Live Streaming Video – 2013 Cyclocross World Championships from Louisville, Kentucky

Watch Live Streaming Video of the World Championship Races:

9:45 AM EST – 17-18 Junior Men World Championships
11:00 AM EST – Elite Women World Championships
12:30 PM EST – U23 Men World Championships
2:30 PM EST – Elite Men World Championships

(Race Schedule for Saturday February 2, 2013)

http://www.cxmagazine.com/live-video-stream-2013-cyclocross-world-championships

Paris Roubaix

Trek 6500 singlespeed - $100 (Short North)

Made in USA, Easton aluminum tubing with Cro-Mo fork. Surly stainless-steel chainring 36x18. Avid brakes with upgraded Kool-Stop pads. 21" actual seat tube, fits me well at 6' height with short legs. Good trail-rider if you want to get old-skool...I've ridden it at Alum Creek, Chestnut Ridge, and the Cap City short track races.

Bought another bike and need to get this one out of my apt. Buy it and shred.

[Find it on Craigslist]

10 Observations About Bicycling in Amsterdam [The Urban Country]

While visiting Amsterdam on my recent trip to Europe, I made some observations about cycling around the Dutch capital. Here are my top ten observations:

10. The locals have little patience for tourists walking on the cycle path

Bicycles in Amsterdam – photo by James Schwartz / The Urban Country

The locals of Amsterdam would like their sacred cycle paths to be treated like roads, not like sidewalks. Rightfully so, they fought hard to get those cycle paths, so they aren’t about to let pedestrians take them over.

Thus, if you are a wandering tourist and you don’t look before stepping on the cycle path, you will most likely get a dirty look, a bell, or a comment from a passing cyclist.

[Keep reading at The Urban Country]

Tyler Whitfield Whole Track Manual

Study: People Who Bike or Walk to Work Enjoy Their Commutes the Most [StreetsBlog]

A study by Ph.D candidate Oliver Smith at Portland State University found that, of all types of commuters, those who travel by bike rank the highest on measures of well-being. Image: Bike Portland

This news will surprise no one who has discovered the joy that is setting off to work on two wheels, but new research out of Portland State University found that people who bike to work enjoy their commutes the most. People who walk to work are close behind on the commute satisfaction scale.

The finding is based on a survey of commuters from the region conducted by Ph.D candidate Oliver Smith. Jonathan Maus at Network blog Bike Portland heard about the study at a happy hour/transportation geek-out put on by Portland State University’s urban planning school, where students shared research they had recently presented at the Transportation Research Board in D.C.:

[Keep reading at StreetsBlog]

The Other (Cooler) Super Bowl [WSJ]

Jeremy Powers during the Men's elite race at the 2012 U.S. Cyclocross National Championships.

The chicken wasn't wearing any pants.

Jeremy Powers couldn't help but notice. Powers is one of the elite cyclocross racers in the world, the U.S. national champion in 2012, and a couple years back, he was in the middle of a race—he thinks it was Portland, Ore.,—pedaling his bike, pushing that red needle of exhaustion, when he became aware of an exuberant, feather-costumed fan running alongside him.

"A dude with a chicken outfit on and no pants," Powers said.

Welcome to cyclocross.

Yeah let's talk about cyclocross. I know the Super Bowl is Sunday, but I've already had enough of that overhyped barn dance, and so have you. There's another Super Bowl coming this weekend, not to New Orleans, but to Louisville, Ky., and in a strange way, it's more significant, because on Feb. 2 and 3, Louisville is hosting the UCI Cyclocross Elite World Championships, the biggest moment for a small but fast-growing sport in this country.

I am also 1,000% sure the cyclocross race will have better beer and more cowbell.

[Keep reading at WSJ]

San Francisco lays out $200 million in bike projects in next 5 years [San Francisco Examiner]

ANNA LATINO/SPECIAL TO THE S.F. EXAMINER

It will cost $200 million to implement all bike-related aspects of the SFMTA’s strategic five-year plan.

The City is proposing $200 million worth of changes to its cycling network in the next five years.

Building 12 new miles of bike lanes, upgrading 50 miles of existing paths and installing more than 20,000 new racks are all part of the plan.

