Comments for RocBike.com

Comment on A near-death experience in Brooklyn by Derek

Derek — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 19:38:08 +0000

Nothing like a good scare to make one happy to be alive! Glad you’re alright and hopefully sports car man has some brown shorts and a lesson learned!

Comment on Folding bikes: a great way to compromise by bike repairs reigate

bike repairs reigate — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:11:06 +0000

i want to get a folding bike but dont have a big budget, what would you recommend

Comment on A TED talk on bicycle helmets by Brian

Brian — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 21:38:02 +0000

Two people died in the Rochester area this summer from being hit by a vehicle while riding bikes.

Both of those people were not wearing helmets. They died from Traumatic Brain Injuries.

Would a helmet help? I think that the data for supporting that helmets work is out there, but it is just not being collected properly.

As the other people have commented, you have to think about branches too. When I bike I wear sunglasses and a helmet…I know for a fact that the helmet (and glasses) have protected me from scratches.

Thanks for posting the video though!
Brian and BikeRoch.com

Comment on A TED talk on bicycle helmets by jessica

jessica — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:37:35 +0000

I think bike helmets are important and should be worn at all times when cycling, I found a great website called http://www.cyclexpress.co.uk and they hold a fantastic range of bike helmets for adults and kids!

Comment on A TED talk on bicycle helmets by Issiyo

Issiyo — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:14:26 +0000

I’m 6’4″. I always wear a helmet, if for no other reason than that I frequently will hit tree branches.

Comment on Folding bikes: a great way to compromise by Don

Don — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:55:12 +0000

I use a folding bike made by Montague. Its not heavier than it should be, super easy to fold and uses full size wheels and standard parts.

Comment on Meet the Chicken Avenger (and Full Moon Vista Review) by RocBike.com » Folding bikes: a great way to compromise

RocBike.com » Folding bikes: a great way to compromise — Tue, 31 May 2011 21:08:07 +0000

[...] a bike commuter, I like options. That’s why I spend most of my time riding the Chicken Avenger — a longtail sports utility bike. Whether it’s spontaneous grocery shopping sprees, [...]

Comment on Warning! Vintage Bicycles are Addicting! by Lucy Lantz

Lucy Lantz — Tue, 24 May 2011 21:30:32 +0000

The Village of Deposit is celebrating its 200th birthday the weekend of Aug 13&14 and we are hoping that you would participate in this historic event. We have a designated area for exhibits and what could be more wonderful than bicycles! Deposit, New York is located east of Binghamton (approx 2 1/2 hrs from NYC).

Many events and activities have been planned for this celebration: Victorian fashion show, strawberry social, old time movies at the historic State Theater, haywagon rides, tour of the Revolutionary War Cemetery, a parade and of course fireworks.

I will be more than happy to discuss this with you further, please feel free to Email me. Thanks for your time.

Comment on A TED talk on bicycle helmets by Sarah Rain

Sarah Rain — Fri, 13 May 2011 21:53:32 +0000

Dan: As you said, many cyclists don’t ride in such risky environments as you. I commute by bike at slow speeds and it’s incredibly unlikely that I’d fall due to a skid or road conditions. (And if I were hit by a car a helmet would be unlikely to do me much good.) Wearing a helmet that is tightened properly (many riders leave the straps so loose that the helmet would be worthless in a crash) is extremely uncomfortable to me and when I can feel the straps on my neck, it makes me hesitate to turn my head as much, probably making an accident more likely. Plus there’s the small but believable research that shows that cars give helmet-less cyclists a wider berth, and the even more compelling safety-in-numbers research that suggests that getting more people to consider biking a normal, everyday way to go about their business is the best way to increase all of our safety.

I, personally, feel safer without a helmet. Other people ride in different circumstances or make different risk assessments, and that’s fine. (I’d wear a helmet if I were racing.) But I do wish the helmet zealots would keep their opinions to themselves unless asked about their choice. Unlike motorcycle helmets, bike helmet statistics are not so compelling that their utility is proven. I wish they’d accept that there are different ways to interpret the research and stop hassling those of us who choose to go without.

Comment on A TED talk on bicycle helmets by Dan McGarvey

Dan McGarvey — Fri, 13 May 2011 14:15:10 +0000

Here’s a related message that I just sent to PeopleForBikes.org.

To Whom It May Concern:

The new People for Bikes video is enjoyable and very well produced. You are doing good work and I thank you for that.

I was surprised and disappointed that none of the riders in the video were wearing helmets. Given the high production value of the video, I’m sure this was a conscious decision. I wonder what your logic is/was? Does it have anything to do with Mikael Colville-Andersen (the famous TED lecture)? I sincerely hope not. Here’s a little food for thought.

I ride >5000 miles every year, and every one of them is with a helmet on my head. Last year I was in a very ugly bike crash. It was by my own hand: riding at 35+ mph in a race group on a flat, open road. No cars were involved (though many did pull over to assist after the crash). I shattered teeth, broke my nose, and ripped enough skin off my face that a plastic surgeon had to put me back together. I also crushed my helmet and sustained a mild concussion. Clearly, without
my helmet, my injuries may have been worse – perhaps fatal.

