Surly Progress and a Couple of Glitches

We are nearly done building up the Co-Habitant's Surly Cross Check, and here is an update on the progress:

As mentioned previously, we got this frame to build up as a fun off-road bike. We already had the wheelset, Fat Frank tires, handlebars, saddle, pedals, and some other components, making the remaining build fairly easy and financially feasible.

Among the new components we bought were the Velo Orange threadless headset and stem. Though we do not plan to transition to threadless stems, they do make life easier in some respects - such as making it possible to remove the handlebars without redoing the bar tape and lever placement. And as far as threadless stems go, the VO is rather nice looking.

The brass bell is mounted on one of the spacers, which mechanic Jim tapped for us when we were picking up the frame from Harris Cyclery.

The handlebars are only temporarily yellow - Once we shellac them, they will turn caramel to match the saddle. But the bicycle does look kind of cute with them as they are, like an enormous children's toy. The "maiden voyage" was on Easter Sunday, and the colour scheme was certainly appropriate.

We also bought these Velo Orange Grand Cru MK2 cantilever brakes, which I think are just beautiful. Unfortunately, after riding with them for 27 miles the Co-Habitant is not sure whether he is happy with their functionality. In his opinion they do not perform as well as the Tektro cantilever brakes I have on my Rivendell - so he is not sure what to do. It is not a safety issue, since the VO cantis still outperform the old centerpulls he has been using on his Motobecane for the past two years. But he doesn't want to feel as if he is sacrificing performance for looks or "vintageyness," and he thinks that this may be the case here. Has anybody else tried these?

Similarly, he has mixed feelings about the VO metallic braided housing. While beautiful, the brake housing is very stiff and has considerably more friction than the Jagwire we are accustomed to using. I asked about this on bikeforums, and apparently stiffness is a known trait of this particular housing - which is why some avoid it, and others use it only with vintage non-aero brake levers. I wish we had known that before buying and installing the stuff. But now that it's already done, we are trying to determine whether it will perhaps become less stiff over time. Is that a possibility, or just wishful thinking?

The final disappointment is with the fenders, or lack thereof. We had initially ordered the 700Cx60mm Berthoud fenders, which, by all accounts and calculations should have been a perfect fit. The first problem was that the fenders arrived damaged: a crushed box, courtesy of UPS. We filed a damage report and will be returning them, with the hope that the seller will be fully reimbursed. But when examining the fenders, it also seemed quite apparent to us that even had they been intact, they would not fit. In fact, we are genuinely wondering whether the set we received was mislabeled, because they simply don't look like they can clear the 50mm tire.  Now we are confused as to whether to ask for an exchange, or simply return them and try the SKS. The Co-Habitant does not like SKS fenders - but then he was not too happy with the quality of the Berthouds either (what we could see of it based on the undamaged parts) - so we are sort of at an impasse on this one.

These glitches aside, we are extremely pleased with the new Surly Cross Check. It took us only one night to put it together, and in that sense a new frame is much easier to work with than an old one. By contrast, we constantly run into unexpected problems when building up vintage frames, which delays those builds by weeks and sometimes months (this is the case with my give-away touring bike, but more on that later). With the Surly, everything came together as expected, with no installation problems.

On its first ride, the Cross Check performed better than the Co-Habitant expected. He anticipated that it would be more comfortable, but slower than his vintage Motobecane roadbike. Instead, it is more comfortable and faster. He does not feel that the frame is too stiff, as some report, which can of course be due to his size and weight. And he definitely does not feel that the bike is in any way sluggish. As his riding partner, I have to agree: He is faster on the Surly than on the Motobecane. Hmm. We are eager to get the brakes and fenders issue resolved, so that he can ride it more - but so far he is impressed.

Weekly Twitter Redux

Drained from the event we are attending this weekend, my mind is not working well enough to produce a new post just now. But continuing with the tradition started last week, I present to you a compilation of @lovelybicycle utterances - for those who despise the ways of twitter yet want access to my deepest thoughts, which I have taken to expressing there. Enjoy, and I hope your weekend involves more cycling than mine does!