By the numbers

• 71 percent: Increase in bicycling usage over past six years
• 3.5 percent: Percent of all transportation trips made by bicycle
• $200 million: Cost to implement all bike-related aspects of the SFMTA’s strategic five-year plan
• $30 million: Funding identified for plan
• Source: SFMTA

Biking has increased by 71 percent since 2006, and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which manages cycling policies in The City, is hoping to build out its network to meet the demand.

At the board of directors’ annual workshop meeting Tuesday, the agency is expected to discuss potential scenarios for bicycling expansion.

As part of its five-year strategic plan, the agency proposes to upgrade 50 intersections to accommodate bicycles and deploy and maintain 2,750 bikes as part of a grab-and-go bike-sharing network.

Along with the plans to upgrade 50 miles of the existing network and add 12 new miles of bike facilities, the total cost of the project could be $200 million. If completed, the agency hopes the share of bike trips in San Francisco increases from its current level of 3.5 percent of all travel to 8 to 10 percent by 2018; a separate goal of 20 percent has been set by the Board of Supervisors for 2020.

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/transportation/2013/01/san-francisco-lays-out-200-million-bike-projects-next-5-years#ixzz2JVrMn32Z

THE DEFENDER BIKE LIGHT - BLACK

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The World’s First Theft-Resistant Bike Light. Made of lightweight aluminum with using ultra-bright LEDs and 100 hours battery life.  Comes with custom Gotham security screw drivers, and 3 x AA batteries, and adjustable spacers to fit your handlebars.  Matte Black Finish.

SPECIFICATIONS 

WEIGHT (G): 232
DIMENSIONS (MM): 10 x 42 x 80
HANDLEBAR SIZES (MM): 22 to 32
BATTERIES: 3 AA
BATTERY LIFE (HR):50 steady, 100 flashing
BEAM: 30° spread, 80° periphery hotspot
BRIGHTNESS: 50 Lumen
POWER: 1 Watt

[Bike Gotham]

Man moves across town using bikes

Gravel Bikes: Canti or Disc?

Ahh...they seem to work just fine, but...

Gravel Bikes- (well, assuming you even agree that there is such a thing), usually have cantilever brakes these days. However; that is maybe more out of convenience/necessity than choice. Cyclo cross bikes, for the most part, are cantilever braked bikes, and those bikes tend to dominate the gravel bike riding scene.

But there is a big push for disc brakes in cyclo cross circles these days. (Notice- I didn't say justwho was pushing for this.) So bikes like my Orange Crush BMC are sort of getting looked down upon. (See this post by BMC owner, Mike Varley on this subject.) However; for gravel races and riding, the disc brake is not a "slam dunk" idea. I want to give my thoughts on the matter here and maybe gauge your reactions in the comments to see just where everyone's minds are with regard to this. 

The argument for disc brakes is that they work better...... There are different ways folks will end that statement, but it always goes back to "they work better" than cantilever brakes. Okay, you might believe that, and say you know that to be "true", but I know a handful of guys that would tell you a different story. The story of T.I.V6 where several riders burned through their disc brake pads within 50 miles of the start and their cantilever braked counterparts rode onward. So, in bad weather, disc brakes are not necessarily the cure. In fact, they could be a disadvantage...

Read on at Guitar Ted Productions -->

How not to handle barriers in cycle-cross [video]

Traffic sensors give bicyclists green lights [The Dispatch]

View Slideshow

EAMON QUEENEY | DISPATCH

A cyclist at Milton Avenue and W. North Broadway in Clintonville rides past a bike detector that prompts an eventual change of the traffic light to green.

It’s hard to miss the growing number of bicyclists in central Ohio. But to some city traffic signals, they are all but invisible.

Columbus officials say they are changing that.

Nearly all the city’s 1,000 traffic lights are connected to road sensors that detect the presence of autos at the intersections and adjust the lights accordingly.

Bicycles are another story. These sensors are basically metal detectors, and bicycles don’t have enough metal to trigger a light change.

That has caused some cyclists to go through a bizarre system of steps to get noticed.

Some ask drivers to replace them at the front of the line at a red light to trip the sensor. Others lay their bicycles flat on the road to increase the odds. Desperate cyclists might even get off their bikes and push the pedestrian button to signal a change.

