike Summit

Earlier this month more than 500 advocates and industry folks attended the League of American Bicyclists 2008 National Bike Summit. Now that people are back staffing their shops, evaluating local projects, or busily machining new widgets, how will the 2008 Summit affect both those who attended, as well as people like you? We thought you would never ask…

More Industry Attendees Signals Shift In Industry Focus
For years, advocates and a select number of industry insiders have felt that bicycling in this country would benefit from increased support from bike manufacturers, distributors, and shops. There has been a recent shift towards bikes designed for commuting and urban riding, as evidenced at last year’s Interbike Show in Las Vegas. Companies such as Planet Bike have been funding advocacy efforts for years (25% of profits to advocacy) Now, industry giants such as Trek putting programs such as “1 World 2 Wheels” in to place in an effort to get more folks on bikes. There were a record number of shop owners, staffers and other industry people at this year’s Summit who are beginning to take advocacy efforts back to their own town, as well as learn about what is happening at the national level. The message: letting your local and national decision makers know that bicycling matters is good for everyone – and in the end, means more people on bikes, and more business for industry.

Preparing For Transportation Reauthorization
Every six years, the Federal Government passes a transportation bill (detailed here waaaay back in Urban Velo #1) which determines how much money will be allocated for among many things, bicycle and pedestrian projects. This bill is coming up for reauthorization in 2009, and a lot of the lobbying done on Capitol Hill at the 2008 Summit was designed to ensure that Congress knows that bicyclists want an increased portion of the funding pie. Currently, bicyclists AND pedestrians make up for about 1% of funding in the transportation bill. And while this may represent hundreds of millions of dollars – spread over six years and 50 states – the actual funds available to implement local projects is mighty thin, indeed.

The Times They Are A-Changin’
Interest in bicycling as a “real” alternative to driving looked ever-so-much-sweeter to members of Congress in light of $100/barrel oil and post-Inconvenient Truth Oscars. While in the words of the late Rodney Dangerfield, for the most part, cyclists “can’t get no respect,” we’re starting to look like a good platform for decision makers to stand on. If you hadn’t already heard, there is a station in California selling gas for more than $5.00 a gallon – $5.20 for regular, and $5.40 for the high-test stuff.

Booya Blumenauer!
The Summit Opening Keynote Speaker, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), rallied troops bright and early on the first day of the Summit, as well as the morning of congressional lobbying. Though technically not part of the Summit, Congressman Blumenauer gave a speech before Congress just before the Summit detailing the things that we as cyclists already know, and that those in power must know. Congressman Blumenauer is a champion of the bicycle, helping propel Portland forward as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country, as well as heading up the Bike Caucus. Congressman Blumenauer is noted within Washington, D.C. for frequently showing up to meetings with his right pant leg still in a bike strap, as he rides his bike as a primary mode of transportation in D.C. Bike Pittsburgh captured a copy of the speech for you if you’re so inclined.

Special thanks to ace Urban Velo contributor David Hoffman for this wrap-up of the 2008 National Bike Summit.

Published by David Hoffman on March 25, 2008 in Advocacy and Featured Content. 1 Comment

Schwinn Madison Impressions, Part 2

After some weather, travel and mechanical setbacks, I’ve finally had the chance to put some miles on the Schwinn Madison that came in a few weeks ago. Firstly the mechanical – as mentioned in the initial impressions, the OEM stem stripped out upon installation and required a replacement from my personal stash, compounded by the overly short steerer and lack of spacers under the stem limiting fit options. For some time now I’ve been a fan of flat bars for most city riding, and since the drops on the Madison were too low for my tastes anyway, I ended up pulling the stem/bar from another bike. Like most complete bikes, the stock pedals are nothing to write home about and I opted to use my own set.

With some miles pedaled I can say one thing with confidence; it rides like a bike. I happen to be partial to relatively cheap steel bicycles, and this Schwinn rides as expected on that front. Between the short 985mm wheelbase and 250mm high bottom bracket it has the maneuverable “track bike” feel that so many have fallen in love with on the street. This is countered by the road-bike long chainstays (410mm) and 73.5deg headtube angle, neither of which beat you up like shorter and steeper combinations tend to. That beautiful fork rides as expected – predictable and less forgiving than a curved blade. Continue reading ‘Schwinn Madison Impressions, Part 2′

Published by brad on March 24, 2008 in Product Reviews. 17 Comments

Get Your Six Pack

Purchase an Urban Velo Six Pack and get the first six issues for just $15. That’s over 450 pages of magazine!

Highlights include: Stupor Bowl X, Bike Polo Revival, Underground Bike Riding, Track Bike Geometry, Goldsprints, The Dirty Dozen, What the Hell? and World Cup Track Racing.

Get yours at www.urbanvelostore.com.

Published by Urban Jeff on March 23, 2008 in Merchandise. 2 Comments

Hemingway at the Velodrome

This comes to us courtesy of Stefan in Italy’s website, Cicli su Carta…

Paris, early years of 1900. The Vélodrome d'Hiver

I have started many stories about bicycle racing but have never written one that is as good as the races are both on the indoor and outdoor tracks and on the roads.