Bella Ciao Superba Give-Away: Last Day to Apply is Saturday!
http://bit.ly/hBjKTS

@CamSatchelCo giving away free satchel to followers

Early, Lugged 'Comfort Bike' with Rear Suspension
http://bit.ly/kXM62e

Jan Heine Provides Details on Bicycle Stability Study;
Researchers Chime In
http://bit.ly/iRQCKf

Mick Jagger on His Condor Bicycle
http://bit.ly/mB9oW3

Tiniest Rear Rack Ever? - via Bilenky Cycles
http://bit.ly/fE0PXm

The Absinthe Bicycle
http://bit.ly/f8uGbJ

Mysterious Beauty, 1900's Wisconsin
http://bit.ly/hbyfYC

1950s Peugeot Swan Frame, Pine & Sage Green
http://bit.ly/eisYFh

(in)Efficiency of Shimano IGHs
http://bit.ly/ee1EGU

Basil Now Offers Boxy Wicker Baskets
http://bit.ly/eUdMWq

New Abici on Let's Go Ride a Bike
http://bit.ly/653xEn

Looking Forward to My Bicycle Fixation Hat
http://bit.ly/goY1lt

Touring the Czech Republic... On an 1895 Safety Bicycle
http://bit.ly/egF9Oj

Private Bike Share in Boston - via Biking in Heels
http://bit.ly/e3Yplq

Le Tigre - Small Wheel Mixte with Balloon Tires
http://bit.ly/guClBr

Stealth Shopper Sneaks "Toxic" Labels On Deodorant - TreeHugger
http://bit.ly/gcSYLu

Oh no... @CyclingPeppy is now on twitter!
Beware of her sly cycling ways.

And if you are in NYC this weekend, don't forget to check out the New Amsterdam Bicycle Show. I am disappointed that I cannot be there and wish them all the best.

PCG Digital Marketing Announces First Ever Passion Award Recipients

PRLog (Press Release)– Apr 29, 2011– Rumson, NJ– PCG Digital Marketing announced the first ever Passion Award recipients at this year's Automotive Marketing Boot Camp that took place in Orlando April 16-18.  This is the first year that the awards have been given out to automotive industry leaders.

The Passion Awards recognized seven outstanding professionals within the automotive community that have made a commitment to excellence and dedicate themselves for the betterment of the automotive community as a whole.

The seven recipients of the 2011 Passion Awards were:

•   Ralph Paglia (Founder of the Automotive Digital Marketing community) •   Jeff Kershner (Founder of DealerRefresh)•   Matt Haiken (Prestige Volvo, NJ) •   AJ Maida (Papa's Dodge, CT) •   Tracy Myers (Frank Myers Auto Maxx, NC) •   Rob Fontano (Marazzi Motors, FL) •   Joe Pistell (Sun Auto Warehouse, NY)

Ralph Paglia and Jeff Kershner, both founders of online automotive communities, were recognized for their efforts in sharing best practices and thought provoking content online to help dealer professionals learn and grow. corsa

The remaining five recipients are dealer professionals that have dedicated themselves to the success of their dealership and the automotive industry in general cadillac href="http://todaynewsmatic.com/category/chrysler">chrysler .

The Passion Awards were created by PCG Digital Marketing and will be handed out annually at the Automotive Marketing Boot Camp conference (http://www.automotivemarketingbootcamp.com).

About PCG Digital Marketing

PCG Digital Marketing (http://www.pcgdigitalmarketing.com) is a full service digital marketing agency that serves the Automotive Industry.  PCG is nationally recognized car news as a leader in Automotive Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and automotive digital marketing.  

Brian Pasch, CEO and founder of PCG Digital Marketing is an active blogger, writer and speaker at automotive conferences, 20 Groups and digital marketing forums.  PCG Digital Marketing is also the creator of the Automotive Website Awards, which recognizes the best automotive websites platforms based on their search marketing effectiveness, the Digital Marketing Strategies Conference and Automotive Marketing Boot Camp.

Media Contact: Carrie Hemphill PCG Digital Marketing 732-450-8200 ext 2 carrie@pcgmailer.com

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

On Weddings and Bicycles

[image via BEG Bicycles]

We are going to a wedding this weekend, where I don't expect to encounter any bicycles. But increasingly, bicycles and weddings are becoming an iconic combination - seen on wedding photographer and bicycle manufacturer websites alike. What is it about weddings and bicycles? There is, of course, the ever-popular Daisy Bell song, which keeps the association alive. Plus, the start of "cycling season" corresponds with the start of "wedding season." And while I put these in quotation marks, because both getting married and riding a bicycle are things that can be done year-round, any wedding photographer and bicycle shop owner will tell you that they get most of their business in April through October. Spring symbolises renewal, optimism, and a fresh start - which is appealing to cyclists and newlyweds alike. 

[image via Retrovelo and Velorution]

Would you believe that in 2010 I received half a dozen emails from readers asking for bicycle suggestions for their weddings? One couple was looking specifically for a vintage tandem, others were hoping to find matching cruisers, and one inquiry came from a wedding planner who was looking to rent several dozen bicycles, so that the entire wedding party could ride them. A wedding peloton? Would love to see that. I even know of a couple who are planning to purchase a black roadster and a cream lady's roadster from the same manufacturer. They will ride them for the first time at the wedding, then continue to use them for everyday transportation. I think that's an exceptionally cute idea - but then I love "his and hers" bicycles.

