Our digital photography is typically photos of family and bicycles. Ces was taking photos the other day as I looked through my bee hives. She clicked this photo of her geraniums with me in the background looking at a frame as I tried to locate the queen. I look like a statue.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Friday, July 11, 2008
Batavus bike arrives
Earlier John discussed the new Batavus Personal Delivery Bike that he saw at Interbike this year. It arrived yesterday and John promptly assembled in and took the first test ride. That's him with a boxed bike on the front rack, held on by a bungie cord. There is room for a couple of more boxes on the rear rack.The bike comes with a Shimano Dynamo front hub for the lighting system, a three-speed Shimano Nexus rear hub, and an integrated lock for the rear wheel. It's a very stable, comfortable ride. Why not stop in for a test ride.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Batavus Personal Delivery Bike
During InterBike I took photos of this Batavus Personal Delivery Bike. They did not come out as nice as this photo from Flickr that was uploaded by Hugger Industries.
Last week we had a conversation in the store about how many people come into the store and comment on how our business must be growing with the escalating cost of gasoline. While we are see some increased interest in baskets, racks and panniers it is still a trickle compared to what people assume is happening.
This Batavus Personal Delivery Bike and sales of similar bikes to this one will be a signal that Americans are moving to the bicycle for transportation. I expect to see growing sales of folding bikes first. The lack of bike routes and safe bike access will lead to people driving to a location, unfolding their folder and doing their errands in that area with their gasoline powered vehicle parked.
I suppose that you can call this intermodal transportation. I expect to see more folding bike to Metro trips. Change is coming and like everyone else I am trying to figure it out.
This coming week we'll have a Batavus Personal Delivery Bike in the store for a test. No it is not a recumbent or trike or folding bike, but it is a niche and you know how I like niches.
Last week we had a conversation in the store about how many people come into the store and comment on how our business must be growing with the escalating cost of gasoline. While we are see some increased interest in baskets, racks and panniers it is still a trickle compared to what people assume is happening.
This Batavus Personal Delivery Bike and sales of similar bikes to this one will be a signal that Americans are moving to the bicycle for transportation. I expect to see growing sales of folding bikes first. The lack of bike routes and safe bike access will lead to people driving to a location, unfolding their folder and doing their errands in that area with their gasoline powered vehicle parked.
I suppose that you can call this intermodal transportation. I expect to see more folding bike to Metro trips. Change is coming and like everyone else I am trying to figure it out.
This coming week we'll have a Batavus Personal Delivery Bike in the store for a test. No it is not a recumbent or trike or folding bike, but it is a niche and you know how I like niches.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
The Bromptons are Here!
Okay, I'll send out the word, since I was the big advocate for carrying them... our first shipment of Brompton folding bikes has arrived! These bikes are handbuilt in England, and feature a quick and ingenious folding system that makes for a remarkably compact package. And added feature is that they have rollers that make it possible to roll them around when folded.We have an assortment of colors and at least one each of the three different handlebar designs... see our home page for an explanation, or go to:
http://www.brompton.co.uk/
To see the fold in action, check out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3tgdlk8xl
So how do they ride? Great! Sure, it won't make you throw out your favorite recumbent or road bike, but you'll be surprised at how "normal" it feels and how fun it is to ride. So come on in and give one a spin.
Now that they're here, boy do I want one!
An interesting feature is that when you tuck the rear wheel under the bike (the first step in folding), the bike ends up free-standing, allowing you to "park" the bike:
And to the left you see the bike fully folded... a very tiny package!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Battle of North Valley Hills Ride
bikes@vienna receives interesting information about rides and activities. We try to pass the information on to you. This information is very appealing with its location and the cooler September time frame.
Just click on the poster and you can get a larger version for easier reading.
Just click on the poster and you can get a larger version for easier reading.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Bike Maintenance Class for July
Hey gang! Here it comes again, the Basic Bicycle Maintenance and Repair Class, on Wednesday, July 2nd, at 7:00 pm. I cover the basic tools needed to work on your bike, basic gear and brake adjustments, and how to fix a flat tire. Cost is $36, which includes a small tool kit which retails for $20. Please come by the shop, call, or email tim@bikesatvienna.com to reserve your spot. We ask that you pay in advance so we know for sure who is coming. No need to bring your bike, but if you have specific issues you'd like to ask about, you can bring it and I'll try to address them.
Also, I'm pondering options for more advanced classes, so if you have any ideas, or are interested in a more advance sort of class, drop me an email and let me know your thoughts.