But I will get the Vélodrome d’Hiver with the smoky light of the afternoon and the high-banked wooden track and the whirring sound the tires made on the wood as the riders passed, the effort and the tactics as the riders climber and plunged, each one a part of his machine; I will get the magic of the demi-fond, the noise of the motors with their rollers set out behind them that the entraîneurs rode, wearing their heavy crash helmets and leaning backward in their ponderous leather suits, to shelter the riders who followed them from the air resistance…

Read more at www.ciclisucarta.it and be sure to check out Stefan’s artwork, as well.

Published by Urban Jeff on March 22, 2008 in News & Views. 1 Comment

Bike or Bust!

Bike or Bust! is a small group of young cyclists who plan to ride from Canada to Mexico in order to raise money for CityWILD. CityWILD is a Denver non-profit community outreach program that provides low income and culturally diverse youth with outdoor and environmental learning opportunities. You can help the Bike or Bust! cause by donating money, supplies or even just lending your moral support. If you’ve got a blog or a website, spread the word and help some good people do the same.

Published by Urban Jeff on March 21, 2008 in News & Views. 0 Comments

Bikes not Bombs Bike-a-Thon

Bikes not Bombs is a rather amazing organization out of Massachusetts that sends thousands of bicycles per year to underprivileged people across the globe. Hundreds more go through their shop via the Earn-a-Bike and vocational programs offered. 23 years strong, Bikes not Bombs is a model organization for the countless bike collectives that now look to it for inspiration. June 8th is the Bike-A-Thon and Green Roots Festival, a key fundraising event for Bikes not Bombs. Go on a ride, learn about sustainable living, all for a good cause. If so inclined, you may consider supporting Urban Velo #6’s “What the HELL?” author Dan Pugatch on the ride.

Published by brad on March 20, 2008 in Events. 1 Comment

Toe-Strap Doublers

Clips and straps are a useful combination even in this era of perfectly functional clipless pedals. While clipless shoe and pedal combinations feel great on the bike, walking around in cycling shoes is pretty well for the birds. It can be done, but is far from ideal in terms of comfort or style. Casual cycling shoes that accept a cleat may seem like a solution, but as walking comfort goes up, the clipless benefits of such shoes typically go down. For city riding, commuting and even touring where more time is spent off than on the bike a decent pair of sneakers and old-fashioned toe-clips are a godsend. And double-straps are even better.

For reasons of marketshare and overall demand, quality double-straps are prohibitively expensive. Back in Urban Velo #2 we published a technical article on DIY double-straps, a money saving solution using commonly available single-straps and a bit of ingenuity. Recently I had a friend with a sewing machine create a set of these doublers for me out of some nylon webbing, similar to seatbelt material, since that’s what he had available. I must say, the security and pedal feel of double-straps is worlds better than those of singles. Through significantly increasing the surface area of the straps, the webbing to the side and on top of the cage spread the holding force of the straps across more of the foot and minimize the stretching and occassional slipping I’ve experienced with singles. Even with the straps loose enough to allow relatively easy entry and exit, the doublers provide a much more solid engagement with the pedal. Two straps are better than one.

Published by brad on March 19, 2008 in Product Reviews. 3 Comments

One Leg Over the Bar Skid

We saw Jen pulling this trick in the newest Cycle Jerks video, and asked her to give our readers some pointers on how to pull it off.

Hey you bike people of the world, I’m Jen from Cycle Jerks. I’m here to teach you how to perform a one leg over the bar skid. It’s not hard and I hope some of these pointers can help you out a little bit. Falling is easy, so there’s no reason not to try it. Just let your skidding foot down and step over your bars.

Have your hands placed properly: With drops it’s better to have your palms facing forward on the curve with room for your leg before you throw it up.
Focus on your speed: Start fast enough that you can skid but not so fast that you’ll end up on your ass.
Pay attention to your foot placement: When your skidding foot is at 12 o’clock (looking at your bike non-drive side or clockwise) get ready because at 3 o’clock it’s the best time to throw that leg up there so you’re ready to start skidding at 9 o’clock.
Timing works differently for everyone: Feel it out. At first, try putting your leg up without skidding and just balance while your skidding foot is propelling you forward. After you’re comfortable getting into position and sitting on your bars is when it’s best to put it all together.
Getting out of the skid: This is the hard part… Again, focus on your speed. Before you come to a full stop let go of the skid and let the pedal stroke work as a little boost to get you back onto the saddle.

See that wasn’t hard! Now go show your mom.

Published by Urban Jeff on March 18, 2008 in Featured Content and Video. 1 Comment

ArtCycle 08

The Columbia Art League of Columbia, MO invites you to participate in ArtCycle08—a competitive art project with a $1000 top prize. According to the website, the bicycles should still be rideable, have anywhere from 1 to 3 wheels, and be weatherproof. There is a parade scheduled for Saturday, June 7th, and the awards will be handed out midday on Sunday June 8th at Stephens Lake Park. Visit artinthepark.missouri.org for more information.

Published by Urban Jeff on March 18, 2008 in Events. 0 Comments