The demo cargo bike gets a new drivetrain

I decided to try and expand the gearing on the shop demo bike to see how it rides with a lower and wider gear range. The Sturmey Archer XRD-C will give me the chance to run a low 11-34t 9spd cassette while retaining the wonderful drum brake that works so well on this bike. I have a good feeling that this gearing will really open up the bike's range and will make it more fun to ride back up those hills after going on an ice cream run with the boys. Check out the size of that flange! The cassette is pretty massive as well although not very heavy :)

Vice is Nice

Christmas in July? More tools arrived for the shop today. I'm picking up the odds and ends of tools that I needed/wanted. I was in desperate need of a better vice though, and now it has arrived. This one will be handed down to the grandkids for sure. Seems like bike people prefer a Wilton over other vices based on what I've seen in people's shops. Having used one in the past, I had no regrets ordering this item aside from the price...

Maine Bike Rally

Many thanks to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for helping to put on the Maine Bike Rally event in Fryeburg. I had the pleasure of spending a sunny afternoon with like minded cyclists and shared a tent with Chris Gardiner of Frank Bikes fame. Check out his nice custom bikes at: http://www.youarefrank.com/ He was even generous enough to donate a frame to the BCM raffle! It was nice to meet and talk with people who were interested in using their bicycles for transportation purposes, including an Xtracycle rider who had his bike set up with a 400watt Ezee hub motor kit. It was a blast to ride, and really helped to firm up my decision about purchasing a motor assist kit for my own personal Xtracycle.

Rethinking "Weather"

After 20 plus days of rain this month, I've been riding here and there in the inclement weather and having fun doing it. I read something recently that reminded me that there is no such thing as "bad" weather. It simply is what it is. For most people, anything that is not sunny and warm is regarded as "bad". I've been riding in the wet stuff a lot this month and have enjoyed it. I found that if I went out with the expectation of getting cold and wet, then any riding I did usually exceeded my expectations. Oh yeah, riding a bike is fun! Splashing through puddles is a great way to take life a bit less seriously.

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!