rent my cruzbike thru bicycle forest

http://www.cruzbike.com/

I thought their product was interesting enough to order.

See my "unorthodox_recumbents" blog for more- Google it.

A few comments on building it:
- unless you can tear down and rebuild a bicycle, DON'T attempt it yourself
- take it to a bicycle shop and pay them to build it
- RTFM. You will need to acquire a coupla obscure and rare tools and parts
- the sad thing is that with more care at the company, this would have been a DIY.
- the parts are all very good quality
- the shipping costs were huge on the handlebars, but I wouldn't want the bike without them.

I had rented a Rotator SWB 'bent via Bicycle Forest the year before.
These guys were a joy to deal with!
http://www.bikeforest.com/rentals.php
D: the local guy operates out of his garage in Waterloo.
He has a simply amazing collection of commercial and custom 'bents.
If you ask nicely, he'll show you.
Anyway, in no time I was successfully riding the 'bent.

DON'T assume this means you can use a front-boom SWB Cruzbike on the road the first weekend.
It is a different beast entirely.
Admittedly, I bought a youth's frame on sale. 24" wheels, high seat combo.
I'm sure in time I will refer to my Cruzbike as nimble and agile.
Right now, unstable is the word I use.
I need much more practice before I'm willing to risk using a bike lane, let alone the road.

You see, the pedals and steering are connected.
You push on the pedal.
The steering... jerks!
OMG.
In time, this means you can steer with your feet.
I suspect the frame I selected will be fine up to 30kph, but will then destabilize.
This relegates the bike to commuting in my case, which is fine, I suppose.
I decked out the bike with heaps of various lights and locks and accessories.
I have Reelights, as well as a cheap Euro knockoff for amber sideways 'running lights'.
A coupla scares with cars pulling out on red lights to turn right convinced me this was wise.
I got tired of batteries dying during winter cycling, thus the terrific Reelights.
I have a screamer cable lock on it. As well as a standard U lock.
A coupla folding baskets at the rear.
I'm pondering making my own backpack/ adjustable rucksack mount.
I don't like strapping them down cuz of the chance of all those straps catching in the rear tire.
Plus a rucksack is too long.
This is a design issue with bents that nobody has addressed.

Still, I hafta learn how to handle a Cruzbike. It is training for my Mark II bike design.
Briefly, (again see other blog for more):
I - cheap DIY Flevobike GreenMachine BUT with proprietary suspension tested
II - pedal-thru-front-wheel mid-steerer, a bit Python esque
III - transforming partial fairing design
IV - no frame/ all exoskeleton 'pure' fairing design. A first.

The Mark I was proposed for the 'everybody bike design' this year. I didn't finish the CAD drawing, so will submit pics of the first prototype for next year.

Cheers.

ugly road rage case

A Brentwood physician who allegedly injured two cyclists last summer by slamming on his car brakes in front of them on Mandeville Canyon Road pleaded not guilty today.
The resulting impact flung one cyclist through the car’s rear window and the other to the pavement.
allegedly told police during the July 4 incident that he stopped his red Infinity sedan in front of the cyclists to “teach them a lesson.” The physician complained that cyclists frequently traveled the residential street in Brentwood and that he was “tired of them,

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/01/a-brentwood-phy.html

D: that was sporting. Like pulling a pistol during a fistfight.
That's a tonne of high-power steel armour. V.s. a squishy guy on a metal tube frame.

Not nearly as ugly as the Toronto case recently.

http://www.bikingtoronto.com/2008/11/cyclist-who-lost-leg-speaks-out.html

http://www.polaine.com/matt/2008/11/27/cyclist-loses-leg-in-road-rage-attack/

A cyclist in Toronto has had to have his leg amputated after a row with a cab driver turned nasty. Police yesterday said the cyclist lost his leg after a cab reversed and pinned him to a utility pole.

