Bicyclettes

[t0eknee]

just picked up a iro mark v and chris king head set yee

[stuntastic]

Ridiculous. I need to re-read my local and state laws on bicycles and traffic. A cop yelled at me the other day as he passed me going the other way "aren't you supposed to be in the bike lane" and I though "supposed to? maybe. have to? no" but after reading this maybe I do.

If there is a bike lane, you have to be in it. But if there's something obstructing the way in the bike lane, as there ever so often is, you can move over to the regular lane. If there isn't a bike lane available, you may be in the regular lane.

They can't just force you to ride along every bike lane, only... They don't connect or go anywhere!

Streets that usually have a bike lane are ones were people park on the street. Kind of retarded, but that's the way they map shit out.

[wayoutwest]

If there is a bike lane, you have to be in it. But if there's something obstructing the way in the bike lane, as there ever so often is, you can move over to the regular lane. If there isn't a bike lane available, you may be in the regular lane.

They can't just force you to ride along every bike lane, only... They don't connect or go anywhere!

Streets that usually have a bike lane are ones were people park on the street. Kind of retarded, but that's the way they map shit out.

I'm not sure that is necessarily true. Certainly not a federal law, so unless you are familiar with Kentucky and Fayette County traffic laws, I wouldn't just claim that is the case.

I avoid bike lanes completely if I can. Every wreck or near wreck I have been involved in has occurred in the bike lane.

[stuntastic]

Test your luck with the law, doesn't matter to me. But double check with your local laws, as they could be different. That'll be the only way to find out. And if I'm nearly correct, you owe me jawnz.

Bike lanes aren't exactly the most safe things out there. But if being in one prevents a stupid ticket that helps cops meet their quotas, so be it.

[blm14]

The bullshit part is the idea that you HAVE to be in the bike line. Most of the bike lanes are not really separated from the regular lanes and people use them as fucking turning lanes. If I have to pass, I'm gonna fucking pass.

[selaviso]

yeah bike lanes down here are sketchy, there are always cars in em.

[the Repeater]

I've been thinking about getting BMX cranks on my bike.

What exactly is the difference between 42x17 and 32x13?

Prolly says that 42x17 is good for spinning tricks (keos and whatever) but "compact" pairing like 32x13 is better overall.

What's his reasoning?

Worse in that the small rings have more drivetrain friction and bind more from the greater angle the chain travels, as well as greater wear on both the rings and chain as less area to spread the load and fewer links.

Not a concern for tricks, obviously. BMX cranks are wider (Q-factor) so more stable, and smaller rings give less weight and a lot more clearance for grinds and your legs.

You guys should add Copenhagenize to your blogreader. It's a great blog by a guy that works internationally with cities to enhance infrastructure. Fun, everman's bike use. US cities suck for infrastructure, but many states highway law permits bicycle use on roadways as a vehicle, and are expected to behave likewise with lights and signaling, and are prohibited from traveling sidewalks.

[lestat]

http://gothamist.com/2010/10/27/cop_blocks_bike_lane_to_ticket_cycl.php

"Cop Blocks Bike Lane To Ticket Cyclists For Not Using Lane"

Fuck you, NYPD.

FUCK

YOU

Its fucking bullshit... Asshole cop out to make quota...

34 RCNY § 4-12(p) Bicycles. (1) Bicycle riders to use bicycle lanes. Whenever a usable path or lane for bicycles has been provided, bicycle riders shall use such path or lane only except under any of the following situations: (i) When preparing for a turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. (ii) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, pushcarts, animals, surface hazards) that make it unsafe to continue within such bicycle path or lane.

You are NOT required to be on a bike lane. The law grants you the discretion to ride in the bike lane or not... Summons/Tickets would be dismissed , but a fucking hassle to go fight that shit...

example... Grand st, the bike lane isn't "usable"... its available but its impossible to ride on it... steel plates from construction on the floor will either dent your rims, or pop you tubes... pedestrians (old chinese ladies or Fat Tourists be blocking the lanes...

or Centre St by the courthouses, everyone is double parked on it.... Traffic cops standing there not giving a shit about it either...

