I had my bike stolen from the West Park Rapid Station last evening (my second day of riding it to work). Does anyone have any suggestions of getting it back or is this a lost cause? I made a police report with RTA, but I know they are too busy to do any serious investigation. Any places in Cleveland that end up selling this "hot" stuff?

 

Is your bike registered? Did you fill out a CPD incident report? My thoughts are, if it was stolen in that area, it's still in that area.

 

Yes it is registered and I did fill out a police report. Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I'll check with Shaker Cycle and a few of the other bike shops in the area. If anyone sees a Blue Schwinn Frontier GSX with a rear seat bag and the License #0419 please let me know. :)

 

You filled out a police report with RTA Police or RTA and CPD? I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that you had to report to both.

 

I just called CPD and they said that since I filled one out with RTA I do not have to fill one out with them.

I had my bike stolen from the West Park Rapid Station last evening (my second day of riding it to work).  Does anyone have any suggestions of getting it back or is this a lost cause?  I made a police report with RTA, but I know they are too busy to do any serious investigation.  Any places in Cleveland that end up selling this "hot" stuff?

 

Is your bike registered?  Did you fill out a CPD incident report?  My thoughts are, if it was stolen in that area, it's still in that area.

 

Yes it is registered and I did fill out a police report.  Thanks for everyone's suggestions.  I'll check with Shaker Cycle and a few of the other bike shops in the area.  If anyone sees a Blue Schwinn Frontier GSX with a rear seat bag and the License #0419 please let me know.  :)

 

You filled out a police report with RTA Police or RTA and CPD?  I could be wrong, but I was under the impression that you had to report to both.

 

I just called CPD and they said that since I filled one out with RTA I do not have to fill one out with them.

 

Thanks!  I hope you get your bike back soon - in the same condition it was in when you last saw it.

^ To add to that, how do you folks who bike to work prevent yourselves from feeling sweaty all day? 

 

I find that it usually isn't hot enough that early in the morning to make me sweat on the way to work unless i'm pushing really hard.  If there is risk of bad weather, i'll put my work clothes in a bag on my rear rack and wear something else on the way and just change in the restroom at work.  I do keep a pair of shoes at work.  We do have a shower here, but only on the hottest days did I use it.  Then again, my commute is maybe 3 miles at most so...

 

 

 

I just called CPD and they said that since I filled one out with RTA I do not have to fill one out with them.

 

That's interesting.  Do the two departments share info on that sort of thing?  Will RTA police ever look for it anywhere besides bus stops and train stations?  Could they if they wanted to?  My experience with police departments, not just Cleveland city, is that they are... shall we say... aggressively unconcerned about petty theft complaints.  I wish you the best of luck in getting your bike back.  My roommate's bike was stolen about a year ago and Lakewood PD pretty much told him that's too bad.

In Toronto I hear a lot of businessmen bike commute in their suits because it never gets hot and the city's flat.  I bike commute less in the summer for this very reason. 

 

Luckily I take this downhill on the way to work instead of the way back:

 

It's impossible, even when it's snowing, to avoid breaking a sweat climbing that hill.  If I had to bike up it to work, that wouldn't work. 

 

 

I had my bike stolen from the West Park Rapid Station last evening (my second day of riding it to work). Does anyone have any suggestions of getting it back or is this a lost cause? I made a police report with RTA, but I know they are too busy to do any serious investigation. Any places in Cleveland that end up selling this "hot" stuff?

 

Is your bike registered? Did you fill out a CPD incident report? My thoughts are, if it was stolen in that area, it's still in that area.

 

Yes it is registered and I did fill out a police report. Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I'll check with Shaker Cycle and a few of the other bike shops in the area. If anyone sees a Blue Schwinn Frontier GSX with a rear seat bag and the License #0419 please let me know. :)

 

I've been told that you should always have the serial numbers from your bike frame someplace safe.  That way, if the police find your bike, you can adequately identify it.

In Toronto I hear a lot of businessmen bike commute in their suits because it never gets hot and the city's flat. I bike commute less in the summer for this very reason.

 

Luckily I take this downhill on the way to work instead of the way back:

 

It's impossible, even when it's snowing, to avoid breaking a sweat climbing that hill. If I had to bike up it to work, that wouldn't work.

