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In praise of the humble beater bike for city commuting

From MomentumMag.com

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In bustling bicycle-friendly cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam and many other cities worldwide, cycling is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a way of life. However, with the convenience, quality of life and health benefits of cycling come unique challenges, chief among them being the prevalence of theft, wear and tear, and inadequate bike parking facilities. In such environments, investing in an inexpensive “beater” bike for commuting emerges as a pragmatic solution to safeguarding against potential losses and inconveniences. And, really, seems a natural to help people from stressing too much about their bicycles while at work or play.

The Peril of Theft

One of the foremost concerns for cyclists in urban areas is the rampant theft of bicycles. Amsterdam, often hailed as a cycling paradise, like many urban centres around the world, also grapples with a high rate of bike theft. Despite the presence of large bike parking facilities that leave cyclists around the world in awe, security measures are just as lax as other areas, leaving bikes vulnerable to theft. The sad truth is that even the most robust locks cannot guarantee the safety of a valuable bike in such environments.

But that’s just the thing that Amsterdam and Copenhagen residents know but North Americans for the most part are still figuring out, many commuters opt for inexpensive “beater” bikes – sturdy, functional bicycles that serve their purpose without breaking the bank.

The whole idea of the “Dutch bike” isn’t something fancy and made special for Dutch bicyclists. It’s the idea of it being a simple utilitarian bicycles that looks like every other bicycle, is easy to operate and makes thieves basically keep on walking when they see it.

These bikes are less attractive targets for thieves due to their lower resale value, providing cyclists with a degree of peace of mind on two levels as they navigate the city streets. First, it is unlikely to get stolen compared to other more expensive models, and, second, if it does it is easily replaced.

Perhaps the name “beater bike” needs to change? Certainly, Dutch bike has a nicer ring to it.
Photo by Dovile Ramoskaite on Unsplash

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The Big GCN Preview: A Super Sized Strade Bianche for 2024

The Strade Bianche, with its white gravel roads and spectacular Italian scenery, has become one of the race season epics. Pidcock and Vollering return to defend their titles but will they be pipped to the post? Dan and Si run through the race route and review the teams and riders in contention for this year’s podium. Let’s hope there’s no horsing around on the route this year!

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Here are 6 of the lightest e-bikes for easy city riding

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In the realm of urban commuting, the quest for the lightest e-bikes has led to the emergence of some remarkable contenders. These innovative rides have been meticulously crafted to offer portability, convenience, and a seamless integration of electric assistance. Let’s delve into the details of these top lightweight hybrid e-bikes that are redefining urban commuting.

LeMond Prolog

At the forefront of this movement is the LeMond Prolog. With a design that blends aesthetics and functionality, this flatbar e-bike is tailor-made for urban living. Its striking appearance is matched only by its remarkable portability. The lightweight at 26 pounds makes it effortlessly easy to carry up flights of stairs, offering a practical solution for city dwellers. But the true magic happens when you’re in the saddle. The electric assist is so well integrated into the riding experience that you might momentarily forget it’s there. This e-bike embodies the perfect balance of style, performance, and convenience, making it a compelling choice for those seeking both a functional ride and an eye-catching design.

Specialized Turbo Vado SL 

Another heavyweight contender in the lightweight e-bike arena is the Specialized Turbo Vado SL. This e-bike is a testament to intelligent design and versatility not to mention very lightweight at 33 pounds. Its agile handling and refined motor system ensure a smooth and responsive ride, tailored for city streets. The versatility of the Turbo Vado SL 5.0 lies in its various specifications, catering to different preferences and needs. The inclusion of the FutureShock suspension headset adds an extra layer of comfort, although its effectiveness on city roads might be a subject for consideration. With an optional range extender, you can push the boundaries of your journey even further, showcasing Specialized’s commitment to enhancing the urban commuting experience.

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CicLAvia—Venice Blvd presented by Metro April 21, 2024

Join us for our 51st Los Angeles Open Streets Event: CicLAvia—Venice Blvd. This CicLAvia is presented by Metro. Click HERE for the map.

Date: Sunday, April 21, 2024 / Domingo 21 de abril 2024

Time: 9am – 4pm

Location: Connecting Palms, Mar Vista, and Venice.

 

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How To Wash Your Bike Like A Pro Mechanic

How should you wash your bike? Dirt build-up on your bicycle causes costly damage so cleaning your bike is essential for a smooth ride and bike longevity. Manon is at the UAE World Tour and joins an expert bike mechanic as he cleans the World Tour pro bikes.

