Cruising with Bromptons!

Tim and the Bromptons, on the docks in Nassau, Bahamas

And by "cruising" I don't mean a casual, local ride around town...  No, I'm talking about taking an ocean cruise, and bringing Bromptons along for use in the ports along the way!

The trip was an eight day adventure, with four days at sea and four each in a different port - Port Canaveral, FL, Nassau, Coco Cay (the cruise line's private island) and Key West. From previous experience on a cruise to Bermuda Christy and I knew that having our Bromptons with us would give us more flexibility and opportunities for exploration than if we had to rely on other forms of transportation in port. And it's just a lot more fun to ride around on a bike than sit on some tour bus or in a taxicab!

And here's Christy with the bikes... the smile says it all!

On this trip we found that Nassau and Key West were the most sensible places to use the bikes.  Coco Cay is basically one endless beach, and Port Canaveral just isn't very bike friendly... heavy traffic on highways, essentially. Nassau was a bit challenging, due to some heavy traffic and the fact that they drive on the left there, but we did find it a lot easier to see the things we wanted to see by bike rather than walking. KeyWest, on the other hand, seems to be just about perfect for exploring by bike... the streets really encourage drivers to go slow, and there are lots of folks getting around by bike. I was pleasantly surprised by just how many bikes we saw, both on the streets and parked all over town.

Nassau, near the Queen's Staircase

Sunny, warm days, beautiful scenery, interesting towns... and all so much better by bike! I highly recommend adding some cycling to any cruise you might take, and especially if you can bring a folding bike. You'll want to check with the cruise line you book with, and I recommend getting their policy in writing, just in case. Keep that with you when you get on and off the ship, just in case someone questions you about the bikes. And be prepared to be the center of attention as you get off a fully loaded cruise ship, surrounded by other passengers and folks on the dock, as you unfold your bike and ride off on your day's adventure. We found ourselves with an audience pretty much everywhere we went.

More on Winter Riding from Tim's Patch Column

Here's the followup to the previous posting... a column from the Vienna Patch, January 2011 with some winter riding tips.

The photo below was taken of my Miyata commuter bike, out on the trail.

 

 

Getting Out on the Bike In Winter

At this time of year, even I'll admit it can be tough to work up the enthusiasm for a long ride in the cold “for the fun of it”. Some folks do it... I see hardy souls out on long rides in the coldest of weather. But for most of us, the thought of being out for a couple of hours on a bike in sub-freezing temperatures just isn't appealing.

What to do? Well, my last column told you how to prepare yourself and your bike for winter riding, now I'm going to give you some suggestions on how to simply work riding into your life in the cold.

The first tip is to not set big, unrealistic goals... don't tell yourself “tomorrow, I'm going to get on all my winter gear and ride out to Purcellville in the bracing weather!”  Chances are good you'll either look outside at the grey and cold and change your mind, or get out to Leesburg and be cursing your foolishness that put you so far from home in the freezing cold.

I find one good way to get out and ride in winter is to run errands on my bike. Stay within the town boundaries, and do some local shopping, banking, or visiting by bike. That way you can dress warmly without having to worry about special “technical fabrics” and cycling specific winter clothing.  If you're just tootling around town a mile or two here, a mile or two there, you really don't need to “suit up”... you can wear more or less “street” clothes as long as they are warm. And you still get some exercise and fresh air!

If you're visiting friends or banking or running to the post office by bike, there's no special equipment you need.  However, if you want to try doing some of your shopping by bike, like me, you'll probably need to come up with a way to carry things.  The simplest choice, for small loads, is to toss a small backpack on your back, but that can be limiting and tiring.  A better choice is some sort of carrying system on your bike. This can be as simple has having a rear rack mounted, with a milk crate bungeed on top, or you can buy special bags or baskets to hang on your bike. My “grocery getter” is set up with a smallish wire basket up front, which handles the minor shopping trips, and a rack with folding wire basket on the back, for when the front alone isn't enough.  I also have a Brompton folding bicycle, which allows me to bring the bike right into the store, partly folded, and roll it around as my shopping cart, putting items in the front bag as I shop.  Other options are special “grocery panniers”, cloth bags that hang on either side of the rear rack and are perfect for a bag of groceries each.  The truly dedicated bicycle shopper might consider something like a bicycle cargo trailer for the truly huge load of groceries, but the point is to just get out and give it a try. 