[image via Arnout Groen Photography]

Last May, I tried my hand at professional wedding photography. It was a large wedding, but I would be working with two other photographers, so how difficult could it be? Well, oh my goodness! Without exaggeration, I was on my feet from 12:00 noon until 12:00 midnight with a 15 minute break for dinner. By the end, I was dehydrated, delirious, could hardly see straight and nearly sprained my wrists from holding up the heavy camera with enormous telephoto lens and flash unit. Things were spilled on me and my toes were stepped on. I dealt with drunken guests. I dealt with screaming children. I dealt with drunken guests holding screaming children... In short, yikes. The photos came out well, but I learned that I am not a wedding photographer - at least not of the sort of large and tightly choreographed weddings that have been popular in the US over the last couple of decades.

[image via Sheldon Brown]

But an interesting trend I observe, is that over the past years there has been a move away from the exuberant, stressful weddings and toward something simpler, more spontaneous and more tranquil. To some extent, I am sure this is due to the economy. But I also think that the trend reflects a change in priorities: It's the same desire for the simpler, the more natural, and the more genuine that we see across a wide range of lifestyle choices, from food selection, to interior design and home decor, to transportation. This May, an acquaintance of mine will be getting married and I happily agreed to be the photographer. It will be a tiny, unscripted ceremony involving a tandem bicycle, and I can't wait.

Tameron Hyundai Announces Hyundai Taps Power Of Groupon For Service Leads

PRLog (Press Release)– Apr 28, 2011– Continuing to explore new and innovative ways to connect drivers and dealerships, bmw y/dodge">dodge 1,323 shoppers took advantage of Hyundai's weekend-long Groupon promotion for a $29 oil change, inspection and tire rotation offered by 10 Chicago-area Hyundai dealers. Chicago-based Groupon uses collective buying power to develop daily deals on a wide range of consumer items in more than 500 markets around the world. This was the first-ever promotion by an automaker.

"We're always looking for in rc helicopter and car market place novative ways to build dealers' service business. Our Central Region team and a number of Chicago dealers recognized the power of Groupon to offer a compelling deal and generate new service leads," said Brian O'Malley, general manager of Hyundai Motor America's Central Region.  "Based on initial response, we can clearly call the pilot program a success in driving traffic. If the long-term results are as encouraging as the initial data and dealers are supportive, we'll certainly look at other ways to use Groupon in the future."

The first-of-its-kind promotion by an automaker was piloted to test the level of acceptance, gauge interest from both Hyundai owners and non-Hyundai owners, and drive ongoing business to Hyundai service center corsa s. The 10 dealerships participating in the trial averaged more than 130 new service customer leads each. As coupons are redeemed and appointments scheduled, Hyundai will track these customers to determine the promotion's long-term benefit and share the results with Hyundai dealer organizations as a case study on innovative tactics to build business.

Visit Tameron Hyundai's web page for service coupons today!!!! www.tameronhyundai.com

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

Europe doubles the share of renewable energy in a decade

PRLog (Press Release)– Apr 28, 2011– The share of renewable energy in the EU has almost doubled over the past decade, from 5.4% to 9% between 1999 and 2009, while the proportion of energy provided by oil, solid fuel and nuclear all fell over the same period. These were the findings released this month by EU statistic produced by Eurostat at the start of EU Sustainable Ener audi gy Week.

All 27 member states increased their share of renewable energy over the period, with the largest increases coming from Denmark, where the renewable sector grew from meeting 8% of energy demand to 17% by 2009.

Similarly, Sweden increased its share of renewable energy rise from 27% to 34%, while Germany's renewables sector quadrupled in size from 2% to 8% of total energy capacity. Besides, new figures for 2010 in Germany reveal that renewable sources accounted for 16.9% of the country's gross electricity consump dodge tion last year, a four-fold increase over the previous 20 years.

Meanwhile, European Wind Energy Association figures released in January suggested that overall renewable capacity rose 31% last year, and green generation technologies, including wind, solar, hydro and biomass, accounted for 41% of all new energy installations.

The Spanish Wind Energy Association, Asociación Empresarial Eólica (AEE), announced late last month that wind not only chevrolet produced the most electricity in its history over the month, but generated more power in Spain than any other technology, including nuclear, combined cycles and hydro. AEE sai buick d that with a total production of 4,738GWh, March's wind power generation could cover the whole monthly consumption of Portugal.