[Leeacto]

Word. I got a ticket at MKE/Ashland for being in the center lane bc there's no bike lane there. luckily the cop who wrote the ticket couldn't make a cohesive sentence and the Asst. DAs didn't know to charge me for. So they dropped

Is that law you posted referencing NY only? Is there something equivalent for Chicago?

[ktothe]

Word. I got a ticket at MKE/Ashland for being in the center lane bc there's no bike lane there. luckily the cop who wrote the ticket couldn't make a cohesive sentence and the Asst. DAs didn't know to charge me for. So they dropped

Is that law you posted referencing NY only? Is there something equivalent for Chicago?

Man if only there was some sort of informational super highway that allowed you to easily and quickly look for information such as that.

I wish the government would enact some legislation that would make it law that such information be posted.

[blm14]

On the other hand, I would have no problem with cops ticketing people for riding fixies with no front brake and/or no toe clips. That shit is just straight up suicidal. The no brake thing kills me - I know you don't need it, but only so long as your FUCKING CHAIN IS ON. I've seen chains fall off and if you don't have at least one backup brake you're fucked.

Anyways, move along.

[TPR950H]

ted shred, yo.

ted shred.

instead of ted shredding the back wheel, anyone ever ted shred the front?

OR ted shred BOTH.

edit: OR

but then yeah, both your chains might fall off.

[blm14]

Or your rear hub, and then you're just as fucked

[lestat]

Word. I got a ticket at MKE/Ashland for being in the center lane bc there's no bike lane there. luckily the cop who wrote the ticket couldn't make a cohesive sentence and the Asst. DAs didn't know to charge me for. So they dropped

Is that law you posted referencing NY only? Is there something equivalent for Chicago?

That law is for NY....

Google is your friend....

11-15-1505- Position of bicycles and motorized pedal cycles on roadways - Riding on roadways and bicycle paths

(a) Any person operating a bicycle or motorized pedal cycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride as close as practicable and safe to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway except under the following situations: 1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle, motorized pedal cycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction; or 2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; or 3. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, motorized pedal cycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right hand curb or edge. For purposes of this subsection, a "substandard width lane" means a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle or motorized pedal cycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. 4. When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized. ( Any person operating a bicycle or motorized pedal cycle upon a one way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near the left hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable.

P.A. 95 231, eff. 1-1-08

Seems Chicago law also gives you discretion to ride in the bike lane/far right of the road...

so its NOT absolutely required!

[readytoignite]

the bike lane thing is so stupid - if it's so dangerous not to use, they should ticket people for obstructing it. the two behaviors that are actually dangerous that cyclists shouldn't do are 1) riding on the sidewalk (if you do this, don't hit the elderly even if you're 4 years old) and 2) riding against traffic on a one way street.

running red lights is the same as jaywalking imo

[blm14]

fucking 11-15-1505-, a recipe for getting doored. The idea that you should ride as close as possible to the right hand curb means right next to parked cars, which is a recipe for death. The law should be "Go as far as a car, take up a lane" Period. You shouldn't be allowed to go 5 miles an hour between the right lane and parked cars. That shit is just dangerous.

[GiZMO]

you'll figure it out but at some point you may have to go with normal gloves i.e. non-breathable things that actually keep your fingers warm. i have heard of some success with crazy work gloves doing the trick but other than that i must be missing something because even the heavier weight bike gloves don't do much for me....

http://openbicycle.com/2009/12/01/we-light-our-hands-on-fire-so-you-dont-have-to/

Give this a look. Recently ordered the cold condition gloves, copped on a bin eBay for bout $20

[GiZMO]

Hey all. I've only been riding for about 8months (fixed) but now need to have (unrelated) shoulder surgery so I cant ride for a few months. Can anyone recommend some rollers or a suitable alternative so that I don't have to stop riding completely? I definitely can't afford an exercise bike or something like that. Thanks

Edit: On second glance, rollers may not be the best option. My arm will be sling-bound for 6 weeks.