You might be surprised how running errands and visiting on your bike can be both practical AND fun. And your friends will smile when they realize you've come “all that way in this weather” by bike to see them!

Winter Biking - from my old Vienna Patch column...

 It's been suggested to me that I should "re-print" some of the columns I wrote as the Vienna Pedaler on the Vienna Patch, so I thought I'd start out with one from a few winters ago, with thoughts about riding in winter.  Timely, given the snow falling as I write this... not that I'm urging everyone to leap on their bikes in the snow... but give winter riding some thought... you might like it more than you think!

The photo below was taken of my Miyata commuter bike, shortly after arriving at the shop... in December of 2009, after the first of those big snows that year. My Patch column from December of 2010 follows.

About this time of year, most folks have parked their bike in their garage or shed for the winter, waiting for the warm days of Spring to ride again. But I'm here to tell you that you don't have to give up enjoying your bike just because it is winter. There's still fun to be had, errands to be run. I know, because I've done it every one of the eight winters I've lived here.

To begin with, stop and think about it... how many truly wintry days do we get here?  Sure, we're having a heck of a cold snap right now, but let's be honest, it's not going to last that long, and what follows probably won't be all that brutal. And it's very likely that we'll have days of relative warmth and sunshine sprinkled through the entire winter season. So if you pick and choose your days, you can at least get in a few nice rides.

But that's not all... with a little forethought, preparation, and yes, determination, you can ride in truly cold weather, even in snow. And it can actually be fun, with the right attitude.

First and foremost, you need to dress appropriately. Any number of people will tell you what that means, so to some extent you have to find out what works best for you, through trial and error. Take some shorter rides first, testing out different clothing options. For me, I've learned that thin layers of wool and/or silk work best on my upper body, with a cycling specific rain jacket on top if it's wet. For my lower body, depending on the nature of the ride, I will wear cycling tights or regular wool pants, most often from a surplus store. On my hands, I like thick wool gloves down to about 40 degrees, and “lobster claw” gloves (available at bike stores) for colder weather. Likewise, to about 40 I generally just rely on my helmet for a warm head, but use a silk balaclava under it when it's colder.

But what about the bike?  Well, any bike can be ridden year round, but if you're planning to ride a lot in all conditions, you might consider setting up a bike specifically for winter. Lights are absolutely essential, as the days are shorter, and often cloudy, and visibility is reduced. There are a wide variety of lights available in bike shops, including simple ones powered by disposable batteries, more elaborate rechargeable systems, and generator systems that use the rotation of your wheel to produce electricity. Whichever you choose, make sure you have multiple lights, just in case one should fail, and to increase your chances of being seen.

Fenders are your friend in wet weather, and really don't make any significant impact on your speed. They protect both you and your bike from the water picked up by your wheels as you ride. You'll be surprised what a difference they make to your enjoyment and the condition of your bike. In fact, I'm such a fan of fenders that of the many bikes I own, the majority wear fenders year-round. I'd rather be ready for anything, any time, than be stuck out on a ride getting soaking wet.

Finally, for the truly dedicated winter rider, consider studded tires for your bike. These have anywhere from 100 to 300 metal studs embedded in the tread to provide traction on ice and snow, and it's amazing what a difference they make. On smoother frozen surfaces it's almost like riding clear pavement. However, when you are riding on a bumpy, rough surface, such as that created by tires or footsteps in snow frozen over, you have to be a bit careful, as your front wheel may get knocked around by ruts and such. Even so, you'd be amazed just how “stuck” to the surface a studded tire is. And it's good practice for your bike-handling skills. Just try not to tense up, relax and be attentive and enjoy the ride.