Now, most cyclists do not ride in such risky environments. The sorts of commuters that Colville-Andersen talks about are at much less risk of an injury. Nevertheless, anytime someone gets on a bike, they are exposing themselves to elevated risk (that has nothing to do with cars and everything to do with physics) and they should understand that. Here are (some of) the key flaws in Colville-Andersen’s logic.

1.) Colville-Andersen suggests that wearing helmets (or any type of safety gear) is the proverbial “slippery slope”. Yes, placing helmets on children who are playing in their yard or living room is silly. Similarly, placing helmets on pedestrians, or even joggers, would be silly. The reason stems from simple, basic physics. If you are walking and you trip, you cannot generate enough force in the fall to seriously hurt yourself. Yes, you may sprain your wrist and if you are very unlucky, you may strike your head on a hard object, such as a curb or rock. But keep in mind that when you fall, your body will become a simple lever: your feet will be the fulcrum (i.e., pivot
point) and most of the force of your fall will be at your head. Because a walker isn’t moving very fast (velocity is one part of the
equation in calculating force) and he/she is probably no more than 5.5-6.5 feet tall (height determines the radius of the arc that you will fall in and therefore affects the centrifugal force that you can generate), they aren’t really at risk of hitting the ground all that hard. If you are sprinting and fall, the force of impact will be greater, but it’s still not going to be enough to put you in a
dramatically higher risk category – not even if you’re Jesse Owens.

A bike is an entirely different story. This is a critical point that Colville-Andersen leaves out. When you are a riding a bike, you are using a machine (albeit a simple, non-carbon emitting one) that was created for the express purpose of transporting people between locations more quickly than they can walk or run. The bike is a wonderfully efficient tool for this. But it also changes the physics of a fall. On a bike, you are moving faster than you possibly could on foot. Your velocity is therefore greater and, consequently, the force that you will generate in a fall is greater. You are also slightly elevated and your fulcrum has shifted (it is now between your abdomen and your tush, instead of your feet). Together, these factors
mean that you can hit the ground MUCH FASTER and MUCH HARDER than you ever could on foot. You don’t have to be racing to seriously hurt yourself on a bike. Again, this is basic middle-school physics – no rhetoric necessary.

If the issue here revolved around cyclists wearing the full body armor that some BMX and technical mountain bikers wear, I would concede that Colville-Andersen has a point. But a bike helmet is (as Colville-Andersen points out) a minimal investment in safety. It may not save your ass in bad crash. (Just look at poor Wouter Weyland, killed three days ago in the Giro d’Italia.) But given that most of the force in a crash will be transmitted to your head, a helmet really
strikes me as a sensible “minimal investment” in your own safety. Importantly, I felt this way long before one of my helmets actually
had to do its job and give up its ghost for me.

2.) Mikael Colville-Anderse cites some scientific data to show that bike helmets may not actually be all that effective (e.g., they don’t protect from a side-impact and they’re tested in “pedestrian” circumstances, rather than real cycling simulations/environments). He may or may not be correct here – I haven’t seen the data. But regardless, it’s illogical to go from the observation that bike helmets have design flaws to the proposition that cyclists would be better off without them. I mean illogical in the most literal sense here (if you ever took a philosophy class in Logic and Critical Reasoning). It’s a “red herring”. Total rhetoric. Pure hogwash.
The only way Mikael Colville-Anderse’s argument could be logically correct is if helmet manufacturers GUARANTEED that wearing a helmet would prevent head injury. . .and they famously do no such thing.

3.) Mikael Colville-Anderse suggests that if helmets are so wonderful, why don’t car drivers have to wear them? This gets back to
the slippery slope. Yes, I’m sure drivers would be safer if they wore helmets. And I suppose there are any myriad number of reasons why they don’t. But that’s really not relevant here. To say that “they
(car drivers) don’t have to wear helmets so why should we (cyclists) have to?” is worse than bad rhetoric – it’s downright infantile.
Consider power tools: drills, saws, etc. They make life easier in sooo many ways. And for a long time, it has been a generally accepted
practice to wear the appropriate safety equipment when using them. Notably, this does not entail anything akin to body armor. Usually just plastic safety goggles and gloves. In a bad accident, these basic protection devices cannot guarantee that you won’t be hurt. But what rationale person would cite that as a reason why they are not
going to wear/use them? Drivers do all sorts of stupid or irrational things while they are in their cars. So why on Earth would cyclists
knowingly choose to adopt their safety habits (or lack thereof)?