 

Jake, what do you take to get back up to your place? I commute to Xavier, but have the opportunity to use the gym there for showering -- which I do. I used to take Liberty Hill and meander over to McMicken, Gilbert and Victory, and Gilbert, Mt. Eden and Victory. I have been biking off-and-on for the past week and have been taking Gilbert to Victory (up that long grade), which is surprisingly easier than I thought and faster. I average about 7-10 MPH up the hill, and find it easier than going in reverse for some reason.

I go up that hill, Sycamore, because it's the most direct to my house. My commute is pretty short, only about 2 miles, but that hill kept me in good enough shape during the winter to where I was able to do a 38 mile ride with big hills as soon as the weather turned. I'm going for 60 miles tomorrow. If I can get another solid midweek ride in I'll be ready for 80 next weekend. I had a lot of strange knee pain and wrist numbness last year that held me back lbut it seems to be gone. I only rode over 50 miles about five times last year because of it. 

I had my bike stolen from the West Park Rapid Station last evening (my second day of riding it to work).  Does anyone have any suggestions of getting it back or is this a lost cause?  I made a police report with RTA, but I know they are too busy to do any serious investigation.  Any places in Cleveland that end up selling this "hot" stuff?

 

Is your bike registered?  Did you fill out a CPD incident report?  My thoughts are, if it was stolen in that area, it's still in that area.

 

Yes it is registered and I did fill out a police report.  Thanks for everyone's suggestions.  I'll check with Shaker Cycle and a few of the other bike shops in the area.  If anyone sees a Blue Schwinn Frontier GSX with a rear seat bag and the License #0419 please let me know.  :)

 

I've been told that you should always have the serial numbers from your bike frame someplace safe.  That way, if the police find your bike, you can adequately identify it.

 

I've taken everyone's advice and went to all the local bike shops on the west side and dropped off a flyer.  I've posted the flyer information below.

 

BIKE STOLEN

from the West Park Rapid Station on May 7th, 2009.

Schwinn Frontier GSX

Blue, had small wedge bag under the seat

Whitehouse, OH License #0419

Serial Number:  M6THO7048

Police Report Number: TP0901029

 

I appreciate everyone's help with this.  I do hope I get it back.  I've had this bike for 15 years and kept it in perfect condition (it was my first ever major purchase).  I'm more upset that this was only my second day of riding it to work, next time I'm buying one of those locks with a warranty.

 

I wouldn't have posted the serial number or license number on the flyer.  NOW they have the numbers and can say it's their bike if questioned.

 

The thieves usually file it down.

 

I wanted to ask, what type of lock were you using?

I made the mistake of just using a cable lock.  I should have known better.

 

I only gave the flyer to the bike shops.  They said they needed the serial number or they wouldn't be able to hold the bike if it did come in.  I figured the people on Urban Ohio were of upstanding character.  :)

I made the mistake of just using a cable lock.  I should have known better.

 

I only gave the flyer to the bike shops.  They said they needed the serial number or they wouldn't be able to hold the bike if it did come in.  I figured the people on Urban Ohio were of upstanding character.  :)

 

OH...ok, I thought you hung the flyer with that info.  I hope you get your bike back man.

I go up that hill, Sycamore, because it's the most direct to my house. My commute is pretty short, only about 2 miles, but that hill kept me in good enough shape during the winter to where I was able to do a 38 mile ride with big hills as soon as the weather turned. I'm going for 60 miles tomorrow. If I can get another solid midweek ride in I'll be ready for 80 next weekend. I had a lot of strange knee pain and wrist numbness last year that held me back lbut it seems to be gone. I only rode over 50 miles about five times last year because of it.

 

Christ, are you biking for world peace? lol. The most I've biked at once is probably 15 miles. I was drenched in sweat and didn't bring water with me. I parked the bike at Burger King on W. Broad St. and went inside and the woman behind the counter ran and got me water without even asking if I wanted any lol I must have looked like I was about to die. I'd rather bike than run on a treadmill any day though. It's a great way to explore the city because you can see a lot but you're not going so fast that you pass everything up.

I go up that hill, Sycamore, because it's the most direct to my house. My commute is pretty short, only about 2 miles, but that hill kept me in good enough shape during the winter to where I was able to do a 38 mile ride with big hills as soon as the weather turned. I'm going for 60 miles tomorrow. If I can get another solid midweek ride in I'll be ready for 80 next weekend. I had a lot of strange knee pain and wrist numbness last year that held me back lbut it seems to be gone. I only rode over 50 miles about five times last year because of it.