Which brings me to riding technique. While it's lots of fun to ride in winter, once you get out there you do have to be a bit more cautious than in warmer weather. It's always possible to be surprised by a patch of ice, and if you ride on roads, motorists are a lot less likely to be expecting you out there this time of year. In addition, the angle of sunlight is shallower, so it's more likely you and those you share the road with have the sun in your eyes. So take it a bit slower, be alert and just enjoy being out there. You'll find it's nice to have the trails to yourself, and that your familiar rides are now new and different with the faded colors and cooler light and sharper air of winter.

I'll see you out there!

Closing for inventory 1/13 - 1/17.

ATTENTION!  We will be CLOSED for inventory from Monday, January 13th through Friday, January 17th.  We will re-open on the 18th and return to our regular "winter hours" at that time.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

You can see Daniel is getting ready... clipboard and pen in hand!

Holiday Hours!

We are open Thursday and Friday 10 - 7, Saturday 10- 6, and Sunday Noon - 5.

We will be closed our normal Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Happy Holidays to all of us here at bikes@vienna!

Brompton Toolkits are Back!

We just got a limited number of the new and improved version of the long-awaited Brompton Toolkit, just in time for the holidays. The kit contains the tools you'll need in a pinch, and it tucks neatly inside the frame of your Brompton. A very clever design, and we've only got a few, so don't delay!

PLEASE NOTE! Brompton Toolkits are not part of our 10% off sale this weekend.

No Thanksgiving ride this year

Well, given a a lack of responses, and the fact that folks have lots to do next weekend already, we will not be holding a Thansksgiving ride this year. Stay tuned for news about our next ride.

Thanksgiving Ride?

Here at bikes@vienna we've had an annual tradition of taking time for a bike ride on Thanksgiving morning - the "Guilt Reduction Ride." Guaranteed to get you in the right state of mind to indulge later in the day! But our group is usually small, so we'd like to hear from you if you'd be interested this year, or if a "Black Friday Ride" ("Green Friday?") might be better in terms of timing. Either one would start at the shop at 9 a.m. So folks, anyone interested in either day? Let's see a show of hands! Please let us know which day, if either, you'd come to ride with us.

CHO Holiday Bike Drive!

This Saturday, the Committee for Helping Others (CHO) will be in our parking lot, accepting bikes for their annual Holiday Bike Drive. Do you have a kid's bike sitting in the garage gathering dust? Bring it down for these folks to pass on to a young person this holiday season!

2013 Halloween Parade!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!!  

That's right, Wednesday, October 23rd is the big night.  Come one, come all.  We can set you up on one of our bikes or trikes if you can't bring your own!  We're meeting at the shop at 6:00 pm to get ready, then riding to the start point around 7:00.  Food and beverages afterwards at the shop!

Last year we received an award in the Adult Performing Group category, no doubt due in part to Ray's Star Wars themed trike shown here.  Let's see if we can do it again this year! 

Fairfax 4th of July Parade today

Trikes and riders, waiting for the start.

A European Adventure With Bromptons!

A while back a customer came in to buy her second Brompton, explaining that she and her daughter were planning a trip to Europe and wanted to both have Bromptons for exploring. Here are some pictures from their adventures as they traveled about Europe, visiting Copenhagen, Lyon, Stockholm, and London, as well as traveling a bit of the English countryside. Amazing how much fun a folding bike can add to your travels!  Many thanks to Elizabeth for sharing these.

In the Copenhagen airport!
 

Bike parking in Copenhagen.

Mom and the Bromptons with the gear they carried.

Apparently the pile of stuff to the right was carried on the rider's backs.

Here's how the bikes were loaded.

Brompton in Lyon, France.