And as a last resort, some cyclists look both ways and run the red light that won’t change.

“It’s a big safety issue,” said Ray George, president of Yay Bikes, a Columbus organization that advocates for cyclists. “It’s not the best situation for anybody.”

[Continue reading at The Dispatch]

Skylar Grey - C'mon Let Me Ride ft. Eminem

Take a Quick Survey to Shape Biking and Walking Advocacy [League of American Bicyclists]

All across the country, there's momentum for better biking and walking. As our voices reach mayors, governors, and members of Congress, more and more communities gear up to make neighborhoods safer and better for biking and walking. 2013 is going to be a huge year for biking and walking advocacy. Another federal transportation bill is just around the corner, and we are gearing up to plan our campaign for 2013 and beyond. Will you take a 5 minute survey to help set the course for biking and walking advocacy in 2013 and beyond?  Your feedback will be critical in shaping the 2013 National Bike Summit, and will guide how biking and walking advocates approach Congress throughout the year. Thank you! Sincerely, Caron Whitaker Vice President, Government Relations

BikeShare is coming to Columbus! 300 Bikes at 30 Stations

Bike Sharing is an innovative transportation program providing ideal short distance, point-to-point, simple-to-use bikes for moving around the city. It allows users to pick up a bicycle at any self-serve bike station and return it to any bike station in the system’s service area. In Columbus, these stations will be located throughout downtown in relative close proximity to each other (about 1/3 mile apart), allowing for easy access and maximum use. The Columbus Bike Share program starts with 30 stations, each with an average of 10 bikes, a total start-up of 300 bikes. “This will be a fun, healthy, affordable and green way for our residents to get around Columbus. We've already made Columbus one of the best biking cities in the nation, and this is another big step toward making us even better." -- Mayor Michael B. Coleman

Using a swipe card, the automated system will feature yearly memberships, single-day uses, and 3-day passes, all of which can be easily purchased at a station or online. Each time a member uses a bike, the first 30 minutes are free, followed by incremental charges each half hour thereafter. Long and short term memberships will be available to fit the daily, occasional, or visiting user. You can choose from yearly memberships, a weekend, or even just a day. Annual members get a small key fob device that unlocks the bike at any station. Walk-up users will be able sign up with a credit card at any kiosk and given a code for every use of a bike. Then you can use the bike for as many trips as you want within the limit of your membership. It’s ideal for short trips that are 30 minutes or less.

The bikes will be an aluminum step-through frame that is light, strong and durable. Easily adjustable seating, active lighting, front mounted luggage carrier, fenders, and puncture resistant tires making the bikes efficient and easy to use.

Do you have a great name for the Columbus BikeShare Program? Or perhaps have an opinion on what color the bikes should be? If so, complete this easy survey below. If your suggested name is chosen, you will receive one year of complementary access to the Columbus BikeShare Program!

http://parks.columbus.gov/ColumbusBikeShareProgram.aspx

SSUK’G2013 is 3rd May to 6th May 2013 [from Charlie the BikeMonger]

What... SSUK’G2013 is the Single Speeds UK Gathering.

Why... well you see it didn’t happen in 2012 which was a shame, so for 2013 I am looking after you all down here on the Dorset Coast, with a slight twist to the riding aspect of the event.

When... 3^rd May to 6^th May 2013

Where...  Swanage, Dorset, UK



What(s)...
Pre Event Thing... some sort of social ride, beach party, pub stop, gig thing on Saturday.

The “Event” thing... On Sunday. Rather than a flat out XC race where most folk only do a lap (you slackers) it’s in a “Sportive” format, which sounds a bit roady, but allows us access to all the good trails.  A group ride starting at the beach in Swanage will take us to the Bankes Arms in Studland. From here there is a course that takes in some great scenery, singletrack, castles, pubs and cake shops. It concludes at the Square & Compass in Worth Matravers. The route might be lightly marked, but  there will be maps, or just follow a local. The event is timed (bring a watch), so we can all compare our single speedyness and show off, with the best  times getting some sort of recognition. It’s about 25 miles per lap... two laps will secure some sort of victory and make the really keen folk suffer. It’s not a race, it’s an off road reliability trial.

