Case 1: Looking good with axle pegs – via Soul Side Down
Case 2: Make her do the work - via Amsterdam Bicycles
Posted by: jfink | October 9, 2007
How to Carry Your Girlfriend
Posted by: jfink | October 6, 2007
MiXtreme
I really like mixte frames. Sculpturally, they feel right. Your eye follows twin top tubes down from the handlebars, past the seatpost, joining up at the rear wheel. The path of those two tubes summarizes all that’s important in a bicycle.
But, I can’t get myself to ride one. I know that they are unisex. But really. Come on. It feels like the bike equivalent to wearing one of those fashion-forward tight suits.
So, I was really happy to see this rugged looking mixte by Clockwork Bikes. It’s like a BMX with grace. Nice one!
Posted by: jfink | October 5, 2007
Monkey vs. Crab
Possibly a new recurring feature for the Lookabout blog: Product reviews written by a Monkey and a Crab. Today, we introduce the characters.
Lou says:
When it comes to bikes I like new things. Basically for two reasons:
First, I am pretty much just a like a monkey. I like shiny things. There is no denying the fact that on the evolutionary scale of things I have seen little or no advancement when it comes to shiny things. They excite me and if I could swing from a tree when I see them I would.
Second, I suck at a working on bikes. I mean, basic maintenance is not a problem but when it comes to a fixed gear conversion project or rigging up something on the bike to save a little money I can guarantee you that it will take me twice as long, cost me four times as much and expand my profanity vocabulary exponentially – not necessarily a bad thing. And even if I do successfully complete a project I am way too neurotic to not let those clicking-rubbing-jangling noises bug the hell out of me and make me feel like I screwed something up along the way.
The solution: Buy new stuff!
Jamie says:
I’m suspicious of new things. And the people who sell them. And the reasons that people want them.
When I buy some new gear, I can expect days of anxiety leading up to the purchase, and then days of remorse afterwards. “Is this the right part? Will it fit? Is it stylish? Is it too trendy? Is that a good price? Should I buy it online? Should I buy it locally? … Damn! I should have bought that other one.”
But that’s my problem. The problem with the gear itself is that there’s no life in it. It’s too perfect. It has no character. Used gear may be shabby and unreliable, but most of my friends are shabby and unreliable, too. That’s what I like about them.
So, if I stick with the animal analogies, I suppose that I’m a little like one of those hermit crabs. Happy as hell to take someones cast-off shell and make it my own. It might look a bit beat, and may not fit quite right, but it’s mine and I’m proud of it.
To be continued…
Posted in Bike, Gear, Lookabout, Philosophy
Posted by: jfink | October 2, 2007
DIY “Otis” Three Speed
The Swobo “Otis” is the best new bike design I have seen in a while. Modern without looking trendy. Classic without looking retro. Utilitarian and stylish. Nice going, Ms. Yaeger!
If I wanted to spend $700 on a bike, I would send it right to you. However, I just can’t do it. Sorry.
For Lookabout readers only, here’s a secret formula:
Mountain Bike from the 90′s + Three Speed Coaster Brake Hub = “Otis”
Yup. Salvaged 80′s road bikes inspired a generation of Fixies. Salvaged 90′s mountain bikes will launch a fleet of Three-Speeds. Here’s why:
- Horizontal drop-outs - Get your beautiful chain tension with no derailer.
- Rugged steel frame – Re-space your rear triangle. Dent your frame. Watch it rust. It’s indestructible!
- 94% as minimalist as your Fixie - One cable for the shifter is all that’s required.
- Maintenance-free gears – Tired of spinning-out on downhills? Shift up, why dontcha?
- Back-pedal Coaster-Brakes - Feel 8-years old again.
P.S. to Brad Quartuccio: In Issue #3 of Urban Velo you hint at a “hare-brained” project involving a three-speed hub. Let us in on the secret, guy!
Tell you what. I’ll go first. And describe how I made it…
Posted in Bike, Books, DIY, Gear, Philosophy
Posted by: jfink | September 25, 2007
Cousin Littlejohn: A Bike Ride
I like islands as much as the next guy, but getting to them is another story:
Kid Fink and I took a ride out to Peaks Island a few weeks ago. We brought our bike out on the Casco Bay Lines ferry. $7.50 for me. $6.00 for my bike!
And for that handsome fee, I got to stash my bike under the stairs where it wouldn’t be in the way. What?!
I’m outraged! Furious! I’m more than furious. I’m infurious!
Forget them. I’ll ride my bike to the islands…
Cousin’s Island and Littlejohn Island are a couple of small islands off the coast at Yarmouth. They are connected by bridges, so your bike is the only transport needed. Only 15 miles from Portland. How can you go wrong? The ride features:
- Back Cove – The worlds greatest tidal pool.
