All Discussions Tagged 'commuting' - Zoobird
2024-03-29T06:43:16Z
https://www.zoobird.com/group/bikezoo/forum/topic/listForTag?tag=commuting&feed=yes&xn_auth=no
Bicycle Commuting in Portland
tag:www.zoobird.com,2014-07-22:2129360:Topic:56600
2014-07-22T16:20:59.024Z
Michael Levin
https://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310081127?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310081127?profile=original" width="495"></img></a> I am here in Portland where commuting by any means is a treat. Bicycle commuting is everywhere. People ride the nicest, most interesting bikes, from old to new. Traffic has a different disposition here in Stumptown. Cars recognize bicyclists and they even stop for pedestrians. Thats confusing unless you're aware of it and ready to take advantage of the…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310081127?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310081127?profile=original" width="495" class="align-full"/></a>I am here in Portland where commuting by any means is a treat. Bicycle commuting is everywhere. People ride the nicest, most interesting bikes, from old to new. Traffic has a different disposition here in Stumptown. Cars recognize bicyclists and they even stop for pedestrians. Thats confusing unless you're aware of it and ready to take advantage of the politeness.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Last time I was here, I bought a bike in advance on cl and rode it while I was here. This time, I'll either rent one or borrow one from a friend. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Have any bike stories to share? I'll have a bunch before you know it!</p>
<p></p>
Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike
tag:www.zoobird.com,2013-03-20:2129360:Topic:53108
2013-03-20T12:06:26.598Z
Michael Levin
https://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8573705895/" title="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img alt="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike" height="1936" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8573705895_27832ce1a4_o.jpg" width="2592"></img></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Tim Kinney builds fine bikes. This bike is a prime example. I'll let Tim describe the details, but suffice it to say, it's both visually appealing and functional.…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8574809206/" title="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img alt="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike" height="1936" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8251/8574809206_471b4acbca_o.jpg" width="2592"></img></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8573705895/" title="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8573705895_27832ce1a4_o.jpg" alt="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike" height="1936" width="2592"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Tim Kinney builds fine bikes. This bike is a prime example. I'll let Tim describe the details, but suffice it to say, it's both visually appealing and functional.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8574809206/" title="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8251/8574809206_471b4acbca_o.jpg" alt="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike" height="1936" width="2592"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8573717219/" title="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8573717219_94e19c83fe_o.jpg" alt="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike" height="1936" width="2592"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8573718019/" title="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8573718019_304c869af8_o.jpg" alt="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike" height="1936" width="2592"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/8574812528/" title="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8574812528_9e889a1d6d_o.jpg" alt="Bike of the Day {BotD} ::: Tim Kinney's bike" height="1936" width="2592"/></a></p>
Any tips on how to install a kickstand on my bike without totally messing up the paint?
tag:www.zoobird.com,2011-05-03:2129360:Topic:37802
2011-05-03T11:49:09.791Z
Michael Levin
https://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079291?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079291?profile=original"></img></a></p>
<p><em>(lovely photo from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lovely_bicycle/5018592216/in/set-72157622619992208/" target="_blank">LovelyBicycle</a>)</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Get an old rubber <span class="yshortcuts cs4-visible" id="lw_1304423247_0">inner tube</span>. Cut two strips to <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1304423247_1">wrap around</span> the chainstays.These…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079291?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079291?profile=original" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><em>(lovely photo from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lovely_bicycle/5018592216/in/set-72157622619992208/">LovelyBicycle</a>)</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Get an old rubber <span class="yshortcuts cs4-visible" id="lw_1304423247_0">inner tube</span>. Cut two strips to <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1304423247_1">wrap around</span> the chainstays.These rubber strips must be wider than the area than the kickstand clamps. wrap the rubber strips around the tubes where you will attach the kickstand. secure them with electrical tape as tight as possible. Install the kickstand and tighten carefully but firmly as to not pinch the tubes too much. The rubber will provide enough insulation and protection for your frame and when <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1304423247_2">you decide</span> to take the kickstand off, there will be no residue when you remove the rubber strips because they're not glued to the frame.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>(from <a href="http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070531181321AA5uf1Z">http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070531181321AA5uf1Z</a>)</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Or you could just not worry about it. Some people <a target="_blank" href="http://www.elephantjournal.com/2009/03/ugly-your-bike-2-rust-stickers-anti-theft-for-bicycles/">uglify</a> their bikes to keep them from getting stolen!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079504?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079504?profile=original"/></a><em>(photo from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rivbike.com/assets/payloads/108/original_twineforsite.pdf">RivBike</a>)</em></p>