The UK's share of renewable energy rose from 0.9% in 1999 to 3% cent in 2009, still well short of its target of 15% by 2020.

Although renewables were the main source of electricity in only two member states, Latvia and Sweden, renewable energy capacity has been steadily increasing across the continent in response to the EU target requiring the share of renewable energy across this area to reach 20% by 2020.

The statistics are the latest in a series of figures to provide evidence that Europe's renewable energy sector is progressing from one success to another.

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

Long Island Custom Motorcycle paint, custom automotive paint airbrushed murals and More!

PRLog (Press Release)– Apr 27, 2011– Airbrushed Events has been your Creative chevrolet Source for Entertainment since 1996. Our services includes Airbrush Favors,Tattoos, Body Art, Party Props, as well as Custom Paint for Automotive, Custom Motorcycle Paint & Airbrush Murals, Water toys, and anything that has a surface. The quality of work and our ability to incorporate the latest trends has amazed our far more than satisfied clients. Airbrushed Events of Long Island New york has als alfa romeo o created large murals for businesses, theatre, and childrens rooms.

Airbrushed Ev car news ents Long Island Airbrush Artists travels throughout the New York, Long Island, New Jersey, and Conneticut Areas, we have a team of over 20 artists. From 30 guests to 5000 guests, we offer fun, respect and loyalty, never losing sight that we are an integral part of your event.

http://www.airbrushedevents.com&# chrysler 13;

Airbrushed Events New York Airbrush Artists travels throughout the New York, Long Island, New Jersey, and Conneticut Areas, refinishing all types of automobile, motorcycles and water toys. We are the in-house art department for over 55 Body shops, custom hot rods, motorcycle retailers, both American and imports.

If you are interested in hiring Airbrushed Events for your event or would like more information, contact us. A representative will contact you within 24 hours to help you get your event started.

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

Market Report, "Romania Autos Report Q2 2011", published

PRLog (Press Release)– Apr 27, 2011– Sales in Romania have been hit heavily by the global financial crisis, and this trend does not look like it will let up dramatically. A combination of tightening credit and increased taxes look set to stop any major growth of new car sales. These forces combined with limited consumer spending and high levels of debt will affect the sales results of FY10 and through into 2011. Last year saw total vehicle sales total 146,543 units, with BMI forecasting sales to reach 185,710 by 2015.

Romania faces another year of fiscal austerity in 2011, adding to the painful consolidation programme already introduced in 2010. With this in mind, we do not expect the Romanian economy to bounce back strongly from a 1.9% contraction in 2010, and forecast real GDP to rise by just 2.1% in 2011 - compounding the budgetary challenge facing the government. Recovery in the autos sector could be hampered after the Romanian government decided to raise the country's pollution tax by up to 45-50% starting from January 1 2011. BMI sees the regulation has an attempt to clamp down on the import of used cars into the country as well as increase the penetration of low carbon emitting vehicles there.

Laszlo Borbely, Romanian Minster of Environment and Forests, revealed that the pollution tax payable will be primarily based on the engine capacity of the car and its age, and will be progressive for vehicles older than 10 years. The need for such a clause is due to the fact that more than half of the nearly 120,000 cars imported into the country during 2010 were aged older than 10 ye aston martin ars. As such, the highest pollution tax has been slammed on cars older than 20 years and equipped with 3,200cc non-Euro engine. It is estimated that on average the used car segment will bear nearly a 50% increase in pollution tax.

Despite these wider problems, Dacia is still performing. Increased demand in its major export markets meant 2010 marked the sixth consecutive year of output growth for Dacia Automobile, local news source zf.ro has reported. The company reportedly exported 300,000 vehicles, worth EUR2.5bn, last year, helping it achieve nearly a 15% y-o-y rise in production, to 340,000 units, during the year. With the overall European market down almost 5% y-o-y during 2010, Dacia's production growth highlights the success of the Romanian brand and bodes well for the company's strategy to significantly reduce its reliance on the domestic Romanian market. More importantly, however, these results make Dacia an exception to BMI's long-standing view that impending emission regulations in Europe will curb demand for sport-u acura tility vehicles (SUVs) in the region.

For more information or to purchase this report, go

Domestic Bike Share

In an unexpected turn of events, the Co-Habitant has hijacked the Urbana bike that's temporarily in my possession. Well, not hijacked exactly. It's more like we now share it. I keep the bike locked up outside, which makes it considerably more convenient to use than my other bikes, and one day it just happened. "Listen," he said, "I don't feel like dragging my Pashley out. Can I take that bike on a quick errand?" Somewhat surprised that he was willing to be seen riding a U-frame, I replied "Sure, just use the quick relea..." But didn't get to finish, as it only took seconds for him to adjust the seatpost.

