Making Bikes Happen

Here's a new pair of bikes for our intrepid readers. We have a lugged Trek road bike (54cm) and an old style cruiser. The trek is a beauty and the cruiser is a beast. Now if i could only find singing tea cups and a crooning pitcher i'd have a hit movie on my hands...

Also, I'll be in the shop tomorrow morning if you're interested in some holiday bike buying.

September 4th Chain Links

Today's links are from all over the globe and all over the map. From stolen bikes in China, to very chilly running, to a house with no impact, today's links make of the hodge podge of life on our planet. Mostly the quirky kind.

First: If you're riding a bike in Beijing that retails for less than about $70, then it's almost certainly stolen. Could be worse. One guy in the article tried to get clever with the thieves and got his bike taken from him in a different way. Cheeky bastards.

Second: While this has nothing to do with bikes, it has everything do do with sustainability. Make sure to check out the gallery and maybe you'll find some cool ideas. I know I did. Perhaps I should suggest the image above for his next project?

Finally: I joke about bike porn. If there's a photo gallery of this event then this sh*t just got real.

(Photo Credit: Bike Frame Fence from recyclart.org)

Friday Bike Roundup

Just thought you'd like a preview of what's in the shop this week (off the top of my head of course)

Bikes:
2 cruisers at $40 and $60
3-10 BMX bikes at $40 (we'll see how many I can get done)
1 MTB at $40 (AS IS)
2 high end lugged road bikes $250 and $300
2 kids bikes at $30
2 Tandems

Up and coming bikes:
A Mongoose Dual Shock
3 speed cruiser
Trek Police Bike
GT MTB

New Accessories:
Lights
Gloves
Cyclo computers
Tubes
Watter Bottles
WB Cages
Jerseys (more on order)
A lock (more on order)
Disk Break Rotors

Used Accessories:
Pumps galore
BMX Pegs
Watter Bottles
Child Seats
Hitch Racks/Spare Tire Rack
Pedals
Msc. other things

We may also have several consignment bikes but that's still up in the air. Hope to see you tomorrow!

New Policy

Just to give you all a heads up. Due to the rash of bike thefts on campus (sorry, FSU PD doesn't have details yet) we're instituting new bike buying and trade in requirements. First, we can not buy or take a trade on a bike who's serial number has been removed or damaged. Second, we must require a photo-ID (Driver's License) for all trades and sales (if you buy a bike from he GBP you don't need one). Finally, everyone who sells us a bike or trades one in must sign a statement affirming that the bike is theirs to sell and was lawfully purchased.

We will also be sending descriptions and serial numbers of all bikes we deal with to both FSUPD and Tallahassee PD. Bike theft is a horrible crime who's victims are often discounted while many of the perpetrators get off scott free. We've instituted this policy both for your protection and ours so please help us try and stop bike theft at all levels.

September 3rd Chain Links

Here's a double dose of chain links to help you recover from the shock of not having any yesterday. We have several stories on bike backpacks, several on preventing bike theft, one on bike DUI, and another on the crazy family biking to Alaska.

First: Make bike thieves your b*tch. Follow the three steps that the examiner recommends and and make any potential thief look like an idiot. First, use a good lock. Second, don't go for that shiny new bike and think it won't be a target. Third, register your bike. All good advice.

Second: Did you know that the legal BAC for riding a bike and driving a car are identical in Florida? Bet you didn't! It doesn't happen too often but you can get a DUI for riding your bike!

Third: We heard about these folks a few weeks ago. Now they've made it to South Carolina and are still going strong. You can track their progress here.

Finally: Here's a list of cool backpacks. I count three that would be a biker's best friend.

(Photo Credit: Bike Backpack from Crookedbrains.net)

BMX Blowout!

We have soooooo many BMX bikes. By last count 7 billion (my counting skills may be a bit rusty though). We have everything from high end Schwinn to Next bikes all with two things in common, they're BMX bikes and they're $40. Because we're selling so many of these bikes at a REDICULIOUSLY LOW PRICE not all bikes will be available when we open. We'll stagger them throught the day so that people showing up late will have a chance too. If you're looking for cheap transport or something to jump, Saturday's your lucky day!

We'll of course also have loads of other bikes too. Some starting from $50!

Septermber 1st Chain Links

Today's theme for chain links is "Fish". No reason, I just like fish. It doesn't even relate to today's links. Airbags, banks with brains, civil disobedience, and a fight over a coastal road and not one mentions a fish.

First: Let's get this straight. We wear helmets to protect our heads while biking but car drivers don't need special equipment? That's just not fair! Well, to make things a little more equal (you'll still need a helmet) one company is trying bicycle airbags!

Instead: Might we try just riding on safer roads? 3 feet of clearance is all these riders ask. They'll even fight for it.

Surprisingly: Even with the dangers of biking in the big city, some people are still looking to go green. To help, the notoriously slow thinking banking industry is helping people buy bikes.

Hilarious: I recommend listening to "flight of the Valkyries" while reading this story.

(Photo Credit: Fish Biker from Flikr user scottlondon)