4.) Mikael Colville-Anderse claims that bike helmets are part of a malicious auto industry scheme to keep people from riding bikes. I
can’t really speak to this. Like all good conspiracy theories, it is hard to imagine a fair, level playing field for debating the pros and cons of this argument. Even so, Mikael Colville-Anderse bases most of
his argument on some gross abuses of statistics. (Yes, almost everybody manipulates statistics to further their argument, but that doesn’t make it right.) For example, he cites a correlation between
increased promotion of bike helmets and decreasing use or sales of bikes. As a mechanism to explain this, he asserts that bike helmets induce fear and as a result, people turn away from bikes. Importantly, he doesn’t claim to have any real data to prove that his interpretation is correct. So it’s nothing more than that: his own personal interpretation. Rattling off a few books (he kicks around a few quotes on one slide) on the topic of “fear” in no way proves that his own interpretation is correct. Perhaps it is plausible (though I doubt it). But it is not proven, and I hope that you can see this.

I’ll end on this point: riding a bike does entail risk. Even in a 100% car-free environment. People will occasionally fall or crash, and they will sometimes be hurt. Wearing a helmet gives you some measure of protection against severe head injury. We don’t need to be able to quantify that measure of protection to at least acknowledge that in a fall, you’re better off with a helmet on your head. It is irresponsible to tell cyclists and/or potential cyclists otherwise.
Clearly, many cyclists acknowledge the risks and choose to ride anyway. I am only one of many.

Mikael Colville-Anderse is a wonderful advocate for cycling and cyclists, but he does cyclists a disservice when he spreads the notion that cycling can ever be a truly RISK-FREE activity. For the basic
reasons I have discussed above, this is impossible. Mikael Colville-Anderse is prepared to place cyclists at greater risk in
order to advance his own interests, and therein lies the great and unfortunate irony. Yes, I happen to share most of his long-term
goals, but I can argue for my rights as a cyclist without invoking flawed, sensationalistic arguments. I acknowledge the risks of riding. I have rationally decided that those risks are acceptable,
given the benefits I receive from cycling. And this is the healthiest, most informed position that any rider can have.

Of course, your decision not to use helmets in the video may have nothing to do with Mikael Colville-Anderse. A lot of my “hipster”
friends love to cite Mikael Colville-Anderse as the reason why they don’t wear helmets. But we all know this is bullshit; these folks
were not wearing helmets long before Mikael Colville-Anderse began to spread his message. In a few instances, these same friends have
admitted that their choice not to wear a helmet really has more to do with image and vanity. Helmets don’t look so good with trendy
outfits. I really hope this wasn’t the root of your decision when filming the video. . .

You folks keep up the good work. But please don’t take the helmet issue lightly.

Comment on Commuting on an All-Original Spaceliner by Joey Mac

Joey Mac — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:38:34 +0000

that’s great that you found one. A great place to look for advice or parts is ratrodbikes.com. If you have any other questions feel free to email me directly. Good luck!

Comment on Commuting on an All-Original Spaceliner by Stephanie

Stephanie — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:19:19 +0000

My BF found an old bike like this and I have determined this is the exact same bike. It is rusted and it is missing the tank portion but it looks great! All chrome!! He is just wanting to fix the tires but I am interested in restoring it for him…on his dime of course :-) Do you have any suggestions of ways to do this, good sites etc to find parts? I also am not real sure of what year it is.

Comment on Gifts for your favorite bike commuter by TR

TR — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 11:48:41 +0000

Rocbike, where are you? It’s almost spring!

Comment on Warning! Vintage Bicycles are Addicting! by Josh Olson

Josh Olson — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 13:32:22 +0000

I had the same question.
I wanted to see if I could use your photo to create a woodblock print. I would like to say I make a profit on prints, but art can be a fickle industry. I just happen to like this particular bike you have. Its such a clean design. The print will eventually be part of a series. Let me know. THanks OH…I can send you a print in exchange.

Comment on People For Bikes by www.cyclingdeal.com.au

www.cyclingdeal.com.au — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:37:54 +0000

Nice post. I really like it.

Comment on People For Bikes by central park pedicab tours

central park pedicab tours — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:49:16 +0000

thumbs up! great posting!

Comment on A TED talk on bicycle helmets by Eric Larsson

Eric Larsson — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:40:30 +0000

It’s an argument- but it’s a logically flawed argument. Of course logically flawed arguments are very persuasive when nicely presented.

Comment on A TED talk on bicycle helmets by crazycommutingcyclist

crazycommutingcyclist — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:48:30 +0000