 

I could see how that hill could prepare you legs for an 80 mile ride, but how on Earth will you prepare your ass?

I have biked to work two days now, and I am still trying to figure out how to deal with my attire. It was and is my biggest concern about riding to work. I don't wear a suit, but I still wear a shirt, tie and slacks.

 

First of all, I took a more leisurely pace than what I normally do, so I allotted myself a lot of time. Even though the days were warm, it was early enough (7 AM) that it didn't matter too much.  I learned after my first experience to put my dress shoes and fresh undershirt in a bookbag.

Even on a morning where the air feels cool on your skin, you're still raising your core temperature, and as soon as you hit room temperature (work), the sweats come. I bussed/biked this morning and got out about 7 miles shy of work and pedaled the rest of the way in; I have a change of clothes here, but I still feel a little stinky.

Even on a morning where the air feels cool on your skin, you're still raising your core temperature, and as soon as you hit room temperature (work), the sweats come. I bussed/biked this morning and got out about 7 miles shy of work and pedaled the rest of the way in; I have a change of clothes here, but I still feel a little stinky.

 

KOOW, I thought your office administered a daily "stink check"?

 

 

Don't your coworkers tell you if you're a little "aromatic"?  LOL

Promoters of bicycling to work are peddling incentives all week

By Tom Henry, Toledo Blade, May 11, 2009

 

In northwest Ohio, this week is designated as Bike Week '09.

 

Full story: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090511/NEWS16/905110318/-1/RSS

 

Bicyclists won’t be limited to those streets, since Ohio law says bicyclists are legal on all streets and roads, Zelinski said. But the markings and signs will alert drivers to watch out for bicyclists.

 

“It’s not really changing much other than trying to notify more people that bikes are using this lane,” he said. “So hopefully that would make it safer.”

 

This is an improvement, but who are they kidding? Bike lanes don't tell motorists that cyclists have full right to the road outside of the bike lane. They take it as, "bikes have to stay in their lane and out of mine". These guys don't know what they're talking about, most likely because they don't ride bikes. Most cycling infrastructure in this country is planned and implemented by motorists. As instructors from the League of American Bicyclists will tell you, riding in traffic best minimizes dangers. Our urban cores should be comfortable for people to ride in the lane and be easy to navigate by car. I'd say that they need to implement traffic calming (curb extensions and large bumpouts) to really capitalize on these two-way conversions.

TOSRV cyclist struck along Ohio 104

Drivers should take precautions as riders return northbound today

By Jona Ison, Chillicothe Gazette, May 10, 2009

 

The weather mostly held tight for the Tour of the Scioto River Valley Saturday, but one bicyclist was sent to the hospital after an accident on Ohio 104.

 

Full story: http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20090510/NEWS01/905100301/1002/rss01

TOSRV cyclist struck along Ohio 104

Drivers should take precautions as riders return northbound today

By Jona Ison, Chillicothe Gazette, May 10, 2009

 

The weather mostly held tight for the Tour of the Scioto River Valley Saturday, but one bicyclist was sent to the hospital after an accident on Ohio 104.

 

 

HUmmmmm.....Interesting. Has anyone noticed that 327 hasn't posted on the board all day.  :wtf:

 

 

And who are you kidding?  Most bicyclists who aren't hardcore awesome tough guys aren't going to ride their bike in traffic along a main street.  That's why bike lanes are an improvement.  They open up a street that would be a no-go for 90% of people who might use their bike as transportation.  I really want to see bicycles become a more used form of transportation, but I feel like the biggest obstacle to this right now is the hardcore awesome tough guys who would rather fight over their "full right to the road" than expand the number of people who bike by implementing appropriate infrastructure. 

 

Nobody's actually threatening your right to ride 15 mph in front of a line of cars that can legally go 35 mph, here, mind you!  They're just opening up the ROW for those who wouldn't do that, but would like to ride their bike.

Cars should not be legally allowed to travel at 35MPH in an urban setting, especially when cyclists legally have the right to the road. I'm not a tough guy, since I stay away from 35MPH roads, even though I have the right to use them. Bike lanes offer a false sense of security. This is a fact, not a subjective opinion. Getting right-hooked (almost got hit when I rode on the right side of the lane, never after taking the lane), doored (open doors don't reach the middle of the lane), hit by cars pulling out of low-visibility intersections (would have been hit on Neil Ave had I ridden as though there were a bike lane), trash in bike lane zones, vehicles parking on bike lanes, etc.