It’s understood people heard arguing before the sound of a loud collision and then someone screaming for help as a vehicle sped off. Police who rushed to the scene at 2.30am found the man lying in a pool of blood, with his right leg barely attached. His $5,000 cycle was lying nearby in pieces

D: wow...
Using a car on a pedestrian is attempted murder. 2000 lbs of steel v.s. 200 lbs of jello.
Let's call an ace an ace here.

skateboard cam for bike helmet mount

http://www.mopo.ca/2006/12/snowboard-freebord-skateboard-hands.html

The Action Sports Hands Free Camera.

This small, lightweight, shock-resistant and waterproof video camera can be clipped to a helmet, handlebar, ski pole, snorkel, or just about anywhere else, allowing you to capture hands-free video footage without distraction while snowboarding, skateboarding, skiing, cycling, or snorkeling. The camera records at 15 or 30 frames-per-second and includes 32 MB of internal memory which can store up to 11 minutes of footage at 160 x 120 QQVGA or 640 x 480 VGA resolution, and it has an SD card expansion slot so you can add up to 2 GB of memory for 13 hours of additional video storage. The camera connects directly to a television for video playback, or footage can be downloaded to a computer via USB cable (requires Windows® XP/2000, 128 MB RA M, 800 MB free hard disk space). Camera mounts include a U-shaped clip and hook-and-loop fasteners to grip arms, legs, helmets, or bike frame tubes. Includes RCA and USB cables. Requires two AA batteries. Ages 8 and up. 4 1/2" L x 2" Diam. (5 oz.)


Item 73304 ................... $129.95
SOLD OUT
Due to the popularity of this item, we are unexpectedly sold out.

D: this has a few uses.
1) a 20 minute version would cover to/from work on commute.
a) getting cut off for Hall of Shame
b) record traffic accidents
c) misc. unexpected uses.

This reminds me of a cyberpunk novel named "Snowcrash" by Gaimen.
Actually, since the corporate dystopian near future is simply accepted, I'd argue it is the first post-Cyberpunk novel. Anyway, I think in that book that grannies wear live web-broadcast cams in realtime. They form neighbourhood watch groups like good busybodies.

I think I'm the only guy that prefers old B&W CCDs for work like this.
Much better low-light sensitivity.
I converted my old webcam to see in the dark that way.
Combined with a hug or even handlebar display, you have 'stealth mode'.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/20/cerevellum-bike-rearview-monitor-might-be-a-little-overkill/

We've seen some bike-centric GPS devices and sound systems in the past, but we've never seen a device that actually encourages you to ride around while staring down at a screen -- which is probably the fatal flaw with the Cerevellum bicycle rearview monitor. The prototype unit shown here features a 3.5-inch screen and a 4-hour battery life, along with 32MB of storage for workout data and four USB ports for expansion modules. The Cerevellum is expected to cost some $200 when it goes into production, and the company says it's developing GPS and heart-rate monitor modules to ship soon after -- all far better uses of a handlebar mounted screen than a rearview camera that accomplishes nothing a quick look over the shoulder can't get you, we think.

D: use with infrared filter/ light source and head mount and you have 'night vision option'.

D: using it like the rear-view-mirror integrated bike helm might be interesting too.
http://www.gizmag.com/go/4855/

http://www.reevu.com/leisure_product.asp
D: not sure if this passed the local safety tests.
But since I'm more interested in avoiding v.s. enduring an accident, not so bad.

http://www.amazon.com/Cycleaware-Viewpoint-Eyewear-Mirror-Round/dp/B00012345A
D: finally, a wee mirror that attaches inside yer sunglasses.
One on each side and try to sneak up!

nifty reflective nylon tape

http://gizmodo.com/5113146/retroreflective-bright-bike-looks-black-glows-white-in-headlights

D: my bike has bits of reflective tape on strategic locations.
Plus on my luggage rack I tacked on a coupla big-truck style reflectors.
Those strips of red and white.
In fact, my bike reflects from every angle.

Not that that helps much if somebody pulls a rolling stop/ no - look combo.
Which is pretty common.

bike lanes commandeered by vehicles.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/12/new-york-suv-lane.php

D: the problem I have in town is how they pull out of normal traffic without checking for bikes. In a bike lane...
Many harsh words get uttered.