There will probably be no marshals, very little in the way of markings, no medics, so look after yourself. 

UPDATE... CALIFORNIA FARM CAMPING IS SOLD OUT.
PAY JUST £25 AND ARRANGE YOU OWN CAMPING

Camping...  Yeah sure. It’s at California Barn on the hill above the town of Swanage. We have room for 100 campers if we all squeeze in. Small campervans are cool, big ones probably not.  You get toilets, cold water, fire pit, and big views across the sea. If the camping here sells out, you will find other campsites nearby at Toms Field and Acton Campsite which you can sort out yourself.

Not Camping... What’s wrong with you? Anyway there is a barn/chalet, and a shed on wheels available at California barn, feel free to book it directly... http://www.californiabarn.co.uk/accommodation/index.html. Elsewhere in and around town you will find countless hotels, B&Bs, bunk house (http://www.swanageauberge.co.uk/) and a YHA.

Bikes... anything without gears goes, but be aware that this is offroad, so whilst not impossible on a drop bar fixie, its not the best bike for the job.

Cost...
£25.00 without camping.

SOLD OUT.... £30.00 per person, which includes. UPDATE... CALIFORNIA FARM CAMPING IS SOLD OUT. PAY JUST £25 AND ARRANGE YOU OWN CAMPING


Signing up...

CHAPS... READ THIS... TAKE IT IN... GET IT... There are 100 cramped camping places, that is for 100 people, not necessarily 100 tents. So small tents, and get sharey. Actually it’s a little less than 100, as I am saving some  for the guys who are bringing swag from Surly Minneapolis and elsewhere.
Max numbers for the event itself are 200 all in.

BE COOL.... This is a very low tech way of getting places allocated... So we are all going to have to be a little cooler than the guys who organise the TDF. I have 100 camping spots at California farm. But there is camping nearby... once they sell out use the list below... the first campsites on the list are nearer the main campsite, the last places are nearer the Square and Compass... it’s all local....

UPDATE... CALIFORNIA FARM CAMPING IS SOLD OUT.
PAY JUST £25 AND ARRANGE YOU OWN CAMPING

CAMPERVANS... If you bring a camper, email me at Bikemonger@yahoo.co.uk and just tell me, and we... I mean” I” will allocate some space. No electric hook up,  no thrills. No room for big campers... bay window size VWs are cool. It’s a tight lane so no room for Iron Maiden Tour Buses unless you are Iron maiden... then it’s OK.
FAMILY CAMPING... want hot water, showers, posh stuff like that... go for the overflow camping options. You are welcome at the main campsite, but women like soap and fancy shit.
KIDS... man the kids are alright... bring your little people with you, no charge.

Racing kids... sorry kids 18 YEARS AND OVER ONLY.
DOGS... they are cool and welcome.
OTHER HALF who is camping at California farm but not riding... I am afraid its the same fee, but they get a shirt if we have them.


OVERFLOW CAMPING:

• http://www.shorefield.co.uk/swanage/
• http://www.tomsfieldcamping.co.uk/
• http://www.actonfieldcampsite.co.uk/
• Bunk house in town...  http://www.swanageauberge.co.uk/ t
• And more B&Bs and hotels than you can wave a stick at... http://www.swanage.gov.uk/Tourist_Information.aspx

To enter... send money to me via paypal at               SSUK2013@YMAIL.COM   this email address is not an email address, no comms please.

HOW MUCH MONEY..?