<p><em><br/></em></p>
<p>That's twine on the kickstand. Why? Well, it looks good. It also protects against something, I'm sure. So, it's useful. All you do is get some twine and wrap it, then tie it off and shellac it. Detailed instructions <a target="_blank" href="https://www.rivbike.com/assets/payloads/108/original_twineforsite.pdf">here</a>, courtesy of the RivBike site.</p>
Grocery Bikin'
tag:www.zoobird.com,2011-03-03:2129360:Topic:35114
2011-03-03T12:58:49.552Z
Michael Levin
https://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" height="390" width="640"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KyvLlvgHcQA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="false"></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param><embed allowfullscreen="false" allowscriptaccess="never" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KyvLlvgHcQA?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" wmode="opaque"></embed> </object>
<br></br>Elephant Journal contributor <a href="http://www.elephantjournal.com/author/ryan-van-duzer/" title="Posts by Ryan van Duzer">Ryan van Duzer</a> takes us on a wild grocery commute in Boulder, CO! What kind of trailer is he using? Check out how easy it is to attach the trailer to the bike!</p>
<p><br></br> <br></br> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/5490487309/" title="A Great Day at the Garden by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img alt="Battery on bike - pedal power!" height="375" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5490487309_de01404867.jpg" width="500"></img></a> <br></br> <br></br> <br></br> I had my own…</p>
<p><object height="390" width="640" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KyvLlvgHcQA?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="false"></param><param name="wmode" value="opaque"></param><embed wmode="opaque" height="390" width="640" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KyvLlvgHcQA?fs=1&hl=en_US" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed> </object>
<br/>Elephant Journal contributor <a href="http://www.elephantjournal.com/author/ryan-van-duzer/" title="Posts by Ryan van Duzer">Ryan van Duzer</a> takes us on a wild grocery commute in Boulder, CO! What kind of trailer is he using? Check out how easy it is to attach the trailer to the bike!</p>
<p><br/> <br/> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/5490487309/" title="A Great Day at the Garden by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5490487309_de01404867.jpg" alt="Battery on bike - pedal power!" height="375" width="500"/></a><br/> <br/> <br/> I had my own shopping adventure. I needed a new battery for Fred the Bed Van, my '85 Westy, and loaded up the 53 pound dead one on my Dawes Galaxy. Check out the commute: it's tracked using arguably one of the coolest iPhone apps, Every Trail. <a href="http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=984149">http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=984149</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was with some fear and trepidation I took off on the trusty Dawes with that 53 pound battery on the rack. You can feel the frame flex under the weight when you carry that sort of load. Bike and rider made the trip safely!</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310078827?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310078827?profile=original" width="453"/></a></p>
<p>My dad is 91 and never hesitates to kid me about gym memberships. He says he prefers to get his cardio out in the yard. You get the hint! Thanks, Duzer, for the video and inspiration. Now, what kind of trailer is Duzer using?</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Bike of The Day {BOTD} ::: Brompton
tag:www.zoobird.com,2010-10-07:2129360:Topic:29761
2010-10-07T19:50:20.423Z
Michael Levin
https://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<p><img alt="Brompton" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-88352" height="333" src="http://images.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_2088-250x333.jpg" width="250"></img></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Today’s {BotD} Bike of the Day is a <a href="http://www.brompton.co.uk/" target="_blank">Brompton</a> folding bike…<br></br><br></br></p>
<p><span id="more-88351"> </span>Bromptons have been around for years. They’re made in England. I spotted this one at the Hawthorne Hostel in Portland, Oregon. It’s not the first folding bike I’ve seen at the<br></br> hostel. Last year, another traveler came on a Dahon he loved so much he<br></br> had it chrome plated!</p>
<p> …</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-88352" src="http://images.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_2088-250x333.jpg" alt="Brompton" height="333" width="250"/></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Today’s {BotD} Bike of the Day is a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brompton.co.uk/">Brompton</a> folding bike…<br/><br/></p>
<p><span id="more-88351"> </span>Bromptons have been around for years. They’re made in England. I spotted this one at the Hawthorne Hostel in Portland, Oregon. It’s not the first folding bike I’ve seen at the<br/> hostel. Last year, another traveler came on a Dahon he loved so much he<br/>