Daughter and Bromptons in Stockholm.

Apparently, English cows like Bromptons!

Bike to Work Day

Off to a good start at the Vienna Town Green!

At the Vienna Bike Rodeo today

NOTE - Change in Brompton Class "bonus!"

Just wanted to let folks know, we've made a change in the "bonus" for the Brompton repair and maintenance class.  Now you have the choice of either a FREE Portland Design Works 3Wrencho tool (axle wrench/tire lever) OR a coupon for TWENTY DOLLARS off the Brompton Toolkit.  In either case, it basically means you're paying $25 for our time, which we think is a pretty good deal.

Come on in or call to sign up!

Brompton Folding Bicycle Class - Sunday, April 21, 2013

Brompton Folding Bicycle Class - Sunday, April 21, 2013, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

That's right, the long-awaited, much-anticipated class focused on the care and use of the Brompton comes to bikes@vienna! Learn how to fix a flat tire and perform basic adjustments on this terrific little bike. This will also be a great opportunity to meet other Brompton owners and share tips and information with each other.  You will also be eligible for either a Portland Design Works 3Wrencho combo tire lever/axle wrench or a coupon for $20 off the Brompton Toolkit (subject to availability).

Cost is $45, registration and payment required in advance.  You can come on by or call with a credit card to reserve your spot.

CLOSED EASTER SUNDAY

We will be closed this Sunday, March 31st, for Easter Sunday.  The weather forecast looks good, so perhaps it's a good day to take a ride with family or friends.

Closed for the day!

Due to the weather, we will be closed for the rest of the day. We should be open our regular hours tomorrow.

Along the way...

We visited Vanderbilt University Hospital, where John showed adaptive bikes. Here's two of the staff on a Draisin Plus.

Guess who came to the shop?

That's John and Ces, in front of their new shop van. They stopped on their way back to Iowa. Tim is riding back with them to visit for a week and is looking forward to seeing their shop, home, and town.

SOLD!!!!!! Dahon Smooth Hound SALE! $899! SOLD!!!!!!!!

A few years ago a new trend made some ripples in the bike world... the Mini-Velo.  The concept was a bike that looked and fit and felt like a conventional bike, but with 20" wheels, so it was more compact and more nimble than a conventional bike. Very popular in Japan, and somewhat popular in some US cities, Dahon joined the movement and added the feature of folding!  The Smooth Hound is a really great riding bike, and is definitely more compact than your "normal" bike, AND it folds to become even more compact.  Originally $1099, we've had this one longer than we'd hoped, so we've marked it down to $899.

New Bike From Tern

Now in the shop, the new Tern Cargo Joe! It's a joint venture between the folks at Tern and Xtracycle, the small company that put "longtail" cargo bikes on the map. The end result is a longtail cargo bike that folds for easier storage and transportation. All for only $1000, complete with the top platform and side bags. Capable of carrying 200 lbs of your choice of cargo, this could be just what you need for hauling the family groceries or all manner of stuff. Come on in and check it out!

Holiday Full Moon Ride!

Come join us on the evening of December 28th for a Holiday Full Moon ride! We'll combine some miles on the W&OD trail with a visit to some neighborhoods to view people's lights and decorations. Meet at the shop at 7:30 to start the ride. We'll have hot beverages and some sort of treat afterwards at the shop.

Brompton Bundle while supplies last!

S-Bag, Brompton DVD, T-Bag, Brompton book.

We're adding an extra incentive for those of you who have been thinking about buying a new Brompton folding bicycle: Buy any 2012 Brompton folding bicycle we have in stock, and get our special Brompton Bundle FREE! What is the Brompton Bundle? Well, it includes the following:

• Your choice of a new, pre-2011 S-Bag or Touring Pannier - $45 now, originally $100
• The appropriate carrier frame for the bag of your choice - $35 value
• A copy of David Henshaw's The Brompton Bicycle - $24 value
• The History of Brompton DVD - $40 value

We've been offering this bundle with a new in-stock Brompton for $49, but now you get it FREE if you purchase one of the shiny new 2012 Bromptons we have in the store! Offer is good until Christmas Eve and is limited to stock on hand. Once we are out of any item, that's all we have, sorry.

