Hobbies in an economic downturn

With this current economic downturn, it seems that people need their hobbies more then ever.  Everyone needs an outlet for their stress, and cycling is a great way to get outdoors and vent some of the pressure of modern living.  As an added bonus:  It's healthy, and can be economically practical all at the same time.  Feel good, have fun, live well and save money by not driving.  People seem to be getting it, because tune ups and bike sales have not suffered as much in these tough times as other industries have.  Viva la Velorution!  

Sold bike photos

I sold a matching pair of Schwinn Collegiate bikes.  A his-and-hers pair.  With brand new tires and a full tune up they were in perfect condition.  I buffed the chrome with some #oo steel wool and they were looking better then new.  They were rust free bikes from Texas, ready for another 25+ years of urban riding.  The other city bike I gave away for a paltry $25.00 simply because I like to see people using their alternative transportation on a regular basis.  

Bike Swap fun!

It was a pleasure to meet like minded cyclists as well as old friends at the BCM bike swap.  The opening sales rush from 10am-11am was very intense!  If you did not get there early then you most likely missed out on a great deal.  Thanks to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for putting on another great bicycle swap.  I heard there were almost 2000 people there and they made a lot of money for their bicycle advocacy efforts.  As for me, I had considerable interest in the cargo bike and handed out many business cards to excited cyclists.  

Judging by the prices people were asking for the bikes they were selling, I guess I was not pricing my bike high enough for the market.  My friend and I sold 2 bikes before they even got into the door of the swap.  I guess great bikes at great prices sell fast!  

Great Maine Bike Swap

I'm doing the finishing touches on all the bikes that I'm bringing to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine's Great Maine Bike Swap at USM Portland Gym.  I'm very excited to meet up with old friends, make some new ones, and show off the Cargo bike for the first time.  I'm very curious about how the cycling public in Maine will react to it.  The only person to see it thus far was our neighbor.  She came out of her house with her young son with no shoes or coat on just to stop me as I rode by with my boys in the bike.  She really liked it a lot.  I'm guessing other people will too!

Xtracycle and Cargo Bike

It was finally sunny and warm enough to get out and take pictures.  It was interesting to see that the Xtracycle was almost exactly as long as the Cargo bike.  They are both much more capable then a "normal" bike and each one has the ability to carry all of the "stuff" we tend to have when we move about in a car.  The Xtracycle rides like a regular bike and carries the cargo behind the rider.  The Cargo bike obviously carries the cargo up front.  This changes the design of the bike, but interestingly enough, it still handles and rides much like a regular bike.  After a few minutes of riding, I felt absolutely comfortable with it.  Having owned the Xtracycle for a while now, I'm used to riding it and using it for errands and utility tasks.  It may be the most fun bike I have ever owned and ridden (and I've owned a lot of bikes).  The longer wheelbase and relaxed riding position make it extremely stable and balanced.  The rider has the sensation of sitting "in" the bike rather then "on" the bike.  It is a bike that has continued to surprise me on a regular basis.  

The demo bike is built.

The build up went well, and the bike rides great.  It's amazing that it is so easy to carry so much weight around.  Having cargo in the box actually seems to improve the ride.  Either way the ride is very comfortable.  It's refreshing to ride in such an upright riding position.  No hunching over the handlebars and straining your neck to look down the road.  The bike passed the most important test:  Both my kids love it and my wife also enjoys pedaling it with the kids.  As this one is for shop use, I'll be experimenting with different gearing options and other modifications to test ideas and products out.  

Cargo Bikes have arrived.

The bikes are here.  I'm building up the shop/demo bike tonight.  Pictures and words will follow.