Bicyclettes

[blm14]

To the guy who asked about NYC. Cars here expect bikers which is a huge change from other cities. That helps you a ton. You'll be fine if you just follow these instruction:

1) Go 25mph and take up a lane. You won't ever have a problem if the cars see you and have to pass you. It might annoy them but it's WAY safer than risking getting doored by riding alongside the parked cars

2) Signal. Lots of bikers don't do it. Do it.

3) Get a bell and a light for nighttime. it's actually the law (or the cops seem to think so) and you can get ticketed for not having one or the other (I did!).

Traffic varies by neighborhood. If you avoid places like midtown, times square etc it's not so bad. Plus there's SO many bike paths that you don't have to worry about traffic so much.

Theft is a problem. Get security bolts, a good lock for when you have to lock up, and don't leave your bike anywhere for long. I also recommend having a beater bike if you have the space...

[tylortakahisa]

Does anyone have any experience with Neuvation Wheels?

I'm planning on getting a new pair of their wheels, I have two friends who like theirs.

Im debating between 2 pairs priced the same, but there's a difference in like 200 grams

Is there a big difference in bladed spokes vs not bladed?

[frankie_four]

bladed spokes are in general a bit heavier, more aerodynamic, more expensive and looking better.

Not sure about the stiffness compared to normal/ double-triple butted spokes but there are big differences between the manufacturers. But this comparison only makes sense in the high end / competition use

[polishmike]

Just got my bike stolen in nyc. Used a Kryptonite Evolution Mini and it was left locked on the street sign with the bike missing. Make sure you get a really solid chain and use a good key lock.

[the Repeater]

Sorry mike, that's the worst.

@tylor, bladed spokes are usually lighter, have less wind-up, and last longer. They're like super-butted spokes; stiffer and more durable. They are tricky to replace should something happen, however.

If you're gonna get new wheels, I recommend getting a 21-24mm rim instead of a <20mm wide rim, it really makes a difference. Velocity's A23 would be my budget training wheel pick. Hed C2 alloy's if you pony up or Zipp 101's if you really swing hard.

[-dustin]

101s are damn near impossible to find these days due to rim supplier issues. I.E. just about all the rims Zipp received this time around had to be destroyed for various reasons. When available, however, I think they're the best alu clincher made, and better than 90% of the carbon wheels out on the market.

[saurustron]

too showy?

[blm14]

Just got my bike stolen in nyc. Used a Kryptonite Evolution Mini and it was left locked on the street sign with the bike missing. Make sure you get a really solid chain and use a good key lock.

Sorry to hear that man, that sucks!

How long was it locked up in the same place for? how did they remove the bike with the lock still attached to the street sign?!

^ re: showy. Please take those stupid cards out of your spokes. And then you'll be fine.

[wayoutwest]

re: showy

drool. agreed, drop the cards, but man I love samsons. Easily my favorite NJS builder.

[stuntastic]

DlFFERENT STRAPS

[ktothe]

Just did my first century fixed on Sunday. Tried to go out for a quick 25 miles Monday and goddamn was that a disaster. It felt like I just got on a bike for the first time in my life.

I need a road bike so bad.

[polishmike]

Sorry to hear that man, that sucks!

How long was it locked up in the same place for? how did they remove the bike with the lock still attached to the street sign?!

It was maybe 30min outside of Lincoln Center 12pm, lots of people. No idea how they got around the lock. It was going around the frame so no way to remove in unless you open the lock. I guess someone had lock picking skills or there is some universal key.

[blm14]

^ Did you have one of those old kryptonite locks with the round key?

[polishmike]

This is the lock.

I have no idea how they opened it. Doesn't look damaged at all either.

[Leeacto]

How was the pole fixed into the ground? Straight concrete pour or bolted? If bolted, that's your answer

[TPR950H]

but then wouldnt the lock go with the bike?