The Co-Habitant is just over 6' tall, whereas I am 5'7", but making the adjustment back and forth is easy.

I rode a bike with a quick release seatpost in Austria in early 2009, but found the lever to be stiff and difficult to use. My experience with the Brompton quick release was similar. In comparison, the lever on the Urbana bike is smooth and easy to operate.

And so, this is now our shared errand bike - though he rides it a bit differently from the way I ride it. Why do I suspect that this whole "errand" business was just an excuse to practice curb hopping?

It's pretty weird to see pictures of us both riding the same bicycle. I am of course more upright, because the saddle is lower.

Despite the U-frame, I don't think the Urbana looks "feminine." The Co-Habitant says that he does not feel self-conscious riding it, and just sees it as a practical utility bike.

As a result of this experience, I've changed my mind about the usefulness of bicycles with adjustable unisex designs - such as the Workcycles FR8, the Urbana, and similar concepts (fill me in - what are the other popular bikes that allow for this?). I did not think we would have a need for a joint bike and I did not plan to share the Urbana, yet here we are both using it. For us, the aspects of the bike that make sharing it easy are the quick release seatpost, the low stepover U-frame, the ability to carry loads with minimum fuss, and the durability that allows it to be kept outdoors and within easy reach. A domestically shared errand-bike can be a worthwhile addition to any cycling household.

When Cyclists Complain About Cyclists

[image via Copenhagenize]

Spring is here and the number of new cyclists is multiplying rapidly. It's fantastic to see so many people in Cambridge and Somerville going about their day on two wheels, as if this were entirely normal and natural - which of course it is. But with more bicycles on the roads, this is also the time of the year for complaints: motorists complaining about "scofflaw cyclists" and cyclists themselves complaining about "newbies."

While motorist hostility is nothing new or surprising, there is somewhat of a debate in the bicycle blog world as to whether it's right for cyclists themselves to criticise other cyclists' behaviour. On the one hand, when cyclists don't follow traffic laws and behave recklessly, they not only "make all of us look bad," but actually endanger us. The biggest example of this that I experience in Boston, is when I am intentionally riding toward the left of the bike lane in order to avoid the door zone, and a cyclist passes me on the right. I have also had cyclists nearly crash into me as a result of their running a red light: Ironically, those who do so tend to watch out for cars but not for other bicycles. Naturally, I find such actions disconcerting. I feel no common bond with those who jeopardise my safety - regardless of what mode of transportation they are using.

But when cyclists criticise other cyclists, I wonder about its overall effectiveness. Do the scofflaws feel shamed and curb their transgressive behaviour in response to the critical rants of law-abiding cyclists? Or is it more likely that they carry on just as before, and it's the timid, fledgling cyclists who are scared off from even trying to navigate such a treacherous landscape? This is what I was thinking while reading this post on BostonBiker this morning. While I actually agree with most of the points the author made, the tone just seemed so hostile. It also made me uneasy that the author criticised "new cyclists" - while themselves having only begun cycling this past winter. I have been cycling for over two years in Boston, including winters, and still consider myself to be fairly new at it. While I am safe, law-abiding and friendly, I am not perfect and sometimes make mistakes despite my best intentions. Is there a cyclist ranting about me on their blog because I neglected to signal a right turn last Thursday? A depressing thought.

I would not go so far as to suggest that cyclists must not criticise other cyclists, as part of some Velocipedean Brotherhood Code of Honor. But there has to be a way to discuss these issues in a more constructive manner. Do you complain about other cyclists when you think they are behaving recklessly, or do you opt for a united front? Is there an approach that accomplishes both?

Find Your Favorite NC Kia Dealer on Facebook

PRLog (Press Release)– Apr 25, 2011– Keffer Kia wants to connect with and gain feedback from their customers. In order to do so, the leading NC Kia dealer has launched a new Facebook page where shoppers searching for stylish, safe, and affordable new and used cars ca audi n share their reviews and connect with fellow Kia owners and shoppers.

Friend Your Local NC Kia Dealer

Customers who bought a vehicle from the NC Kia dealer or have had thei chrysler r car serviced at their service center can stay connected with their local dealer. The Keffer Kia dealership's new Facebook page makes it easy for everyone to join in on the fun. Simply visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Keffer-Kia/120055204714421 to start your auto shopping experience today.

The new Keffer Kia Facebook page is more than just a place to meet other North Carolina auto shoppers. Customers and Facebook friends have access to the NC Kia dealer for all of their questions about new and used vehicles, current specials, and available services.