- Route 88 - Get your kicks on a classic coastal ride.
- Mackworth Island - Ride out to the harbor on a wooden bridge.
- Ledge Cemetery – Spooky burying grounds!
- City views from a highway overpass - Somehow, always thrilling to me.
Download a printer-friendly PDF of the map here. More photos, too.
Posted by: jfink | September 19, 2007
Ride Along with The Smiths
Posted by: jfink | September 15, 2007
Urban Remix
It’s always inspiring to see people re-interpreting their city. Celebrating all those odd little locations that don’t make the visitor’s guide. Getting off the tour bus and out of the Duck. Pointing out details that might otherwise be seen as junk. Or maybe not seen at all.
- City Running Tours - Jog your way around New York, Chicago, DC…
- Walks of a Lifetime - These audio tours by National Geographic turn walking the city streets into a guided museum tour.
- Urban Hike - Tour Pittsburgh like a native.
- Urban Curators - Reframing Providence in a new way.
- Seventy-Six Cumberland - I kinda know this guy. Peter rents out a funky little apartment with a sprawling backyard garden. He thinks that neighborhoods are more interesting than hotels. He’s right.
As the Maine weather gets colder, and the natural scenery turns brown and gray, my world gets smaller. Expect more “Portland-centric” rides featuring the little things: sunsets, murals, hill climbs, vistas, pavé…
Posted in Bike, Lookabout, Maine, Philosophy, Winter
Posted by: jfink | September 10, 2007
Portland to Pier Fries: A Bike Ride
A bicycle that runs on Pier Fries? Impossible! It can’t be done!
Defying all physical laws, we bring you this loopy ride from Portland to Old Orchard Beach. And back.
Download a printer-friendly PDF of the map.
It’s the scenic route, featuring:
- Views of the Fore River - Can’t get enough of that bridge.
- A door that goes nowhere – Just for kicks, I suppose.
- Higgins Beach - A surf spot in the classic tradition.
- Scarborough Marsh - The world’s greatest salt marsh.
- Beals Ice Cream – Two words: Almond Buttercrunch.
- Bayley’s Lobsters – If Pier Fries aren’t enough for you.
- Tacky trinkets - Maybe pick up a new handlebar ornament?
- A Ferris Wheel – Just like a bicycle wheel, only bigger.
- 17 miles out. 13 miles back. - Prime numbers. Whoa.
Here are some more photos. And some further explanation, if you like.
Posted by: jfink | September 2, 2007
DIY Like-A-Bike “Lowrider”
I wanted so badly to get the Target Like-A-Bike, that I was willing to overlook all kinds of details. Like the fact that it was way, way, way too tall for my 2-year-old son. To fit him, we needed a “low-rider”.
But, with a little perseverance we could get that thing lowered, right? Besides, it’s made of wood! In the worst case, couldn’t we just saw it off?
In the end, the easiest approach was to change out the very nice wheels (wooden rims with 12-inch pneumatic tires) for some small, cheapo lawnmower wheels. I was able to get everything I needed at Maine Hardware. A pile of nylon spacers and some 6-inch wheels did the trick.
Or, you could probably get even better parts at McMaster-Carr. These rubber tired wheels (Part No. 2331T11) would work just fine. A couple of nylon spacers (Part No. 94639A081) will allow you to step up from the 1/4-inch axle provided to the 1/2-inch bore on the wheels. Add some washers (Part No. 90295A187) to center your new wheel in the bike frame, and it’s ready to go.
The bike has been sitting in the corner of the living room all summer, waiting for Kid Fink to get up the nerve to try it out. This was the week. We rode in the driveway, down to the store, and down the hill. “Zooming!”
Posted by: jfink | August 23, 2007
Bikes vs. Hurricanes
An open letter to the guy who found Lookabout by searching for “Can I go by bicycle in 2 caterogy hurricane?”
Dear Guy,
You are my new hero. If you are “brave” enough to ask the question, then you have what it takes to ride headlong into a hurricane.
The Saffir-Simpson scale defines Category Two as:
Storm surge generally 6-8 feet above normal. Some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Considerably gnarly singletrack cycling.
Here is a list of some equipment you might find useful on your ride:
- Puncture free tires – for rafts of sharp debris
- Windshield - save some money and make your own
- Rain Cape and Fenders – stay dry, even in an 8-ft storm surge
- Laminated Beaufort Scale – for a poetic windspeed reference
Or, jibe downwind at 96-110 mph on a Pterosail. If anyone can do it, you can.
Have fun. Stay hydrated.
Love,
Lookabout.
Posted in Bike, Gear, Philosophy