[Leeacto]

True statement. scratch that recommendation.

sorry about your loss polishmike. I have a mini evolution, too.

Anyone else use multiple locks? since I got my front wheel stolen, I've done 2 now.

[GiZMO]

Jeez guys, we've seen it all before. Obviously he missed his bike completely and put the lock on the pole.

I use a cable on occassion. Lost a lock before (actually 2), dropped one while pissing and other time in someone truck w my bike in the bed. Both are alcohol related and within miles of each other maybe less

[halberdklown]

Does anyone know of any good DIY headlights guides online? I've noticed many of the higher lumen lights are bordering on the sub $150-200 range, and I figured maybe doing it yourself could be cheaper.

also, I saw this, anyone have any insight on it?:

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/t6-waterproof-xml-t6-3-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-bike-light-with-battery-pack-set-82510

[blm14]

Jeez guys, we've seen it all before. Obviously he missed his bike completely and put the lock on the pole.

D'oh! That sounds like the only plausible explanation. That sucks, but it's always why I double check to make sure that my lock is on correctly and is closed all the way...

[hiharry626]

I bought a shogun roadbike awhille ago for $180, came with a lock extra tires, and chain. I'm not sure if it was a good deal or not since I am new to bikes, the wires for the bike brakes seem old and rusty, and so do the wires on my rims.

Here's a pic when I actually got it, it looked a lot more used and dirty, but i supposed i could get new tape and shit

Does anybody have info on this bike? I'd like to know more about it, but I don't know where to look online

[polishmike]

Jeez guys, we've seen it all before. Obviously he missed his bike completely and put the lock on the pole.

That didn't happen either. My bike would fall if it wouldn't be locked to the pole. Shit the lock would drop right away and I would notice that. This wasn't some drunken night, I was going to a job and it was before noon. But yeah obviously...

[GiZMO]

I'm just kidding. The situation sucks I'm sorry for losses. Ive enough paranoia of locking up where maybe a handful of people may even see my bike, it's sad that high traffic areas also means less people give a damn when someones stuff is getting stolen, like those videos of people "stealing" there own bikes.

[zoire]

what's good for a first bike (intending to ride to work, 15km one way) ? those vintage bikes on CL, are they worth the effort?

[stayhandsome]

moved to venice (washington and abbot kinney) and have been commuting to amoeba in hollywood on the bicycle.. 13 miles each way nothing feels better than coasting from time to time.

[raWorkshop]

too showy?

Isn't that kind of radial spoke lacing on the front incredibly weak? Does your wheel loose true?

Anybody use SOMA Everwear or Everflows on a road bike? I ride road for pleasure, don't need something super slick.

Actually, I'm thinking about selling my roadbike and having a randonuer for clubrides and commuting, a touring/grocery tank and keeping my beater Schwinn. Fuuuuuck aluminum (2).

[redgrail]

yo bike people, what's a cheap ass bike for commuting?

Moving to a new city for more uni, got no money until I get a part-time job. Also theft is apparently a problem in the area, or so my friends say.

[blm14]

^ anything used?

[wayoutwest]

Actually, I'm thinking about selling my roadbike and having a randonuer for clubrides and commuting, a touring/grocery tank and keeping my beater Schwinn. Fuuuuuck aluminum (2).

that sounds like a great setup. I only have the finances to own one bike, so I think I am going to get a Velo Orange Polyvalent for touring and commuting. Maybe a Rondonneur someday. Have you seen theirs? Gorgeous and at a great price, I think.

[raWorkshop]

Very nice looking. Are you able to test one? Bikes is nice, but fit is king. If you have limited finances, getting a whatever used bike and prowling craigslist for something perfect might be a better route than an expensive VO.

40lb front rack on the tourer is dang legit. I saw a $100 front touring rack, great looking welds, max capacity 25 lbs. What?

Richard sachs index of custom builders for some bike porn http://www.richardsachs.com/site/the-next-wave/