tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post6780693976272632627..comments2024-03-27T05:14:23.738-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Snow Queen!Velouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-9460155818992649622011-01-16T01:45:25.122-05:002011-01-16T01:45:25.122-05:00A traditional roadster, especially a ladies bike, ...A traditional roadster, especially a ladies bike, looks alot like the off road bicycle Geoff Apps developed.<br /><br />http://clelandcycles.wordpress.com/2010/09/26/welcome/<br /><br />http://www.completesite.com/mbhof/page.cfm?pageid=7&categoryid=4&memberid=209Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-48631767476667645092011-01-13T16:12:39.462-05:002011-01-13T16:12:39.462-05:00When we had all the snow here in Groningen, Nether...When we had all the snow here in Groningen, Netherlands, I pulled out my 24" Dutch Union folder. It is lower to the ground and a great ride on ice and snow. She got new cheap tires from Halfords-- nothing fancy, but certainly better than what she had.<br /><br />My red Sparta beater is great on anything but ice. She is tall and you have to lean to turn otherwise your foot hits the front tire when you turn to steer. While she has the weight and nice wider tires, the higher center of gravity bothers me when the roads are slick. I've fallen a few times, usually when first mounting and starting to petal.<br /><br />I'm not Dutch and I can't do the fancy mounting and dismounting tricks they do. Scary people. They use their bikes like kick scooters, then flop thier leg over once it's moving pretty quickly. Watching them do it on ice makes me vere jealous.Ronahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16096213034605839343noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-31708779381127577142011-01-05T14:45:02.022-05:002011-01-05T14:45:02.022-05:00Beautiful photos ... beautiful bike, a perfect set...Beautiful photos ... beautiful bike, a perfect setting! The ice combined with the human figure and black bike. Congratulations Lovely Bicycle! Robert FurtadoRoberto Furtado (Beto Andarilho)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03094123109556931864noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-88971349131841393842011-01-03T11:21:04.449-05:002011-01-03T11:21:04.449-05:00Thanks so much cris. I think rte 30 to rte 20 to B...Thanks so much cris. I think rte 30 to rte 20 to Beacon is what I will try. As an fyi if anyone is interested, I used the Charles River path this morning and while there were a few icy patches after all the melting, in general it was in great shape. No snow on it, just some ice for a stretch around Elliot Bridge. But on the way home in the dark, I think the roads will be better as they shouldn't be as icy. Thanks again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-19917692042589843532011-01-02T13:15:36.310-05:002011-01-02T13:15:36.310-05:00Newton to downtown? At this time of year, I'd...Newton to downtown? At this time of year, I'd go with Rt. 30 into Cleveland Circle and then Beacon St. from there to Commonwealth Ave. Roads are relatively wide and well ploughed. Bit hilly though. <br /><br />You could take Rt. 16 as V and MDI recommend, but I'd avoid the Longfellow on the inbound side. Thanks to <a href="http://bikinginheels-cycler.blogspot.com/2010/11/changes-to-onramp-of-longfellow.html" rel="nofollow">the recent redesign</a> the inbound cycle lane in blocked off by snow at the base of the bridge, forcing cyclists to either dismount and use the pedestrian crossing or take the sole remaining lane and climb the bridge with auto traffic backed up behind them. If you do take Rt. 16 into Cambridge, you may want to consider crossing the river at Mass Ave instead of the Longfellow. Depending on time of day, taking the lane on the Longfellow isn't too bad, but it isn't something that I'd recommend during rush hour.<br /><br />Normally, I wouldn't count on using the Charles River Path until March/April thaws arrive.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-40807916960121019122011-01-02T10:23:40.462-05:002011-01-02T10:23:40.462-05:00thanks MDI. i had tried that, but it told me to bi...thanks MDI. i had tried that, but it told me to bike on Storrow so i didn't want to try that.<br />if anyone bikes from newton into Boston avoiding the Charles Bike path, can you let me know the way. Rte 16 doesn;t seem to go all the way in. ThanksAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-1969119514499119522011-01-01T14:29:39.944-05:002011-01-01T14:29:39.944-05:00Anon--we take Rt 16 back into Cambridge/Harvard Sq...Anon--we take Rt 16 back into Cambridge/Harvard Sq and can't comment on the best way into Boston proper, including South Station.