RVA BIKE COMMUTER

Braden discusses the 650B wheelset.

willyjake — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:06:02 +0000

I’ll admit, I’m a retro grouch. No doubt about it if you look at the previous post you’ll see I rock bar end shifters, a leather saddle, and (gasp) a basket. Now, I do have a low spoke count “road” bicycle with integrated shift levers, but of course, it’s lugged steel and probably 30 years old at this point. One retro fad which has taken off in some circles (like Randonnuering, which I enjoy) is a 650B wheelset conversion. In this video Braden explains why it’s a pretty slick concept that can be applied to a bike normally built for 700c wheelsets and provide essentially the same diameter wheel but with a much higher air volume tire. For all you weight weenies out their remember air is free and weighs, well, it’s air. How does this pertain to you, the cycle commuter? Well as I tend to advocate for upcycling or recycling an old frame you already (or your dad or mom) have this could be a convenient way to get that new wheelset you need to get the thing rolling again (and maybe have more than 10 speeds and wheels that stay in true) and be able to fit a tire larger than 23c for example. Many older road frames can’t take a larger tire and probably don’t fit fenders, essential components for a bicycle built for handling mean city streets and all types of weather. Watch this video to see Braden explain some of the benefits of this setup.

New Posts for New Readers

willyjake — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:42:14 +0000

It has recently come to my attention that a FB post was made by a local bike shop highlighting the blog. For all of you who haven’t been here before, welcome! I’ll admit now that I haven’t been either riding very frequently lately or posting either. It seems disingenuous to me to post about cycle commuting when I am riding my scooter into work most days anyway. So much has been going on in the cycle community here in Richmond and I really haven’t been on top of it. I cross Belle Isle most mornings and there is a skills course being planned there, Amy at the city of Richmond has secured some resources for Ciclovia event here in town, and it appears Carytown Bicycles will be moving to a new location as well. For me, well my life is a mess, but I haven’t felt better in months than I did riding in this morning. I saw so much wildlife (watch out says that bird!) and the fog was slowly lifting from the river as usual for this time of year. In addition to that it’s in the 60′s again today. Well, I’ll try to be better about this but to tide you over here are some pictures from this morning which are located in the usual beautiful spot where I snap photos. Enjoy!

Street Scene…Unicorns?

willyjake — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:34:08 +0000

Street Scene- 2 for the New Year

willyjake — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:14:25 +0000

I’ve been a slacker in posting but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been keeping an eye out around town. Here are a couple bikes that I felt should make it onto the street scene (Amy, I know you recognize one of them, please elaborate in the comments section!).

Vintage Schwinn- All Chromed out in Jackson Ward

Surly Super Commuter – City Halls’ most difficult to steal bike.

Happy new year!

willyjake — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:02:30 +0000

So It has been awhile! I know but what can you do when your a busy world traveler with a cycling blog? For me I don’t have any excuses but I’m not trying to make any either. So to begin 2012 and a frigid work week I figured I’d post a video of a wonderful little project you can do from the confine of your warm home with all those extra bicycle spokes you have laying around. Children, don’t try this at home. Adults, please be safe. Disclaimer issued, now proceed!

Nishiki All Rounder

willyjake — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:04:03 +0000

Ultra Short Wheelbase Pug

willyjake — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:55:47 +0000

I don’t think I would recommend this but if your fork faces the wrong way you have an ultra short wheelbase bike.

Bar Scene

willyjake — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:08:08 +0000

After my class last night at the “Y” I strolled over to the nearest watering hole (Pennylane Pub) and spotted this Motobecane Cross-Fixed-Bullhorn Bike….It has everything from 2006 going on for it in one tidy package. I don’t know anything about these frames but it looked to have some decent clearance for tires and canti brakes although I would have gone with a pink frame and black griptape myself rather than this inversely appointed cycle, but what do I know?

Street Scene- Multitrack Trek

willyjake — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:07:17 +0000

Equipped with ample fore and aft (that’s boat talk for front and rear) lighting, riser bars, some knobbly type tires, and what appear to be an upgraded 700c wheelset, this Trek Multitrack 750 has a lot going for it. I always kind of liked the multitrack line of bicycles myself and this lugged steel beauty is no exception. Be proud wise owner for your transportation has now graced these pages, immortalized by the internetz like that cop with the pepper spray. It’s essentially a food product.

Golden Hour

willyjake — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:33:15 +0000