I understand that we live in a society that promotes fear. Look at all we have added to the automobile since the 1950; seatbelts , airbags, plastic parts that absorb impacts and disperse the energy by shattering . All that in the name of safety of the driver and passengers. Bicycle helmets are also apart of placing fear in the rider to wear on because it is dangerous, and it is working. Now a days most of the club outing require helmets in order to participate on the ride. With my Ride of Silence I too have a helmet clause in order to participate in the event. But is cycling that dangerous?
I remember riding my bike around the streets as a kid without a helmet, now that has changed. Back then there were no helmets to wear except for the motorcycle helmet which were too costly and heavy. But today you have a large array of inexpensive helmets to choose from. So why do I choose to wear a helmet. With all the static’s that I have seen split down the middle on weather the helmet lives up to the expectation? I guess I would rather take the chance that the helmet does help in saving lives than it doesn’t.
And what about the stat that you are 14% more at risk of a head injury with a helmet than without? Consider this; if you perceive that you are invincible would you take more risks than would as a normal human? For most the answer is yes. So I would guess that those who wear helmets are more likely to take an additional risk in their bicycling than those who don’t. There for they tend to get in bigger crashes that result in more head injuries than the non-helmeted people.
Helmets are a choice for rider and should always be a choice. I just chose to wear a helmet. Beside it is a great place to put an extra light on as well as Christmas lights for the season.

Comment on A TED talk on bicycle helmets by Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:45:31 +0000

That’s why I don’t wear one…

Comment on The Packet Boat (Xtracycle) on its maiden voyage by Jason Crane wins Xtracycle Fall Photo Contest - Every Day Adventurers

Jason Crane wins Xtracycle Fall Photo Contest - Every Day Adventurers — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 19:21:02 +0000

[...] a site primarily for urban utility cyclists. I got my Xtracycle in October 2007 and took it for its maiden voyage on October 6. I named my Xtracycle The Packet Boat because I purchased it using money from a [...]

Comment on Another confession by RocBike.com » The privilege of biking in the rain

RocBike.com » The privilege of biking in the rain — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 00:49:15 +0000

[...] I am not so virtuous after all. I’ve written before about the notion of bike commuting as privilege. It seems strange to think of it that way, but [...]

Comment on A video poem about bicycling by Jazz

Jazz — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:07:58 +0000

Interesting video. It was pretty sideways. Thanks for posting.

Comment on Panniers & Peanut Butter by Of Presentations and E-Books | The Path Less Pedaled

Of Presentations and E-Books | The Path Less Pedaled — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:27:03 +0000

[...] who have already bought a copy! Also, a big thanks to EcoVelo, LetsGoRideABike, BikeCommuters, RocBike and CarFreeAmerican for posting about the [...]

Comment on A bicycle built for two … lighter guys (Part 1) by Great Tix | FlySomewhere.com For Concerts, Games & Last Minute Events From Internet Posts!

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:51:03 +0000

[...] jasondcrane The adventure begins! Two guys, 400+ pounds, one tandem bike, a @Rotary fundraiser … hilarity ensues. http://bit.ly/5BGJ00 [...]

Comment on About RocBike.com by Sue

Sue — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:03:56 +0000

I must be a magnet, regarding my primary bike use. So we move into this apartment, husband and I. We have one car, and my bike is my primary means of transportation, by choice and by necessity, as well as my choice to lighten my carbon footprint. We choose a lovely 2nd floor apartment, all with private entrances, a very long, straight staircase. I am told management does not allow residents to keep their bicycles outside. Garages are $80 additional over an already costly rent. I can keep my bike somewhere in the apartment, which has no storage except walk in closets in both bedrooms (being used and full), or the balcony. I keep my bike on the balcony, but want it indoors for the winter. I request a hook be put up on the wall. They won’t do it, claiming that if it falls and injures someone, they are liable. I casually mention that they are just as liable if some falls and I must carry my bike myself (53 y/o) up and down the stairs alone.

I wonder if this bicycle unfriendly apartment complex can be mandated into being a bit more bike friendly? It’s a newer place in the burbs. Go figure.

Comment on About RocBike.com by Jesse

Jesse — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:24:28 +0000

Hi Roc Bike,

My name is Jesse Florendo and I work with a documentary called Paul Goodman Changed My Life. We’re sponsoring a contest to encourage people to reduce global warming and improve transportation options in their own communities. Winners in the US and Europe will receive new bicycles from Breezer Bikes and Biomega, respectively. The contest is co-sponsored by the Alliance for Biking & Walking, the World Carfree Network, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, and Dissent Magazine.

We’d love to get the word out about this contest to Roc Bike’s readers. This is a really cool opportunity that we think they’d be excited about. There’s some more info about the contest below, or you can check out paulgoodmanfilm.com/bike. The contest launched October 1st and runs through October, so if you’re interested in posting about it, today or tomorrow would be great. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the contest, the film, or Paul Goodman.

Best,
Jesse Florendo
JSL Films
jesse@paulgoodmanfilm.com

To honor 20th century philosopher and social theorist Paul Goodman’s legacy, JSL Films, producer of the documentary Paul Goodman Changed My Life, is holding a contest to help encourage transportation alternatives.

Paul Goodman, a writer, a radical, and a renaissance man, was the co-author of “Banning Cars from Manhattan,” a 1961 proposal to improve New York’s streets by eliminating private auto traffic. Nearly half a century later, his ideas are now heralded as being before their time, with limiting traffic in city centers becoming more and more common.