• SOLD OUT... California Farm... was £30 + something... Friday, Saturday, Sunday night camping and social stuff + reliability trial.
• PLACES LEFT... Sorting you own Camping...  £25 + something.... Reliability trial, and social stuff only... sorting your own camping at the overflow campsites, or B&Bs, hotels etc.
• What the hell “+ something”?   Yeah, you have to bring something with you, drag it round the trial, and then throw it into the massive effin’ great prize stash at the end. All the  somethings will be dished back out to the single speeders is some sort of award ceremony.  “Something” can be booze, combustibles, shirts, stickers, home baked food, home grown vegetables,  pies, horse meat, livestock, old bike components, or  Joe Breeze frames from the 1993 in 22” please.
• Once we get to 100 California farm places, I will update this webpage... if I have oversold, I will send you a fiver back, and we all will be semi grown ups and stay cool, and you will sleep down the lane elsewhere.
• If you book multiple people on one payment, make sure it a multiple of £25 or £30 and not mixed. And add the name of ALL the people on the booking to the paypal notes.
• Once I have booked up the ale houses, if I have cash left you will get a shirt and maybe more.
• Did you read that? Did you get it? The thing to take away from this is that it is all low rent, half baked and you know what... it will be better for it. If you want something nicer, wiggle organise sportives for geary folk.  I have a bikeshop and a family... and a really damned big basset hound called Captain, and surfboards, who all need me to work my cute arse off... so please don’t bombard me with what tyres, what ratio questions. And let’s all be cool, even if it all goes a bit wrong.
• NEED to get hold of me... Bikemonger@yahoo.co.uk if you NEED to.
• One gear... just one... one. ONE.

 [See more at Charlie the BikeMonger]

Cyclist harnesses her grief, wins U.S. race [Portland Press Herald]

Ellen Noble couldn't feel her hands gripping the handlebar of her racing bike. She could barely feel her feet pumping its pedals. So much of her body was numb from the cold.

click image to enlarge

Ellen Noble, 17, of Kennebunkport recently won a national championship in cyclo-cross, a sport that sends cyclists racing through muddy terrain and requires them to carry their bikes over obstacles.

John Ewing/Staff Photographer

But not her emotions.

She crossed the finish line and reached up to touch the mud-splattered locket hanging around her neck. The simple piece of jewelry, a gift from her grandmother, contained two miniature photos of her father and a one-word inscription: Always.

On Jan. 11 at the USA Cycling Cyclo-cross Nationals in Wisconsin, the 17-year-old racer from Kennebunkport won the race that made her a champion. Noble laughed as she cried, pulled in opposite directions by her joy and her sadness.

That she won this race for 17- and 18-year-old cyclists wasn't unexpected. Noble is a comer in this sport far off the radar of most. She's been racing in one form of cycling or another since she was 7.

[Keep reading at Portland Press Herald]

Jay Petervary Tour Divide Record Ride

Jay Petervary Tour Divide Record Ride from Fisher Creative on Vimeo.

Specialized Bicycle Components Recalls Bicycles Due to Fall Hazard [PRNewswire-USNewswire]

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Consumers should stop using this product, 

which is being recalled voluntarily, unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a 

recalled consumer product.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030904/USCSCLOGO)

Recall Summary

Name of product:Bicycles and frame sets

Hazard: The steerer tube in the front fork can break, posing a fall hazard.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the bicycles and take them to an authorized dealer 

for free inspection and, if needed, a free repair.

Consumer Contact: Specialized Bicycle Components toll-free at (877) 808-8154 from 8 a.m. to 

5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or website at www.specialized.com for more information and click 

on Support and then Safety Notices.

Photos are available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13102.html

Recall Details

Units: About 12,200

Description: The 2012 and 2013 model road bicycles and framesets come in various colors and have 

the brand name "Specialized" on the frame.  The model name "Tarmac SL4," "Crux" or "Secteur" is 

also located on the frame.  The recall includes all models of the 2012 Tarmac SL4, 2013 Tarmac SL4, 

2013 Crux and 2013 Secteur Disc.  The model year and style names are on the sales documents.

Incidents/Injuries:Two incidents were reported, one involving a fall with facial injuries and lacerations 

requiring stitches.

Sold at: Authorized Specialized dealers nationwide from July 2011 through January 2013 for 

between $990 to $11,000.

Importer:Specialized Bicycle Components Inc., of Morgan Hill, Calif.

Manufacturer:Topkey, of Taiwan for the forks; and Merida Industry Co. Ltd., of Taiwan for the bicycles

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury 

reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same 

product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov.

Media Contact Please use the phone numbers below for all media requests.
Phone: (301) 504-7908
Spanish: (301) 504-7800

CPSC Consumer Information Hotline Use this toll-free number if you have questions about a recall:
800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054)
Times: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET; Messages can be left anytime
Hotline can be used to get product safety and other agency information and to report unsafe products.

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

RELATED LINKS

http://www.cpsc.gov

Velosurance - Insurance for bicyclists

Why bicycle insurance?