If you already own a Brompton, ask us about the bundles we have for you!

Brompton Thanksgiving Special Deal!

S-Bag on the left, Touring Pannier on the right, with frames behind. Brompton DVD and book in front.

This weekend only, we're adding an extra incentive for those of you who have been thinking about buying a new Brompton folding bicycle:

Buy any 2012 Brompton folding bicycle we have in stock, and get our special Brompton Bundle FREE!

What is the Brompton Bundle?  Well, it includes the following:

Your choice of a new, pre-2011 S-Bag or Touring Pannier - $45 now, originally $100

The appropriate carrier frame for the bag of your choice - $35 value

A copy of David Henshaw's The Brompton Bicycle - $24 value

The History of Brompton DVD - $40 value

We've been offering this bundle with a new in-stock Brompton for $49, but now you get it FREE if you purchase one of the shiny new 2012 Bromptons we have in the store this weekend!

Offer is limited to stock on hand.

Once we are out of any item, that's all we have, sorry.

Thanksgiving Weekend Specials!

This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only, in keeping with Small Business Saturday, and Vienna's own Vienna Business Saturday, we're running some special deals!

All tools, lights, and cycle computers are 10% off!

Perfect gifts for the cyclist on your list... they make great “stocking stuffers” or fit nicely under any sized tree. Come on in and get something for that special someone!

Discount only good on existing stock.

Brompton News - Limited Number of Superlights Available Soon!

Sample photo of an M6LX Superlight Brompton in sage green.

If you follow news in the Brompton world, you'll know that for the past year or so the Superlight option has been unavailable, due to supply problems of the titanium rear frame unit. Well, Brompton is still having issues with supply and demand of those parts, but they have informed us that we can get a VERY LIMITED number of Superlight bikes in early 2013.

Many of you may already know, but for those who don't, let's cover the basics... a "Superlight" Brompton is built with a titanium front fork and rear frame in place of the standard steel parts. In addition, some other smaller parts are made of titanium, or are otherwise lighter versions of the standard parts.  All in all, it shaves about 2 pounds from the weight of the bike, which can be very nice indeed when you're carrying your trusty steed.

So, how many is a "limited number" you ask? Well, here at bikes@vienna we are going to be getting FOUR such bikes, all scheduled to arrive beginning in early January, the last bike arriving mid-February. Now is the time to talk to us if you've been wanting one of these bikes, as our window of opportunity to "design" the bikes to your specifications is brief. The deadline for the first bike on order is December 1st, so come on in and let's work out the design together!

There's no telling when we'll next be able to order Superlight bikes, so if you have any thought of getting one, you really should take advantage of this opportunity before it's gone.

CHO Holiday Bike Drive

Do you have a bike or bikes that your kids have out grown, or no longer ride? Today and Saturday December 1st, the Committee Helping Others will be out in front of the shop collecting for their holiday bike giveaway. Come on by and bring that old bike!

Thanksgiving Day Ride!

It's that time of year again! Time for our annual Guilt Reduction Ride on Thanksgiving Day. Come and join us for a casual ride out to Herndon and back. We'll leave the shop about 9:00 am, so we can be back by 11:00, for those of you that have to prepare for dinner.

We'll have hot beverages ready before the ride, starting about 8:30. Please bring some canned goods or other non-perishable food for the CHO Food Drive. Reduce those feelings of guilt by burning off some calories and contributing to a good cause.

Below is a photo from a past Guilt Reduction Ride, with all of us posing at the Herndon Depot.

Send an email to tim@bikesatvienna.com if you think you'll be joining us, just so we have some idea of how many folks to expect.

