Bike bonk bloke cops three years' probation
Robert Stewart was caught with his bike in flagrante and trying to thrust into it. Why, we have no idea. But he's gotten three years probation and will go to prison if he does it again (and gets caught).
I don't pretend to know or even want to know which wires got crossed in this dude's effed up brain. But I hope he didn't try to pedal his girlfriend to work. Oh wait, what am I saying, he obviously does not have a girlfriend since he's a deviant nutter.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
The Future is Cruising
EV-X7: the electric future-cruiser
I've ridden my share of recumbent bicycles but haven't had the chance to try a recumbent scooter. It might be a hoot to get out and carve up some roads on it. Since you sit so much lower, you'll have a higher perceived sense of speed and lower top speed translates into safer riding in a roundabout kind of way.
But if it handles like crap then there's no point anyway. At least not until we can do away with the wheels altogether and get these suckers flying.
I've ridden my share of recumbent bicycles but haven't had the chance to try a recumbent scooter. It might be a hoot to get out and carve up some roads on it. Since you sit so much lower, you'll have a higher perceived sense of speed and lower top speed translates into safer riding in a roundabout kind of way.
But if it handles like crap then there's no point anyway. At least not until we can do away with the wheels altogether and get these suckers flying.
The Electric Superbikes are Coming
Vectrix Electric Superbike unveiled at Milan
It isn't a world beater but it is a surer sign than any other that electric bikes are coming and will be doing some kickass stuff when they fully arrive. I love the idea of buzzing up Highway 9 on a nearly silent motorcycle. Plus it looks cool.
It isn't a world beater but it is a surer sign than any other that electric bikes are coming and will be doing some kickass stuff when they fully arrive. I love the idea of buzzing up Highway 9 on a nearly silent motorcycle. Plus it looks cool.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Team Baggy Reunion Ride
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| From SouthYuba1119... |
Chris and family were down visiting on their way to Paso Robles for Thanksgiving so we put together a great ride up on the South Yuba Trail out of Nevada City. John, Keith, Rich, Chris and I met up at 8:15AM for an early ride so we would have enough time for lunch and a few beers afterwards. We had two single speeds, Rich on his Monocog 29er, and Keith on his Merlin Titanium. Chris was on his very sweet rigid Niner MCR 29er. John and I were the only two on full suspenders. John had a sweet new Giant Trance, and I had my trusty Giant Reign. It was forecast to rain, and the weatherman did not disappoint. As soon as we started turning the pedals the raindrops began to fall. No problem though as we were all prepared and were going to ride regardless of the rain or not. After the first 20 minute climb it was raining pretty good and we were getting a bit wet. We stopped after a super fun descent and put on some additional rain gear. Then it was a bit more fire road climbing and then the super fast fund Missouri Bar descent down to the South Yuba River. This was just a blur of green on the side of the trail with a small single track covered in leaves. The left side of the trail is quite exposed with some pretty good drops down the side of the hill. It requires full concentration and good brakes! Once we reached the South Yuba Trail its a mixture of rolling terrain with some switchbacks, steep climbs, stream and slippery bridge crossings. We stopped at the picnic benches and had a quick bite to eat, not sitting down of course due to the rain. From there it's a quick 4 miles back to the cars on a fast rolling section with one bitch ass little climb at the very end. Overall it was a great day and we all were in great spirits. I actually enjoyed the rain. It was a nice change of pace and I had the proper clothing to keep me warm for the most part! After we changed out of our soaking we clothes and enjoyed a couple of frosty malted beverages courtesy of Rich, we were off for some lunch at South Pine in Nevada City.
We didn't get too many photos due to the rain but Chris was shooting helmet cam video, so can't wait to see some of that footage!
Jay's Photos
Chris' Photos
Friday, November 16, 2007
Vote for Crazy Bicycles
Saw a link to oobject � crazy bicycles on MetaFilter and checked it out. Some really cool bikes to check out with links to the sites they are hosted from. I dig the twisted frame bike alot.
Check it out! There's goodies on the rest of the site too, its called a Billboard Charts for Gadgets and that is a geek's dream!
Check it out! There's goodies on the rest of the site too, its called a Billboard Charts for Gadgets and that is a geek's dream!
The Ugliest Electric Bike I've Ever Seen
Electrobike Pi: your pedal power gets an electric boost
I love the idea of electrically powered bikes and motorcycles and I love concept bikes too. But this bike is just plain old ugly with pretty bits in it and on it.
It utilizes the NuVinci infinitely variable planetary transmission (as in the Ellsworth The Ride) which makes it efficient and that honking ugly frame does have practical aspects in that the batteries are housed within it for a pretty sano look.
But it looks like a big, unhappy frown.
Flawed Report Raises Bike Ban Threat
Target: Sportbikes
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is trying to ban a huge, huge list of motorcycles by using bad science to demonstrate how dangerous they are.