had it chrome plated!</p>
<p> </p>
<div id="attachment_88353" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 260px;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-88353" src="http://images.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_2085-250x333.jpg" alt="Brompton" height="333" width="250"/><p class="wp-caption-text"> </p>
</div>
<p>These folding bikes are a far cry from the older versions. They have precision components, rigid frames and are aligned carefully. They ride like a full sized bike. The huge advantage is that they fold up and can<br/> be tucked into a storage cabinet, closet or luggage compartment in no<br/>
time.</p>
<p> </p>
<div id="attachment_88354" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 260px;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-88354" src="http://images.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_1949-250x187.jpg" alt="Bike Friday" height="187" width="250"/><p class="wp-caption-text">Bike Friday</p>
<p class="wp-caption-text"> </p>
</div>
<p>This folding bike is called a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bikefriday.com/">Bike Friday</a>. It’s made in Oregon! I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it at The 8th Avenue Bikes and Coffee Shop, my favorite bike shop in Gainesville,<br/> Florida. It’s a seriously fine bike. All the components are top shelf.<br/>
The owner told me it performs just as well as a full sized bike.</p>
<p> </p>
<div id="attachment_88355" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 260px;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-88355" src="http://images.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_1950-250x187.jpg" alt="Bike Friday" height="187" width="250"/><p class="wp-caption-text">Bike Friday - Hand Made in Eugene, Oregon!</p>
<p class="wp-caption-text"> </p>
</div>
<p>I actually offered to buy the bike from Judy. She said, “Hey, just drop by the Bike Friday shop in Eugene or contact them and they’ll make you one just like it.” Well, being a craigslist and garage sale<br/> shopper, I was a bit rebuffed when I found out how much a new Bike<br/>
Friday costs. I’ll let you be the judge of that.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Anyhoo, you don’t have to spend $2,700 to get yourself into a nice folding bike. Just like anything else, if you shop around, you can find lots of used folding bikes for sale. They are especially popular with<br/> the boating and recreational vehicle crowd. I see them all the time on <a target="_blank" href="http://gainesville.craigslist.org/search/bik?query=folding&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=">Craigslist</a>. If you’re smart, you can use a search engine like <a target="_blank" href="http://bike.jaxed.com/">jaXed</a> to help you find the best deal.</p>
<p> </p>
<div id="attachment_88357" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 260px;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-88357" src="http://images.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/dahon1-250x187.jpg" alt="Dahon Stainless Steel Folding Bike" height="187" width="250"/><p class="wp-caption-text">Dahon Stainless Steel Folding Bike</p>
<p class="wp-caption-text"> </p>
</div>
<p>Here’s a super bike I just found for sale ($189) on Craigslist here in Florida. It’s a Dahon. That’s the kind I mentioned before that the guy at Hawthorne Hostel had chromed. He was there for a job interview.<br/> It’s amazing how many people pass through the hostel in Portland<br/>
looking for a job. It makes perfect sense to bring your own bike<br/>
because then you have total freedom to go anywhere you like, in style<br/>
and pleasure. That is, combined with the amazing transportation system<br/>
Portland has.</p>
<p> </p>
<div id="attachment_88356" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 260px;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-88356" src="http://images.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/dahon2-250x187.jpg" alt="Dahon Stainless Steel Folding Bike" height="187" width="250"/><p class="wp-caption-text">Dahon Stainless Steel Folding Bike</p>
<p class="wp-caption-text"> </p>
</div>
<p>This is what the Dahon looks like, folded up. Nice? You bet! Especially because it rides so well you hardly realize you’re on a folding bike.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I heard about a folding bike race in the news and that’s what prompted me to write about folding bikes today. The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.brompton.co.uk/bwc/2010/">Brompton World Championship V</a> was held on Sunday 3rd October 2010 at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. From what I hear, these folding bikes have the ability to go just as<br/> fast as their full sized counterparts.</p>
<p> </p>
<div id="attachment_88358" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 260px;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-88358" src="http://images.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/IMG_2086-250x187.jpg" alt="Brompton with Brooks saddle" height="187" width="250"/><p class="wp-caption-text">Brompton with Brooks saddle</p>
<p class="wp-caption-text"> </p>
</div>
<p>I said some folding bikes come with fine components. That Brompton I spotted at the Hawthorne Hostel has a Brooks saddle. What’s the deal with Brooks saddles? People have love-hate relationships with them.<br/> They are leather saddles that have a distinct break in period. But, let<br/>
me tell you, once they’re broken in, you may never want to use any<br/>
other kind of saddle.</p>
<p> </p>
<div id="attachment_88364" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 260px;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-88364" src="http://images.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DawesGalaxy-250x333.jpg" alt="Dawes Galaxy with Brooks saddle" height="333" width="250"/><p class="wp-caption-text">Dawes Galaxy with Brooks saddle</p>