 

Calm these streets and you won't need to be a tough guy, let alone an awesome one, to safely ride in the road. I do it everyday, so it must not be that big of a deal.

^This may be a little off topic, but I HATE morons who ride their bicycles on country roads when there are perfectly good bike trails nearby. I can't even tell you the amount of times I have almost hit bicyclists when I take country drives north of the D, wearing brightly colored, reflective clothing. I think it draws me closer into them, because I am distracted and am drawn to the flashy colors like an insect. When I do avoid them, I have to swerve WAY to the left side, putting myself at a huge risk of causing a head-on collision because some moron doesn't like the perfectly good bike trails at Taylorsville of Englewood metropark, among others nearby.

 

Also another rant about bicycles that's a little more on-topic: I know it's not really legal, but I also think bicycles should be on the sidewalk because they don't move at the pace of cars and cause a traffic hazard. With bike lanes downtown, this should solve the problem. Thank goodness, because I do love the idea of bicycling, I just don't like the idea of risking my life to try and avoid bicyclists when I'm driving.

You may hate them, but cyclists have the full right to the road much like you. I enjoy cycling in the country, because quite frankly, paved bike trails do not exist to take me to every remote locale in Ohio. Nor are they maintained to the quality that roadways are -- e.g. the Little Miami Trail is still partially closed due to repairs that should have been completed many months ago.

 

If you are almost hitting cyclists, then that means you are driving inattentively and too fast for conditions. I drive with respect to other users of the road, much like I expect drivers to do so when I am on the bike. You should review the ODPS's Motor Vehicle Laws.

 

X nails it exactley, as does Daytonatti, about cyclists' attitudes.

 

 

Cyclists on country roads aren't too big of a problem, i get pissed when I'm behind a combine or tractor that's too big to pass/see around.  Makes a 15 minute trip into an 45 minute ordeal.

I really hate bicycles on busy streets.  They go so slow, and when you try to pass them it creates a dangerous situation because you have to go outside of your lane. I was once behind a cyclist on Madison Rd. in Cincy and it took me twice as long to get from Dana to Grandin because of the damn bike.  I have no problem with bike lanes, and actually use them every day on my commute to school, but I would never ride a bike down a major road, both out of concern for my safety, as well as so I'm not one of those jack asses that holds everyone else up.

 

Unrelated--- Is this thread title supposed to be sarcastic or not? I can't really tell.

 

X nails it exactley, as does Daytonatti, about cyclists' attitudes.

 

 

 

For the record, I'm supporting bike lanes as a piece of infrastructure that expands the usage of the bike as transportation.  I am not saying bicyclists shouldn't have right to the road.  And I am definitely NOT saying that they should ride on the sidewalk.

 

Cars should not be legally allowed to travel at 35MPH in an urban setting, especially when cyclists legally have the right to the road. I'm not a tough guy, since I stay away from 35MPH roads, even though I have the right to use them. Bike lanes offer a false sense of security. This is a fact, not a subjective opinion. Getting right-hooked (almost got hit when I rode on the right side of the lane, never after taking the lane), doored (open doors don't reach the middle of the lane), hit by cars pulling out of low-visibility intersections (would have been hit on Neil Ave had I ridden as though there were a bike lane), trash in bike lane zones, vehicles parking on bike lanes, etc.

 

Calm these streets and you won't need to be a tough guy, let alone an awesome one, to safely ride in the road. I do it everyday, so it must not be that big of a deal.

 

Just because someone is in a bike lane doesn't mean that they should turn off their sense of awareness.  That's more a problem with the cyclist themselves than with the infrastructure.  It would be ideal if we could traffic calm most roads in denser urban areas to the point that cars and bikes could co-exist, but that would require something on the order of 15 mph streets, which does happen in effect on some Downtown streets I know (Euclid Corridor, through Downtown).  But I don't see any concerted effort on the way to do that on a large scale, and it would be a large scale and expensive process to redesign our streets to that standard.  I think bike lanes are more realistic to expect, and damning them in hopes of a massive redesign of our street system is letting the perfect be the enemy of the good.