Last year's ride. Let's get a bigger group out there this year!

Special Deals on Brompton Stuff!

S-Bag on the left, Touring Pannier on the right, with frames behind. Brompton DVD and book in front.

Brompton Specials for the coming holidays!

We've just received a special shipment of an older version of the Brompton S-Bag and T-Bag (formerly known as the Touring Pannier) at a reduced price, and we want to pass the savings on to our Brompton customers. The bags are a bit different from the current versions (most notably in having black interiors), but they are still very good bags, and a lot less expensive than the current offerings.

Older style S-Bag (w/out frame) - $45

Older style Touring Pannier (w/out frame) - $45

Carrier frame - $35

Special price – buy either of the above bags and a carrier frame for $69! The current S-bag with frame sells for $178 and the T-bag is $160.

Or -

Buy either of the two bags, and a carrier frame, AND a copy of The Brompton Bicycle (a great book about the Brompton and folding bikes in general, normally priced at $24) for $89!

Or -

Buy either of the two bags, and a carrier frame, AND the History of Brompton DVD (normally priced at $40) for $99!

Or -

Buy the whole shebang... S-Bag or Touring Pannier, carrier frame, The Brompton Bicycle, and the History of Brompton DVD for $116!

Finally, for that truly special someone (including yourself) on your holiday shopping list -

Buy any 2012 Brompton currently in our stock, and get all of the above for $49!

Offer good on current stock and only while current supply lasts.

Fairfax Bike Summit

Tim's at the first ever Fairfax Bike Summit today!

2012 Halloween Parade!

Daniel at the 2011 parade.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!!  It's one week until the Vienna Halloween Parade!  That's right, Wednesday, October 24th is the big night.  Come one, come all.  We can set you up on one of our bikes or trikes if you can't bring your own!  We're meeting at the shop at 6:00 pm to get ready, then riding to the start point around 7:00.  Food and beverages afterwards at the shop!

Some New Dahon Models!

 There's been a lot of buzz on the internet, and in the industry as a whole, about Tern, the new folding bike company founded by Josh Hon (son of David Hon, founder of Dahon). And there's good reason for that... they've produced some fine bikes in their first year of business.

But let's not forget Dahon! This year brought several new models, and more is in the works for 2013.  Here's a look at some of the new offerings we have here at bikes@vienna.

 First up is the Mu N-360. Based on their proven and popular aluminum Mu frameset, the N-360 comes equipped with the NuVinci N360 "the first continuously variable transmission for bicycles."

What's that mean? Well, unlike other shifting systems, there are no distinct "clicks" relating to specific sprocket combinations. Rather, the ratio of pedal to wheel revolutions is seamless... think of it like a volume nob on your radio. You can see the shifter to the right... instead of numbers, there's a little graphic of a bike and the "terrain" the ratio is appropriate for; in this case, climbing a hill.  It's a neat system, and worth checking out.

Next is the Ios S9, a 24" wheel folder with a high quality set of components, including SRAM X9 derailleur, Schwalbe Kojak tires, and Avid hydraulic disc brakes, a rarity in folding bikes. This bike also features Dahon's Flat Pak stem and Ergon grips with bar ends, which allows you to fine tune your riding position. The 24" wheels provide a "big wheel" feel in a bike that folds down into a remarkably small package.




Finally, we have the Jifo 16, a totally new design from Dahon that folds down to a tiny package in a matter of seconds. With a single speed drivetrain for simplicity and reliability, the Jifo might be just the right choice for your commute by bus, train, or subway.

To the right is the bike folded and ready to carry.

And here it is, unfolded and ready to ride!



Folding bikes just keep getting better, and it's a great time to include one in your life. You'll be amazed how handy they can be.  So come on in for a test ride soon!

Halloween is coming!

Thanks to Daniel, we now have our first Halloween decoration out front... spooky!  And fun.

