tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post6554826040543711947..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: The Virtues of VersatilityVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-31978959540550661252012-02-17T19:32:20.547-05:002012-02-17T19:32:20.547-05:00I write from an island in New Zealand where certai...I write from an island in New Zealand where certain qualities of Europe are slowly drifting in on the long-tides, or to be more accurate, upon the jet streams. First it was delectable restaurant food instead of boiled-grey mutton and smashed-potatoes; then barista coffee and vineyards aiming at European gold medals. Italian Slow Food is slowing making its way down under, and in 2012, we notice the idea of Slow Biking is dawning.<br /><br />In Europe of course, there is no word for Slow Biking since it is ubiquitous but down-under the bike shops mostly stock pseudo-racie bikes, mostly imitation mountain bikes that will never see dirt or the drop bar road racer for poor souls who only use it to go to the corner store. Try to find the classic English 3-speed bike in New Zealand and you have to look in some old fella’s shed where the colour is rust-dust brown with bleached flecks of swallow-guano.<br /><br />So, what bike do we import to New Zealand to cultivate Slow Biking down-under?<br /><br />After considerable time spent on the internet, coupled with testing of various components on our own bikes, the conclusion is Bella Ciao, although when return home we may make a few changes to the components that reflect our different-than-Europe riding conditions. The Sturmey-Archer S3X hub is one component we shall test before going, and may explore if (with sufficient advanced notice to the factory) it could be installed in lieu of the standard one or 3-speed hub.<br /><br />Thus in April we shall fly to Berlin, collect two Bella Ciaos from the home office – one Uomo, one Donna – ride them to Dresden for a family event and then via the Elba and Moldau river-cycle trails to Prague where the generous Emirates airlines offers to transport bicycles back to Auckland as 30kg of checked luggage in bike-sized boxes with no extra charge.<br /><br />So I write to thank you for your extensive information on so many bikes that enabled me to make a distance-decision in the absence of bike shop test drives. It shall be most interesting to see how the bikes ride in real life. <br /><br />In advance we are building up muscles on our own saddles (we will take them with us rather than start a two-week tour breaking in new B17 seats). We are also trying to work out what will be the best way to transport clothes and gear for two-weeks overseas including evening attire for a concert by the Dresden Philharmonic in honour of a deceased uncle. I’m leaning toward designing my own panniers to match the genteel elegance of the Bella Ciao. The Brooks Devons look good, but with a limit on cabin luggage weight, 4.4 kgs of deadweight leaves little for content.<br /><br />This morning I received an email from Jens, asking how I heard about Bella Ciao, in which he asked how I heard about their bikes, writing “I am guessing over the wonderful blogger from Boston who has fallen in love with our bicycles so much”. <br /><br />I will reply “yes”, but then as I was writing my reply, I realised that in lovelybike you have no name, only referred to by others as “the wonderful blogger”, and your nom-de-blog "velouria". So my question is a matter of etiquette: Do we refer to you as Velouria, the “wonderfully talented young lady from Boston”, “the legendary blogger Lovely Bicycle”, or is there a more personal name that can be used without outing you to your relations and busybodies?<br /><br />By way of introduction, my name is Claude and while I do not have a blog, my web presence is at www.villageforum.com.Claudehttp://villageforum.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-80961966278286817262011-12-22T17:03:03.589-05:002011-12-22T17:03:03.589-05:00How would you describe the geometry of the BC Donn...How would you describe the geometry of the BC Donna? Is the seat angled for sitting up straight with the feet pressing forward? That's my favorite position, and difficult to find except for the Dutch bikes...Florahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04315904907075459053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-89174176237350598622011-12-21T23:30:41.704-05:002011-12-21T23:30:41.704-05:00AD - Somehow the chain is fine after 1 winter, and...AD - Somehow the chain is fine after 1 winter, and I rode the bike in pretty disgusting conditions, alternating between it and the Gazelle. Will report again after this winter. Also, to clarify there is an inside to the chaincase (i.e. it is not 1-sided), so only a small portion in the rear is open.