[Tori Bortman] Here’s something I could really use…Tori Bortman has started a mechanic school in her basement. An experienced mechanic (most recently at North Portland Bikeworks) and teacher, Tori is offering both structured courses and one-on-one tutoring. According to Tori: “…there seems to be a need for folks who are looking to learn how to … Read more
Just a quick note…one of Kryptonite‘s top tech guys is in town and I’m meeting him for dinner tonight. Do you have any questions you’d like me to ask him? I plan to touch base about the latest in bike security and hear what they’ve learned about lock design since the Bic Pen Fiasco. It … Read more
Clicking through my feedreader today I came across a great post and inspiring photos by local cyclist and inventor Todd Fahrner. Taking advantage of a glorious break in the weather, Todd followed his neighbor to the store to pick up groceries with her two kids…all by bike. The trip was was made smooth and easy … Read more
Chris DiStefano, former PR director for Shimano and board member of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), has been hired to the sales and marketing team of Portland-based bike part manufacturer, Chris King Components. According to the official press release, King has a unique way of breaking in new office staff:
Castelli, a designer and maker of high-end cycling apparel is setting up shop in Portland. The global company, based in Milan Italy, previously had their U.S. operations in Minneapolis, MN. The new operation should be up and running by December. Eighteen months ago, Nike employee Greg Cowan took partial ownership in the company. Cowan lives … Read more
Just reading Molly’s latest post and noticed a link to Pereira Cycles. Tony Pereira is a small framebuilder who moved from Salt Lake City into a new shop in Southeast Portland just a few weeks ago. He joins an impressive list of Portland framebuilders: Ahearne Cycles JoJo Paquini Ira Ryan Vanilla Bicycles Tonic Fabrications Strawberry … Read more
[Sacha’s new sign] Met with Sacha (the man behind Vanilla Bicycles) today to talk about a project we’re working on and he mentioned some very cool news. First, he’s commissioned Dan Gillsdorf of Atlas Tattoo to design the first-ever, limited edition Vanilla Bicycles poster. I didn’t see the sketches, but Sacha says it will be … Read more
Joseph Ahearne is the subject of the “Builder’s Profile” in the October 1 issue of Dirt Rag Magazine. Joseph is a top-notch guy with a bright future in the bike business. He makes beautifully functional custom bike frames and cargo racks. He’s also well-known for his popular “Spaceman Flask Holster” which is like a water … Read more
As you may remember from a comment to a previous post, Trek Bicycles is planning on a new bike model for 2006 called the “Portland”. This last weekend, Trek held its annual dealer-only show and photos of this new bike are just now starting to show up on web forums. I was hoping for more … Read more
Chris Smith over at the Portland Transport blog has started a conversation about what the “Portland Bicycle” should look like. It’s ironic that he brings this up because I had this same conversation with a Portland-based bike industry insider just last month. So here’s my .02 on what it should look like: It must be … Read more
A few weeks ago I overheard some people talking about a local guy who makes really cool cycling caps out of classy, recycled, thrift store fabrics. Then, at the recent Multnomah County Bike Fair I ran into him. His name is Shaun Deller. He calls his caps, “Recyclist Apparel.” According to Deller: The idea is … Read more
I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve done tons of great bike stuff in the last few days. And, there’s some really great things on the horizon. OK, a quick recap: A benefit showing of “The Tour Baby” at the Bagdad Theater last week saw about 700 people over the two nights. Total raised … Read more