And a great opportunity to let folks know that we want all of you here to ride in our little part of the Vienna Halloween Parade!  That's right, on Wednesday, October 24th, Vienna is continuing a 65+ year old tradition, where Maple Ave. is shut down and all manner of groups walk and ride their way down the street. We encourage you to bring whatever bike or trike you ride, or you can borrow one of ours. Folding bikes, recumbents, trikes, even trike trains are welcome and encouraged!  Watch this space for more news as it develops!

New Hours For Fall!

Please note, starting on Sunday, September 30th, we will be opening at NOON on Sundays.  So that makes our hours:

Sun: Noon - 5pm
Mon: CLOSED
Tue: CLOSED
Wed: 10am - 7pm
Thu:  10am - 7pm
Fri:  10am - 7pm
Sat:  10am - 6pm

Interbike 2012: Brompton News

One of the reasons to go to Interbike is to find out what changes and new features bike companies are introducing in the coming year. Those of you who are familiar with the Brompton folding bicycle (or have heard my spiel about them) know that they don't make broad, sweeping changes in their bikes from year to year.  A few years ago, the biggest technical change introduced was changing the rails on the seat from solid steel rod to hollow steel tubing... a change that nobody noticed, unless they were told.

But this year, Brompton HAS introduced some new things... both changes to the bikes themselves, and new accessories for them!

So what's coming in 2013 for Brompton buyers?  First, let's address the changes to the bikes...

2013 Brake lever - click to enlarge.

Probably the most obvious change will be the new brake levers, shown here. As you can see, they are now of all alloy construction, and a very different shape from the 2012 and earlier levers. The new shape is intended to improve the ergonomics of the levers, while at the same time maintaining the compact Brompton fold. Earlier lever designs had to be mounted nearly vertically, to allow for the fold, and the resulting position bothered some folks. The new levers should remedy that. In addition, the mechanism itself has a cam-action to it that should improve both power and modulation of the brakes.  Finally, doing away with the plastic lever bodies of the older models enhances the overall sense of quality of the bike.

2013 Crankset - click to enlarge.

The next most obvious change will be the new crankset (or chainset, as the Brits would say). The new unit has a number of nice features, starting with the main arms being a much more elegant and solid forged piece. In addition, the new model will have a separate chain ring, allowing you to replace just that part, rather than the entire crankset, in order to modify the gear ratios or replace a worn piece. And anyone who has ever had a Brompton chainring guard come loose or crack will be happy to know the new ones are more substantial and attach with screws, rather than being a press fit.

2013 Rims - click to enlarge.

Not as readily noticed by the eye, another significant change is in the wheel rims... Brompton is now going to be using a "box" section rim, with a different profile, that should both be stronger and make it easier to mount and dismount tires. And if you've ever had problems with the blue rubbery rim strip on a Brompton, these rims should eliminate those issues. In addition, the rear rim will be drilled in a manner that will reduce stresses on the spokes caused by the extreme angles inherent in spoking small wheels.

Two other, less significant changes are with the handlebar grips and tires. The former will now be black instead of grey, and the M, H, and S grips are changing shape slightly to make them more comfortable. In keeping with that change, the standard Brompton tires will now be solid black, instead of black and grey, and will have the 100psi inflation pressure prominently displayed in white lettering on the sidewall.  I wish all tires would make that information as obvious as that!

2013 Dynamo light - click to enlarge.

One last technical change in the bikes only applies to bikes equipped with the Shimano dynamo hub. Previously, those bikes were shipped with an older style halogen headlight, but starting in 2013 they will have a B&M Lyt LED unit, which should be a fair bit brighter. As an added bonus, the LEDs won't burn out periodically the way a halogen lamp will. Given that I had made this very recommendation to Brompton earlier this year, it's great to see they are making this change.  I know others have made the same request, and it's clear that Brompton was listening.

Now, about the new accessories...