<br /><br />When we go to Boston, the easiest way from where we live is to take Beacon/Hampshire all the way to Longfellow bridge, but it seems like a detour to get into Boston that way coming from Watertown. There may be a more direct route involving an earlier bridge over the Charles.<br /><br />What I would do is use mapping sites with "avoid highways" setting and see what's recommended. Often it's the best route for cars or bikes.MDIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10810401918223629618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-89151494690019196082011-01-01T11:27:34.579-05:002011-01-01T11:27:34.579-05:00thanks Velouria. So you follow rte 16 east into wa...thanks Velouria. So you follow rte 16 east into watertown? does it go all the way into Boston? is it easy to follow?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-85471090018935980232010-12-31T20:33:48.512-05:002010-12-31T20:33:48.512-05:00Anon 5:48 - We take Route 16 even when the Chas Rv...Anon 5:48 - We take Route 16 even when the Chas Rv bike path is available, just because Rt 16 is much faster. There are no bike lanes, but the cars are used to cyclists along that entire route.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-103475964961733712010-12-31T20:24:20.880-05:002010-12-31T20:24:20.880-05:00@Lynne, I agree with you about the dress guard on ...@Lynne, I agree with you about the dress guard on the Paula. The only thing that's kept me from ordering some is that I have giant panniers that I rarely remove. The combination of those and my son's bobike seat prevent my dresses from getting caught. I've had my bike since June and I just gotten progressively happier with it. It's a total joy. It's nice to hear you love yours too.neighbourteasehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17571138655370581828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-41589281721040079522010-12-31T17:48:02.670-05:002010-12-31T17:48:02.670-05:00Hi. can anyone recommend the best route from Newto...Hi. can anyone recommend the best route from Newton to Boston in the snow? i have been biking along the Charles River path, but given the snow, have been thinking about switching to some route that stays on the roads instead? does anyone recommend staying on the Charles bike path and if not, can you suggest an alternative to get all the way to South Station?<br />Thanks in advance.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-31931635280009761442010-12-31T16:10:49.231-05:002010-12-31T16:10:49.231-05:00I think you have to assess the winter conditions i...I think you have to assess the winter conditions in the city you live in and decide if studded tires are worth the investment. Sounds like they may not be in Boston. <br /><br />We have 6 months of winter conditions where I live. Studded tires are a necessity. From my experience I have found studs to work exceptionally well for ice and do absolutely nothing for snowy roads. Of course there are many exceptions. Many studded tires have more aggressively lugged tread that may provide more stability in some snow conditions. And studs may not help if you are riding streets where slush has frozen and formed rutted tracks. Winter conditions vary widely with temperature and precipitation. That means the tire pressures you run have to vary as widely as well to get the maximum traction for the conditions. I have two winter bikes. A cross bike with 700 X 40c Schwalbe Marathon Winter studded tires for ice and light snow. I run tires pressures from 30 psi up to 70 psi. And a Surly Pugsley with 4" wide tires that can run as low as 6 psi for rutted ice and deeper snow.Doughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09090802854306112252noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-10714663941022518302010-12-31T12:47:33.774-05:002010-12-31T12:47:33.774-05:00Neighbortease -- I could not love my Retrovelo mor...Neighbortease -- I could not love my Retrovelo more. I have absolutely NO bike lust for any other bicycle now. You stated it well -- it handles like a mountain bike, but comfortably. I do a 14 mile ride every week with a bunch of other riders who have mountain bikes and road bikes. Not only do I ride the heavy Paula, but I have a 12 pound chain with me. I have absolutely no problem keeping up. It's an absolute dream to ride. I have no snow or ice, so I can't comment on that.