Until Velosurance cyclist losses went largely unpaid by any insurance. Whether at your home, on your auto, riding the trail or the road, bicycles are rarely covered for theft or damage. Velosurance offers the availability of a multi-risk, stand alone insurance policy allowing cyclists to insure their bikes for physical loss, damage, and liability.

Who is Velosurance?

Velosurance is a national insurance agency founded by two cyclists in response to the insurance needs of bicycle riders nationwide. After more than 3 years of development we partnered with an A rated, US insurance company to introduce a multi risk policy offering protection to all types of cyclists.

What is covered?

The policy issued through Velosurance is available as a multi-risk policy with the option to add additional coverages to protect the policy owner against many types of losses. You choose the coverages and the premium.

• Crash Damage to Frame & Wheel Set
• Failure Damage to Frame & Wheel Set
• Total Loss by Crash
• Total Loss by Theft
• Theft of Spare Parts
• Liability to Others
• Roadside Assistance
• Replacement Bike Rental
• Riding Apparel Damage
• Medical Payments
• Injury by Auto Contact
• Borrowed Bicycle Coverage
• Event Fee Reimbursement

Velosurance Trusted Partners

Velosurance has partnered with local bike shops throughout the USA to provide our policyholders with service when a damaged bike needs repair or replacement. Trusted Partner bike shops are listed on the Velosurance website so no matter where you need service there is a Velosurance Trusted Partner nearby. Our policyholders are also free to choose their preferred service location.

[Velosurance]

40 Miles to Work, on a Bike [NY TImes]

Lars Klove for The New York Times

Christian Edstrom making his way from Chappaqua, N.Y., into Manhattan on a cold day.

By ABIGAIL MEISEL

Published: January 25, 2013

At 4:40 on a 28-degree January morning, Christian Edstrom readied for his commute from Chappaqua, N.Y., to downtown Manhattan.Having sheathed his legs in NASA-worthy Capo bib shorts — woven from high-tech fibers that compress leg muscles to minimize fatigue — he pulled on a pair of winter cycling tights lined with fleece from the waist to the thighs. Next came over-the-calf Smartwool ski socks under Sidi Genius 5.5 shoes strategically packed with chemical toe warmers. To shield his torso, he wore a wool base layer under an Italian long-sleeve racing jersey, and a windproof vest reinforced in front to block freezing gusts and meshed in the back to vent excess heat. On his head, an Assos Fuguhelm racing cap with vents on top to minimize sweating, and a pair of Oakley Jawbones sunglasses. The final touch: a pair of $19 insulated work gloves, coated with beeswax to make them water resistant.

[Keep reading at NY Times]

Prestaratchet by PrestaCycle

Better than keys - in every way!

Prestaratchet advances the art of wrenching bicycles. Consider the irony of using an Allen or Torx® key on your expensive and delicate bike parts. Tools like that come free with un-assembled furniture. Isn't your bike worthy of better? Prestaratchet is faster, safer, less expensive, longer lasting and more comfortable than any key.

Faster

Prestaratchet is always in position to get the whole job done. Spin a loose bolt snug with the thumb-wheel, then tighten with the handle. Flick the reverse lever with the same thumb to loosen. You can operate Prestaratchet with one hand and hold a brake cable with the other. Tighten and loosen as many times as you want to get the perfect cable position - and never move your hand or remove the tool in the process.

Safer

With an Allen or Torx® key, each time you tighten or loosen a bolt – you remove and re-insert the tool multiple times. Twisting, turning and inserting – each time is a chance to get the Allen or Torx® key crooked and damage expensive bicycle bolts. With Prestaratchet's reversible ratchet and thumb-wheel, the tool stays on-the-job without any additional insertions.

Less Expensive

Prestacycle's Bicycle Tool Bit set contains over 20 different tool ends to handle all the latest new components. Price-out the cost of all this tool capability using other more basic tools, and you'll find Prestaratchet's savings are substantial.

Longer Lasting

Eventually the tip of your most commonly-used Allen or Torx® keys can wear out. Then you must replace the whole tool. If it came in a set, getting a match can be time consuming or difficult. With Prestaratchet, you simply replace the bit. The Ratchet handle is made of the finest tool-grade metals and will likely last a lifetime.