<p class="wp-caption-text"> </p>
</div>
<p>My favorite bike is a Dawes Galaxy I got when I was in college. I lived in a little room in a boarding house, across the street from campus. The guy who lived next door had this Dawes. I was into rock<br/> collecting and had a beautiful quartz geode. He loved it and he traded<br/>
me the bike for the geode! That was in the 70′s and the bike was about<br/>
10 years old then. Prior to that, every bike I had got stolen. I vowed<br/>
that I’d hang onto this one. And, to this day, it’s still here. The<br/>
Brooks saddle is great. I use saddle lube every now and then to keep it<br/>
soft and supple. Rain doesn’t bother it much. I take a plastic grocery<br/>
bag and cover it up when it looks like rain. I also thread my cable<br/>
through it when I lock my bike.</p>
<br/>
<p>Speaking of bike theft, check out this <a href="http://www.elephantjournal.com/2010/05/bike-thief-caught-in-the-act-video/" target="_blank">video</a>. I can hardly believe how easy it is to cut a cable and even a u-lock! Good to know.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There are several ways you can cope with combining travel and biking. I’ve actually gone a couple of places and scouted out cheap bikes on Craigslist. You can buy a bike fairly easily for about $50 and<br/> ride it on your trip. Then, it’s no big deal to sell it or donate it to<br/>
some lucky person when you leave.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Another approach is to ship your bike. To me, that’s agony, because shipping a conventional bike is expensive and a pain. People do it, though. I have friends who go x-c in Utah and Colorado. They just box<br/> up their mountain bikes and send them with their luggage. Everything<br/>
depends on box dimensions when you’re shipping a bike. My friend <a target="_blank" href="../../../../profile/Bill">Bill Hannahs</a><br/>
is a former bike racer and bike mechanic. He tells me one good way to<br/>
ship a bike is to use two boxes. Smaller boxes fit the airline size<br/>
requirements for checked luggage better that trying to stuff your whole<br/>
bike into one box. There’s a company called <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sandsmachine.com/">S and S Machine</a> that makes a coupler that will split your bike frame in two parts.</p>
<p> </p>
<div id="attachment_76582" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 260px;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-76582" src="http://images.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_2229-250x187.jpg" alt="Bilenky" height="187" width="250"/><p class="wp-caption-text">Bilenky</p>
<p class="wp-caption-text"> </p>
</div>
<p>Remember the last <a href="http://www.elephantjournal.com/2010/08/botd-bike-of-the-day-bilenky/">{BotD}</a> article about the Bilenky bike? Did you notice the couplers? You can see them near the bottle holders on the frame. Yep, its all ready to be<br/> packed and shipped.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, there you go. Do you have experience with folding bikes or other great ways to deal with biking when all you have are cramped spaces to store them? Inquiring minds would love to hear all about it. Have fun and stay tuned!</p>
{BotD} Bike of the Day ::: Bilenky
tag:www.zoobird.com,2010-08-25:2129360:Topic:28354
2010-08-25T07:40:54.128Z
Michael Levin
https://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_76582" style="width: 260px;"><img alt="Bilenky" class="size-medium wp-image-76582" height="187" src="http://www.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_2229-250x187.jpg" width="250"></img><p class="wp-caption-text">Bilenky</p>
<p class="wp-caption-text"><br></br></p>
</div>
<p>This Bilenky bike was parked in front of the Whole Foods in Winter Park, FL. It’s fitted with couplers that allow you to break it down easily to ship.</p>
<p><br></br></p>
<div class="wp-caption alignnone" id="attachment_76590" style="width: 260px;"><img alt="Bilenky" class="size-medium wp-image-76590" height="187" src="http://www.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_2231-250x187.jpg" width="250"></img><p class="wp-caption-text">Bilenky…</p>
</div>
<div id="attachment_76582" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 260px;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-76582" src="http://www.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_2229-250x187.jpg" alt="Bilenky" width="250" height="187"/><p class="wp-caption-text">Bilenky</p>
<p class="wp-caption-text"><br/></p>
</div>
<p>This Bilenky bike was parked in front of the Whole Foods in Winter Park, FL. It’s fitted with couplers that allow you to break it down
easily to ship.</p>
<p><br/></p>
<div id="attachment_76590" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 260px;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-76590" src="http://www.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_2231-250x187.jpg" alt="Bilenky" width="250" height="187"/><p class="wp-caption-text">Bilenky</p>
<p class="wp-caption-text"><br/></p>
</div>
<p>The panniers make it into a useful commuter. The owner may have been touring or shopping, but either way, equipped to carry lots of stuff in
the spacious bags. Not everyone likes clipless pedals. They take a<br />
while to get used to and can be very dangerous if too tight. But, you<br />
get so much more power when you use them.</p>
<p><br/></p>
<div id="attachment_76583" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 260px;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-76583" src="http://www.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_2230-250x187.jpg" alt="Bilenky" width="250" height="187"/><br/><p class="wp-caption-text">Bilenky</p>
<p class="wp-caption-text"><br/></p>
</div>
<p>You can see the owner is using several locks. The U-lock secures the frame. It’s the most sure security. The cables connect to the U-lock
and secure the wheels. It’s a good idea to thread the cable through the<br />
seat, especially a pristine Brooks saddle like this one. Brooks saddles<br />
