September 17th, 2008

Brompton 6-Speed Wide Range Hub

Brompton is now offering a wide-range 6-speed internal gear hub as an option on all their models. Manufactured by Sturmey Archer, it will replace their current SRAM 6-speed hub. The new BWR, as they’re calling it, would make a nice upgrade for those who are currently running the S-A 3-speed or the SRAM 6-speed (which has a narrower range).

From the Brompton press release:

The new configuration for 6-speed Bromptons will feature a wide-range hub of our design, manufactured by Sturmey Archer; the present 6-speed arrangement, employing a SRAM hub, will be discontinued from 1 January 2009. We believe that the Brompton Wide Range Hub [BWR], together with Brompton’s derailleur system, sets a new standard in folding bike gearing systems. It offers:

  • An evenly-stepped gear range (302%) that is comparable to the leading 8-speed hubs; but
  • It uses only a single epicyclic gear train (instead of three), thereby maximising efficiency;
  • At 0.94kg, it weighs almost half as much as other hub gears;
  • It comes in the same small package as the current three-speed hub, allowing existing owners to upgrade easily; and
  • It is typically-Brompton: robust and built to last… owners can expect the same reliability as with the classic three-speed hub.

We will be supplying a 16-tooth and a 13-tooth sprocket with the BWR which, with a 50-tooth chain wheel, will give the following distances of travel:

Gear 1: 33.0 gear inches (2.63 metres along the ground)
Gear 2: 40.5 gear inches (3.23 metres travel)
Gear 3: 51.5 gear inches (4.11 metres travel)
Gear 4: 63.5 gear inches (5.06 metres travel)
Gear 5: 81.0 gear inches (6.45 metres travel)
Gear 6: 99.5 gear inches (7.94 metres travel)

This represents a gear range (top gear/bottom gear) of 302%; by comparison, the current SRAM 6-speed arrangement offers a range of 215%. Like our existing 6-speed offering, however, the gearing may be raised or lowered by fitting a 54-tooth (+8%) or 44-tooth (-12%) chain wheel in place of the standard.

[via VeloVision]

September 12th, 2008

A.N.T. Demos For Sale

A.N.T., maker of ultra-deluxe bikes for transportation, just placed a few demo bikes on their “For Sale” page. Get ‘em while they’re hot!

Check it out

September 9th, 2008

It’s Official: He’s Back for 2009

Photo © Vanity Fair

As we sat in our terrace chairs overlooking the manicured vista, Armstrong nervously fingered the yellow band on his wrist. He insisted he had something on his mind. “Something huge,” as he put it. I braced for the worst.

Then, in almost robotic fashion, he said, “I’m going back to professional cycling. I’m going to try and win an eighth Tour de France.”

Read the Vanity Fair interview with Lance Armstrong

September 5th, 2008

Eurobike

Photo © Eurobike

Eurobike, Europe’s largest bike industry show, is currently taking place in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Following are a few reports that are starting to trickle out:


September 5th, 2008

BlueVelo TEAM

BlueVelo is gearing up to release their new TEAM velomobile this Fall:

We are currently scheduling deliveries for our latest model, the TEAM, in October. Based on the Cab-Bike platform, coupled with a new head-out top designed and produced in Canada, this velomobile offers riders loads of storage, an adjustable seat, full suspension, SRAM Dual Drive, and a hinged top for easy entry.

And it can be yours for a paltry $7,450 CDN. ;-) It looks like a sweet machine…

Visit the BlueVelo website

[via 'Bentrider Online]

September 2nd, 2008

Urban Velo #9

Photo © Tyler Neff

Urban Velo #9 hit the streets today.

Download or view Urban Velo on your computer. 100% free, no catch. The browser version features clickable hyperlinks. The PDF version is set up for printing on 8.5″ x 11″ paper, and allows you to zoom in and out.

Visit their download page

August 25th, 2008

700C Stratus LE

Gold Country Cyclery just took delivery of the new Stratus LE XL with 700C rear wheel. From the Gold Country Blog:

The first of the newly designed Stratus LE XL’s has arrived at our shop. This new model sports the same silver/blue paint scheme as the standard size models, but has a redesigned rear triangle to accommodate it’s 700c rear wheel. With that design includes IS disc brake mount for future upgrades. Wheelset has proven Sun CR18 406/700c rims and Shimano Deore hubs. New Continental SportContact slicks (406-28 /700-28) are quite a departure from the Primo Comets.

Brief test riding reveals the new Stratus to be stable and fast! For the moment our retail price is $1490

In my opinion, the Stratus LE is one of the best all-around recumbents on the market and a super value. The 700C rear wheel puts it head-to-head with the Tour Easy.

