atomicRack – Bicycle rack for garage
A neat invention designed to help store a bicycle in a garage or apartment. Very useful, pleasant to use, made in USA
Which commuter/town bike should I get?
I am looking at getting a new bike and live where there are lots of hills. I would be using this bike not only in my bus & bike commute to and from work, but also for shopping as there are various places I could bike to and/or from where I would like to be able to buy more than merely what I can fit in my backpack. I am open to purchasing Racks/Baskets if needed to achieve this. I would also like the bike to be very sturdy.
http://bicyclecentreseverett.com/
I'm currently looking at Commuter/Town Bikes for Women at the above site. However I am torn between a couple.
Bike 1: http://bicyclecentreseverett.com/product/10-trek-allant-wsd-49001-1.htm I like this one because it is light and even has a front rack which I am sure will come in handy since I like to bike to and/or from stores. It also has the 21 Speeds that I will require with the hills.
Bike 2: http://bicyclecentreseverett.com/product/10-trek-atwood-wsd-59662-1.htm This bike is also being considered. I know it's a heavier frame but wouldn't that make it more durable? Plus I could put a basket on the front that might be even better than the rack on the first bike since I would be doing grocery shopping. It is a 21 speed, so it's pretty much in the same thing but heavier. I could probably manage getting it on the bike racks since my upper arms are fairly strong. It is when I must lift something and carry it around that I have a problem.
Now, those are the two that I'm really favoring, since they both have the 21 speeds however I am also interested in disc brakes since my area does get a good deal of rain, even in the summer.
Bike 3: http://bicyclecentreseverett.com/product/10-trek-atwood-wsd-59662-1.htm This bike has the Disc Brakes that I am fairly interested in having, however it is only an eight speed, so I am not sure how I would feel about that going up and down hills. It also has a belt drive instead of using a conventional chain drive, which is probably a plus, since there is an issue with dirt, mud, and other grime from the road much of the year.
Last but not least there is Bike 4: http://bicyclecentreseverett.com/product/globe-womens-haul-2-60101-1.htm Bike 4 is more expensive than Bike 3, uses a chain like most bikes but has the nice sized rack in the rear instead of a smaller rack in the front, and it has some really nice extras such as a front and rear light and a bell.
The first and second bikes are the most affordable. I could either one of them in the space of a month, and have cash for little extras that I know I will want and use. However, the only thing that unsettles me are the brakes since I do ride every day, rain or shine, unless I am too sick to work.
Likewise, both the Cost and the lack of a wider range of gear combinations are issues for me with the more expensive bikes.
At the same time, Winter is coming quickly and I doubt my area will have sunny skies for much longer.
Input would be greatly appreciated and the best input will be rewarded.
Beachbikes.com – Installing a bicycle rear carrier on a beach cruiser bike
Pete, the Beachbikes.com mechanic, explains the process of installing a back rack. This may require a monostay adapter which Pete explains.
Saris Guardian Bike Rack Installation
Video of how to assemble a Saris Guardian Bike Rack and install it to your vehicle
How to Turn a Closet Rack into a Bicycle Rack
Home improvement expert Danny Lipford shows you how to turn an old closet rack into a convenient new bicycle rack for storing your bike in your garage. Distributed by Tubemogul.
What is the best strategy to prevent bike theft?
Hello,
I brought my near-decade-old mountain bike with me to my college campus this past summer, along with a cable lock to secure it. Unfortunately, I made the stupid mistake of leaving my bike secured to a bike rack behind my dorm building one night (although I was sure I secured it properly by putting the cable through the front tire, frame, and bike rack). The next day I went to take it to class and realized it had been stolen, lock and all.
Almost 3 months later, I decided to buy a new bike to ride at college, and I want to make sure I educate myself as much as possible to prevent this bike's theft. This is what I've learned so far:
-Whenever I'm not riding it, it will either be in my dorm room or locked outside a building on a bike rack (except outside my dorm).
-So far I plan to use a U-lock going through the rear wheel, frame and bike rack, and a cable lock to go through the front tire, frame, and bike rack.
-The seat has a quick-release latch so I plan to just take it with me when I need to leave my bike outside (during a class, for example). I know there are cable locks for quick release seats, but I'd feel better just having it with me.
-The front wheel also has a quick-release lever, but the cable lock will go through it.
-It isn't feasible for me to bring the bike with me indoors to my classes, since many of them are in small classrooms or aren't on the first floor.
-I've also read that it's best to try to lock your bike to a rack with many other bikes to reduce the risk of it "standing out" and being a subject of theft.
Aside from what I've mentioned above, can anyone give advice on what else I can do to prevent my bike's theft (in part or in full)? I'm especially wary since my bike was stolen once so I'd like to do whatever I can to prevent it from happening again.
Thanks!
Yuba Mundo cargo bike with a photographer on the back
This is a some footage from the forthcoming Beauty and The Bike film, of me riding my Yuba Mundo cargo bike in Darlington's South Park, with a photographer sitting on the rear rack taking photos of two of the girls involved in the film, riding their "Dutch" bikes behind.