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-45878576133364364992011-12-21T23:24:59.059-05:002011-12-21T23:24:59.059-05:00You mentioned the Bella requiring minimal maintena...You mentioned the Bella requiring minimal maintenance due to the chainguard, but it looks like the rear of the chainguard is open - does this still keep the chain clean?<br /><br />I ask because I find there is virtually no cleaning or lubrication required on my Rudge and Gazelle with the full chain case, but when I removed a portion of the Gazelle case for a while (it was bent in a fall), I needed to replace the chain afterwards (dirt and rust) after a reasonably short period.<br /><br />I understand your point about the Gazelles. The Gazelle is a nice bike, but I find mine heavy and slow uphill compared to the Raleigh Sports (probably my choice for versatile bike outside of snow/ice).<br /><br />ADAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-19026786585665970142011-12-21T16:04:11.806-05:002011-12-21T16:04:11.806-05:00Looks like BC are no longer making the Neorealista...Looks like BC are no longer making the Neorealista in blue:(dagmarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13222684053648902100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-63508039091321899602011-12-21T15:45:42.225-05:002011-12-21T15:45:42.225-05:00Anon@2:13--I had a large/heavy photo bag in the fr...Anon@2:13--I had a large/heavy photo bag in the front basket (20 lbs--testing front basket) and it was still twitchy.MDInoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-50447579525763582842011-12-21T14:13:21.616-05:002011-12-21T14:13:21.616-05:00One thing I found about the Brompton twitchiness i...One thing I found about the Brompton twitchiness is that as soon as you put some weight on the front end it becomes much more stable. So in one sense the light feeling of the steering unloaded is a benefit. When the bike is loaded the steering doesn't feel too heavy even with a big load. I rarely ride mine without some weight on the front but even when I do I have gotten use to the light feeling, now it just feels quick. If you add a saddle bag to the Brompton front touring bag then the load hauling capacity is pretty amazing. It's interesting because the bike I had previously was an xtracyle, very long and stable. A couple of times I went from the xtracyle to testing a road bike and the road bike felt so twitchy I almost could not ride them. In comparison with the road bikes switching to the Brompton did not feel twitchy at all. My girlfriend recently got a Linus mixte, with front basket and their canvas panniers. A very attractive bike. It got me thinking that maybe I would like to have a more classically styled bike to ride in addition to my Brommie. But every time I rode her bike and switched back to the Brompton, the Bromptons great ride and versatility quickly convinced me it's all the bike I need. At least for now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-20009873199941587932011-12-21T12:16:15.211-05:002011-12-21T12:16:15.211-05:00I considered getting just the ti fork and retro-fi...I considered getting just the ti fork and retro-fitting. Bicycle Quarterly once had an interesting fork test, where a traditional fork ran much smoother than a modern one with the bend in the middle. Maybe the Brompton would go smoother if they had the fork bend further down, classic style.<br /><br />But the tyre upgrade solved my problems. For wintertime I'll just suffer with the Marathons!<br /><br />A friend of mine has snow problems with the 3-sp chain tensioner, and I did too, but it went away with the 6sp derailleur, which is a little different. It wasn't that the snow clogged up like on a casette, it seemed more to do with the stickiness of the snow and I never figured it out.<br /><br />Chris Rust put studs on his Brompton, made out of small screws which he shortened using a bolt cropper.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/17890190@N07/sets/72157625383543811/" rel="nofollow">Brompton Ice Tyres</a>Erik Sandblomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14411108063216855210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-79938291386993644072011-12-21T11:53:08.034-05:002011-12-21T11:53:08.034-05:00Stuart - But my fitness level does not change when...Stuart - But my fitness level does not change when I switch from one bike to another. My Gazelle (Dutch bike) is also a 3-speed and I cannot efficiently do 10+ mile errands on it. Also, I test ride bikes all the time and there are some with 8-speed hubs that I max out on the same mildly hilly terrain where the Bella Ciao does okay. I think a great deal depends on the specific bike + rider combo.