Bikeisland has trainers for roughly $86 shipped. Good luck with your surgery.

e: you will die on rollers with one hand

[GiZMO]

Can someone recommend me some drops? I'm sure it all comes down to personal preference but after doing some browsing the massive difference in price makes me think twice.

I don't even really know what I'm looking for in a quality set of drops. But it bothers me that I can look at my LBS and find a set for $20 but then look at some euro/asian import for the low low price of $400 dollars.

Is it question of weight and strength? Is that where the price discrepancy is? I did notice that the cheaper ones seem o have a fair bit of flex in them which seems awfully dangerous.

Help me out bros...

Track drops? There are strong/inexpensive bars around but usually in exchange for weight. Probably snatch deda x bianchi drops off craigslist for $15. Then there's always reliable nitto.

[GiZMO]

i read on a bikeforums thread about some DRZ! they work with SPD pedals

http://dzrshoes.com/product/strasse/

theres a link to the DRZs, &...

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?680680-New-Clipless-shoes-for-everyday-wear-by-DRZ/page3

heres a link to the thread.

there was a feud about the rondels and the drzs, how rodels were/were not being overpriced or something. i suppose its just a matter of opinion

oh & this video is cool!

http://vimeo.com/10516263

Been contemplate whether to get toshi to replace my snapped straps or just switch to clipless. When interbike was in town I road around the strip with this du Miah who was kinda a rep for DZR. noticed him without foot retention then heard clicks as I figured the right direction downtown - and he filled me in on DZR & mission workshop. Running shimano mtb pedals & spds in the shoes, they worked really well (his first time riding clipless, no probs). No clicking and clacking as we walked around on casino marble floors. Fuck, do want but so many moniesss.

I'm selling size 40.5 diadora road shooe with 6hole & spd cleat cheap!

[stuntastic]

I plan on getting a pair of DZR next month. I just hope they don't shit on me in the rain.

[GiZMO]

The bikeforums arguments were over breathability of the shoe materials. I'll prob end up getting the low tops and change out the laces, looks better IMO and cheaper. For rain I'd suggest switching over to your sidis(?).

[wayoutwest]

anyone have winter glove recommendations? looking for something form-fitting and waterproof. willing to spend $100+. I had some polyester running gloves last season and it didn't work out so well.

[penis]

hommedeguerre's (?) bike? saw on prolly pretty beastly!

[GiZMO]

Anyone have suggestions for track drops with a shallow drop? Deep drops don't suit smaller frames that I ride and are rather uncomfortable. Only two bars I've come across are some made by Profile and the Nitto B-125. Just lookin for other options. There are these white bars on nashbar that LOOK like they're shallow but images may be deceiving (no specs). They're on sale for $39.99, come in white and size 42 only. Pretty wide, looking narrow.

[stuntastic]

Stock Bianchi Pista drops are my jam.

[GiZMO]

They're deep as heck. I wish I was 6'

[ThugLife]

"'Critical Mass' bike ride ends in controversy in Long Beach"

http://www.presstelegram.com/ci_16479969?source=rv

[jakie]

hommedeguerre's (?) bike? saw on prolly pretty beastly!

hydraulic discs on a fixie. what ridiculous overkill......with what looks to be an internal gear hub

[xewo]

I'm not surprised that I've been riding fixed for 3 years without a brake and haven't had a single accident yet. My friends say I ride fairly aggressive even amongst heavy traffic - it's more or less how comfortable you are with your stopping power and your legs. A couple months ago a friend of mine threw a break on my bike because he wanted me to get home safe and I nearly killed myself because I used that thing. Rode another week with it and just didn't feel comfortable with it so I took it off.

Personally, I can stop faster/smoother/more comfortably with skip stops and leg power than I can with brakes. I almost never skid unless I'm bombing down a hill because skip stopping down hills is not a good idea. Once you've been riding for long enough, you'll learn not to put yourself into a situation where you can potentially get hurt. Being doored is easily preventable so long as you're aware of what's ahead of you and people don't have heavily tinted windows.

I mean there's always the chance some asshole won't see you, switch lanes and hit you but having a break wouldn't prevent that either.