<br /><br />The *only* thing it is missing is dress guards. I love the woven guards but I don't think I can bring myself to drill the fenders. I'm going to have to get busy with a crochet hook.Lynnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15552684053156651847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-52526480949693648512010-12-31T11:41:40.830-05:002010-12-31T11:41:40.830-05:00I have been reading your site for 6 months or so, ...I have been reading your site for 6 months or so, and I figured it was time to say "hello" and thank you for your lovely blog and thoughtful posts. Keep up the good work. Best wishes to you for a happy and healthy new year!Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01739577510600823543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-37781132062102369272010-12-31T07:40:57.041-05:002010-12-31T07:40:57.041-05:00Walt D - Yup, I cover my mouth with a scarf. Here ...Walt D - Yup, I cover my mouth with a scarf. <a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4260786632_05e6c860f3_o.jpg" rel="nofollow">Here is proof!</a><br /><br />Anon from Finland - Would love to see pictures of your bicycles! I completely agree with you that there is no "correct" way to handle road conditions. That is one reason I try not to give advice, but to simply describe my own experience. Some might read it and think "Oh, that sounds like it would work for me," while others might decide that they prefer to do it differently.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-82382901259577323032010-12-31T06:06:10.178-05:002010-12-31T06:06:10.178-05:00I have been reading your blog for some time, but n...I have been reading your blog for some time, but now I feel I can put by little bit into the machine...<br /><br />Up here in Finland winter cycling is no special thing. The mercury went below freezing the first part of Nov., and it will not go above again until early March. I am at 63 north latitude (like Baffin Island or Nome in N. America.) Normal conditions include powdery snow over top of very hard irregular surfaced ice, stiff wind and (today) -5F.<br /><br />I have long ago stopped giving people (foreign students here from tropical regions) advice about how to handle a bike under these conditions. Everybody has their own system. Some swear by wide studded tires, others by coaster brakes and summer tires, one by a fixy with summer tires. Some use only the back brake, others only the front. There are heavy bike people and light bike people, those who drive with low tire pressure and high pressure... The pros and cons of studded tires are debated endlessly, reflecting all the points in the above comments and more.<br /><br />Personally I ride a light road/racing bike (a Crescent 207 built in 1966) with a single studded tire in front and I NEVER hit the back brake all winter. My friend who uses coaster brakes and summer tires and has as many decades of winter cycling under his belt as me, regards this as suicidal. The opinion is mutual. <br /><br />(BTW: Nokia does make narrow (2.1 cms) tires with studes.)<br /><br />There is no "correct" way to handle winter conditions. If the bike is under control and you feel comfortable with it then go right on down the road. Don't let anybody try to tell you how to do it and impose their method on you. THAT could be dangerous, inducing a degree of self-consciousness that could lead to a false move.<br /><br />I have enjoyed reading the blog for several months now. I am also a vintage freak and have a small stable of bikes dating from 1936 to '88, mostly Swedish and German, one Peogeut. I ride every one and don't maintain a museum.<br /><br />I should invent a name and participate...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-17313930774617170482010-12-31T01:16:52.509-05:002010-12-31T01:16:52.509-05:00Been offline for two days due to some redwood-bran...Been offline for two days due to some redwood-branch inspired power line hi-jinks...<br /><br />back just in time to say "wow". That set of corded Jasbeschirmers works wonders for an already-elegant bike. Well done!<br /><br />Corey KCorey Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15381826721030941179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-81424837927311104592010-12-31T00:00:05.754-05:002010-12-31T00:00:05.754-05:00"I have close-up pictures of the installation..."I have close-up pictures of the installation and will write a detailed tutorial in a separate post, for those interested."<br /><br />Yes please! They look really great!