The Keffer Kia Facebook page is also more than just a convenient and enjoyable way to start your auto shopping and owning experience. Not only can customers find out about all of the latest news, cont auto part ests, and events but they can also check out dealership reviews, which are easy to read and write.

As the leading NC Kia dealer, Keffer Kia proudly serves all North Carolina Kia shoppers and owners. With friendly and knowledgeable sales staff to help you find the car of your dreams, Keffer Kia offers unparalleled service and selection. Open seven days a week, Keffer aston martin Kia is conveniently located at 271 W Plaza Drive in Mooresville.

For more information about the Keffer Kia dealership visit their website or call 704-209-9901 today.

About Keffer Kia: Keffer Kia is the #1 Kia Dealer in both North Carolina and South Carolina!

Keffer Kia Mooresville-Charlotte is your #1 choice for new Kia cars, new Kia SUV's, New Kia Vans, Kia 4WD's, as well as Kia Pre-owned Cars and Pre-Owned SUV's, and other used cars in Charlotte and Mooresville

Contact Keffer Kia: 271 W Plaza Dr Mooresville, NC 28117 704-209-9901 http://www.kefferauto.com/

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

Roadie Lads and Lasses: Suggestions for Sunglasses?

Almost as soon as I began cycling long distance, I realised that sunglasses were a must for me - not only to protect against the sun, but also to shield against insects that seemed to be irresistibly drawn to my lashes. When I rode exclusively upright bicycles, I simply wore my regular shades - preferably large ones that covered half of my face. But as I began cycling faster and on roadbikes, those no longer worked so well. Don't know about you, but I find regular sunglasses to be too heavy and also not sufficiently stable when I attempt to wear them on a roadbike. They bounce, slip, and generally feel uncomfortable - even starting to hurt the bridge of my nose and my temples over time.

As someone who is talented at losing sunglasses, I could not imagine buying those expensive ones that bicycle stores sell in glass displays. Instead, I got the cheap ones from the bin at the register (you know the ones, every bike shop has them). These worked somewhat better than regular sunglasses, but they still slipped and felt painful over time. So this summer I think I am ready for the real deal and would appreciate your advice - as I am sure would others seeking this information. I mainly want them to be as lightweight as possible, so that I don't feel them pressing the bridge of my nose and digging into my temples. And, of course, I also want them to be stable while I am cycling fast on a roadbike. There are so many makes and models to choose from - what do the roadcyclists among you wear?

Car Recalls for Nissan and Toyota Continue: Steering Columns and Air Bags Affected

Exelixis, Inc. Investor Investigation over potential Takeover

CopperBridge Media and Afri-Tech collaborate to bring digital marketing to rc helicopter and car market place Africa.

Billy The Kid on The Jimmy Star S < audi a href="http://todaynewsmatic.com/category/alfa-romeo">alfa romeo how - Singer Songwriter Billy Pettinger bmw to Guest April 27 2011

Breast Cancer Awareness Keynote Speaker Hueina Su Connects Negative Thoughts with Emotional Stress

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Star Vanderpump Mad For New Skin Care Line

Get automobile news and garbage compactor

On Living Locally and Seeking Continuity

I was having a political discussion with a friend over email, and in response to something I wrote he replied: "You know, it's really starting to show that you haven't been out of the US in almost a year." Ouch... But the "insult" aside, I realised he was correct: I haven't been out of the country since last July, which is unusual for me. Moreover, we have been without a car since December, making our travel radius limited to cycleable distances. Without explicitly being aware of it, I have transitioned from living "globally" to living "locally," and my friend's insinuation was that this has made me narrow-minded and provincial. Has it? I think not, but I also realise that I don't really care. My quality of life has improved as a result of the changes I've made since last year, and that's difficult to argue with.

We could go on forever debating the "moral" and "social responsibility" implications of living locally vs globally. On the one hand, those who lead lifestyles that rely on air travel are doing a great deal of damage to the environment. On the other hand, one could argue that some international jobs are "important" in their contribution to society, and the scale of this contribution outweighs the degree of environmental damage. But the trouble with these arguments, is that they inevitably lead us to a slippery slope. Who determines what's important? Who has the right to pass that judgment on others, and using what criteria? Are UN workers "good," but fashion reporters "evil"?  Is it "wrong to endanger the environment" by traveling to Shanghai just for fun, or is that outweighed by the positive effect of experiencing another culture, growing more tolerant and open-minded as a result? Impossible to say, without imposing our subjective sense of logic on others' sovereignty, which is not something I wish to do.

