Florida has the unenvious distinction of being the most dangerous state in the country for bicyclists. zMotion, a bike club in Ft. Lauderdale, has taken matters into their own hands by joining forces with the Florida Department of Transportation and the South Florida Bike Coalition to improve conditions and foster cooperation between road users:
In an effort to increase driver and rider awareness and safety, Team zMotion — a Zimmerman Advertising Team — created the “Ride Right, Drive Right” campaign in conjunction with the Florida Department of Transportation. The campaign’s goal is to make the roads safer and to save lives by building awareness on the part of both motorists and cyclists.
So far, 17 signs reminding motorists and bicyclists of their rights and responsibilities have been installed along A1A between Boca Raton and Manalapan, Florida. The next phase will target Miami-Dade County.
Take your eyes off that bike for a minute and look closely at the golden grass in the background. Notice how it’s all leaning to the left? That’s what meteorologists call “onshore flow”. In other words, it’s cool, refreshing wind coming from the coast. Normally, we get very little onshore flow in August. As a matter of fact, it’s usually stinkin’ hot this time of year in this part of NorCal. Somehow, even though most of the country has been sweltering, we’ve had the mildest summer in memory. Just this morning, the weatherperson on the local news said we’ll be having lots of onshore flow for the remainder of the week. Those two words, uttered in the central valleys of California in the month of August, always bring a smile to this bike commuter’s face.
I’ve never been one to name my bicycles. I certainly don’t see anything wrong with christening a favorite bicycle with an affectionate moniker, but somehow, I’ve always felt too self-conscious to do so. Perhaps my hesitation stems from growing up as a skinny kid in a rough-and-tumble neighborhood where naming a bicycle was sure to draw ridicule from the “tough guys” on the block. Or perhaps it stems from my proclivity to view a bicycle more as a tool, or even an objet d’art, than as a mechanical horse imbued with a personality. In any case, as much as I enjoy my bicycles and truly appreciate them for the mechanical marvels that they are, I’m afraid they’re destined to remain nameless while in my custody. How about you? Do you name your bicycles?
As a follow-up to our Helmet Laws and Bicycle Use post from last week, Richard Masoner interviewed one of the study authors and posted the results on his blog, Cyclelicious.
A couple of weeks ago, we had a lively and interesting conversation here on the blog about the pros and cons of simplified 1×9 derailleur drivetrains. In the post that launched the discussion, I brought up the fact that I rarely, if ever, use anything other than the center chainring on my city bikes:
I’d say that I’m going to give a 1×9 drivetrain a try, but the fact is, I’ve effectively been using a 1×9 drivetrain for a number of years. You only have to look at my crank to see what I mean; the outer ring was replaced with a chainguard long ago, and the inner ring has zero wear on it. I do plan on replacing the triple with a single crank, if for no other reason than to make it official.
Well, yesterday afternoon I “made it official” by swapping the Sugino XD2 “Quickbeam” crank and 110mm Shimano UN54 bottom bracket on my LHT for a Sugino RD2 track crank (for 3/32″ chain) and 103mm Sugino BB-103 bottom bracket. Because I’d already removed the front derailleur and shifter/cable, there was nothing to do other than swap the BB and crank. It certainly wasn’t necessary to replace the crank, but I no longer had a need for a double or triple on this bike, and track cranks provide a few advantages:
Track cranks are lighter than doubles or triples. This is the most often cited, but least important reason for swapping cranks as far as I’m concerned.
Track rings are less likely to cause chain derailment. Because most chainrings designed for doubles and triples have a small number of shortened teeth to improve upshifting, at least in theory, they’re more likely to cause chain derailment. Honestly, in practice I haven’t found this to be the case (I’ve yet to drop a chain on a road bike set up sans front derailleur), but it’s something to be aware of if you’re running a double or triple sans derailleur and regular derailments become an issue.
Track cranks have lower Q-factors than doubles or triples. This is the big one, and it’s certainly the most compelling reason to run a dedicated 1×9. Q-factor (aka “tread”) is defined as the horizontal width of the cranks measured from the outside to the outside (where the pedals attach). The lower the Q-factor, the narrower the distance between the rider’s feet, and the less strain there is on hips, knees, and ankles. A low Q-factor places the legs in a more natural position, and because we walk with our hips, knees, and feet in vertical alignment, it’s not really possible to have a Q-factor that’s too low. Besides providing this significant ergonomic advantage over double and triple cranks, low Q-factor cranks also provide more pedal clearance while cornering.
I’m happy to report the swap went without a hitch and the new crank looks fabulous. On the 103mm BB, the chainline is 45mm, which perfectly aligns the chainring with the center of the rear cluster (see above). The major plus is that the Q-factor dropped by a full 20mm, from 165mm with the XD2, down to 145mm with the RD2. This is not an insignificant difference, and I’m sure my worn out knee will be thanking me for it in the coming months.
The only remaining question is what, if anything, to do about a chainguard. Because I don’t like the feel of my pant cuff rubbing a chainguard on every pedal stroke, I often ride with a cuff strap anyway, so I’m going to go without a guard for the time being and see how it works out.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Momentum Magazine # 48
The Photography Issue
Seeking high resolution, professional quality images capturing the cycling zeitgeist of 2010.
In November 2010 Momentum will publish a “year in pictures” photography issue that will tell the biggest cycling stories visually.
We are looking for the highest quality images to portray the current moment in the evolution of North American urban cycling – culture, style, advocacy and fun.
Our friends over at Whitworth Cycles are celebrating their one year anniversary this Saturday, August 14th, from noon ’til 7pm. Live music will be provided by Good Question, Be Brave Bold Robot, Hot Tar Roofers, and the Harley White Jr. Orchestra, with libations by Sudwerks and Two Rivers Cider Co. Proceeds from the event will benefit Concerts 4 Charity and Nor Cal AIDS Challenge 2011.
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