<br /><br />John Ijohnihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034164289196863355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-82447443792405920842010-12-30T23:30:04.262-05:002010-12-30T23:30:04.262-05:00I was also surprised by the tilt of the saddle on ...I was also surprised by the tilt of the saddle on some of your bikes, but then noticed that Dottie has a similar saddle tilt on her upright bike as well (see for example http://letsgorideabike.com/blog/2010/12/winter-street-dynamics/). The tilt to the saddle must work well on this kind of bike, and looks good with the visual sweep of the down tubes and handlebars. WIth this kind of tilt, I can also understand how using a seat post with a setback clamp could significantly lower the distance between the saddle and ground (http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2010/12/diamond-frames-and-sizing-how-big-is.html).DavidKnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-3641453011591006722010-12-30T17:27:12.220-05:002010-12-30T17:27:12.220-05:00Velouria said...
"my lungs have grown accusto...Velouria said...<br />"my lungs have grown accustomed to cycling in freezing temperatures."<br /><br />Please, don't breath naked cold air while you ride! At least use a wrap or scarf to breath though!<br /><br />http://www.cptips.com/respasm.htm<br /><br />http://www.snowbikers.com/articles/cold_air.html<br /><br />http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/906030.stmWalt Dnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-8739786572959608232010-12-30T16:19:21.594-05:002010-12-30T16:19:21.594-05:00Thats just a beautiful bicycle, so easy to fall in...Thats just a beautiful bicycle, so easy to fall in love with classic vintage bicycles! <br /><br /><a href="http://budgetbicyclectr.com/vintage-bicycle-parts-vintage-bicycles-mountain-bike-parts-vintage-bike-accessories" rel="nofollow">Vintage Bicycles</a> are making a comeback!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04265118725858897737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-10732861371110527872010-12-30T14:47:16.095-05:002010-12-30T14:47:16.095-05:00Re studded tires: Okay, when I have a moment, I wi...Re studded tires: Okay, when I have a moment, I will try to find the posts by other cyclists where they are described as not helpful on ice. I know I am not imagining this! But either way, Boston's roads do not have enough snow <i>or</i> ice on them 90% of the time to justify the tires, in my experience. I rode every day last winter and did not feel a need for them. (Anne Welch - no, I've never ridden with studded tires.)<br><br>Walt D - Some bike+saddle combinations work best with the saddle tilted back like this; it works with the angles of the bike and with the shape of the saddle. It makes sense once you're standing over the bike and it isn't scary/painful at all. <br><br>sekaijin - I worried about it at the start of last winter, especially with my new, shiny, retail-bought Pashley. However, the Pashley looked just as new and shiny after an entire winter of cycling, salt, etc. These bikes are designed to be used, not as pretty toys. The internal hub gearing and brakes resists the weather and need no maintenance in winter. The chaincase keeps salt and ice off the chain. The components are stainless steel or alloy. The frames are powdercoated thick as war tanks. The bikes are fine, if they are made well. See my write-up about the Pashley last winter <a href="http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2010/01/pashley-princess-as-winter-bike.html" rel="nofollow">here</a>.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-32742540769018633992010-12-30T13:01:05.950-05:002010-12-30T13:01:05.950-05:00Here in Portland (Oregon) we don't get much sn...Here in Portland (Oregon) we don't get much snow but we do have a fair amount of black ice. I've been using studded tires this winter and have been pleasantly surprised at how well they work on ice. They do seem to have a bit more rolling resistance than my normal winter commuting tires but it's well worth it for peace of mind. <br />For what it's worth Peter White has a good article on studded tires on his website, it helped me make my decision on what would work for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-53794704452595475182010-12-30T12:53:51.979-05:002010-12-30T12:53:51.979-05:00I just got in my Scwalbe cream Delta Cruisers and ...I just got in my Scwalbe cream Delta Cruisers and have ordered Honjo<br />fenders for my Sam Hillborne. Your Gazelle looks great! <br />57 and clear here.JimPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-46238180201567422672010-12-30T12:29:56.260-05:002010-12-30T12:29:56.260-05:00I can't help but notice that the seat is tippe...I can't help but notice that the seat is tipped back quite a bit. Are you able to ride with your seat this much out of level?? Ouch!!Walt Dnoreply@blogger.com