Paul Goodman Changed My Life is honoring Goodman’s legacy by inviting people to propose change in their own communities. Anyone who submits five proposals to their local government (mayor, city council, etc.) can enter a drawing to win a new bicycle. One winner in the United States will win a bike courtesy of Breezer Bikes, and one winner in Europe will win a bike courtesy of Biomega.

Comment on Panniers & Peanut Butter by Russ

Russ — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:12:45 +0000

Thanks for posting about the ebook. Making our way slowly to your neck of the woods!

Russ

Comment on A bicycle poem for the Metal Cowboy by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 05:55:53 +0000

Thanks, Ben. Glad you enjoyed the poem.

All the best,

Jason

Comment on A bicycle poem for the Metal Cowboy by ben moffatt

ben moffatt — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 05:53:35 +0000

I recently read his last two books, “momentum is your friend” , and “mud sweat and gears”. I loved both of them. Yor poem really resonates a lot of what I found so enticing about his books.

thanks Adam.

Comment on Sharrow crackers by Matt VanSlyke

Matt VanSlyke — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:43:24 +0000

ethan, I also wonder how the maintenance will be handled. Crosswalks and other such markings get restriped on a less frequent schedule than lane markings. Did the City DPW put them in?

Comment on Sharrow crackers by ethan

ethan — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 20:27:19 +0000

I just rode up and down New Scotland to pick up new brake pads for The Watson from Downtube, so I got to take advantage of the sharrows. My first thought was, wow, these are right in the middle of the lane. Some of them seem to be, seriously, right in the middle of traffic. Others, next to cars parked at the curb, were nicely out of the Door Prize Zone, but I was still riding on the right side of the sharrow markings. The other thing I noticed was that they are raised. You can feel it when you go over them. That’s kind of nice, but I worry they will be torn up when the snow plows come around.

The last thing I noticed was lots of cyclists riding “right.” There took advantage of the sharrows. They waited at red lights. It was really nice. Except for the one guy I saw riding on the sidewalk, on the wrong side of the street.

Comment on Sharrow crackers by ethan

ethan — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 22:19:35 +0000

Hooray New Scotland Ave!

Comment on My favorite sign in Albany by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:38:40 +0000

I hear you, Roger. I’ve been thinking of starting a photo series of poorly placed bike racks.

Comment on Xtracycle: Because you never know… by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:38:19 +0000

Paula: They sure are. Got ‘em a month or so ago. Much, much better.

Comment on Xtracycle: Because you never know… by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:37:52 +0000

Hi Ethan,

You guessed the intersection. Right at the bottom of the hill on Helderberg where it “dead ends” at the sidewalk.

As for the balance, it was just fine. I put the shelves on the other side, so the weight was actually fairly even. But even unbalanced, the bike usually handles quite well.

Comment on Xtracycle: Because you never know… by ethan

ethan — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:33:09 +0000

Also, was that on Sycamore? That looks like an intersection I know. Those people are always tossing good stuff.

Comment on Xtracycle: Because you never know… by ethan

ethan — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:32:29 +0000

How awkward was it carrying a bookshelf on the back of a bike? Unbalanced?

Comment on Xtracycle: Because you never know… by Paula McConnell

Paula McConnell — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:01:51 +0000

Are those the new freeloaders? Roc on!

Comment on My favorite sign in Albany by roger levy

roger levy — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:51:12 +0000

One of my pet peeves is bike racks that are in unusable spaces. Our local CVS has a low profile model that can be set into from either side, but they bolted it to the ground one foot from the store, so only half of its four spaces are useable.

The Mendon Ponds nature trail rack is too close on one side and the side that is not blocked is on a short steep downhill!

Comment on Biking is hot! by mike

mike — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:50:38 +0000

I’ve been riding to work every day since April. I just wear my office clothes in the AM and ride sloooow, then change into shorts and a T for the fast ride home. Best part? Not paying $80/mo for downtown parking. Oh – and losing 20 lbs, too! Peace.

Comment on Group-bike by RocBike.com » Unique cycling opportunities in ROC

RocBike.com » Unique cycling opportunities in ROC — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:01:15 +0000

[...] MCC Ride for Scholarships, September 25. This one requires pre-registration, and is a fundraiser for scholarships to Monroe Community College students in need. Only $18, plus a free t-shirt. Route is a pleasant 15-mile tour of MCC’s campuses and facilities around the area, and is largely on trails (map is available for download at the website). I’m helping out with this one, so I’ll definitely be there! (I wrote about the previous ride here.) [...]

Comment on My next bike by Matt VanSlyke

Matt VanSlyke — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:25:34 +0000

Next time I’m in Maine we are definitely going to find the sardine bike…I bet my son would love it!

Comment on A few random post-NYC cycling thoughts by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:47:22 +0000

Hi Jody – A big part of the decision was that one of my local bike shops had the bike in stock. It’s a middle-of-the-line Dahon ($500) and has quality components. I’d liked the feel of it on the test ride and it was very easy to fold and relatively light (27 lbs). Plus, Dahon has been making folding bikes for decades now and they’ve really got a handle on the technology. The whole thing is beautifully engineered and you can tell a lot of thought went into it.

