Castelli’s Split-Second jersey, photographed during my visit to their Portland headquarters back in November. Portland-based cycling apparel company Castelli has just announced they’ll be the official clothing supplier to the ProTour’s Saunier Duval-Prodir team. This road cycling squad is one of the best in the world and includes superstars David Millar, Gilberto Simoni, and Iban … Read more
[A truck full of Dutch cargobikes bound for Portland!] Todd “Cleverchimp” Fahrner and Dean “Bakfiets” Mullin have just returned from a top secret European foray where they did some business networking and researched the inside dope on city and cargo bikes. They’re gaining steam for their Clever Cycles business and they’re anxiously awaiting their first … Read more
All photos by Jonathan Maus, unless otherwise noted. When I first saw the Electra Amsterdam in an ad in Bicycling Magazine I was stunned. Not just by the bike’s drop-dead gorgeous looks, but because of what the bike signified to the U.S. bike industry and American cycling in general. U.S. companies have long offered various … Read more
[Former Mayor Bud Clark andCongressman Earl Blumenauerat 2006 Alice Awards.] The BTA is busily working on plans for their big Alice B. Toeclips Awards party and auction. Last year, the formal event — which is the BTA’s big annual fundraiser — packed the Oregon Convention with a who’s-who of Portland’s bike scene. This year’s event … Read more
[Overloaded? No such thing!] What do I love most about Portland’s bike community? That’s impossible to answer, but very high on the list would have to be bike moves. Last night, amid dark and drizzly skies, a cheery group of people showed up to help Ernie Wisner move from his place near SE Belmont and … Read more
[Patrick and friends load up an old stove.] Portland resident Patrick David Barber doesn’t own a car, but that doesn’t stop him from being self-sufficient and hauling all sorts of loads on his bike. Here are just some of the things he’s carried: An industrial-strength dehumidifier A table saw A carpet-cleaning machine A vintage sewing … Read more
[Photo: Ethan Jewett/Stickeen Photography] The long-awaited, Dutch-inspired Electra Amsterdams have hit U.S. bike shops, and it just so happens there’s one in my basement right now ;-). Unfortunately I have to give it back after the weekend so stay tuned for a review on Monday… UPDATE: Read my review and see more photos of the … Read more
I got my December issue of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News yesterday. Each time it comes the first thing I do is make a quick scan for any Portland-specific news. This month it seemed like Portland was on every other page…so I figured I’d do a quick round-up. The stories aren’t available online and it’s … Read more
[The Ace Hotel is coming and they’re bringing Dutch bikes with them.] The Ace Hotel — Seattle’s “leading design hotel” — is set to open in Portland on January 30th of next year. I confirmed today with jorg&olif CEO Rob MacDonald that he is partnering up with the hotel to have a standing fleet of … Read more
[Photo from 2007 Chris King Calendar] Portland-based Chris King Components has developed an exceptional reputation for their world-class headsets and hubs. But far beyond just bike parts, the company brings thoughtful excellence to everything they do. Their annual calendar is no exception. The 2007 edition features the work of photographic artist and Hood River resident … Read more
[The Aerorider]Photo: Ready to Ride Flexcars are everywhere in Portland. So are bikes. So why not have Flexbikes? I’m not talking about a snazzy, European style bike-rental program (like the one being discussed by Commissioner Sam’s office), I’m talking about pedal-powered vehicles that you’d rent when your regular, everyday bike just won’t cut it. Portland … Read more
“Not a lifestyle, not for fitness: it’s an experience. People like the idea of riding a bike just as they like the idea of going to the park, farmer’s market, lake, picnic, outdoor music/arts, festivals or chatting with neighbors. Unfortunately most people don’t do it as often as they would like.”-from Shimano Coasting marketing materials … Read more