I really hate bicycles on busy streets.  They go so slow, and when you try to pass them it creates a dangerous situation because you have to go outside of your lane. I was once behind a cyclist on Madison Rd. in Cincy and it took me twice as long to get from Dana to Grandin because of the damn bike.  I have no problem with bike lanes, and actually use them every day on my commute to school, but I would never ride a bike down a major road, both out of concern for my safety, as well as so I'm not one of those jack asses that holds everyone else up.

 

I'll be sure to write down your plate number when jackasses like you try to run me off the road. (Bolding above for emphasis.) I already call the police a lot (and I know quite a few officers that ride bikes that are more than happy to ticket on that) on drivers who cut me off or are rude.

 

It's a shame we can't eliminate a lane on Madison -- a heavy cycling route, and just create a bike lane out of it. That would be a much more appealing solution to both of us, don't you think? You wouldn't need to be behind "jack asses" like myself, and I wouldn't be a "jack ass" holding up traffic.

 

I rode all over Cincinnati today. It was beautiful; 70F weather, sunny skies, and calm traffic. I took McMillian, Gilbert, Madison, etc., etc. and I had no trouble with traffic. I used the reserve lane (usually the rightmost lane that doubles as parking) as often as I could so some behind could pass until I would come up to a parked car. I would then get over with no problem -- in fact, all of the cars just waited for me to merge back into the through lane so I could get out of the reserve lane in time. Such sweet, calm drivers.

 

I had a few waves from cars and no honks. I talked to a few nice cyclists today, and helped one out with his flat. If only more drivers could behave civilly and act in accordance with the law.

 

Today's route for anyone who cares: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/oh/cincinnati/410124217583866886

Sherman, where is the Miami trail closed?  By closed is it actually closed or do you just have to ride on some dirt? I haven't been on it this year but I have Friday off and want to do a long ride. I rode 60 miles today, from UC to Butler, KY and back, about 10 miles of which is uphill, so I should be able to do 80 on a flat trail Friday. 

 

Kingfish, I'm coming your way.  I've got time off in June so I'm definitely going for the Cincy > Columbus 110 mile sweat-a-thon.  The paved trail ends about 15 from downtown Columbus.  I'm not looking forward to 15 miles on Broad St. after 95 on the bucolic trail, but it's all a matter of how bad you want it.  I'm going to hang out for one day in Columbus and then hoof it back. 

 

Must not be anymore. I remember coming upon the closure due to trail deterioration, but it seems that they repaired it since. Good luck on your ride Friday (and be sure to stop at the Purple People Bridge for free breakfast)!

^This may be a little off topic, but I HATE morons who ride their bicycles on country roads when there are perfectly good bike trails nearby. I can't even tell you the amount of times I have almost hit bicyclists when I take country drives north of the D, wearing brightly colored, reflective clothing. I think it draws me closer into them, because I am distracted and am drawn to the flashy colors like an insect. When I do avoid them, I have to swerve WAY to the left side, putting myself at a huge risk of causing a head-on collision because some moron doesn't like the perfectly good bike trails at Taylorsville of Englewood metropark, among others nearby.

 

If you are riding to actually get somewhere, most of the time the road is the only option.  The point of the bright colored clothing is that drivers see the cyclist in time to slow down and wait for a good, clear time to pass, instead of coming up fast and swerving.

 

Also another rant about bicycles that's a little more on-topic: I know it's not really legal, but I also think bicycles should be on the sidewalk because they don't move at the pace of cars and cause a traffic hazard. With bike lanes downtown, this should solve the problem. Thank goodness, because I do love the idea of bicycling, I just don't like the idea of risking my life to try and avoid bicyclists when I'm driving.

 

Numerous studies have shown that riding on the sidewalk greatly increases the chances of a cyclist being in an accident.  Drivers making turns or pulling into or out of driveways and parking lots do not typically look for fast-moving objects on the sidewalk.  Also, riding on the sidewalk makes it much more hazardous for pedestrians.  Bike lanes also have their problems, with cars turning right a big one.

 

Sidewalk riding is exponentially more dangerous for everyone involved: drivers, too.

 

As a driver, which would you rather have, 1) A cyclist biking with the flow of traffic to the center right of your windshield, or 2) A Cyclist blasting off a curb and into your path straight out of your blindspot with little to no warning?