As for flying — Dahon sells two flight suitcases, both for $300. One allows you to just fold the bike and stick it in the suitcase with no other disassembly. However, this suitcase is larger than the standard number of linear inches required by U.S. airlines and in some cases may result in an extra charge for oversized luggage. The other suitcase is below the linear inch limit, but requires some additional disassembly of the bike.

Comment on A few random post-NYC cycling thoughts by jodycb

jodycb — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:33:53 +0000

What made you choose the Speed D7 over other models? We’re about to buy a folding bike and we’re thinking about getting the Vitesse D7HG because of the internal hubs… thinking that might be easier to maintain in the winter crud.

I’m hoping to get it before I go to a conference in Cincinnati in October because I think it would be great to be able to explore the city. Not sure about the complications of flying with a bike though.

Comment on Going car-free (an update) by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:02:06 +0000

Congrats, Kallie! And thanks for commenting.

Comment on Going car-free (an update) by Kallie

Kallie — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:43:05 +0000

I just went car-free about 2 months ago in Buffalo, NY and love it! This list of observations is right in line with what I’ve found, too. Looking forward to following your progress – Happy cycling. :)

Comment on Going car-free (an update) by bob

bob — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:41:20 +0000

TIME SAVER!!!!
You wouldn’t think it, but:
1. EVERY time I go in town it takes 5 min. by bike. Just pull up to a door, lock up, and go. Same place by car? Drive around the blocks for 15 minutes for a parking place, then walk two blocks.
2. The Mall, during Christmas. You wouldn’t dare drive there, just to spend an hour trying to park your car. OR, would you dare to ride your bike in the snow? Then you just zip in and out on your bike, laughing at everyone stuck in traffic. I bike! And laugh!

Comment on Amsterwhere? Copenwhat? by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:36:05 +0000

Testify, brother!

Comment on Riding a bike in Manhattan… by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:35:41 +0000

@100lbs: Thanks — glad to hear about your Seattle experience.

@Matt: Well, I have been working out…

Comment on Riding a bike in Manhattan… by Matt VanSlyke

Matt VanSlyke — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:29:18 +0000

CRIPES!! How big is that chainwheel??

Comment on Amsterwhere? Copenwhat? by Matt VanSlyke

Matt VanSlyke — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:27:06 +0000

If there’s a place for bikes on the streets of Manhattan there’s a place for bikes on streets everywhere.

Comment on Riding a bike in Manhattan… by 100poundsago

100poundsago — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:12:55 +0000

I saw a ton of these bikes when I was out in Seattle. Seems like the prefered mode of transport from home to ferry then from ferry to office. Very cool!

Comment on Sketchy by carolee

carolee — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:05:30 +0000

p.s. i like the “note to children”

Comment on Sketchy by carolee

carolee — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:05:13 +0000

i didn’t know you’d posted this here. :)

i can’t believe it’s getting so much air time … it was my first iPad doodle. i need more practice before i go public with this stuff!

(glad you like it)

Comment on Adding a new bike to the lineup – Dahon Speed D7 by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 19:14:47 +0000

Hmmm…the Crane Bicycle Pool Corporation, LLC. I’ll have to give that some thought!

Comment on Adding a new bike to the lineup – Dahon Speed D7 by Matt VanSlyke

Matt VanSlyke — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:54:09 +0000

Jason, it looks like you’re set up to bike pool to Buffalo…can I hitch a ride?

-Matt

Comment on Adding a new bike to the lineup – Dahon Speed D7 by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 21:55:55 +0000

That’s hilarious, David! I guess the temptation is too great to resist. Next time I’m in Buffalo, we’ll have to go for a ride.

All the best,

Jason

Comment on Adding a new bike to the lineup – Dahon Speed D7 by David

David — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 21:27:19 +0000

Hi Jason,

I read rocbike through google reader and don’t usually comment but this time I had to… There are two of us (that I know of) in Buffalo who 1) both have cargo bikes (mine is an Xtra, the other guy has a Mundo), 2) both have Dahon folders(!), and (3) have posted pictures of the Dahon folder strapped to our cargo bikes!

Seeing a third is just too much!

David

Comment on Instant Karma on Two Wheels by raresparky

raresparky — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 09:32:14 +0000

I exercise acts of courtesy all the time to car drivers, giving them room to pass, waving a waiting vehicle to safely turn left in front of me as I approach an intersection, or waving a waiting car through at a four-way stop.

I like to think I’m offering an offset to all the discourteous (intentionally or otherwise) cyclists out there.

I see just as many a__holes on 2 wheels as on four (proportionately of course).

Comment on Going car-free (an update) by Grace

Grace — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:42:50 +0000

Good for you! We (a family of 5) gave up our car about 6 years ago. We live in Brooklyn so lots of alt trans options, but I use the xtracycle for all our shopping. Love being car-free!