But the issue of living locally vs globally has personal, psychological implications as well, and these have been on my mind lately. I have an unusual personal history, and have basically never lived in any one place for more than several years at a time. As a result, my life has been fragmented and unstable, which I do not feel is ultimately good for me. When I remember things from my past, I sometimes get confused about the location of an event, and even about the language that was spoken. With my friends, relatives, experiences and memories scattered all over the world, it is difficult to maintain a sense of continuity and even a coherent sense of self. Forming healthy attachments to new people and places is challenging, and replacing the physical reality of personal interaction with virtual communications is isolating.

As we lose our sense of "continuous living," our notions of contact grow increasingly abstract - and not just contact with other people, but contact with our surroundings. I remember a post by Dottie at Let's Go Ride a Bike some time ago, where she describes the lifestyle of her family in the North Carolina suburbs as "traveling from pod to pod." The home is a pod. The workplace is another pod. The restaurant, also a pod. And because of the vast, highway-navigated distances between each, there is no clear sense of what happens in between; it is kind of a dead space, almost a virtual space. I found this imagery to be both frightening and relatable - a reflection of my own anxieties about what our lifestyles are doing to the way we connect with the physical world.

I thought that I might feel limited and stir-crazy once I stopped traveling abroad, and even more so once we began living without a car. Instead I am feeling as if some long-neglected human aspect of me is waking up. Living locally and all that it entails - seeing the same people, experiencing the change of seasons while staying put, and developing a feel for manageable distances - is giving me a sense of continuity that I have been lacking.

Soma's Fab in 650B! A Test Ride of the Buena Vista Mixte

Last week I had the pleasure to extensively test ride a Soma Buena Vista mixte that our fellow bicycle-obsessionist Somervillain has just built up for his wife. This test ride was a rare opportunity that I gladly seized. First off, Soma only sells frames and not complete bikes, so finding a way to test ride their models is difficult. Moreover, this mixte is an especially rare specimen, as it is built up with 650B wheels. And finally, I was allowed to borrow the bicycle for an entire day - which, of course, was much more informative than a brief test ride. I hope this will be of use to those considering this bicycle.

Soma Fabrications is a small manufacturer of bicycle frames and components based in San Francisco. Their Taiwanese-built frames are steel and more or less classic, with modern elements. The Buena Vista model is a TIG-welded mixte with twin lateral stays, available in four sizes from XS (42cm) to XL (58cm). It is a versatile frame with "sports touring" geometry that can be built up either as a roadbike or as a city bike, either with a derailleur or with an internally geared hub, and either with 700C or with 650B wheels.

Though a 700C build is by far the more typical, Somervillain fitted this bicycle with 650B wheels. The 650B size allows for wider tires - specifically the fantastically cushy Grand Bois Hetres, which make for a very comfortable ride. Soma specifies a maximum 38mm tire width for 650B wheels on the Buena Vista, but their estimate is overly conservative: The 42mm Hetres fit fine, including fenders. That is a useful piece of information for those who like wide tires and are choosing between, say, the Soma Buena Vista and the Rivendell Betty Foy. These two frames allow for the same tire width.

An additional benefit of using 650B wheels on the Soma, is that it is a useful trick to eliminate toe overlap - at least on the 58cm frame. Keep in mind also that when you put 650B wheels on a frame, you can go with a larger size than what you normally ride. While a 58cm frame is usually too big for me, I was able to fit this one because of the 650B wheels.

The Buena Vista is available in white or graphite, and this bicycle is obviously the latter. The graphite is a dark silver colour with some depth to it, not unlike a Tahitian pearl. The Soma headbadge and decals are embellished with splashes of red, which I think complements the frame nicely.

Gray and silver frames can be tricky to accessorise, and personally I prefer them paired with warm tones. This bicycle is fitted with all black accessories, which gives it a sporty/stealthy look. Ultimately, these choices are a matter of personal taste.

The Buena Vista frame is mostly welded, with the exception of the lugged fork crown and a few lugwork-like details - such as the connector between the stays and the seat tube.

The welding is relatively clean, though not quite as clean as on the Surly frames we recently examined. I think that welding marks are more noticeable on a mixte than on a diamond frame, simply because there are more joints to connect.

The horizontal dropouts are what makes the Buena Vista frame compatible with both derailleur and hub gearing. There are braze-ons for both racks and fenders.

The wheelset is from Velo Orange, built around a Shimano Nexus 8-speed hub.

This particular twist shifter is unobtrusive and easy to use.

The Nitto Albatross handlebars are set high with the help of spacers - the stem being threadless. Vintage Shimano levers activate the long-reach caliper brakes.

Close-up of the Velo Orange threadless stem with spacers.