2013 Tool kit - click to enlarge.

Most intriguing is the new toolkit, shown here. As you can see, it comes with the basic tools you need on the road on a Brompton... tire levers, patch kit, allen wrenches, and box end wrenches, including a 15mm for the axle nuts.  What sets this toolkit apart, however, is the manner in which it's designed to be carried.  If you look closely at the photo, you might be able to see it... the kit fits into a plastic holder that then slides into the forward section of the main frame, just ahead of the main hinge! When fully put together and installed, the "eye" of the 15mm wrench sticks out to act as a handle which you grasp to remove the unit from the frame. So if you have a flat tire or other mechanical problem, you simply stop, open the main hinge, and pull out the tool kit. Very clever.

2013 Bottle mount - click to enlarge.

Also clever is the new bottle mount. You can't really see what's going on in the photo, I'm sorry to say, but the mount clamps to the handlebar stem just below the bars, and is so small it doesn't interfere with the fold in any way. Looking at it, you might be wondering just what holds the bottle in place... well, it can't be seen here, but there's a rare earth magnet on the bottle mount that holds the bottle to the mount. It's a strong enough hold to keep the bottle in place until you need it, but still allows you to easily grab the bottle and take a drink while you ride.

For a company known for making few if any changes from year to year, 2013 promises some truly interesting and useful new developments.

Now, some of you may be wondering... "What about the rumors of an electric assist bike from Brompton?"  Well, while it's true that it's in the works, progress has been slower than they'd hoped, and it's unlikely we'll see such a bike until 2014 at the earliest, and it's like to be later than that. Brompton is firmly resolved to "get it right" when they enter the e-bike market, and would rather delay the introduction than offer an unsatisfactory product. So, if you have your heart set on such a bike, you'll have to be patient a while longer. We'll keep you posted if we hear anything new.  Meanwhile, watch for the 2013 Bromptons to start arriving here just before the end of the year! And come check out our 2012 stock while it lasts!

Interbike 2012 Folder Frolic

Well, this morning started off with the annual Folder Frolic, a fun ride around Vegas at 7am, followed by a parking ramp hill climb sprint... capped off with a toast on the roof of the parking garage!  A great event, and a fun opportunity to gather with fellow folder enthusiasts.  You won't see as many folding bikes ridden together in very many other places.  All manner of bikes, all manner of riders.

Here's a photo of the group lined up in front of the Venetian Hotel before the start.  I'm almost dead center in the black bikes@vienna shirt.  Bruce is to the left of me in the orange shirt. This was his first Frolic, and I think my third or fourth. Folks here from a bunch of dealers as well as reps for each of the major folding bike companies... Dahon, Tern, Brompton. There was even a Moulton rider in the group.  More photos will be posted on Flickr soon.

Interbike

Starting off with the Industry Breakfast. Talking about the future of cycling.

Interbike 2012!

Tim will be away this week, checking out the biggest bicycle trade show in the USA - Interbike!  I'll be posting info as I can, throughout the week and when I return, so watch this space and our Facebook page.

Basic Maintenance and Repair Class This Weekend!

We still have a few spots left in our Basic Repair and Maintenance Class this Sunday! Learn how to fix a flat tire, as well as how to give your bike a basic gear and brake tuneup... all for less than the cost of such a tuneup!  In addition, you'll receive a small tool kit that normally sells for $25. Class meets from 6 to 8 pm on Sunday, September 9th. Learn skills now that you can use to get your bike ready for spring, and beat the usual spring rush at the shop.

New Hours for Fall!

Well, the kids are back in school, our summer help has gone back to college, and Fall is on the near horizon.  So as of September 9th, we will be changing our hours.  Please make a note of the new times:

Sunday: 10 - 5
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 10 - 7
Thursday: 10 - 7
Friday: 10 - 7
Saturday: 10 - 6

And remember, Fall is a great time to ride in the mid-Atlantic, with cooler weather and Fall colors. Now's the perfect time to buy a new bike or trike, like one of the shiny new Bromptons above!