last years. I have one on a Dawes I got in college 30 years ago and the<br />
bike was 10 years old when I got it. The leather loves to be ridden and<br />
conforms to your shape, if not immediately, eventually! A good<br />
protectant is nice for the saddle, but don’t worry or overdo it.</p>
<p><br/></p>
<div id="attachment_76591" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 260px;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-76591" src="http://www.elephantjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_2232-250x187.jpg" alt="Bilenky" width="250" height="187"/><p class="wp-caption-text">Bilenky</p>
<p class="wp-caption-text"><br/></p>
</div>
<p>We write about bicycle commuting as though it’s the end all and everyone should do it. Realistically, distance, weather and your own
fitness dictate when it’s appropriate. But, you’ll find that it’s a<br />
mode of transportation that uplifts! It’s exciting, good exercise, and<br />
of course, “one less car”. You never expect an accident, so the helmet<br />
is a good idea. So are lights, both front and rear. Auto drivers<br />
sometimes have tunnel vision. They look both ways…for cars, not bikes.<br />
Don’t be afraid to shout (and smile!) to let others know you’re there.<br />
Eye contact is important, too. Plus, you make more friends that way.</p>
<p><br/></p>
<p>A bike that fits is worth more than the best, most elaborate bike like this, so get one that’s comfortable.What do you ride? What works
for you when you travel? Ever hear of Bike Friday? They are folding<br />
bikes. (Stay tuned for a piece on one of them I spotted in Portland)<br />
Yoga? Meditation? Become one with the world around you. Try biking.<br />
Trust me. As you cruise through paths and traffic, your mind becomes<br />
clear of all distractions. You can do good deeds by communicating with<br />
traffic with your actions. Pedaling a bike is a non-impact exercise.</p>
<p><br/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="183" height="183" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310079511?profile=RESIZE_320x320"/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Bill Hannahs<br/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br/></p>
<p>The easiest way to turn your car into a hybrid is with a bike in the
trunk. Drive halfway, bike the rest and you've doubled your miles per<br />
gallon! (quote by the Database Cowboy, <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/profile/Bill">Bill Hannahs</a>)<br/></p>
<p><br/></p>
<p>Someone once said: “When man invented the bicycle, he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance
for the convenience of man. And, (unlike subseqquent inventions for the<br />
man’s convenience) the more he used it, the fitter his body became.<br />
Here, for once, was a product of man’s brain that was entirely<br />
beneficial to those who used it, and of no harm or irritation to<br />
others. Progress should have stopped when man invented the bicycle.”</p>
<p><br/></p>
<br/>
Bike of The Day {BOTD} ::: Ciöcc
tag:www.zoobird.com,2010-04-09:2129360:Topic:23890
2010-04-09T14:56:29.039Z
Michael Levin
https://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/sets/72157623677351397/" title="Nemo's Ciöcc {BOTD} by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img alt="Nemo's Ciöcc {BOTD}" height="375" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4501847866_d077b5ff7a.jpg" width="500"></img></a> <br></br>
<br></br>
The Ciöcc is a beautiful Italian bike that was designed by frame maker Giovanni Pelizzoli. The factory was founded 60 years ago in Mozzo, Italy. Ciöcc means "poker faced" in Italian slang...<br></br>
<br></br>
Ciöcc is pronounced like "chee-OH'-ch". The frame is steel, which is much more comfortable on cobblestones you find in the streets of Italian…
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/sets/72157623677351397/" title="Nemo's Ciöcc {BOTD} by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4501847866_d077b5ff7a.jpg" alt="Nemo's Ciöcc {BOTD}" height="375" width="500"/></a><br/>
<br/>
The Ciöcc is a beautiful Italian bike that was designed by frame maker Giovanni Pelizzoli. The factory was founded 60 years ago in Mozzo, Italy. Ciöcc means "poker faced" in Italian slang...<br/>
<br/>
Ciöcc is pronounced like "chee-OH'-ch". The frame is steel, which is much more comfortable on cobblestones you find in the streets of Italian towns. I met proud owner <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/profile/nemoomen">Nemo Omen</a> at 8th Avenue Bikes and Coffee in Gainesville, FL. Click <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/sets/72157623677351397/">here</a> to see a set of photos of Nemo's Ciöcc.<br/>
<br/>
The Ciöcc logo is a badge of four aces.<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
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<br/>
<br/>
Here you can see Rory Masini restoring his 1973 Ciöcc frame with Giovanni Pelizzoli and his son Samuel. The new age guitar music accompanying the video is a bonus. Enjoy it!<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<img src="http://rok.possu.org/tsyka/ciocc/edt_ciocc_DSCF2265.jpg"/><br/>
<br/>
Political band <a href="http://www.myspace.com/songsfornazca">Nazca</a> drummer <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/profile/petekorhonen">Pete Korhonen's</a> Ciöcc is in Helsinki, Finland. Pete enjoys it when he's commuting to work at the Red Cross, sometimes in the snow!<br/>
<br/>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/4204770600_fbaa2e8fc0.jpg"/></p>
<br/> <br/>
<br/>
Here's <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/group/bikezoo/forum/topics/cioecc-a-beautiful-italian">my Ciöcc</a>, a red work of art that enthusiast Barry Dike lovingly restored. These bikes aren't common, but if you look around, you'll be surprised to find a few here and there.<br/>
<br/>
Do you have a love for classic Italian bikes. Do you have one? Please comment on this post if you do, and even link to photos.