Also, I'm pondering options for more advanced classes, so if you have any ideas, or are interested in a more advance sort of class, drop me an email and let me know your thoughts.
Friday, June 13, 2008
New Pedal From Shimano
A number of our customers use the pedal on the left, the Shimano M324, or one of a a number of similar "clones" of this pedal. The reason for their popularity is that it gives you what many see as "the best of both worlds"... that is, a SPD style pedal on one side, with a variation on a more conventional "quill" pedal on the other. It's handy because you have the option of wearing your special bike shoes with cleats that click into the pedal, or regular shoes that just sit on the opposite side like a "normal" pedal.
Well, as I understand it, the M324 is being or has been discontinued by Shimano. Don't despair though, because they've introduced a new model, the A530, that I think is even better! Take a look at it in the picture to the right. You can see that the non-SPD side is a very different shape. This new pedal supports your foot with a large, cast aluminum platform, rather than the thin, wraparound steel cage of the M324. As a result, there's more surface area under your shoe, which is really nice if you are riding in a more flexible shoe. I did about 20+ miles today on a set, wearing a pair of Teva closed toe sandals, and they were wonderful! Much better support, and no sensation of the pedal "digging" into your foot. To top it all off, the M530 is lighter than the 324 as well. All in all, a great improvement to a great idea.I'm trying to keep a few sets in stock at all times, but it's been tough... they seem to fly off the distributor's shelves the moment a new shipment arrives, so I'm guessing demand is high. It's such a nice pedal, I'm not surprised. Come on by and take a look sometime... I think you'll like them. I do!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Got Gas Pain?
With gasoline moving rapidly up in cost we are all financially pained by the increased expense. We are starting a "Got Gas Pains?" campaign to promote riding a bike or trike. Just a folding bike in the trunk of your car and a bit of planning would allow you to run your errands more economically.
At $5 per gallon of gasoline it does not take long to offset the purchase price of a folding bike. It is good for your health, it is good for your wallet, and it is good for the environment.
At $5 per gallon of gasoline it does not take long to offset the purchase price of a folding bike. It is good for your health, it is good for your wallet, and it is good for the environment.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Luke's First Ride
My nephew, Luke, and his father, Scott, have such nice smiles as they take their first ride on a Captain Duo. Luke is ten years old.
The Captain Duo is the perfect cycling machine for the two of them. Scott is interested in slimming down and getting Luke out to exercise. The three wheeled stability of the Captain Duo will allow them to ride together as Luke gets bigger and Scott gets smaller. The capability to set the pedaling contribution by Luke will allow for longer rides. Having Luke in the front allows for more oversight and conversations.
This photo would probably be better if there was more of the Captain Duo appearing. Yet the real story is in the smiles. Look at those smiles on father and son.
The Captain Duo is the perfect cycling machine for the two of them. Scott is interested in slimming down and getting Luke out to exercise. The three wheeled stability of the Captain Duo will allow them to ride together as Luke gets bigger and Scott gets smaller. The capability to set the pedaling contribution by Luke will allow for longer rides. Having Luke in the front allows for more oversight and conversations.
This photo would probably be better if there was more of the Captain Duo appearing. Yet the real story is in the smiles. Look at those smiles on father and son.
June 4th repair class re-scheduled!
Due to the storms and loss of power on Wednesday the 4th, I've re-scheduled the class for the 11th. Only three of the five folk originally scheduled can make it, so we have room for a couple more. If you are interested, call the shop or email me at tim@bikesatvienna.com. We request that you pay in advance, but we can handle that by phone if you'd like. The course starts at 7 pm, and runs until about 9 or 9:30, depending on how many questions come up. The fee is $36, which includes a toolkit that normally sells for $20.
Lose the Training Wheels
This opportunity to volunteer is worthy of your consideration. Here is the description provided by the Park Authority:
The Fairfax County Park Authority is sponsoring a bike camp called Lose the Training Wheels (LTTW), a program where children with disabilities learn to ride a standard 2 wheel bicycle without training wheels. We will run this program for three weeks during the summer, July 14-18 2008, July 21-25 and July 28-August 1st. We are asking for your help. Please post the attached flier and registration form where they will get the most attention.
This is a life changing event that was a great success last year when we held the camp for one week. 32 of the 40 participants successfully learned to ride a standard bicycle without training wheels. This is a great volunteer opportunity for groups, families, and individuals. You can really make a difference in a child's life.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me, 703-324-8641 and emily.house@fairfaxcounty.gov.