Comment on Going car-free (an update) by Kathleen McDade

Kathleen McDade — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:14:39 +0000

Hey, cool! I just completed a 10-day car-free challenge myself (and I’m also an Xtracycle rider). I have the daily updates on my blog, although I have yet to write a reflection on the whole thing.

Comment on The Fully Weaponized Waffle Bike by Eli

Eli — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 23:33:52 +0000

Those shotguns are illegal under federal law. Too short.

A generator is a nasty dirty contraption that doesn’t belong on a nice clean beautiful bicycle.

Comment on Going car-free (an update) by Ethan

Ethan — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 22:25:26 +0000

Rock on.

Comment on Goodbye, little red truck (updated) by RocBike.com » Going car-free (an update)

RocBike.com » Going car-free (an update) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:37:50 +0000

[...] weeks and one day ago, I went truck-free. So far it’s been fantastic. Often very, very hot, but a lot of fun. Given my job with the [...]

Comment on Quiet by ethan

ethan — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 22:14:18 +0000

I hear that, too.

Comment on The Fully Weaponized Waffle Bike by ethan

ethan — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 03:04:08 +0000

Weirdest thing I have seen in a long time.

Comment on Sketchy by Mom

Mom — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 12:36:48 +0000

Now, THAT I’d like to see!

Comment on Testing the rain gear … for real this time by Jason

Jason — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:44:52 +0000

From what I can tell, the gear kept you fairly dry but what happens if it’s a thumbs down day?

Comment on A cycling first, or, “Get your hand out of my bag!” by ethan

ethan — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 03:43:08 +0000

Bike Friendliness Fail.

Comment on A cycling first, or, “Get your hand out of my bag!” by Jason P

Jason P — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:44:59 +0000

Maybe Mr. DeJohn needs to check out the Capital Region Bike Rack Program …just saying

Comment on C’mon, Pee Wee Herman! by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:45:37 +0000

Allow me to say that although the Jason above is not me, I wish I’d thought to say that.

The Other Jason

Comment on C’mon, Pee Wee Herman! by Jason

Jason — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:06:33 +0000

That’s what you get for wearing a light gray suit and bow tie to kickball.

Comment on Thank You by Bike 2 Work

Bike 2 Work — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:27:55 +0000

Of course I meant “don’t” drive like jackasses!!

Comment on Thank You by Bike 2 Work

Bike 2 Work — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:26:52 +0000

An amazing thing happened on my ride to work this morning. The car that was turning left waited for me to go by instead of hitting the gas and turning in front of me.

Later on on the bike path I noticed that the cars heading into their parking lot stopped short of the crosswalk instead of blocking it while they waited for the car in front of them to move on. Crazy!

Oh yeah, not one car tossed a bag of trash or a cigarette out the window in front of me today.

Just thought I would chime in with a thank you to all of the drivers who drive like jackasses!

Comment on Thank You by Sara B

Sara B — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:46:07 +0000

A-GREED! I do my best to make up for the jackasses out there who give us all a bad rep. Good to hear there are others fighting for the cause as well! :)

Comment on Bicycles Are So Last Year by Bri

Bri — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:12:13 +0000

All valid points! I have been riding cafe motorcycles for the last 10 years and think it may be time to retire as all the “cool” kids have now discovered them…. Around here it is already on the hipster radar. I get questioned by their uniformed army where ever I go. Oh well get ready for an influx of barely ridden high quality bikes and parts to hit craiglist, we can all stock up on aerospokes and Brooks saddles for the next go around in 10 years!

Comment on Why? ‘Cause you never know (with apologies to Chris Rock) by ethan

ethan — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:00:50 +0000

LOL! That is awesome.

Comment on Thank You by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 23:26:14 +0000

Thanks for writing this post, Ethan. It’s important to be reminded that there are good riders, too.

Comment on Hoping for rain by RocBike.com » Testing the rain gear … for real this time

RocBike.com » Testing the rain gear … for real this time — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:54:54 +0000

[...] My post office box and that of my employer are at a post office a couple miles from my house. The rain was pouring down (and still is), so I decided this would a perfect time to test my new rain gear. [...]

Comment on Bicycles Are So Last Year by ethan

ethan — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:49:49 +0000

You said, “Sorry hipsters, it’s already been done again and again.”

I thought that’s what hipsters were all about. Taking things that are old and pretending it’s new and cool.

I don’t think they’d move on to motorcycles next. That’s too serious. It would have to be some awkward and goofy. Like pogo sticks. Or converted school busses.

Comment on Goodbye, little red truck (updated) by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:42:33 +0000

No kidding? Very cool!

Comment on Goodbye, little red truck (updated) by MattW

MattW — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:16:08 +0000

Hey, thats my garden!! Hello neighbor.

