[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
[Kirk Pacenti]Photo: Pacenti Cycle Design Portland just scored another bike industry coup. Kirk Pacenti of Pacenti Cycle Design — a well-known designer and supplier of bicycle lugs and frame tubing — has announced that he will move his business to Portland by the end of next year. Pacenti supplies artisan bicycle builders with everything needed … Read more
[Dean Mullin of CleverCycles demonstrateshis bakfiets.] I have just confirmed that the Dutch Bicycle Company — a Florida-based importer of bakfiets and Dutch city bikes — has named a Portland distributor. According to Dutch Bicycle Company owner Dan Sorger, Northeast Portland resident Dean Mullin will represent the complete range of Dutch city bikes offered by … Read more
Todd Fahrner, the man behind Southeast Portland-based Cleverchimp, has just published photos and video of his latest creation. He has outfitted a Dutch “bakfiets” bike with his superlative Stokemonkey Human Electric Hybrid Drive device. Check it out:
[Custom Surly Pugsleysbuilt up by Cyclepath] The other day I stopped into Cyclepath and noticed a unique-looking Surly Pugsley leaning against the wall. Shop co-owner Bill Larson noticed my drooling and before I could form a sentence he was wheeling out another one just like it. Turns out that these beauties belong to none other … Read more