Another bike friendly US city

Steel VS Carbon theory

I, like many others, assumed that carbon bikes were the natural result of innovation, lighter than steel but with the same stiffness and performance etc. This I guess is true, but perhaps only in the short term with the carbon frames losing their integrity within 12-18 months depending on how much use they get. This is not a problem for a pro that changes their bike almost every ride. Steel however will keep its strength for decades if looked after.

So I read that before carbon came about the bike industry was in a bad way. Why? Because people who invested in good quality steel bikes 10+ years previously were not replacing them because there was no need. 

So was carbon a much needed technical innovation or a smart business move, putting planned obsolescence at the heart of the industries recovery and long term success?

Just a thought…

Design your own bike

Great little tool that allows you to have fun and design your future bike.

http://www.pedalmafia.com/mafid/mafia_id.html

bike frame building

MY SPACE- The South London Cellar

On the suggestion of a good friend of mine (cheers Ross), I will be doing a periodic post on us humble bicycle enthusiasts and our workshops. Whether a small cupboard or a fully kitted out hangar, the bike workshop is an essential part of any bike enthusiasts life, the natural progression after that hipster fixie build that got you hooked in the first place. The ideal place to work on the next bike or to simply listen to TMS with a cup of tea free from stresses of life and stuff.

First up we have Ross Timms' arty but functional cellar workshop somewhere in south London. Perhaps Ross would like to comment on what we see in the pics?

Next time..North London Man shed.

If you have a space devoted to your bike however large or small drop me an email. paul.c.edmunds@googlemail.com

Very nice Brooks Saddles

Brooks limited edition saddles. Very nice. 
http://www.velorution.biz/?p=2313

New life for the old Holdsworth

Spent a nice afternoon in the bike shed converting my dads old Holdsworth road bike into a single speed. Found an old style freewheel hub easy enough. Removed the two small chain rings and used mini hack saw to cut the bolts down to size for the now single ring. Quite proud of myself. :). Now have the perfect little bike for tooting round town. Hoxton?

Tractors, real ale and cheese sandwiches

Took the train out to potters bar on Tuesday for a quick afternoon ride. I was pleasantly surprised to find some genuine countryside so close to London (Findsbury Park to Potters bar just 10mins). Genuine countryside also came complete with a great real ale pub. Guest ales plus cheese and pickle sandwiches. Plenty of nice country roads for a quick 20 mile afternoon ride.

The Woodman Pub

http://trustedplaces.com/review/uk/hatfield/bar-pub/1x6k58/the-woodman#1w4pq7

wooden bike fixie.

Beautiful wooden bike. 

Very cool seat stay design.  http://www.arndtmenke.de/

frame size calculator

Great tool including tutorial videos. Ideal if you are shopping for a 2nd hand bike and want to narrow your search to the correct frame sizes. Gives you detailed sizing for 'competitive' fit or the relaxed 'French Fit'

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO&INTRO_LINK=NOREDIR

cafe bike shop

need to go to this place. Bike shop cafe.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16nine/3682581612/in/photostream/

Crazy cycle courier setup