Be Prepared for your Commute

That's right. 

Preparedness is one habit that we should all have.  Be prepared.  For anything out there. 

Some great things to have in your bike kit are:
- A small tool kit with allen keys, a wrench, pliers, and a tire lever;
- Some money for the bus, or a cab, etc.;
- A tie down strap (for those unanticipated finds - like wooden waterskis);

Things you should not leave on the ping pong table in the basement:
- Tube patch kit.

And here's why this was a hard lesson for me to remember:

A nice sharp finishing nail will help me remember.

I'm Kind of a Bad Mechanic

The proof is in the picture.

I lost a crank arm, but found a suitable replacement from the co-op.  A session involving a hammer and the obvious absence of a torque wrench resulted in this:

The Hubway Experience

Back in October of 2011, yes I know it was a long time ago, I went on a trip to Boston for a weekend of foodie exploration. Much to my delight, I found that Boston has a Bixi-type bike sharing service called the ‘Hubway’. And even more delightful, I found a Bixi type bike stand just feet from our hotel!

Now, Ottawa’s had a Bixi pilot for about a year and I have never had the chance, or desire, to try it. I have revolving quiver of bikes in the garage, and under ass, and no inclination to pay to rent another one. That said, I am very supportive of bike sharing initiatives and really hope the Ottawa Bixi takes off. I’ve also always been a little curious about how these Bixi-type bikes ride.
http://thehubway.com/

This trip to Boston afforded me a great opportunity to experience the Bixi-type bike sharing system as an actual tourist. Here’s what I found:

• Renting bikes was extremely easy, and relatively cheap at 5 dollars for 24 hours.
• These bikes are tanks. All the components and mechanics are integrated into the frame, making stealing parts almost impossible.
• The lighting system is fantastic. Dynamo driven, and very, very cool.
• They have reflective tires.
• Seats are adjustable, but theft proof.
• Fenders give good coverage.  And a covered chain housing keeps the grime of life off your pantleg.
• The handy-dandy basket up front is easy to use.
• Boston is not a great city to bike in (my route had few bike lanes and required some good old fashioned aggressive riding.).
• There is no cupholder for coffee.

So, to sum up. Good designs, good pricing, good rides, and good luck Hubway (and Ottawa’s Bixi).

- Here's a picture of my trusty Hubway whip -

A bike for a Brother

Whether he wanted it or not, I was building my brother a scrapper bike.

I found the frame in the trash.  And rescued it.

I replaced the chain and seat, but the brakes and shifters were ok.  I used the parts of 5 bikes to complete this project.  And now call this the Frankenbike.

Here's the before:

And the after:

Last I heard, my brother was letting his roomate drive this around with a pink basket up front (holding a pocket sized dog to boot).

Sigh, it is what it is.

This my friends, is what a 'tube tumor' looks like.

Oh Continental, why are your tire walls so thin?

Today's find. The bike racks at work are filling up as spring rolls in. And while I lament losing the choice parking spot that my bike enjoyed over winter, I am happy to see the racks filling up with neat whips. 

Here's today's find:

Turns out the Premier Cycle Co. Is an interesting operation.  They began producing 'safety bicycles'' to replace the Penny Farthing in the UK.

Premier closed down in the 1930s but their brand lived on.  A Japanese manufacturer began producing bikes under the Premier name - and used their label and face-plate until recently. The Japanese company was called Maruishi and if you keep an eye out you just might see one.

I'll try and post more soon.  Maybe even some pictures of this regal steed.

New Restoration Project

I love a good find. The last bike I restored was Frankenbike. I put it together for my bikeless brother Ryan. I'll post on the Frankenbike later.

Onto this new steed. I found it while on my morning walk with Bobby.  It was perched along a line of refuse and I assume was meant for blue box recycling.

But I couldn't Walk by without giving it some consideration.  No, I couldn't allow it to find its way to the scrapyard.

The details: It's a yellow Bayfield bike from the Hudson Bay company. Probably 1970s. The bike's been made into a fixie.  It's clearly been through adventures as it's covered by 'The Grime of Life'.  It's got a nice little Quando flip flop hub on the back. It is missing a front rim and tire and will need brakes and an overhaul.

I think its name might be Lester!  Only with time, and some TLC, can we bring this beast back.

More to come.