The Fairfax County Park Authority is sponsoring a bike camp called Lose the Training Wheels (LTTW), a program where children with disabilities learn to ride a standard 2 wheel bicycle without training wheels. We will run this program for three weeks during the summer, July 14-18 2008, July 21-25 and July 28-August 1st. We are asking for your help. Please post the attached flier and registration form where they will get the most attention.
This is a life changing event that was a great success last year when we held the camp for one week. 32 of the 40 participants successfully learned to ride a standard bicycle without training wheels. This is a great volunteer opportunity for groups, families, and individuals. You can really make a difference in a child's life.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me, 703-324-8641 and emily.house@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Coming Soon Catrike Villager
Catrike has introduced a new model. I have ordered one. This Villager mirrors an effort by several tadpole trike manufacturers to provide a simpler and lower priced model.
Here's how Catrike introduces the new model:
This is an affordable, user-friendly Catrike that anyone can ride. Based on strong demand, we have given it a higher seat, 20” wheels, a wider stance and incredible ground clearance. This is a true utilitarian vehicle that has many uses; ride it to the grocery store or out to dinner; it’s great for a picnic in the park, or ride it wherever you want to go. You will enjoy the scenery more than ever and discover the great joy of riding all over again.
The Villager’s 12.5” seat height allows you to get in and out with little effort; 5.5” ground clearance helps you negotiate speed bumps and curb transitions; stable 31” track; simple 9-speed drive train with quality components. This Cat is easy to ride and friendly for a first time buyer. And best of all, it’s affordable.
Human power is great for the future, but even better today.
Beautiful-Simple-Functional Catrike Villager priced at $1610 (the price is $1550 plus shipping).
Here's how Catrike introduces the new model:
This is an affordable, user-friendly Catrike that anyone can ride. Based on strong demand, we have given it a higher seat, 20” wheels, a wider stance and incredible ground clearance. This is a true utilitarian vehicle that has many uses; ride it to the grocery store or out to dinner; it’s great for a picnic in the park, or ride it wherever you want to go. You will enjoy the scenery more than ever and discover the great joy of riding all over again.
The Villager’s 12.5” seat height allows you to get in and out with little effort; 5.5” ground clearance helps you negotiate speed bumps and curb transitions; stable 31” track; simple 9-speed drive train with quality components. This Cat is easy to ride and friendly for a first time buyer. And best of all, it’s affordable.
Human power is great for the future, but even better today.
Beautiful-Simple-Functional Catrike Villager priced at $1610 (the price is $1550 plus shipping).
Thursday, June 05, 2008
A Stormy Wednesday at bikes@vienna
Well, yesterday I was at the shop, trying to get caught up on repair work. As most of you know, we had quite the series of storms during the afternoon. The power went out around 3:00pm, and hadn't come back on by the time I left at 8:00pm. As a result, we had to postpone the maintenance and repair class, and I got a lot less done than I had hoped. But I didn't let the weather completely thwart my efforts, as you can see in this clip:
Yep, that's one of those LED headlights I'm wearing. Handy little gadget!
Yep, that's one of those LED headlights I'm wearing. Handy little gadget!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Me and Bee
For Viva! Vienna! Ces decorated a helmet using a bee stuffed toy and a fake sunflower. I wore the helmet in the bikes@vienna booth on Church Street to hand out flyers about our ViVa! Helmets contest. We had some delightful entries and the winner will be named tomorrow. I misplaced the down load cable from the digital camera until today so the process is taking longer than I anticipated.
I became a backyard beekeeper this spring after taking an eight week course sponsored by the Beekeeper Association of Northern Virginia (BANV). I now have two hives in the back yard and I am enjoying the experience very much. I would recommend the hobby to you. I have learned so much about bees.
I became a backyard beekeeper this spring after taking an eight week course sponsored by the Beekeeper Association of Northern Virginia (BANV). I now have two hives in the back yard and I am enjoying the experience very much. I would recommend the hobby to you. I have learned so much about bees.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
You'd feel better on a bike
Well actually it's a trike, or rather three of them. An 86 year old mother and her 55 year old daughter have mostly stopped using their car and they now get around Carlsbad, California on their two single trikes and their trike tandem. Watch them in action. Hat tip to Adventure Cycling Bike Bits e-newsletter.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Bike To Work Day Thank Yous
Bike To Work Day 2008 was wet and given that fact it still was a success in my view. The downpour of rain during the earliest morning hours made me wonder if anyone would ride on Friday morning. At 5:30 on my way to the store and then to Whole Foods I noted the drizzle. But those determined cyclists started arriving at the Vienna Pit Stop a bit after 6:00 AM. During the next two and one half hours the stream of riders was steady and the water tailed off.
