A reader just pointed out that the original site (Huffington Post) updated their site to clarify the photos are digitally altered. It did look a little over the top . . . .

–EBR

It’s from a NY Times article on Honduras that has nothing to do with bicycles. But what a mysterious, powerful photo. And a girl on a bike in a Central American country, that’s forward progress at least.

EBR

Keener Custom Cycle Works from Chris Wagganer on Vimeo.

Eleven years ago the machine in the above video was stolen, but I learned it has just resurfaced in Phoenix, and it’s designer/builder/rightful owner will be picking it up and bringing it home.

You might recognize one of his other designs here.

–EBR

EBR

The GABA Bike Swap is my third-favorite bike event every year after the BICAS Art Auction and Cyclovia. Tucson Bike-Realtor Greg Yares puts a lot of work into organizing the bike swap and it shows — it’s a wonderful event that you really kind of need to attend if you haven’t been before. Take advantage of the El Gruppo bike valet because the crowds are big and wheeling a bike through them can be kind of annoying for everyone.

Also, below is a picture of what I am going to buy at the swap this year:

–EBR

First of all, this bike gets an awful lot of attention. I get complimented on it just about wherever I go. I have had strangers yell at me from across the street that they love my bike! It is not at all unusual for me to notice people stopping to admire it when it is locked outside a store. Last summer I was buying pads for a swamp cooler and the salesman started telling me about this beautiful bike he had seen parked at Time Market. After a few moments it became obvious he was describing my bike. So, it clearly has style.

It was also expensive. $1750.00 worth of expensive. That part was pretty hard for me to swallow.

As for the mechanics, I have gotten one flat tire, the second day I had the bike. It’s outfitted with Schwalbe Marathon tires that are supposed to be practically invincible. I hope so, because taking the wheels off of this bike, especially the rear wheel, is an ordeal. I’ve never done it and don’t ever want to. I should mention that my commute involves a short stretch of dirt in a place where the local kids go to break bottles. I daily ride over the glass fearlessly, so the Schwalbe’s have lived up to their reputation.

Other than that one flat tire, my kickstand came a little bit loose once and the small mudflap fell off the front fender. I had to adjust the shifter cable tension once with the thumb-screw thing. And I had to tighten the nut that holds the front light in position after it came a little loose. Other than that I have had no mechanical issues at all.

The bike employs the famous Dutch-bike upright riding style, which I like a lot. It makes the rider about as aerodynamic as a two-story barn, but the general riding experience is way more relaxed. When I get on my road bike I immediately start wondering why I am bent over in such a horrible position.

The basket is mounted directly to the frame, so it does not turn with the wheel. Anyone who has ridden with a handlebar-mounted basked will quickly understand why frame-mounting is an enormous improvement. I’ve carried a basket full of river rock in that front basket, and hardly noticed a thing.

It has eight speeds, internally geared. I use three of them. The lowest appears to be about 1:1.

You can lock the rear wheel with a clever lock that is mounted to the frame.

It has drum brakes, and a front generator hub powers front and rear lights. The rear stays on for a few minutes when you stop. The rear rack has some very clever bungee-cords that, unlike most bungee cords, do not threaten to snap and blind you. I also have a waterproof set of panniers that strap directly to the rack.

I don’t know how much this bike weighs but I will say that you would not want to carry it up a flight of stairs every day. Honestly, I don’t much notice the weight except when I am going up a hill (read: the 4th Avenue Tunnel) or starting from a dead stop. Once I get moving all I notice is how much I like riding this bike. I should say though that I have noticed that when I think I may have to ride all the way across town — say to River Road from downtown — I find myself riding the road bike to work. However, I’ve also ridden the Transport twelve miles at a stretch, and it takes longer but I don’t arrive any worse for the wear — in fact probably better, because I’ve been more comfortable along the way.

The convenience of having lights, a basket, and a lock all mounted to the bike is huge for me. I don’t really have to think about, or look for, anything when I get on the bike. And the full chaincase cover means I can be wearing whatever, including a suit, and not have to worry about getting grease marks on my clothes.

Finally, the components on this bike seem to be quite good. How long does it take to wear out a Brooks B-19 saddle? The thing is built like a tank, but it rolls like a Mercedes. I couldn’t be more pleased. It was worth the money.

I have the same opinion. The place is packed just about all the time. BICAS has not suffered the fate of many non-profits during the economic downturn because it tries very hard to be self-sustainable, that is, not operated by grants. The employees make decisions collectively and change comes slowly, with caution, and with constant concern about whether each new addition is something that can be sustained. It’s a model that is definitely working, with BICAS now in its 20th year in Tucson.

If you ‘ve never been there, you should go check it out. And if you or anyone you know has any bikes collecting dust in a garage, bring them down! Even the non-usable broken parts get turned into art and sold at the annual art auction, the first weekend in December.

–Erik Ryberg

Check out this righteous post on Tucsonbikebeautiful.blogspot.com of historical photographs of bikes in the Old Pueblo! Whoa!

–EBR

I’ve been riding my new Azor Workcycles Transport for about a month now. I’ve ridden it just about every day for a month.

It’s everything I hoped it would be. I got it from Dutchbikeseattle and it arrived just a few days after I ordered it. I hardly had to do any assembly — it arrived in a giant box and about all I had to do was install the pedals and turn the handlebars around. I did have to loosen the brake cables a bit as the brakes were dragging on both wheels.

The bike is a wonderful design. My friend P, who was born in Holland, noted that the basic design of this bike is pretty much the same as Dutch bikes of nearly a hundred years ago — but the technology is far advanced from those days.

The bike has an eight-speed internal hub, drum brakes, and a generator front hub that powers the front and rear lights. The basket is on a rack mounted to the frame, so you don’t have that wobbly front-rack thing going on. It’s a joy to ride.

It is definitely heavy, but I only notice that when I have to lift it, which I avoid doing! It’s not something you just swing over your shoulder and run up the stairs with.

It’s also good looking. I ran into my friends D, R, and A yesterday, three of the most stylish and beautiful women you’ll meet anywhere, and all were agreed on the aesthetic virtues of my new Dutch Bike. In fact I was a bit jealous.

Lauren remarked that it is like a Mercedes of bikes, though she cautioned “not like that hobo Mercedes you used to drive.”

I actually think it is more like a Hummer. An overbuilt, heavy, expensive status symbol that is completely unsuited to off-road use. But even with all its overbuilt, heavy, and overpriced qualities, I am not ashamed to say: I adore it.

–Erik Ryberg

Thanks AZTT for the link (bikehugger.com).

It appears my friend Tim was spotted in Seattle. Many in Tucson know him. He could often be seen riding his old ordinary bike (“high wheeler” or “penny farthing”) around town either with friends, on the Tuesday Night Rides, or by himself. He has a lot of really cool bikes, most of which he built himself. Man he has some cool bikes. And damn good style, too. He is a very skilled welder and mechanic, as well as a great storyteller.

He can also replace the leather on old Brooks saddles.

My friend Lauren lived in his backyard in a tent for the longest time. I’m glad that’s over with!

–Erik Ryberg