 

Bike lanes are a generous compromise, though there's the added danger of unswept debris. In Columbus, Morse Road between Karl Road & I-71 is the worst. The road surface is decent, but it's broken-glass city.

Personally, on busy roads, I prefer to ride on the sidewalk, cars flying by at 40+ mile an hour scares the hell out of me.  I would rather take the sidewalk on those busy roads.

Different roads have different levels of wildness. But generally, a four lane road gives drivers plenty of passing room. Ultimately, it comes down to width. I'd rather deal with more traffic on a wider road than sporadic traffic on a narrow road.

In case some people here haven't noticed, shifting our priority from people to cars hasn't exactly worked out so well in American cities, especially ones where all priorities were made just for cars only. Ever been to a Great Lakes city before? If you don't like sharing the road with bikes, scooters, and peds in crosswalks you can always start up SuburbanOhio.com. You'll probably find a more sympathetic crowd there.

Groups hosts Breakfast on the Bridge to promote cycling in Newport

By Amanda Joering, Cincinnati Enquirer, May 15, 2009

 

Hundreds of bicycle riders gathered at the Purple People Bridge for Bike Newport's second annual Breakfast on the Bridge event.

At yesterday's Cleveland Bicycle Week Conference, I learned that the IL Dept of Transportation allows 10' wide car lanes w/ 5' bike lanes to be constructed within the city limits of Chicago.  That is a very narrow car lane and would have the effect of slowing down traffic.  Although I'm not generally a huge supporter of bike lanes, I think I like this implementation b/c it slows down the cars.

Street Smarts: Bicycles dust cars in sixth annual 'Commuter Race'

By Ramona Turner, Sentinel, May 13, 2009

 

Bike to Work hosted its sixth annual Commuter Race on Tuesday.

 

Full story: http://www.mercurynews.com/centralcoast/ci_12358768?nclick_check=1

I broke a spoke on my rear wheel today so my ride was cut short to 30 miles (it happened in the 15th mile).  The break made no sense because I was riding very casually on a bike trail, making me think I need to replace the whole wheel.   

 

Anyone who has had a spoke break has seen how a wheel refuses to spin straight.  On my bike it wobbles enough that it hits the brake once per rotation, causing an annoying little noise.  Most bike shops charge $1 for a spoke but between $15-20 to install it.     

I broke a spoke on my rear wheel today so my ride was cut short to 30 miles (it happened in the 15th mile).  The break made no sense because I was riding very casually on a bike trail, making me think I need to replace the whole wheel.   

 

Anyone who has had a spoke break has seen how a wheel refuses to spin straight.  On my bike it wobbles enough that it hits the brake once per rotation, causing an annoying little noise.  Most bike shops charge $1 for a spoke but between $15-20 to install it.     

 

It's pretty easy to change a spoke. I'm assuming you already do your own tire repair, in which case all you need is a spoke wrench ($5 - $10 at most). Although the bike shops have fancy wheel-truing fixtures, you can do it with the wheel in the frame; it only takes a little practice to figure out how to pull a wheel into line. You can use the brakes for a guide to tell when the wheel is centered and running true. If you figure to buy a new wheel anyway, you're not out all that much to try to fix the old one first.

...Kingfish, I'm coming your way. I've got time off in June so I'm definitely going for the Cincy > Columbus 110 mile sweat-a-thon. The paved trail ends about 15 from downtown Columbus. I'm not looking forward to 15 miles on Broad St. after 95 on the bucolic trail, but it's all a matter of how bad you want it. I'm going to hang out for one day in Columbus and then hoof it back.

Sorry: I just noticed this. Absolutely. Send me a PM when your plans are drum tight. I'll be in Austin, TX the last week of June, but around town the rest of the time and ready to roll.

 

 

I broke a spoke on my rear wheel today so my ride was cut short to 30 miles (it happened in the 15th mile). The break made no sense because I was riding very casually on a bike trail, making me think I need to replace the whole wheel.

 

Anyone who has had a spoke break has seen how a wheel refuses to spin straight. On my bike it wobbles enough that it hits the brake once per rotation, causing an annoying little noise. Most bike shops charge $1 for a spoke but between $15-20 to install it.

