It’s our 10th issue, and we’ve got a lot of people to thank. Our readers—city cyclists from around the world—give us a reason to make this magazine in the first place. Of course we sincerely thank our advertisers, because without them, we couldn’t afford to bring you this magazine. Our contributors are the best. And to our friends and families, your support has meant the world to us. Thank you.
November 8th in New York City, an all-city scavenger hunt. Straight from the organizer, “Riders will have to find famous pieces, get old skool writers to sign their piecebooks, and show skillz and style with spray paint, krink markers and sharpies.”
According to www.tuvie.com, this folding handlebar design serves two purposes: One, it reduces the amount of storage space required for a full-size bike, and two, the locking feature provides an additional level of security.
Prolly and the folks in NYC have been working hard on a film about having fun on your bike in the city. It’s called Empire, and they’ve just released the trailer. Visit www.empirebegins.com for more info.
Traditional canvas cycling bags don’t just look classy, for most pursuits they work just fine. In some cases, maybe even better than some of the newer fabrics and designs if for nothing more than their simplicity. Finding them on the shelf has been something all together different.
Minnehaha Bag Company is new on the scene and offers a few bags in the classic canvas and leather style. The Canvas Saddle Bag is gigantic, even if it is labeled as a “medium” and served me well on an overnight trip with friends earlier this month.
I’ll jump straight to the answer of the most asked question about the bag; it isn’t waterproof. Water resistant. The canvas is treated from the factory, but not waxed, and the leather is not treated to prevent rot in the rain. Fine for a splash, but anything more and your cargo will likely get a bit moist. Best to treat the leather and canvas with some aftermarket waterproofing as specified by Minnehaha if you’re the day in, day out commuter type.
In use, this bag is huge. It can really hold a ton of stuff under your seat, out of sight and out of mind. That’s a 32oz Nalgene bottle in there for a sense of scale; on the aforementioned trip I carried two tubes, my expanded tool kit, a light jacket and a folding inflatable camp mattress in the bag without absolutely maxing out its capacity. 650 cubic inches officially. Note the light colored liner, a nice touch the really makes small items stand out inside. Continue reading ‘Minnehaha Canvas Saddle Bag’
Phil Wood & Co. have a reputation for quality. You may find lighter parts on the market, but it’s hard to find ones that are more dependable. In addition to making some of the most sought-after hubs in the industry, Phil Wood products can be found in most any good mechanic’s toolbox—namely Phil Wood Tenacious Oil.
It’s called Tenacious because it’s thick (about 90W) and sticks to metal surfaces to provide long-lasting lubrication. Although it will work as a wet-weather chain lube, it’s really not intended for it. Rather, it’s for lubricating brake pivots, cables, freewheels, etc. A little goes a long way with Tenacious Oil, so it’s best to use it sparingly. Especially since a 4oz bottle carries a $7.95 price tag.
This past weekend, Pittsburgh hosted a Clash-themed alleycat and bike polo tournament. The action was pretty intense at both events, not to mention the Saturday night afterparty at UVHQ. Congratulations to The Ball Grabbers on their first place finish in the tournament, and special thanks to everyone from Ohio who showed up and represented. Click here for photos.
Urban Velo #10 has been delivered to the printer and the online version will be out by this weekend. Print copies should start shipping shortly after November 1st. Visit www.urbanvelostore.com to subscribe to the print edition and get your copy as soon as they’re available. Or add us to your iTunes Podcast list to download the new PDF automatically.
Mini pumps and C02 inflaters are all well and good, but when it comes to inflating high-pressure 700c tires out on the roadside, you want a frame pump. Frame pumps are bigger and they simply move more air. And when you’re looking to fill your tubes with 90 to 120 psi, more is better.
I bought this Planet Bike Roadie pump about three years ago, and it still works like it’s brand new. It’s rated up to 120psi, and probably capable of more. One thing is for sure—since I got my Roadie I’ve never had to finish a road ride on under-inflated rubber.
The barrel and piston are made from lightweight aluminum, and the unit is rebuildable. The head is reversible to fit Presta or Schrader valves. The handle and contact points are made from Kraton, a synthetic rubber. Although the pump stays put even without a pump peg, I use a small Velcro strap to make sure it’s not going anywhere, even if it gets bumped.
The Roadie retails for $30 and is available in three sizes: Small (47 to 52), Medium (53 to 57) and Large (58 to 62). Visit www.planetbike.com for more info.
Rebuttal is a recording project—two former bike messengers, total cycling fans. Their first record was called “Two-Speed Kickback”. The duo of David Gloshinski and John Gerlach have been collaborating for over a decade and have recently released their 5th CD, “Thanksgiving”. Rebuttal focuses on songwriting and multi-instrumental arrangements. The songs are in the genre of independent pop mixed with harder edged rock songs and a few sampled arrangements thrown in for good measure. Check out myspace.com/rebuttalsongs
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It’s our 10th issue, and we’ve got a lot of people to thank. Our readers—city cyclists from around the world—give us a reason to make this magazine in the first place. Of course we sincerely thank our advertisers, because without them, we couldn’t afford to bring you this magazine. Our contributors are the best. And to our friends and families, your support has meant the world to us. Thank you.
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