Last week—in the middle of the fixed-gear fiasco—I got an email from an employee of The Bicycle Business, a bike shop in Sacramento, California. They had stumbled across the story and thought the judge and the police were being, “completely ridiculous” so they decided to flex their capitalist muscles and do something about it:
[Introducing Sweetpea Bicycles] Portland’s burgeoning crop of custom framebuilders just got a litte sweeter. Natalie Ramsland and her partner (in life and business) Austin have launched Sweetpea Bicycles. Natalie recently quit her job as a bike messenger and is now working full-tilt to design and build bikes especially for women. She has set up shop … Read more
Bridge Pedal head honcho Rick Baumann just sent me these photos of the 2006 Bridge Pedal commemorative helmet. Graphic designer Michael Morrow and his Portland-based company Nutcase Helmets, have created what is sure to be a popular item. I was lucky enough to grab one of last year’s helmets (thanks Ric!) and I’m looking forward … Read more
[Art Nouveau, Vanilla-style.] Back in November, I posted about a poster that Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles was creating with local artist Dan Gillsdorf. Now that the print is finally done, I’ve been waiting for Sacha’s permission to publish more details. After first offering it to Vanilla owners, he has given me the green light … Read more
[Owner Shad Johnson.] The other day, while looking for the BMX Museum, I happened upon a new bike shop in Northeast Portland called Goods. Goods specializes in high-end BMX parts, frames, and clothing. The shop was started about a year ago by 10-year Portland resident Shad Johnson. While Shad says there’s a great BMX scene … Read more
[Shimano’s new “Coasting” group.Photo: BRAIN] [Via Bicycle Retailer and Industry News] Shimano is investing millions of dollars into a new component group called “Coasting” that will target new cyclists. They plan to roll out the new group to only 15 cities the first year starting in March of 2007. According to a story in Bicycle … Read more
[Dave Johnson, President] You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but up on MLK Blvd. (at Jessup Street), behind an IT company called Netropole, is an online retailer of bike apparel called Veloclothes.com. I recently paid them a visit to find out more about the company. Dave Johnson, a major bike enthusiast, is the owner … Read more
[Custom rack madefrom recycled frames.] I’m very excited to announce that my new postcards are available at bike shops throughout Portland. You might remember that I showed up to BikeCraft in December with postcards. Since then I have redesigned them, sourced a new printer, and commissioned a few postcard racks made out of bike parts … Read more
[Relax, it’s just a mock-up.] Volunteers with Shift to Bikes – the local group behind Pedalpalooza, Breakfast on the Bridges, and bike moves – aren’t usually seen wearing lycra. But Patrick Bardel hopes to change all that. He’s working with a friend (who designs shoes for Nike) to produce the first-ever Shift jersey. The design … Read more
[Greeting card by Redbird Studio] The other day I went to the opening of Tour de Crepes on Alberta Street. This is the new joint opened by a supporter of the bike community and devoted cyclist, Brenda Drain. The visit confirmed that Alberta Street is perhaps the most bikey in the city. Besides being home … Read more
[Retail Manager, Josh Sweet] Universal Cycles has set up shop in Northwest Portland. The company was founded about 10 years ago as an online retailer based in San Francisco and online sales remain a large part of their business today. They’ve been in Portland for 5 years, but their previous storefront was just a tiny … Read more
[Vanilla Trike! (Photo: MTBR.com)] The North American Handmade Builders Show was held in San Jose, California from Friday to Sunday. The show’s intent is to highlight the work of small, custom bike builders. Portland had an impressive contingent on hand, showing off a tremendous flair for craftsmanship and aesthetic detail. Notably present were Joseph Ahearne … Read more