Brooks B17 saddle.

Battery-operated CatEye headlight, attached to the fork blade via a DIY mount.

Spanniga Pixeo tail light, attached to the rear fender.

Brass bell mounted on the unused downtube shifter boss.

Vintage Takagi crankset, chosen for its ability to accommodate a Porteur-style chaincase that this mixte may be fitted with at a later stage.

Pletscher double-legged kickstand.

Burley Moosehead rear rack, necessary for attaching a "trailercycle."

And a set of Axiom panniers, mounted permanently to the rack. Velo Orange fenders and Planet Bike mudflaps finish off the build.The total weight of the bicycle with this build is 28lb not including the rack and panniers, and 35lb including them. The significant difference is due to the hefty nature of the proprietary Burley rack, which was a must as Mrs. Somervillain will often commute with one of the children.

This particular Buena Vista was built up as predominantly a transportation/ utility bicycle, to be ridden mainly within greater Boston - while at the same time offering sufficient versatility to handle longer, recreational rides. Hub gearing was chosen for ease of maintenance and an upright posture was chosen for comfort - with the mixte's roadish geometry still offering sufficient speed and maneuverability.

I was in possession of this bicycle from 8:30am until 5:30pm on a weekday. During this time I rode it for transportation to various destinations, then took it on a 12 mile ride along the Charles River Trail towards West Newton and back. All together, I probably rode the Buena Vista for a total of 17 miles.

Based on Soma's online description, I expected the handling to be aggressive - but it was not. It did not handle like a "converted roadbike" as some mixtes do, but like an actual upright city bike. Given that I had the saddle lower than Mrs. Somervillain, the handlebars were too high for my taste and the front end felt lighter than I like. Still, I felt safe and confident riding this bicycle in traffic right away. The Buena Vista was maneuverable and responsive - but easy to control, and predictable. The frame felt stiff-ish, but the wide Grand Bois Hetre tires took the edge off, making for a comfortable ride on and off road. It must also be noted that this bicycle was put together impeccably - which greatly contributed to my feeling of safety and comfort on it.

As far as speed and hill-climbing go, I must say that I felt somewhat limited by the overly upright posture and the hub gearing. On flat terrain, I had trouble finding a "perfect" gear on the 8-speed hub and kept shifting back and forth. On hills, I thought the bicycle lost its momentum quicker than is typical for a bike with roadish geometry, and I had to downshift sooner and more frequently than I expected. Perhaps I am simply accustomed to mixtes that are set up more aggressively, or perhaps there is something about these multi-speed hubs that I find inefficient in comparison to derailleurs. But given how tamely this bicycle handled, I found myself wishing it were a loop frame - so that it would be more comfortable to mount and dismount. At the same time, given its mixte construction, I found myself wishing it were more aggressive, so that I could cycle faster long distance. In a way, I felt like I was neither here nor there - though I imagine others might describe this very same feeling as "the best of both worlds." Of course, it is entirely possible to fit the Buena Vista frame with a derailleur and to opt for an aggressive handlebar set-up, if that is what the owner prefers.

I have test ridden only two other modern-production mixte bicycles besides the Soma: the Rivendell Betty Foy and the Trek Belleville WSD. The Trek is not even in the same universe, and on just about every level I can think of the Soma is a better bike. The Rivendell, on the other hand, is a more comparable bicycle, and I even test rode the Betty Foy in the same frame size and with the same wheel size as the Buena Vista. Though over all, the Betty Foy is a more comfortable ride, the difference is not as great as I had anticipated. The Buena Vista is a bit harsher on bumps, and the stepover height of the mixte stays is a good inch or two higher than on the Betty Foy of the same size. But otherwise, they did not feel like radically different bicycles.

All in all, I found the Soma Buena Vista to be a solidly constructed, versatile frame with comfortable geometry and all the accommodations necessary to turn it into almost any sort of bike you wish. I like the proportions of the 58cm frame with the 650B wheels, though cannot speak for the other sizes. I like the multitude of braze-ons and the wide clearances that allow for my favourite tires. I like the rich graphite frame colour. On a mixte with such classic lines, I dislike the welding and the threadless stem, and for me personally this is a dealbreaker - but I recognise that this is a matter of taste. The Soma Buena Vista frame can be found starting at $400, and a complete bike with a build equivalent to the one shown here could cost as little as $1,200 (see here for the complete build). While everyone's idea of what constitutes "good value" differs, this could certainly fit the bill. More than anything, I recommend this bicycle for those seeking an economical way to build up a bike with 650B x 42mm tires. In that sense, the Buena Vista is a rare and excellent find.