Gold Country Cyclery

August 20th, 2008

Fuel Prices Fuel Bike Sales

What we already knew intuitively is now official. A new survey out today, published by the Bikes Belong Coalition (an industry group comprised of shops and manufacturers), shows many bicycle retailers are doing very well this year and most think it’s because of high gas prices:

The majority of retailers who responded said their sales of transportation-related bicycles, accessories, and service have increased in 2008 compared to 2007:

  • 73% said they are selling more bikes.
  • 84% said they are selling more accessories.
  • 88% said they are selling more service.

Is this increase in sales because of high gas prices? Most retailers who we surveyed think so:

  • 95% of shops said customers cited high gas prices as a reason for their transportation-related purchases.
  • 80% of retailers said gas prices were helping them sell more bikes for transportation.
  • 86% thought accessory sales were getting a boost.
  • 89% said they were selling more service because of high gas prices.

This is great news; let’s hope the trend continues.

View the survey results

August 15th, 2008

Steve Flagg (QBP) Interview in Dirt Rag

Quality Bicycle Parts (QBP) is the largest distributor of bicycle parts and accessories in the industry. Many of the parts and accessories on the shelves in your local bike shop were probably ordered from QBP, yet interestingly, very few people have heard of them. QBP also owns the Surly, Civia, and Salsa bicycle brands; if you ride a Surly, Civia, or Salsa bicycle, you’re riding a QBP product.

Dirt Rag magazine recently published an interview with QBP founder Steve Flagg. Since QBP is such a powerhouse in the industry, but very few people have heard of them, I thought my readers might be interested in the interview.

Dirt Rag interview with Steve Flagg

August 14th, 2008

New Model from Civia to Debut at Interbike

Civia, makers of high-end commuter bikes, is introducing a new steel-framed model at Interbike this year. Designed as a short distance transportation bike, it will have an increased load carrying capacity with front and rear racks as standard equipment. The frame geometry and ergonomics will be more relaxed than their flagship Hyland model (pictured above), but it will sport similar integrated, design-specific componentry. The new model will be available in both 3spd and 9spd specs with prices ranging from $1300-$1700. It’s targeted to hit stores in May 2009.

Specs
Wheel Base: 26″
Frame Geometry: Relaxed
Frame Material: Steel
Fenders: Yes
Rack: Rear and Front
Brakes: Disc
Hubs: Internal Gear

Visit the Civia website

[I should have more detailed specs (and hopefully photos) in late September. —Alan]

August 8th, 2008

Season Tikit

Photo © Vik Banerjee

Vik over at the Tikit to Ride blog is currently testing a prototype Bike Friday Tikit folding bike with an 8-speed Shimano Nexus hub installed. Read all about it here.

August 4th, 2008

Smart Planet Folder Shootout

Smart Planet has posted a quick review of 5 folding bikes. It’s a bit of an odd mix, but it’s nice to see the Mezzo D-10 and Brompton M3L included. As is typical in these shootouts, the Brommie came out on top.

Read the review

August 2nd, 2008

Panasonic Vivi RX 10-S Hybrid

Panasonic is introducing a hybrid hp/electric bicycle that uses braking energy to charge a 10Ah Li-ion secondary battery. In testing, Panasonic found the electric motor extended the bicycle’s range by 25 miles (I don’t know how they arrived at that number but I’m assuming it depends upon how much work the cyclist does). For now the Vivi RX 10-S will only be available in Japan.

[via Gizmodo]

July 28th, 2008

Princeton Tec Swerve

Princeton Tec has a new tail light dubbed the “Swerve” that is designed to compete with the popular Planet Bike Superflash. It features two high-powered LEDs (one with a diffused beam, the other with a focused beam), and two modes (one steady and one flash). It comes with a versatile mount that works on a fork, handlebar, seatstay, or seatpost, and it has a built-in clip for mounting on a helmet, jersey, or seat bag.

The Swerve, with its pair of 0.5 watt LEDS, should be brighter than the Superflash. I’ve seen side-by-side video beam shots comparing the two and it appears the baseline output of the Swerve may be brighter, but the strobe flash of the Superflash is definitely more eye-catching and intense. It just goes to show that there’s more to a light than numbers on a spec sheet. I was planning on picking up a Swerve, but after seeing the beam shots, I think I’ll stick with my Superflash for now. At $24.95 the Swerve is a great deal and a viable alternative, but it doesn’t look like Planet Bike has too much to worry about quite yet.