More Comfortable

Our handle provides a firm grip and contours to the palm of your hand to eliminate the 'pressure points' common in Allen or Torx® keys.

[PrestaCycle]

Tour de France Champion with Horatio Sanz

Tour de France Champion with Horatio Sanz from Horatio Sanz

Cincinnati’s Velodrome [The Brighton Bicycle Club]

Aerial view of Chester Park

In 1895 the cycling community of Cincinnati was excited to hear of plans to build a cement bicycle track in Chester Park; a popular entertainment destination located off of Spring Grove Avenue. The track was to have dressing rooms and training quarters for the cyclists.

A popular route for cyclists out of downtown, Spring Grove Avenue follows the Mill Creek, passes through Carthage and Elmwood Place, and continues on to Hamilton. J.E. Poorman’s annual road race from Hamilton Ohio to the Winton Place area would now be able to arrive and take a turn around the velodrome.

[Keep reading at The Brighton Bicycle Club]

Bon Ton Roulet is July 21-27, 2013 - Tour the Finger Lakes Region

July 21-27, 2013

Registration is now open!

Click here for the 2013 Registration Form

The Bon Ton Roulet is a seven-day bicycle tour through the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New York State.  Our fully supported tour takes cyclists from wide open farm fields, past stunning overlooks of our lakes, to cavernous water-carved gorges.  You’ll also enjoy an area of the country that’s as rich with National Historic Sites as it is award winning wineries.

Our tour has been called a “luxury” ride in the cycling industry because of the conveniences we provide our riders!  Breakfast, dinner, rest stops, fully supported, entertainment… and the list goes on!  Best of all, these great luxuries are offered at a cost that 95% of past riders have ranked as a good value!

The Long Route appeals to those riders who love the challenge of a 65-75 mile ride per day at a pace that’s typically quicker then most.  The Regular Route, typically 45-50 miles per day, tends to attract newer riders and those who plan on spending the day leisurely browsing the markets and attractions along the way.  Many riders even switch back and forth between the Long and Regular route during the week, making the Bon Ton the perfect tour!

[Bon Ton Roulet]

[LA] Bicycle Parking Ordinance Has Passed! [LADOT Bike Blog]

Expect to see more of this!

The LADOT Bike Program is happy to report that the Los Angeles City Council has passed the long awaited Bicycle Parking Ordinance. This will mean better bicycle parking standards citywide at commercial, industrial and residential-type locations. The ordinance includes a number of forward-thinking changes  including:

• Formal definitions for different types of bike parking 
• Better standards for the different types of bike racks including long-term and short-term bicycle parking
• Improved standards for where bike racks are located on a property
• Clearer  requirements for short-term and long-term bike parking.
• Provisions allowing car parking to be swapped for bike parking for up to 20 percent of total automobile parking for non-residential uses or up to 30% near Transit Oriented Developments (TODs). Residential buildings would be able to swap up to 10% of their car parking, and even higher if located within 1,500 feet of a transit facility, up to 15%. This exchange would occur at a rate of four bike parking spaces, per automobile space.
• New standards that developments requiring  20 or more long-term bicycle parking spaces will also need to include at least 100 square feet of bicycle repair and maintenance space for residents and employees.
• Permitting a short-term bicycle parking credit to be taken for bike corrals installed in the public right of way.

[Keep reading at LADOT Bike Blog]

Velo—2nd Gear Book

Choosing to ride a particular bike conveys an attitude and a way of life. Velo—2nd Gearilluminates and celebrates contemporary bicycle culture’s diverse scenes. From classic racing bikes to high-tech speed machines, from rough fixies to fashionable city cruisers and hardworking cargo bikes, this book showcases today’s most outstanding and unusual bicycles and their riders.

Velo—2nd Gear not only introduces coveted manufacturers, specialized boutiques, and historical tours. It also explains how each bike-related scene cultivates its own distinct codes through the choice of certain frames, jerseys, caps, or bags or by visiting specific events or key establishments. In doing so, the book shows why, for more and more people, bicycles have now replaced cars as the vehicles that best express their identity.

[Buy it here]

Santa Monica ROAD RAGE video