looking for a gear...

calculator? well if you have an iphone or ipod touch, then check out this little app for such a device.

need to calculate your gear inches, gear ratios and the like; on the go? well, then you are set.

or to examine your 'skid patches' on your fixed gear bike?

almost makes me want to pick up an ipod touch or iphone.

amitabha...

Handmade Bike Show is Coming!

The 5th annual North American Handmade Bike show is coming to Indianapolis Feb 27th-Mar 1st! Normally way on the west coast, this is amazing opportunity to see handmade works of bicycle art just a few hours away. Above you can see last years prototype Co-mootour, now available from Moots. Just take a look at this gallery from Cycling News and you will realize the endless possibilities of the bicycle. Art and function combined together. Most of these builders are making these bikes right here in the USA. Some have state of the art facilities, some have jigs in there garage. So you want a handmade bike? Do you want the frame to be made of Wood, Steel, Titanium, Aluminum, Bamboo or Carbon? Do you want your Steel frame with lugs? Horizontal drop outs with and eccentric Bottom Bracket? Belt Drive or Chain? Handmade racks built into the frame? 700c, 650b, 29", 29-26 combo(96er), or 26" wheel size. Would you like a matching stem? Go to the Show and find out. You will see us there.

clothing...

is the most important accessory that a cyclist is able to have.

a couple of days ago a friend of mine was asking what kind of clothing he needed to ride in cold weather. i pointed some essentials out to him; some he had, others he needed. this is the inspiration for this post.

in cleveland, you are able to ride all year round; regardless of weather. of course there are a few days that are un-ridable, but other than that...you're good to go. with the proper clothing, you won't notice how cold it really is. i've spent years building my clothing collection. now, during the summer it is easy...jersey, shorts, gloves (or not); done. winter is another beast.

there are many options out there; for many weather conditions. you don't want to be too hot, or too cold. some essentials would be; a base layer, good tights, wool/cold weather jersey, jacket (and not one of those 'wind jackets'), and don't forget a good pair of socks. and if you feel you need them...winter shoes.

personally; i have about three base layers, three different pairs of gloves, four different styles of wool jerseys (not to mention my heavier cold weather jerseys), one winter jacket, many other jackets, bibs, knickers, tights, shoe covers, winter shoes, and a ton of socks.

granted; this is all over a course of many years, but it has become a wise investment in my riding during the winter, and cold days. so the only thing that is able to hold me back is...me.

amitabha...

Slash Rides a Redline

I found this old video of Slash from Gn'R riding a Redline Bmx (the bike is looks to be from 83 or 84) around a sound check. You'll have to get though the Gap ad first. I can see how Jack Daniels, BMX bikes and rock stars can mix well. It's a little long, but watch to the end cause the 180's on the stage ramps are sweet! Be for warned for bad language. Years ago I met Slash at a show and the only thing I had on my for him to sign was a business card. He looked at the card and said "like regular bikes? I love bikes!"