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-69814324593525951572011-12-21T11:49:37.340-05:002011-12-21T11:49:37.340-05:00I did not think I'd be able to tell the differ...I did not think I'd be able to tell the difference, and when I was making the argument to my spouse that we should just get them I suggested the all-steel versions. That would make it maybe financially viable, in conjunction with the cheaper lighting package. Knowing my ride quality sensitivity issues he disagreed and urged me to try the steel & ti versions side by side. So I did (same tires on both bikes). And damn, I could indeed feel a difference. My long term Brompton test ride was on the ti version, and I wasn't fully factoring that in.<br /><br />Re winter bikes, I remember reading somewhere about putting studs on the tires. I'd be concerned about the braking (rim brakes). Indoor storage should make the derailleur okay.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-16887980615066966842011-12-21T11:48:14.881-05:002011-12-21T11:48:14.881-05:00I'm sure your improved fitness level has a lot...I'm sure your improved fitness level has a lot to do with your ability to do-it-all on a three speed. I'm a SS-all-the-time kind of guy on the mean hills of SF. The first two weeks were hellish, but now I can pretty much tackle any slope on my 42x18 relaxed cross bike.stubecontinuedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11089106606720599576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-30023364511582491372011-12-21T11:41:08.936-05:002011-12-21T11:41:08.936-05:00About the softer ride quality of Ti Bromptons. I&#...About the softer ride quality of Ti Bromptons. I'm not sure I could tell the difference but I have a steel Brompton and have tried some different tyres on the front wheel. The one I like best is the Greenspeed Scorcher at around 4 bar (this fits only on the front, it's too big for the rear, 40-349). This gives a soft ride but not squishy, and doesn't hurt my hands. I weigh 60kg. Schwalbe Kojaks at around 5-6 bar and Brompton's own tyres are also okay. I use Marathons in the winter but they are harsh, even at around 4 bar. On the rear, you can tension the suspension to taste by turning the bolt.<br /><br />Bromptons are great all-rounder bikes but maybe not the best choice in slippery winter conditions. They are arguably a little pricey if you need to leave the bike locked up outside, but on the other hand they are easier to take inside.Erik Sandblomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14411108063216855210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-31799372032346093262011-12-21T11:36:39.252-05:002011-12-21T11:36:39.252-05:00Good point. Strictly speaking, I do not "need...Good point. Strictly speaking, I do not "need" the mixte. I've never had to ride further than places like Lexington center and Newton for transportation, and there are routes to those locations that the Bella Ciao can handle easily. Slower than the mixte, but that's fine. Having said that, who knows what might happen in future. If we move to some part of the suburbs with serious hills, the BC will quickly become out of the question, yet I will still want to ride for transportation. So I am keeping the mixte, and in the meantime will enjoy it as a fast bike in summers. <br /><br />Oh and I still want to convert it to remove TCO, but it is more complicated that we thought. The fork would need to be replaced.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-11192737701141533952011-12-21T11:28:53.557-05:002011-12-21T11:28:53.557-05:00If you've pinpointed your most versatile city ...If you've pinpointed your most versatile city bike, and you also have a fast road bike for fast jaunts (Moser), and a slightly less fast touring bike for touring and bike holidays (Riv), then where does that leave your mixte? I see it as somewhere in-between the Bella Chiao and the Moser, so I'm curious to know what niche you see it filling. Didn't you consider converting it to 650B at some point?somervillainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903377050982678550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-37622885473268935812011-12-21T11:07:57.855-05:002011-12-21T11:07:57.855-05:00Somebody ought to do a research paper on "Ser...Somebody ought to do a research paper on "Serial Monogamy" as it applies to bicycles.<br /><br />;)Corey Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15381826721030941179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-42788966768636034272011-12-21T10:34:50.242-05:002011-12-21T10:34:50.242-05:00It is nice to have a primary bike or at least a pr...It is nice to have a primary bike or at least a primary bike for a given use. Sometimes we learn a lot from tweaking an existing bike (so it's good to have a backup) or by switching from one to another and noting the differences. It can make another person's comments make sense, and be much more helpful than a typical review.