To be sure, some of the bikes in the list are incredibly fast and dangerous but that doesn't make them death machines. The riders who treat them with no respect and ride like fools are the reason that they die. Any motorcycle (or car or bike for that matter) can be ridden in an incredibly stupid fashion that will end up killing you.
The list of bikers they want banned includes:
My V-Strom is a fantastic bike, it is comfortable, quick enough (but nowhere near a Gixxer or Kawa ZX-14) and very practical. I ride pretty fast and still maintain above 40 mpg fuel efficiency.
The IIHS has a bias against sportbikes that's well known and they've taken information and mashed it into a form that suits their preformed conclusions. Which is to say, they are engaging in false and misleading science.
The linked article explores the many flaws in the IIHS methodology and pretty well destroys any credibility the report might have had.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is trying to ban a huge, huge list of motorcycles by using bad science to demonstrate how dangerous they are.
To be sure, some of the bikes in the list are incredibly fast and dangerous but that doesn't make them death machines. The riders who treat them with no respect and ride like fools are the reason that they die. Any motorcycle (or car or bike for that matter) can be ridden in an incredibly stupid fashion that will end up killing you.
The list of bikers they want banned includes:
ApriliaWhich is to say, pretty much all of the sport bikes and semi-sport bikes on the street right now. But they overlooked the Harley Davidson V-Rod and a whole passel of cruiser bikes with enormous engines, bloated weight and terrible handling.
RST Futura, RS 250, RSV 1000 R, RSV 1000 R Factory
BMW
F800S, F800ST, K1200GT, R1200RT, R1200ST, K1200S, K1200R, R1150R, R1150R Rockster
Buell
All models
Ducati
1000DS, 620 Sport, SS800, 749, 749R, 749S, 999 Biposto, 999R, 999S, Monster S2R, Monster S2R 1000, Monster S4R, Monster S4R Testastretta
Honda
Interceptor 800, Interceptor 800 ABS, ST1300, ST1300 ABS, ST1300 Police MC, CBR1000RR, CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, RC51, 599, 919
Kawasaki
Concours 1000, Ninja 250R, Ninja 500, Ninja 650R, Ninja ZX-14, ZZR600, Ninja ZX-10R, Ninja ZX-6R, Ninja ZX-6RR, Z1000, ZR-7S
Suzuki
Hayabusa, Katana 600, Katana 750, GSX-R1000, GSX-R750, GSX-R600, SV1000, SV650S, V-Strom 1000, V-Strom 650
Triumph
Sprint ST, 955 Daytona, Daytona 675, Speed Triple
Yamaha
FJR1300, YZF600R, YZF-R1, YZF-R6, YZF-R6S, FZ6, FZS1000
Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
My V-Strom is a fantastic bike, it is comfortable, quick enough (but nowhere near a Gixxer or Kawa ZX-14) and very practical. I ride pretty fast and still maintain above 40 mpg fuel efficiency.
The IIHS has a bias against sportbikes that's well known and they've taken information and mashed it into a form that suits their preformed conclusions. Which is to say, they are engaging in false and misleading science.
The linked article explores the many flaws in the IIHS methodology and pretty well destroys any credibility the report might have had.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Electric Motorcycle Breaks Eight Second Quarter Mile
KillaCycle electric motorcycle breaks eight second quarter mile at 168mph
Very fast, indeed. And a better story about the Killacycle than last time when it nearly killed its owner while he demonstrated a burnout in a parking lot for moto-journalists (he was not wearing any protective gear which certainly did not help).
Just for future reference, treat a motorcycle like a loaded gun, it can always cause major damage and even kill you.
Very fast, indeed. And a better story about the Killacycle than last time when it nearly killed its owner while he demonstrated a burnout in a parking lot for moto-journalists (he was not wearing any protective gear which certainly did not help).
Just for future reference, treat a motorcycle like a loaded gun, it can always cause major damage and even kill you.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
2008 Amgen Tour of California - Route Details Posted
Only 96 days until the 3rd annual Amgen Tour of California! They just posted the route details, go check it out! The prologue on Sunday 2/18/08 will be held in Palo Alto, near Stanford University.
Federal Charges for Trail Trespass?
Feds throw the book at Point Reyes mountain biker
The guy and his group shouldn't have been there, that's not in question. But the biker is now facing federal charges for riding an off-limits trail.
Which might set a scary precedent for bikers that choose to overlook posted off-limit trails.
The guy and his group shouldn't have been there, that's not in question. But the biker is now facing federal charges for riding an off-limits trail.
Which might set a scary precedent for bikers that choose to overlook posted off-limit trails.
Lattice Carbon Fiber Bike Frame
Delta 7 Sports | Arantix Bike Frame | IsoTruss Bike
They offer 7 reasons why the Lattice Carbon Fiber Frame is better (note, not saying I buy all of these but they make some good arguments):
1. Higher Performance Materials: Made of superior high-grade aerospace carbon fiber that is significantly stronger than other common products.
