The Brompton Bicycle Experience
My decision to buy a Brompton bike was not a quick one. But after such long deliberation and careful consideration, I'm very glad I did it.
A Smart New Handlebar Bag from Brooklyn Bicycle Co.
Anybody who rides a bike can use an extra compartment for things like lock and chain keys, a phone, a tire repair kit, a bag of weed… The big challenge is finding one that balances looks, durability and price. Brooklyn Bicycle Co. just introduced one that does just that.
What I’d Wear If Bicycle Helmets Became Mandatory
Generally speaking, the world of bicycle helmets is a world of ugly. If you looked to your typical bike shop, you’d think that the only option is that ubiquitous racer/alien-brain design, forcing bicyclists to just accept that this is as good as it gets with helmets.
There are a couple of other bike helmet brands that make reasonably attractive alternatives, but they can’t seem to resist playing the “we’re the fun company with kooky designs and a nutty logo” card, which leaves me searching high and low for the grownups table. I certainly appreciate a dose of whimsy, but since we’re all adults here, let’s maybe embrace and demand some elegance and sophistication.
The Raleigh DL-1: My Dream Bike
More than any other bicycle in the world, aside from the one I currently own, I have the biggest crush on the trusty vintage Raleigh DL-1. For years, I looked high, I looked low and I waited and waited for the perfect one to show up on eBay. But, alas, no dice. The frame would either be too large or too small, or there would be some other deal-breaking bummer in the bike’s overall condition, like too much rust. I eventually ran out of patience in the Summer of 2015 and treated myself to a beautiful custom Chief from Heritage Bicycle in Chicago. (It’s gorgeous and I love it.)
From 1940s through the 1970s, Raleigh made the DL-1 in three different versions: the Sports, the Superbe and the Tourist. With maybe some minor differences in the frame’s geometry, these classic bikes were basically the same, but with different packages built onto them, like a Sturmey-Archer Dynohub generator with a front and rear lighting set, a fork lock, rod brakes, an air pump, a full chain guard, a leather “touring bag” under the Brooks saddle… Things like that. They were mostly available in rich black, coffee or that gorgeous bronze green.
My New Custom ‘Chief’ from Heritage Bicycles
The basic design of the bicycle was perfected a long time ago. With the exception of advances in gear shifting, braking and niche flourishes that benefit professional racers, any design changes over the last half century or so have been derivative and largely unnecessary, especially when it comes to aesthetics.
A Teaser for “Hal Grades Your Bike Locking”
For years, Clarence Eckerson from Streetfilms and Hal Ruzal from Bicycle Habitat in NYC have been collaborating on a short (and very helpful) web video series called “Hal Grades Your Bike Locking.” Clarence asked me to come along for the newest installment so Hal could grade my bike locking. I won’t reveal my grade until the full video comes out on May 5, but I will say that it was pretty consistent with my GPA.
In this teaser/outtake, Hal and I each share a brief story about having a bike (or part of it) stolen.
The Wright Brothers™ Limited Edition Runwell Bike from Shinola
As an avid city bicycle rider, I’ve learned a lot, observed quite a bit and grown to appreciate specific things about bicycles over the years. The standards of a great looking bicycle are like the standards of a great looking…
Groningen: City Cycling Utopia in the Netherlands
In this fantastic short film from Streetfilms, filmmaker Clarence Eckerson brings us to the city of Groningen in the Netherlands. The effectiveness and efficiency of the bicycling mode in Groningen speaks for itself. Cars are not banned; they're just strongly…
So I Don’t Wear a Helmet. Get Off My Ass.
When I was a kid growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, riding a bike was fun, not serious. Nobody wore helmets. Now, cycling is framed as a dangerous activity that requires protective equipment. I don't buy it...