12PM Februrary 10th, UC Santa Cruz (At the beginning of the Great Meadow pathway, near recital hall). Adrian Burgueño’s bicycle advocacy and legacy will continue to live through us and we will be his voice to raise awareness on bicycle safety. Heading home from school after his evening class about one year from today, taking all the safety measures a cyclist can take, riding on an extremely dangerous bike path on campus, his beautiful young life was cut short. He would be 22.
There will be a peaceful rally to commemorate Adrian’s passing this week. Let’s all gather to raise awareness and speak upon the dangers of this bicycle path. As an activist he was, he would be among the first to organize and participate for such event.
This will take place on the UCSC campus At the beginning of the Great Meadow pathway, near the recital hall, this Friday, February 10th at noon. If you or someone you know in the Santa Cruz area has experienced the dangers of this path, message this page directly. Pass the word, share this event’s info and please join us for this rally.
Visit the Facebook page.
Last week we visited Trash Bags for a shop tour. Here’s a testimonial about their mittens from Cycle Twin Cities:
For those of us who choose to keep riding throughout the seasons the challenge of staying warm is a battle that we fight every winter, constantly trying new things to get a leg up on cold weather. This year, local company Trash Bags, has given us a new weapon for our arsenal, the Trash Picker Mitten.
Read more.
The Volpe is undoubtedly the most versatile bike in Bianchi’s lineup. It has lots of tire clearance, plus rack and fender mounts, giving it the potential to be a commuter, a touring bike or even a cyclocross racing bike. It comes standard with all terrain tires and a triple crankset, so you can literally take it just about anywhere. And that’s what makes the Volpe so much fun.
When the Volpe arrived back in October, my first inclination was to cruise across town to Frick Park and hit the dirt and gravel. This became a recurring theme all winter long. While it’s not terribly fast on the road with the aforementioned WTB 700 x 32 All Terrainasaurus tires, it’s not unbearably slow, either. And all that extra rubber is certain stave off a few pinch flats and punctures, too. Even if you were to install some bona-fide slicks, you might want to hang on to the stock tires for winter riding, as they’ve performed quite well in the snow and ice.
I’m constantly impressed by the latest entry-level drivetrain components. The 10-speed Shimano Tiagra shifters and derailleurs are nothing if not smooth and crisp. Ride after ride, the drivetrain has performed with little maintenance. Having the FSA Vero Triple (50/39/30) really encouraged me to find new routes, secure in the knowledge that I can crawl back up out of any valley.
Continue reading ‘Bianchi Volpe Review’
Retronaut has a cool little collection of photos depicting early attempts at rocket powered bicycles.
This article from BBC Magazine isn’t really about bikes, but it does feature a sweet photo of a 1920’s stroller bike:
You were born into the most dramatic population change in UK history. At every age throughout your life, you stood out for sheer numbers.
But you were not born in the 1960s, or the years immediately after World War II, the groups usually thought of as the “baby boom” generations.
Read more.
From The Village Voice:
Forced by a looming Freedom of Information Law deadline, on Friday the New York Police Department finally told the mother of Mathieu Lefevre what it knows about the cycling death of her son last fall.
The documents released directly contradict the initial version of events put out by police, and suggest an investigation so sloppy that the likelihood of getting justice for Lefevre’s death is scant.
Read more.
From America Bikes:
On Thursday, February 2, the House Transportation Committee will vote on the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, a bill that eliminates crucial funds for biking and walking.
This long-awaited multi year transportation bill eliminates the two largest programs that fund biking and walking infrastructure—Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School. Without these programs, communities all over the country will lose resources to build the sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways that make biking and walking safe and accessible in communities across the country.
Read more.
The Full Windsor FoldnFix fender is the more permanent version of the QuickFix. It addresses the concern some people might have about not being able to mount the fender as securely as they wish. With its three zip tie mounting system, this is relatively easy to accomplish, though results may vary from frame to frame.
The downside to the FoldnFix design is that it’s not removable without some form of tool, and the mounting system (zip ties) is not designed to be reusable. For the money, you could buy a fender that’s similarly permanent that performs arguably better. Still, the FoldnFix is unbelievably easy to install and very lightweight, so it’s not out of the question to keep one on hand for emergency use.
The FoldnFix is available in six color choices and retails for about $19 (three zip ties included). Visit www.full-windsor.com for more info.
The Full Windsor QuickFix fender (yes, I know, the British call them mudguards) is a cleverly designed product. Cut from simple .09 mm polyethylene sheeting, the QuickFix is scored and ready to be folded into shape. It features three simple snaps (like you might find on your winter jacket) which hold the fender in place, yet allows it to be quickly and easily removed.
And that’s the point of this product—it’s a temporary fender. For many people, fenders just don’t seem cool, but their value is unmistakable. With the QuickFix, you can literally keep it in your bag for a rainy day. When the opportunity to use it arises, you’ll be glad you had it with you.
At first it takes a tiny bit of “faffing” to get the fender to sit just right, and in some ways it never seems to stay exactly where you would want it to, but that seems to be part and parcel when it comes to removable fenders. In any case, once you’ve used it a few times you’ll be able to slap it on your bike in seconds.
Now to be certain, the QuickFix doesn’t block water nearly as well as full-coverage, bolt-on rigid fenders. Nobody ever said it would. But it is an effective tool for keeping your back and bum a little less wet when riding in the rain. And it’s considerably less cumbersome than rigid fenders.
Perhaps my only real nit to pick with Full Windsor fenders is that they don’t work with cantilever brakes. My initial thought was that I would put a set on one of my cyclocross bikes, since that’s what I reach for when the weather turns foul. Alas, I was foiled. You may also be out of luck if your frame as a wishbone or mono stay design.
The QuickFix is available in six color choices and retails for about $21. Visit www.full-windsor.com for more info.
I kind of want one of these… I don’t know if I would pay $39 for one, but if one fell into my lap, I would definitely put it on one of my bikes.
Via Blue Lug.
Soma recently began distributing singlespeed/BMX chains from the Japanese chain manufacturer D.I.D. (they’re mainly known for their motorcycle chains, but also have made bicycle chains forever).
The copper finish gives them a refined look, and they’ll look great with parts like MKS copper pedals (or the re-issued BM-7 shown here) or Brooks saddles. Soma promises they’ll make any bike look and work better. They retail for $47.99. Check out store.somafab.com.
If you’re going to San Francisco… You better bring a lock. Well, I suppose that goes for any city, but once you see this infographic, you’ll definitely agree.
Via Cyclelicio.us.
<
Recent Comments