Riding your bike during Winter
tag:www.zoobird.com,2010-01-08:2129360:Topic:22832
2010-01-08T09:26:52.982Z
pete korhonen
https://www.zoobird.com/profile/petekorhonen
Riding your bicycle during cold weather conditions or Winter is a subject that divides the opinions even here in the Northern Europe. Some like it and some don't. Some think it is possible, some think the ones who ride during the Winter are totally out of their minds.<br />
<br />
In my humble opinion, it is not so big a deal at all. There are few things you have to be aware of and some precautions to be taken.<br />
<br />
<b>1. The Man</b><br />
Lets start with the subject of protecting oneself against the conditions i.e.…
Riding your bicycle during cold weather conditions or Winter is a subject that divides the opinions even here in the Northern Europe. Some like it and some don't. Some think it is possible, some think the ones who ride during the Winter are totally out of their minds.<br />
<br />
In my humble opinion, it is not so big a deal at all. There are few things you have to be aware of and some precautions to be taken.<br />
<br />
<b>1. The Man</b><br />
Lets start with the subject of protecting oneself against the conditions i.e. dressing up.<br />
There are three basic rules to be obeyed: Layers, Layers and -- guess what? -- yes, Layers!<br />
Protect your extremes - feet, hands and head. Wear layers, the under layers that can take the humidity away from your skin, wool or some synthetic material to transfer the humidity outwards and on the outside layer wear something that keeps the wind outside but let's the humidity out.<br />
Cotton is generally considered not good at all since it just gets wet and that's it.<br />
<br />
I usually wear long legged underpants and a pair of jeans on my daily commuting of 7,5km (4,7miles) to the office and then another 7,5km back home. If the weather is extremely wet I put another layer of Drymax-pants on top of the jeans. This keeps the wind/wet out nicely. Two layers of natural fibre (i.e. wool) socks will do for the feet. (plus leather shoes) Two layers of shirts (usual short sleeved as the first layer) on top and then a winter jacket. Scarf to protect the neck/throat and a buff to protect the cheeks. Ear flaps for the ears, and a helmet of course. One could use an army style helmet commando hat also. On my hands I have long winter gloves and then warm leather "mittens" on top of them. If you ride with SPD pedals, use winter shoes or protect your summer shoes with neopren covers.<br />
<br />
<b>2. The Machine</b><br />
Usually people wish to have slightly different ride/bike on Winter for the matter of there might be snow and ice on the road.<br />
<br />
Thus the winter tires, either knobbed or studded tires will do. I have studs in both ends, some have them only in front (it is more important to not lose grip in front - if you lose it, you will fall very easily). Mine are 35mm wide on 700c rims - in front I have a Nokian Hakkapeliitta W106 and in rear a 35mm Schwalbe Marathon Winter. Both are ok, but Nokian takes less pressure and thus makes it a bit "slower" to ride.<br />
<br />
And since the speed is slower, at least the ones riding single speed bikes tend to select slightly shorter gear too. Then - of course depending on what kind of winter we are talking about - is the matter of mudguards/flaps. If it is dry and cold - you don't really need them. If it is close to zero and there are times when the snow melts away - then it is not a bad idea to have them mounted on a bike.<br />
<br />
If you ride with gears or use brakes, then make sure to keep the cables lubricated since if the water / humidity freezes inside the cable hose, then the brake/gears become unusable.<br />
<br />
On the bearings one should have such a lubricant/grease/vaseline that can handle the lack of heat (cold weather) without getting tacky or slow. I remember years back when I was still living in a town in Eastern Finland called Joensuu one Winter, the temperature was -35'C in the morning and as I pedalled to the office down town I noticed that the Shimano LX hubs were not rotating very well at all - at least the man warmed up a bit more ;)<br />
<br />
EDIT: one more thing - See and be seen! Use lights, use reflectors. If you wear dark and ride in a dark - the car drivers and other users of the road will not be able to see you. You can get pretty effective led lights if you need to see more, and they help the others to spot you too!<br />
<br />
<b>3. The Attitude</b><br />
It is possible. It can be fun. It is generally pretty safe. But, it takes longer than during the Summer. You have to foresee the possible hazards in advance. You have to observe the other users of the roads more carefully. It can be slippery, it can be wet. Remember that if there is wind, the weather feels much colder than the numbers show. I have been riding all year all of my life, first in inlands town Joensuu and then in a city by the sea, Helsinki.<br />
<br />
<b>But in general - it is fun and it is possible and if you feel like it, you should give it a try.</b>
Ciöcc - a Beautiful Italian Bike
tag:www.zoobird.com,2009-12-18:2129360:Topic:22667
2009-12-18T03:49:15.266Z
Michael Levin
https://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
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<br />
I'm looking at a "35-40 year old Ciöcc" tomorrow. It's possible that the ride may be as interesting as the <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/group/bikezoo/forum/topics/bianchi-gran-sport">Bianchi</a> I've been enjoying so much, only speedier! I think, no matter what, the Bianchi will always be the comfiest bike I've ever ridden. Comfi and fun to the point that I make up excuses to walk out of my office and ride "to check the post box"... So, of course, it's fun to learn a…