<br /><br />I know there's some bike hoarding going on out there, but I think there's a lot of learning going on too! Congrats on finding a preferred city & town bike!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-49817784778047059452011-12-21T01:48:00.287-05:002011-12-21T01:48:00.287-05:00Jack of all trades, master of none, but often bett...Jack of all trades, master of none, but often better than a master of one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-77041306594429240592011-12-20T22:36:17.796-05:002011-12-20T22:36:17.796-05:00Bromptons are great for the city esp as a second b...Bromptons are great for the city esp as a second bicycle. I got one recently (usually ride a heavy Dutch bicycle). I like the Brompton for quick local trips and errands but oddly, prefer my Dutch bicycle for commuting. I like being more upright in heavy NYC traffic; I feel more visible; more easily aware of traffic around me; and -- while it might be my imagination -- I think cars give me more room. And over potholes, the Dutch bike feels considerably more stable. All that said, if something ever happened to my big bike, I could definitely see the Brompton as my one all-rounder and learn to compensate for the more forward position, etc.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-44058063664198310132011-12-20T22:27:53.727-05:002011-12-20T22:27:53.727-05:00It was twitchy for me for like 30 seconds, then I ...It was twitchy for me for like 30 seconds, then I just relaxed and try not to input much. The Brommie had the firm block, which is pretty much recommended for everyone used to a normal bike. <br /><br />The "stick" happened because the bike had the extra long seat post, which I collapsed, pressing against a rubber stop that locked the fold in place. <br /><br />Funny because last time I was in the shop the owner was considering BFs. I said consider Brommies. Voila. They are selling like hot cakes.Ground Round Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09103163385322185034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-63388323527504822722011-12-20T22:17:56.792-05:002011-12-20T22:17:56.792-05:00Interesting. I had trouble folding and unfolding i...Interesting. I had trouble folding and unfolding it, but I think I am just spatially challenged and if I used the bike a lot I would get the hang of it. I was fine with the small wheels. The bigger problem for me was the front end twitchiness. Also, unfortunately I could tell the difference between the regular all-steel frame and the frame with the ti fork and rear triangle - softer ride quality on the latter, but also much more $$.<br /><br />Never tried a Bike Friday. Did not like the couple of Dahons I tried.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-70463097573617334222011-12-20T22:06:25.004-05:002011-12-20T22:06:25.004-05:00Eh, mostly because it didn't ride more like a ...Eh, mostly because it didn't ride more like a regular bike for me. I love the engineering and the thought behind how every little piece is thought out. <br /><br />The wheels are are slightly small for me; but I'm ok w/20 inchers theoretically. I know it contributes to a very compact fold. Accidentally got the fold stuck when on the test ride, had to walk it like a sick dog back.<br /><br />If I had to take it on the train often, or plane for that matter, store it under my desk or in coat check I'm sure my focus would change from it being a bike to something more like a very useful tool. That said it still is way better than the Bike Friday I rode. <br /><br />Also rode a Soma Mini Velo which was a hoot. No folding tho.Ground Round Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09103163385322185034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-44987879940203377482011-12-20T21:23:21.509-05:002011-12-20T21:23:21.509-05:00Why not?Why not?MDInoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-91395307691691898572011-12-20T20:01:20.903-05:002011-12-20T20:01:20.903-05:00Funny about Brompton. While you seem to be moving...Funny about Brompton. While you seem to be moving towards it recently I test rode one prepared to like it a lot.<br /><br />Did. Not. At. All.Ground Round Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09103163385322185034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-18853826777642519062011-12-20T19:00:10.715-05:002011-12-20T19:00:10.715-05:00Ah yes I remember that paint was a limited run. It...Ah yes I remember that paint was a limited run. It is a very unusual colour, you'll see; never seen anything like it before and it's hard to capture in pictures. Enjoy!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-23636941415675536182011-12-20T19:00:09.097-05:002011-12-20T19:00:09.097-05:00Thank you! I will send an email! Happy Holidays! ...Thank you! I will send an email! Happy Holidays! BTW LUV your blog!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com