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Ohm on the Range – Davis, California

From Bikemag.com

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Ranked #1 in the People for Bikes Annual City Rating for Midsized Cities, we take a closer look at how this Californian city transformed itself into ‘Bike City, USA’ and continues to evolve.

In the expansive tapestry of California’s cycling culture, Davis emerges as a vibrant thread, woven with passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of two-wheeled excellence. Nestled in the fertile Sacramento Valley, this unassuming town has become synonymous with cycling, earning its stripes as a veritable mecca for riders of all stripes. To understand the genesis of Davis’ cycling prominence is to embark on a journey through time, tracing the evolution of a community deeply entrenched in the saddle.

Davis’ Rich Cycling History

Long before the advent of carbon frames and electronic shifting, Davis was already pedaling its way into the annals of cycling history. The seeds of its cycling fervor were sown in the 1960s, a time of burgeoning environmental consciousness and a nascent desire for alternative modes of transportation. As the countercultural waves swept across California, Davis stood at the vanguard, embracing bicycles not merely as recreational tools but as instruments of societal change.

Photo by Mark Stosberg on Unsplash

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CalBike Announces 2024 Legislative Agenda

From CalBike.org

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The California legislative session is shaping up to be a busy one, with a large number of new bills affecting active transportation plus a few two-year bills introduced last year and still moving through. We will also continue to advocate for more funding for active transportation in the budget process.

Here are the bills CalBike is supporting, opposing, and keeping an eye on in 2024.

Must-pass bills

If you were following CalBike’s work in 2019, you might remember the Complete Streets Bill. We won a hard-fought victory that year, passing the bill in the legislature, only to see it vetoed by the governor. Complete Streets is back for 2024 and at the top of our list of four top-priority bills.

2024 Complete Streets Bill

SB 960, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, would require Caltrans to implement safe infrastructure for people bicycling and walking when it repaves a state route that serves as a local street. The new version strengthens the measure by adding the needs of transit to the mix, paving the way for more bus-only state highway lanes, as well as transit improvements on local streets. We must show the governor he was wrong to trust Caltrans to implement its own policies since the 2019 veto, and we need to hold Caltrans accountable to make roads safer for all. We hope you’ll join our Complete Streets Campaign.

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The 5 Most Common Bike Fit Mistakes

Are you struggling with your bike fit? Feeling uncomfortable on the bike and not sure where to make adjustments? Alex and Ollie talk to a bike fit expert, revealing 5 top tips to get the perfect bike setup! Say goodbye to saddle sores, bad backs and painful knees.

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I know how it feels to finish ‘dead last’ – here are my tips for completing your first gravel race

From CyclingWeekly.com

After conquering Unbound and MidSouth, Marley Blonsky shares 3 tips to get you to the finish line triumphantly

BY MARLEY BLONSKY

Congratulations, you’ve registered for your first gravel race! Now the real fun (and work) begins – training and preparation for what will likely be your longest, hardest day on the bicycle yet.

With two Unbound Gravel century finishes and one DFL crown (Dead F***ing Last) at MidSouth Gravel to my name, I’ve figured out a few things that are crucial to taking on a gravel century.

While I don’t have a specific training plan or mileage targets for you to follow (–I’m by no means qualified to give you that advice but you can find one here), I have some tried and true advice that will hopefully have you crossing that finish line triumphant and excited to sign up for your next big challenge.

TIP 1: EAT EARLY AND OFTEN

A century is basically a 100-mile snack parade. Your job is to continually eat and drink your way through the miles. When it feels hard, eat. When you hate your bike, eat. I’m serious. You love bikes, you love riding your bike, and today, you get to do it all day long. Eat and it’ll be easier to remember this.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

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Complete streets are an accessibility issue.

From PasadenaCSC.org

Pretending otherwise denies the experience of thousands of local residents.

I don’t really like Impossible Burgers. I think they taste funny.

But when restaurants include vegetarian options on their menu, it makes those businesses more inviting for vegetarians, so they can end up serving more people.

When buildings include ramps or elevators in addition to stairs, it makes the facility accessible to more people.

When signs and instructions are written in multiple languages, it makes the message available to more people.

In today’s world, most people prefer our restaurants, libraries, and schools to be accessible to a wide range of people. Vegetarian options, wheelchair ramps, and inclusive policies are all good examples of things that make a place more accessible and welcoming to a wide range of people.

In general, creating more options for access and inviting in more people is the American way when designing public spaces and when we think about our businesses and institutions.

Our transportation system, though, is a strange exception to this. For some reason, public officials often prefer LESS accessible streets, with FEWER options for who can use them and how.  Even baby steps toward making our streets more diverse leads some people to complain.

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