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<br />
I'm looking at a "35-40 year old Ciöcc" tomorrow. It's possible that the ride may be as interesting as the <a href="http://www.zoobird.com/group/bikezoo/forum/topics/bianchi-gran-sport">Bianchi</a> I've been enjoying so much, only speedier! I think, no matter what, the Bianchi will always be the comfiest bike I've ever ridden. Comfi and fun to the point that I make up excuses to walk out of my office and ride "to check the post box"... So, of course, it's fun to learn a little history and mechanics in the meantime.<br />
<br />
"Frame maestro/founder of Ciöcc was Giovanni Pelizzoli. Ciocc was his nickname (local dialect for "poker faced" thus the Ciöcc badge of four aces in a cross formation). Claudio Corti won the 1977 U23 Worlds on a Ciöcc at San Cristobal, Venezuela, hence the name of their signature model. They also had a model called "Mockba 1980" for the Moscow Olympics (?... the winner of the RR was a Russian on a Colnago.) Giovanni Pelizzoli later help found and design all of the first models of the Masciaghi tubed Fausto Coppi frames when that company was formed. Reportedly ..... many pros rode repainted Ciöccs in the 1980's. " from <a href="http://www.classicrendezvous.com/Italy/Ciocc.htm" target="_blank">Classic Rendezvous</a><br />
<br />
===<br />
<br />
Well, I wound up getting the bike. Here's a shot of it at the coffee shop today. You can click <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/sets/72157622919216109/" target="_blank">here</a> or on the photo itself to see a set of photos in an album<br />
<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/sets/72157622919216109/" target="_blank"><img width="737" height="552" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2310078953?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<br />
Here's some info on the history from a shop that sells current models, <a href="http://www.smartcycles.com/coppi_casati_ciocc.htm" target="_blank">Smart Cycles:</a><br />
<br />
"Ciöcc, (say like CHEE-OH-CH) for the passionate cyclist, is a brand that recalls the early days of the great Italian handcraft tradition of road frames. It was 60 years ago that Ciöcc, working from a small artisan shop, produced high quality frames for some very demanding pro riders."<br />
<br />
From <a href="http://cyclingart.blogspot.com/2009/03/that-cool-ciocc-portland-style.html" target="_blank">Cycling Art Blog</a>:<br />
<br />
<i>"Ciöcc was founded by Giovanni Pelizzoli who was a former apprentice of Ugo DeRosa. Ciöcc is from a local Italian dialect which means, ‘poker faced.’ The familiar badge of 4 aces in cross formation was born. The factory is in Mozzo, Italy ten miles close to Colnago’s. The most celebrated model was the Mockba 80 after Ciöcc built the frames for the Polish National team. Poland’s Czeslaw Lang came in second place on a Ciöcc during the 1980 Moscow Olympics Road Race. Back in 1977, Italian Claudio Corti won the 1977 U23 Worlds on a Ciöcc at San Cristobal, Venezuela. The San Cristobal is their signature model."</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelevin/4204770600/" title="Ciöcc by mlevin77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2689/4204770600_fbaa2e8fc0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Ciöcc"/></a><br />
<br />
The steel frame is very forgiving on cobblestones in this neighborhood.<br />
<br />
Enjoy...and stay tuned...
A Grand Idea for Cyclists
tag:www.zoobird.com,2008-10-29:2129360:Topic:7061
2008-10-29T02:35:55.250Z
Michael Levin
https://www.zoobird.com/profile/MichaelLevin
From today's Irish Times:<br />
<br />
A grand idea for cyclists<br />
<br />
THE €1,000 DEAL FOR CYCLISTS?: YOU WOULD IMAGINE<br />
that if people were told there was a way they could save themselves €1,000 a<br />
year while simultaneously reducing their stress levels, losing weight,<br />
strengthening their hearts and increasing their punctuality no end, they'd<br />
jump at the chance? Of course they would. Until they realised they would have<br />
to leave their car keys at home and start cycling to work. Then the excuses<br />
would inevitably…
From today's Irish Times:<br />
<br />
A grand idea for cyclists<br />
<br />
THE €1,000 DEAL FOR CYCLISTS?: YOU WOULD IMAGINE<br />
that if people were told there was a way they could save themselves €1,000 a<br />
year while simultaneously reducing their stress levels, losing weight,<br />
strengthening their hearts and increasing their punctuality no end, they'd<br />
jump at the chance? Of course they would. Until they realised they would have<br />
to leave their car keys at home and start cycling to work. Then the excuses<br />
would inevitably start: it'll be cold and wet; I'll get sweaty; I might be hit<br />
by a car; I'll look ridiculous; my bike will be stolen; it's too far - the<br />
list of reasons why the vast majority of adults in this country have a almost<br />
pathological dislike of cycling is long.<br />
<br />
Despite public wariness, the Government has ambitious plans to get 10 per cent<br />
of Irish commuters - in excess of 150,000 people - on their bikes before 2020<br />
with a view to easing city-centre congestion and reducing the country's carbon<br />
footprint on the cheap.<br />
<br />
With two cycling Greens in Cabinet, the Government is trying to make it more<br />
financially attractive, although it has proved to be an uphill cycle. Apart<br />
from a handful of derisory "on yer bike" headlines, a pro-cycling proposal<br />
(one of the few consumer-friendly plans outlined in the Budget) has been<br />
largely ignored in recent weeks as a tidal wave of rage swept over the<br />