2. Most Efficient Structure: Patented open lattice design leverages greater efficiency from the carbon fiber’s strength by concentrating material at proper reinforcement intervals and eliminating excess material.
3. Lighter Structure: Withstands same high loads as other carbon fiber frames with fewer fibers.
4. Increased Stiffness: Standard stiffness & deflection testing shows the Arantix is more similar to high grade aluminum alloys. Unique design and geometry provide increased response, handling and transfer of pedaling force.
5. Superior Resilience: Redundant lattice structure makes the Arantix even stronger during impact/crash scenarios by isolating damage without compromising the whole frame.
6. Ride-Optimization: Redundant lattice geometry of the Arantix allows for direction specific design. The frame may be customized with more fibers on the side for improved lateral stiffness as well as fewer fibers on top/bottom for greater vertical compliance, opening up a world of ride tuning possibilities.
7. Unparalleled: The Arantix is an extreme performance hand-crafted composite mountain bike frame produced in a limited production run. With its unique patented IsoTruss® technology, there is nothing else like it on the planet.
Our Take: It looks pretty cool but what happens if you go riding in the mud and get that open lattice good and packed up with mud? And it looks like a couple of good hard hits in the same place are going to fracture that lattice alot more easily than a solid tube. Maybe that's just my ignorance of the strength characteristics of the lattice. A pretty cool looking bike that is sure to get conversation started everywhere you go.
They offer 7 reasons why the Lattice Carbon Fiber Frame is better (note, not saying I buy all of these but they make some good arguments):
1. Higher Performance Materials: Made of superior high-grade aerospace carbon fiber that is significantly stronger than other common products.
2. Most Efficient Structure: Patented open lattice design leverages greater efficiency from the carbon fiber’s strength by concentrating material at proper reinforcement intervals and eliminating excess material.
3. Lighter Structure: Withstands same high loads as other carbon fiber frames with fewer fibers.
4. Increased Stiffness: Standard stiffness & deflection testing shows the Arantix is more similar to high grade aluminum alloys. Unique design and geometry provide increased response, handling and transfer of pedaling force.
5. Superior Resilience: Redundant lattice structure makes the Arantix even stronger during impact/crash scenarios by isolating damage without compromising the whole frame.
6. Ride-Optimization: Redundant lattice geometry of the Arantix allows for direction specific design. The frame may be customized with more fibers on the side for improved lateral stiffness as well as fewer fibers on top/bottom for greater vertical compliance, opening up a world of ride tuning possibilities.
7. Unparalleled: The Arantix is an extreme performance hand-crafted composite mountain bike frame produced in a limited production run. With its unique patented IsoTruss® technology, there is nothing else like it on the planet.
Our Take: It looks pretty cool but what happens if you go riding in the mud and get that open lattice good and packed up with mud? And it looks like a couple of good hard hits in the same place are going to fracture that lattice alot more easily than a solid tube. Maybe that's just my ignorance of the strength characteristics of the lattice. A pretty cool looking bike that is sure to get conversation started everywhere you go.
Friday, November 09, 2007
The Most Bike Friendly Cities
Wired offers the Most Bicycle-Friendly Cities in the World
Based on the 5E's
1. Engineering (bike parking, designated lanes, etc.)
2. Encouragement (events and campaigns)
3. Evaluation and Planning (ongoing political bodies that make changes to existing laws and plan for the future)
4. Education (bike maps and awareness campaigns)
5. Enforcement (making motorists heel)
The Cities are:
1. Amsterdam
2. Portland, Oregon
3. Copenhagen
4. Boulder, Colorado
5. Davis, California
6. Sandnes, Norway
7. Tronheim, Norway
8. San Francisco, California
9. Berlin
10. Barcelona
11. Basel, Switzerland
Based on the 5E's
1. Engineering (bike parking, designated lanes, etc.)
2. Encouragement (events and campaigns)
3. Evaluation and Planning (ongoing political bodies that make changes to existing laws and plan for the future)
4. Education (bike maps and awareness campaigns)
5. Enforcement (making motorists heel)
The Cities are:
1. Amsterdam
2. Portland, Oregon
3. Copenhagen
4. Boulder, Colorado
5. Davis, California
6. Sandnes, Norway
7. Tronheim, Norway
8. San Francisco, California
9. Berlin
10. Barcelona
11. Basel, Switzerland
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
The New Honda CB1000R
Gizmag has photos of the 2008 Honda CB1000R and it looks pretty darned hot.
The move to more angular naked motorcycles works well for me and I'm sure Honda has done their homework and improved the Fireblade over previous incarnations. Not sure about the stubby muffler though.
I need to win the lottery so I can start my Sexy Moto collection!
The move to more angular naked motorcycles works well for me and I'm sure Honda has done their homework and improved the Fireblade over previous incarnations. Not sure about the stubby muffler though.
I need to win the lottery so I can start my Sexy Moto collection!
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