This is a good reason to NOT make bike lanes any wider than a yard.
Too easy to become another traffic/turn lane.

The other problem with bike lanes is when a traffic lane is an actual or de facto turn lane, the bike lane needs to continue over to the left on row of traffic.

waterloo police for calling dead cyclist silly

http://news.therecord.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/454337

The road was bare and dry at the time, said Sgt. Fred Gregory of the traffic branch, but it was dark.

Martin had a light and reflectors on his bike but was not wearing a helmet, Gregory said. Family say he also wore a reflective vest. He was riding on the roadway at the time.

http://therecord.blogs.com/take_the_lane/2008/12/regional-police-service-apologizes-for-silly-remark.html

"Waterloo Regional Police Staff Sgt. Sue Kenny... saying "Riding a bike with weather conditions like this, it seems kind of silly.... It's common sense."

The apology:
"Our Service strongly supports the rights of cyclists to use our roadways safely, as a responsible and environmentally friendly method of transportation and recreation."

I talked with Insp. Beckett and believe the apology here is heartfelt. He noted that it is amazing how a single sentence can reverse a message, and the message from Waterloo Region Police, he says, should be that cyclists are a part of the transportation community.
-----------------------
D: incredible. Bikes continue to be view as toys, as always just an option compared to a car.
I just decided to winter cycle after all. The bus takes an HOUR each way. I can WALK that fast- and run in half the time. Or cycle in a quarter of the time.
I just lose too much time, trapped on a bus.
My last place didn't have parking. Having never owned a car, the insurance would kill me.
Plus I am not fond of the bus. Trapped with all those coughing sneezing sniffling sick people.
Watching the 'character' interact with folks that really don't want to.
Listening to teen girls say like every 2nd or 3rd word - it's not an interjection folks! Or shouldn't be. Yup, it's safe to say I show up to work an hour later with my blood pressure a mile high from stress.
I just bought Reelights, available from Waterloo Cycles on King Street. They look easy to install and very rugged. Batteries are spotty in cold weather.
I admit biking home tonight felt more like surfing. Once I get my 'sea legs', the training does wonders for off-roading on the Hydro Cut in mud.

waterloo police for calling dead cyclist silly

http://news.therecord.com/News/CanadaWorld/article/454337

The road was bare and dry at the time, said Sgt. Fred Gregory of the traffic branch, but it was dark.

Martin had a light and reflectors on his bike but was not wearing a helmet, Gregory said. Family say he also wore a reflective vest. He was riding on the roadway at the time.

http://therecord.blogs.com/take_the_lane/2008/12/regional-police-service-apologizes-for-silly-remark.html

"Waterloo Regional Police Staff Sgt. Sue Kenny... saying "Riding a bike with weather conditions like this, it seems kind of silly.... It's common sense."

"Our Service strongly supports the rights of cyclists to use our roadways safely, as a responsible and environmentally friendly method of transportation and recreation."

I talked with Insp. Beckett and believe the apology here is heartfelt. He noted that it is amazing how a single sentence can reverse a message, and the message from Waterloo Region Police, he says, should be that cyclists are a part of the transportation community.
-----------------------
D: incredible. Bikes continue to be view as toys, as always just an option compared to a car.
I just decided to winter cycle after all. The bus takes an HOUR each way. I can WALK that fast- and run in half the time. Or cycle in a quarter of the time.
I just lose too much time, trapped on a bus.
My last place didn't have parking. Having never owned a car, the insurance would kill me.
Plus I am not fond of the bus. Trapped with all those coughing sneezing sniffling sick people.
Watching the 'character' interact with folks that really don't want to.
Listening to teen girls say like every 2nd or 3rd word - it's not an interjection folks! Or shouldn't be. Yup, it's safe to say I show to work an hour later with my blood pressure a mile high from stress.
I just bought Reelights, available from Waterloo Cycles on King Street. They look easy to install and very rugged. Batteries are spotty in cold weather.
I admit biking home tonight felt more like surfing. Once I get my 'sea legs', the training does wonders for off-roading on the Hydro Cut in mud.