Government due to its plans to take away over-70s' automatic entitlement to a<br />
medical card.<br />
<br />
In order to encourage more people to cycle, the Minister for Finance, Brian<br />
Lenihan, is to give tax breaks to cyclists and their employers. Under the<br />
plan, which begins in January, employees working for participating companies -<br />
the scheme is voluntary - can choose a bicycle and any associated safety<br />
equipment up to a maximum value of €1,000 which the employer will then buy;<br />
the purchase will be treated as a tax-exempt benefit-in-kind.<br />
<br />
We contacted both the Department of Finance and the Department of the<br />
Environment to see how they would be encouraging their employees to take to<br />
their bikes and were told that both departments would be embracing the new tax<br />
relief measures enthusiastically.<br />
<br />
A FINANCE SPOKESWOMAN said it already offered its employees shower facilities<br />
and had a bike park. Across the Liffey, in the Custom House offices of the<br />
Department of the Environment, the spokesman was keener still. He pointed out<br />
that John Gormley, himself a keen cyclist, "will actively encourage" his<br />
colleagues to do likewise.<br />
<br />
He said there was "a self-contained bicycle facility and there are showers<br />
available for cyclists. We also have a workplace travel plan which actively<br />
encourages the healthier, sustainable options of walking or cycling for all or<br />
part of the journey." He said the department had recently participated in the<br />
Ecology Foundation's Cycle to Work scheme, a not-for-profit programme which<br />
aims to operate as a one-stop-shop service for employers to facilitate their<br />
employees cycling to work - that means providing the bicycles, safety<br />
accessories and training and any other necessary support.<br />
<br />
"The scheme is being operated through the Dublin Transportation Office. They<br />
gave a presentation to staff here in the department on the benefits of cycling<br />
to work. The department has engaged in this scheme and staff are availing of<br />
the bicycles for use to cycle to work. We are also in the process of setting<br />
up the bicycle user group in the department."<br />
<br />
David Maher of the Dublin Cycling Campaign (DCC) is "very happy" with the new<br />
measures and is optimistic it will encourage more people to get out of their<br />
cars and onto their bikes. "I would have fainted if I had read about the<br />
introduction of a policy like this in the paper 10 years ago so at least we<br />
can take some comfort from the fact that transport policy has moved on a<br />
little bit," he says.<br />
<br />
He believes many "enlightened employers" who are struggling to pay in excess<br />
of €2,000 for parking spaces for their employees will be keen to take<br />
advantage of the move. "I think the €1,000 in tax relief is more than<br />
sufficient. You can get a good bike for €350 and all the gear for another<br />
€100. We do need to tip the balance for people who are considering taking<br />
their bikes to work, to give them that little bit of encouragement to leave<br />
their cars at home."<br />
<br />
According to research carried out by the DCC, some 60 per cent of people who<br />
cycle to work have access to a car but choose to commute on "what is far and<br />
away the most efficient way of getting into the city". Maher describes driving<br />
as "incredibly inefficient. You drive in at speeds of around six miles per<br />
hour, guzzling expensive petrol while stuck in traffic."<br />
<br />
There is also a cultural problem which is behind the enormous reluctance of<br />
many otherwise sensible adults to consider cycling. Of all the reasons people<br />
put forward for not cycling, sweat, safety, rain and ridiculousness are the<br />
big four.<br />
<br />
The fear of getting wet is a red herring as, according to Met Éireann<br />
statistics, someone from Dublin who cycles 15 minutes to work, five days a<br />
week, will be rained on only four days out of 100 (admittedly, in Galway,<br />
where it seems to rain on two out of every three days, the chances of getting<br />
soaked are considerably higher).<br />
<br />
"If you're cycling short distances and don't cycle like a madman then you<br />
won't need a shower when you get to work," Maher says. "These excuses are not<br />
real. Safety, on the other hand, is a real issue and the key problem here is<br />
the complete non-enforcement of basic traffic laws in this country. Cars<br />
routinely park illegally in cycle lanes and the Garda don't seem to care."<br />
<br />
BUT HOW MUCH does a cyclist save? A commuter who lives in Sutton - some seven<br />
miles from Dublin, will spend €3.80 on a return Dart ticket into the city<br />
daily. Allowing four weeks for holidays and a further week for sick days, the<br />
average Sutton-based commuter will spend €893 on train tickets each year.<br />
Someone taking the bus in from Rathmines, meanwhile, will spend €690<br />
annually while it will cost someone coming in to Dublin city centre from<br />
Goatstown on the Luas just shy of €1,000 every year.<br />
<br />
Stuck in traffic and travelling an average of six miles per hour, motorists<br />
are spending even more on driving to work.<br />
<br />
A decent bicycle including lights and reflective gear, on the other hand, will<br />
cost €350. Assuming it is not stolen, the Sutton-based cyclist will save<br />
themselves €2,329 over the course of three years while the person living in<br />
Goatstown will find themselves with an extra €2,611 at the end of year<br />
three, enough to pay for a couple of holidays to the Caribbean.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
© 2008 The Irish Time