 

It's pretty easy to change a spoke. I'm assuming you already do your own tire repair, in which case all you need is a spoke wrench ($5 - $10 at most). Although the bike shops have fancy wheel-truing fixtures, you can do it with the wheel in the frame; it only takes a little practice to figure out how to pull a wheel into line. You can use the brakes for a guide to tell when the wheel is centered and running true. If you figure to buy a new wheel anyway, you're not out all that much to try to fix the old one first.

What Rob said. Once you survive the initial bouts of soul-crushing despair, truing wheels can be a most satisfying endeavor, and all you need is that tiny wrench (If you can flip your bike on its head, you already own a truing stand). Here's a great video on the subject (my dream is to build my next set of wheels):

 

 

 

It would be sometime in the middle of June.  According to Google Earth, the distance from downtown Cincinnati to downtown Columbus, via the bike trail, is 125 miles.  There are of course 10 miles from downtown Cincinnati to the start of the trail and then about 18 from the end to downtown Columbus. 

 

I want to get a helmet cam and record the bike trail from end to end and put in on youtube.  Nobody's done that yet.  I think if a youtube video showing the holes in the trail is uploaded, it will help motivate efforts to finish the trail. The trail ends at a hilariously nondescript side street in the countryside outside Columbus.  About 1/2 mile from the end of the trail the rail line is still active, for just one small industry.  I don't think there are any customers between that thing and I-270 so if they ever shut down the trail could be easily extended. 

Columbus has a curious mix of countryside and industry at its edges, and an even more curious mix of countryside and ghetto at its interior. I should be in town mid June. By then I'll have all sorts of tips on how to fix a bottom bracket that's making all kinds of scary-ass screeches, clunks, pings and rattles. Interesting ride home from work last night, that was.

In German Suburb, Life Goes On Without Cars

By Elisabeth Rosenthal, New York Times, May 11, 2009

 

VAUBAN, Germany — Residents of this upscale community are suburban pioneers, going where few soccer moms or commuting executives have ever gone before: they have given up their cars.

 

Full Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/12/science/earth/12suburb.html?_r=1

Middleburg Heights cyclist who bikes to work sees danger in bike lanes

Posted by Jim Nichols / Plain Dealer Reporter May 26, 2009 05:30AM

 

The road to the nation's future, as the League of American Bicyclists sees it, will be bracketed by bike lanes and happily pedaling cyclists who feel safe and secure in their communal comfort zone.

 

Full story: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2009/05/_scott_shaw_the_plain.html

^Interesting perspective. I enjoy bike paths and prefer roads with bike lanes, but I've always likened the former to <a href="http://www.habitrail.com/">Habitrails</a>.

Not to get into a detailed discussion of bike lanes v. bike paths v. every road is a bike path debate I have a few observations as a fair weather commuter, recreational cyclist and one time ride leader for the largest bicycle club in the USA.  It is demonstrably true that mixed bike paths (pedestrian and cyclist) are statistically and anecdotally far more dangerous for an experienced cyclist than is the open road.  Even a high speed road is acceptably safe if the right hand lane or if necessary shoulder is wide enough.  I have concluded that a regular street with a reasonably wide right side (and maybe a "sharrow") is the safest place to ride, even safer than a bike lane if and only if the cyclist has and uses a rear view mirror.  I have concluded after leading many road rides, commuted, etc. that the use of a rear view mirror is the single most important contributing factor to avoiding bike/car incidents.  By being able to track traffic behind you with constant scanning it is possible to anticipate what the traffic behind you is going to or wants to do.  Without this information it is impossible to blend into traffic seamlessly which is what cars want you to do-be seamless. This simple item along with good route selection to avoid problem areas (there are always alternative routes to avoid them) makes every cyclist a better and more courteous cyclist.  No one places enough emphasis on this.  You wouldn't dive a car in traffic without a rear view mirror, why wold you ride a bike in traffic without one?  Also, it needs to be on your glasses/helmet, not the bike so that you can scan the area behind you without turning the bike or shifting your body around on the bike.  Don't tell me you can twist your head over your shoulder or peak under your arm.  The vast majority of typical road cyclists can't do this without swerving at least a little and swerving, even a little is one thing that makes cyclists unpredictable to cars.  We really can all get along and using a rear view mirror would help a lot.  :angel:

Amen.  I cannot ride a bike without a good rear veiw mirror, whether it's mounted on my helmet or the handlebars.  Using one has saved me a lot of headache (and worse) on more than one occasion.