Comment on Bicycles Are So Last Year by bob

bob — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:52:10 +0000

best observation EVER!
I personally think it’s just hipsters,
with the short attention span,
need something new.

Add to that,
it sucks riding your color coordinated fixed gear more than a couple miles.
So when you need to run errands all day?
Buy a moped, I guess?
“Hey! It’s got pedals, right?”
NOPE!
Doesn’t count,
and get the hell out of the bike lane!
I have more respect (and lust) for a vintage Vespa.
Or just step up and get an actual motorcyle.
Which will be the next trend in a year or so:
buying cheap motorcycles, and stripping them down to cafe racers. Sorry hipsters, it’s already been done again and again.

But I guess that means we’ll be seeing alot of cheap track bikes on Craigslist – since they need money for the next “thing”.

Thanks for hanging out for a while guys!

Comment on Wash Your Bike by Bicycle (Alloy) Frame Maintenance - Cleaning Your Bike is Really Important | Cycling Satin Cesena

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:47:35 +0000

[...] if you are in the position of having to use these sorts of detergents, it is too late. Anyhow, soap and hot water is fine, used after every ride [...]

Comment on Cargo Bikin’ in Albany & The Art of Cycling by RocBike.com » Good book

RocBike.com » Good book — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:46:24 +0000

[...] p.s. — Here’s what I wrote the first time I read it. [...]

Comment on Goodbye, little red truck (updated) by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:21:11 +0000

@Mom: The truck sure has run through a lot of our lives, hasn’t it? I added additional thoughts to the original post to reflect that.

@Julie: Thanks! I think everyone should model his or her life after mine. (Hah!)

@Bob: “…smarter & better planned…” — that would be great. And as for the Roscoe P. Coltrane story, I need to get back out to where it happened and take photos. I’m shooting for this weekend.

Comment on Goodbye, little red truck (updated) by bob

bob — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:13:05 +0000

welcome to the club,
you’ll just be smarter & better planned
without a car, and more productive.

As far as this teaser story about your out-in-the-country exploits…..
you just stringing us along here to drive web visits? (kidding)

Comment on Goodbye, little red truck (updated) by Julie

Julie — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:24:57 +0000

You can do it! And inspire the rest of us, too!

Comment on Goodbye, little red truck (updated) by Mom again

Mom again — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:57:09 +0000

Just saw the pics. It made me cry — SO many memories of that truck that we bought in 1997. It has seen us all through many, many things and served us very well. I’ll miss it and all it represents, but this was a good move for you, which is all that matters right now. Love you.

Comment on Goodbye, little red truck (updated) by Mom

Mom — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:54:04 +0000

Good luck. Hope it works out well for you. ♥

Comment on Have I mentioned the sheriff who pulled me over? by RocBike.com » I’ve thought about it a lot, and tomorrow…

RocBike.com » I’ve thought about it a lot, and tomorrow… — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:22:56 +0000

[...] Details to follow. Much like the promised details of the sheriff story. [...]

Comment on Kay Ryan on community colleges and bicycles by Julie

Julie — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:44:36 +0000

Love, Love, Love it!!

Comment on A new poem about cycling by “Excuse me, can you ride?” | Cycling Satin Cesena

“Excuse me, can you ride?” | Cycling Satin Cesena — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:00:07 +0000

[...] was brought to my attention a while back and since a bit of cycling poetry has appeared via RocBike, I re-present it here. It was written in 1896, the period of the cycling boom by Andrew Patterson. [...]

Comment on Biking is hot! by Bike Trainer - Rich

Bike Trainer - Rich — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:23:21 +0000

Looks wonderful. Great reading your post as well.Thanks

Comment on Have I mentioned the sheriff who pulled me over? by Jason P

Jason P — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:53:29 +0000

I hope we’re not waiting for someone to post bail to hear the rest of the story!

Comment on Have I mentioned the sheriff who pulled me over? by Jody

Jody — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:54:18 +0000

I AM on the edge of my seat. Tell us more.

Comment on Hoping for rain by Jason Crane

Jason Crane — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:17:12 +0000

Hi Jason: I did get to wear the gear a bit, but with 75% humidity, I’m not sure which was worse, riding in the rain or putting on rain gear. That said, the cape seemed to work nicely. I’ll need to test it in cooler weather, though.

Comment on Biking is hot! by ethan

ethan — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 02:35:31 +0000

Planning is key. But often, especially for short rides, just riding a little slower makes a big difference.

Comment on Hoping for rain by Jason Purvis

Jason Purvis — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:24:55 +0000

How did they work? I’m in the market for rain gear and need help choosing. Most ‘rain’ items are so hot or made out of a material that does not breathe.

Comment on The RocBike Review #4: Bike Snob NYC by RocBike.com » A review of Bike Snob, the new book by Bike Snob NYC

RocBike.com » A review of Bike Snob, the new book by Bike Snob NYC — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 15:11:31 +0000

[...] NOTE: I interviewed BSNYC a few years ago. You can listen to that interview here. [...]