Winter

Things are happening at the bike shop, but it's winter and it's slow going.  I've been meaning to update the blog.  As soon as I organize my thoughts a little better, I will.  Promise, or threat?  Take your pick.

Ride on!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why are bikes so expensive?

It's a question that we get all the time.  My annual eye exam was today, and was making small talk with the .....what would you call her.... Occular assistant?  Anyway, when the topic of my chosen line of work comes up she says "why are bikes so expensive?" My response to her was "They're not". I've gone to this eye doc for years, and I'm sure that there are many in town that are less expensive.  I go to this one because of the service, and quality of care. Your money buys more bike now than it ever has.   So why do people think bikes are expensive?  The price of everything around them goes up in price, yet bike prices should stay the same?  Not logical. I think the real issue is the way people view bikes.  They're considered toys.  Go and try to find one in one of the big box stores.  Know where they are?  Right next to the Barbies. A well made bicycle is a joy to ride, will work as (or better than) you expect it to and last a...
Read more

Selling Cycling

Image
In the late 80's and early 90's I worked for a bike shop that sold Bridgestone bicycles. I'm sure many of you have never heard of them. The small group that made up Bridgestone US turned out some amazing bikes back then. In some cases they swam against the current of popular thinking (which often times produces great results). The public (and bicycle magazines) never fully embraced the brand, and it lasted a short 10 years before the Japanese parent pulled the plug. Going back through the old catalogs I discovered something amazing.  The catalogs were not only trying to sell you their bicycles. In fact, in the 1994 catalog (the last model year) you had to go more than 20 pages in before you got to the first bike! There were stories, and illustrations about how to operate a quick release, how to shift, how frames are made. It struck me that they were selling cycling . I wonder what the business would look like if Grant Peterson (head of Bridgestone US...
Read more

Light Up Your Life

Image
During the fall and winter cycling can become more challenging.  Not always because of the temperature, but because of the lessening amount of daylight. Where you ride will determine what kind of lighting you need.  Here is a compilation of, what I think are, some of the best lights out there today. The Knog Frog, and Glo/Ember set from Bontrager.  Single LED lights that are pretty darn bright.  They will allow you to been seen.  Less than 30 bucks will get you front, and rear blinky lights.  You're safer already. Bontrager Flare 1/Ion 1.  For those that would like a more traditional light set up.  A bit brighter, but still more a "be seen" set up. The Planet Bike Blaze.  A 2 watt powerhouse.  Two constant light levels, plus Superflash.  This light will let you see a bit of the road.  Also check out the Bontrager Ion 2.  Both great lights. The mother of all rear blinky lights.  Planet Bike Superf...
Read more