July 21st, 2008

Trek Go By Bike Challenge

Trek’s Go By Bike Challenge is now underway. Participating is simple:

  1. Go to the Trek 1 World 2 Wheels Website.
  2. Calculate your weekly mileage.
  3. Pledge your miles.
  4. Register to win a Trek 7.2 FX.

Trek is giving away one 7.2 FX bike per day through August 31st. All you have to do is pledge and enter to win.

Click here to enter (or follow the above link).

July 12th, 2008

A.N.T. Light Roadster 2008

Photo © Mike Flanigan

This is the 2008 Light Roadster from A.N.T. Mike Flanigan of A.N.T. calls it “…the best all round bike I have come up with.” I really like the looks of this bike. To my eye it exudes a particularly attractive understated elegance; a perfect blend of old and new. If I was in the market for a custom bike, an A.N.T. roadster would be on my short list.

There’s a more colorful version of this model in antbike’s photostream.

July 10th, 2008

The Guv’nor

Pashley recently launched a new website dedicated solely to their Guv’nor path racer.

View the Site


July 10th, 2008

Cateye Uno

Cateye just announced the availability of their new “Uno” headlight. This looks like a fantastic little LED light that should make a great backup or “be seen” light. Specs as follows:

  • Flashing and constant modes
  • 60  hours run time in flashing mode
  • 15 hours run time in constant mode
  • Runs on 1 AA battery (included)
  • Water resistant
  • 400 Candlepower

Prior to the Uno coming out, my favorite backup headlight was the Cateye EL-410. The Uno is over twice as bright and runs on one AA battery instead of the EL-410’s three AAA batteries. Gotta’ love the ever-greater efficiency we’re seeing with modern LED emitters.

July 9th, 2008

RANS Ride and Carry Cargo System

Randy Schlitter from RANS sent me this preliminary report on the Ride and Carry (RAC) cargo system under development for RANS crank forward bikes.



Ride Report 70808
Date: 7-08-08
Rider: RJS/KAD
Bike:  Dynamik Duo

Testing For:
How the new RAC ( Ride And Carry) system works in the real world.

Conditions: Winds ENE 5 temps 84
Ride Distance:  7.25 miles
Calories: 346 (RJS)
Average V:  10 MPH
Max V: 25.1 MPH
Time:  43:24
Ascent: N/A
Average heart rate: 107
Max. Heart Rate: 133

Findings:
The numbers show we took it pretty easy, simulating an average couple out shopping. The distance ridden was not much, again within average reach. The handling is not affected, in fact the bike responds well with the added load. The downhill was fast, and of course the uphill had the feel of added weight.

The load was about 20 pounds of groceries, or $70 bucks. I wanted to haul a watermelon, and now that I know how well the bags keep shape with a load, we will next time.

I like several aspects of using the RAC on a tandem, it gets both of us shopping, and with some concern on how much we buy, that can mean a couple of things, less spending, and more trips. Note the calories even if double (700) is an example of a good return for the energy invested.

We did stop into a take and bake pizza place with the grocery load onboard. The pizza turned out easy to haul intact, simply letting it “potato chip” a bit worked to allow the pizza to fit inside the bag. If I were hauling a baked pizza in box, taking bungees would be wise, so strapping it to the top deck could be done.

I can see an insulated bag as Kelli our HR person suggest, to keep cool things cool, and maybe a built in bungee system to allow top loading. The RAC is the first proto, and has an open space between the bags, which is great for lifting the rear and droppind the kickstand. We will need to figure another way to drop the kick stand when heavy. Perhaps lifting bar the handle bars on a single seater will work.

Conclusions:
So far great, need more testing and try progressively heavier loads. Need to try how to raise and lower the kickstand with a heavy load.

Production should begin in a few weeks with a target price of $375 and some interesting features:

  • Bags remove easy and fit on either side.
  • Sides have net pockets and double small pockets for reaching down on a single to grab items like keys, phone, wallet.
  • There is an oversized load flap that secures the load when an item or item extend above the bag volume.
  • Reflectors, grab handles abound.
  • The system will include an insulated bag big enough for a gallon of milk.
  • They are hoping for a weight capacity in the 75 pound range. Will confirm with more testing.
  • The rack itself is made of 1″ aircraft aluminum tubing, has two settings for installing on both geometries of their CF’s.
  • They will be available in many colors with complimenting or contrasting trims, and are home-sewn in heavy Cordura at the RANS factory. All made in the USA.

If you have questions, ask away in the comment section below as I know Randy drops in here and I’m sure he’d be happy to provide answers.

July 9th, 2008

Globe Concept

This interesting Globe concept hybrid bike was spotted in the lobby at Specialized Bicycles headquarters, in Morgan Hill, California.

[Uploaded to flickr by hugojcardoso]


 
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