It was a good morning. Upbeat people riding bikes are inspiring. There were lots of volunteers helping with the distribution of t-shirts, the new Fairfax County bike maps, and W&OD water bottles. My thanks to Jeff, Larry, Jo, Marty, Anne, Tim, and Jeff.
Keren and the Whole Foods group kept the snacks, juice, water, and good strong coffee coming. Thank you so much Keren et al!
Keith Oberg was there from Bike For The World. We had a VDOT representative, a Tour de Cure representative, Barbara from PPTC, and Hunter from Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling. Once again Fairfax County Supervisor Linda Smyth joined us and listened to cyclist talk about what they believe needs to be done to improve cycling conditions in the county. Thank you to all of those people for joining in.
Fox 5 News chose the Vienna Pit Stop for their news coverage of Bike To Work Day. It added excitement to the morning as they did interviews and on the spot reports. A thank you to Fox 5 for giving the event coverage.
Over 6,000 riders registered for Bike To Work Day. Their motivation to ride is varied, but I always marvel at the emphasis that gets placed on the Bike To Work Day t-shirt. Thursday evening as I printed out the list of those registered for the Vienna Pit Stop I received a call at the store. It was a cyclist who wanted to know if he could get his t-shirt even though he would not be in town for the event. He was calling from Venezuela! He'd been there for business and his flight back to Washington had been cancelled so he would not get back in time for Bike To Work Day. A regular bike commuter, he had a collection of BTWD t-shirts and he did not want to break the string. I like it.
What ever the reason........$3.96 a gallon fuel, endorphins, or a Bike To Work t-shirt; I hope you can find a way to ride your bike to work, to school, to the store, or around the block because it is good for you.
It was a good morning. Upbeat people riding bikes are inspiring. There were lots of volunteers helping with the distribution of t-shirts, the new Fairfax County bike maps, and W&OD water bottles. My thanks to Jeff, Larry, Jo, Marty, Anne, Tim, and Jeff.
Keren and the Whole Foods group kept the snacks, juice, water, and good strong coffee coming. Thank you so much Keren et al!
Keith Oberg was there from Bike For The World. We had a VDOT representative, a Tour de Cure representative, Barbara from PPTC, and Hunter from Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling. Once again Fairfax County Supervisor Linda Smyth joined us and listened to cyclist talk about what they believe needs to be done to improve cycling conditions in the county. Thank you to all of those people for joining in.
Fox 5 News chose the Vienna Pit Stop for their news coverage of Bike To Work Day. It added excitement to the morning as they did interviews and on the spot reports. A thank you to Fox 5 for giving the event coverage.
Over 6,000 riders registered for Bike To Work Day. Their motivation to ride is varied, but I always marvel at the emphasis that gets placed on the Bike To Work Day t-shirt. Thursday evening as I printed out the list of those registered for the Vienna Pit Stop I received a call at the store. It was a cyclist who wanted to know if he could get his t-shirt even though he would not be in town for the event. He was calling from Venezuela! He'd been there for business and his flight back to Washington had been cancelled so he would not get back in time for Bike To Work Day. A regular bike commuter, he had a collection of BTWD t-shirts and he did not want to break the string. I like it.
What ever the reason........$3.96 a gallon fuel, endorphins, or a Bike To Work t-shirt; I hope you can find a way to ride your bike to work, to school, to the store, or around the block because it is good for you.
More Dahons have arrived
We had 31 additional Dahons arrive last Thursday and Friday. We now have Ciaos, Glide P8, Mu 24, Mariner, and Vittesse models added to what we have in the store. I probably did not order enough Glide P8s. Two sold immediately because of the great ride and terrific looks. The saddle and grips with a leather look and the deep root beer color of the frame make quite an impression.
Folding bikes continue to sell briskly. This would be a good year to purchase your folder. I am already hearing conversations about big increases in folding bike costs in 2009. Come test ride a folder.
Folding bikes continue to sell briskly. This would be a good year to purchase your folder. I am already hearing conversations about big increases in folding bike costs in 2009. Come test ride a folder.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Do you sell tandems?
Oh yes, but we are not conventional in our tandems (just like we're not conventional in our other bikes).
What tandems do we have in the store?
Barcroft Columbia (recumbent)
Hase Pino (Mixed upright and recumbent)
Bike Friday Family Tandem (take apart bike)
Kidz Tandem from Brown Cycles (Upright with child in front)
Rans Dynamik Duo (Crank Forward)
Rans Screamer (Recumbent)
EZ-1 Side by Side Tandem (recumbents connected side by side)
EZ-3 SX Trikes connected in Tandem (recumbent delta trikes connected in series)
EZ-3 USX Trikes connected in Tandem (recumbent delta trikes connected in series)
Hase Kett Trikes connected in Tandem (recumbent delta trikes connected in series)
Draisin Plus (wheelchair and upright)
Draisin Captain Duo (upright riders on trike)
Draisin Twister (Side by side recumbent riders on trike)
Do we have road or mountain style tandems, nope.
What tandems do we have in the store?
Barcroft Columbia (recumbent)
Hase Pino (Mixed upright and recumbent)
Bike Friday Family Tandem (take apart bike)
Kidz Tandem from Brown Cycles (Upright with child in front)
Rans Dynamik Duo (Crank Forward)
Rans Screamer (Recumbent)
EZ-1 Side by Side Tandem (recumbents connected side by side)
EZ-3 SX Trikes connected in Tandem (recumbent delta trikes connected in series)
EZ-3 USX Trikes connected in Tandem (recumbent delta trikes connected in series)
Hase Kett Trikes connected in Tandem (recumbent delta trikes connected in series)
Draisin Plus (wheelchair and upright)
Draisin Captain Duo (upright riders on trike)
Draisin Twister (Side by side recumbent riders on trike)
Do we have road or mountain style tandems, nope.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Next......Hase at bikes@vienna
Today I have a broad range of Hase products in the store. Hase manufactures very nice trikes, tandems, singles, and a kid's trailing device that will turn into a sporty trike.
On this date I have:
1 Pino Tour w/Double Kickstand
3 Kettwiesels with 27 speeds
1 Kettwiesel Handcrank
1 Lepus
1 Trets Trailer
I sold the Tangun on Friday. I have ordered a replacement.
I have these high quality German bikes and trikes for you to test and purchase.
On this date I have:
1 Pino Tour w/Double Kickstand
3 Kettwiesels with 27 speeds
1 Kettwiesel Handcrank
1 Lepus
1 Trets Trailer
I sold the Tangun on Friday. I have ordered a replacement.
I have these high quality German bikes and trikes for you to test and purchase.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Do you have Dahons in the store?
We get lots of phone calls. I kid that it is because a human answers the phone here most of the time.
A reoccurring call involves whether we have certain products. For example, people call and say that they see we are a Dahon dealer. I confirm that and then they go on to ask if we have any in the store. It seems that they have called or visited other stores to find that while those stores are dealers there are not any or many models to see and test.
Sooooooooo I thought some blog entries might be helpful for our prospective customers. We have many, many Dahons. As of this date we have:
06 Dahon Hammerhead 1
07 Dahon Curve D3 7
07 Dahon Speed D7 1
07 Dahon Mu P8 1
07 Dahon Expresso 18" 9
07 Dahon Cadenza 18" 1
08 Dahon Speed D7 8
08 Dahon Speed P8 4
08 Dahon Mu P8 6
08 Dahon Expresso 16"/18"/20" 15
We have Dahons in transit (Ciaos). We have an extensive pre-season order that is being filled by Dahon as their containers of bikes arrive in California.
That's the Dahon news for today.
A reoccurring call involves whether we have certain products. For example, people call and say that they see we are a Dahon dealer. I confirm that and then they go on to ask if we have any in the store. It seems that they have called or visited other stores to find that while those stores are dealers there are not any or many models to see and test.
Sooooooooo I thought some blog entries might be helpful for our prospective customers. We have many, many Dahons. As of this date we have:
06 Dahon Hammerhead 1
07 Dahon Curve D3 7
07 Dahon Speed D7 1
07 Dahon Mu P8 1
07 Dahon Expresso 18" 9
07 Dahon Cadenza 18" 1
08 Dahon Speed D7 8
08 Dahon Speed P8 4
08 Dahon Mu P8 6
08 Dahon Expresso 16"/18"/20" 15
We have Dahons in transit (Ciaos). We have an extensive pre-season order that is being filled by Dahon as their containers of bikes arrive in California.
That's the Dahon news for today.