I was having trouble with the brakes on my KMX Cobra. The right brake (my right as a sit on it) was coming on earlier and more strongly than the left side. So, off to the bike shop I went (slowly as the brakes were rubbing and not working well). Luckily Marc the bike shop dude is open to the idea of fixing weird bikes I buy on eBay. Some bike shops don't want to know you unless you're there buying one of their $2000 bikes.
We started fiddling. Trying to see if there was a way to adjust the brakes to get them acting more evenly. After half an hour of fiddling the brakes weren't rubbing any more but still pretty much the same for pulling the trike into broad slides.
What was happening was that I would slide sideways if I tried to brake. There isn't much traction at the best of times on the rear wheel so any braking on the rear whilst braking on the front would just cause a broad slide with the left side of the trike leading (so that's turning to the right while skidding). This would end with a roll to the left side when it got traction.
Anyway, there wasn't any adjustment that could be made to fix it. We figured that the left brake was activating later and less than the right. But why? We got it down to different levels of cable flex/drag. The cable housing to the left brake is roughly 800mm long whereas the right side is less than 200mm long. The left one has loops whereas the right one only has one loop.
Being unable to eliminate these perfectly normal problems with the left cable we decided to replicate them to the right brake. To do that we simply fitted the old left brake cable and housing. We had replaced the left cable and housing during attempts to eliminate the problem.
The excess length follows the left cable towards the centre of the bike then loops back to the right brake. The excess cable length doesn't get in the way or interfere with the steering.
This worked perfectly. The bike holds its line under full brake now. The rear wheel doesn't skid to the left when it loses traction. I don't have huge crashes under brake (it was fun until I dislocated a rib the day before a video shoot).
Friday, December 17, 2010
Helmets are necessary on drop bar racers.
I don't think anyone arguing against helmets thinks that they are a bad idea for drop bar racing bikes. This is very different to cycling to the shops on an upright bike.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Amazon.com: Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities (9780870714191): Jeff Mapes: Books
Amazon.com: Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities (9780870714191): Jeff Mapes: Books: "In a time of climate change and car-worship, bicycle riding has become a political statement and a policy issue, with its own grassroots movement working 'to seize at least a part of the street back from motorists.' After a dry but brief history of the bicycle and its political significance (Susan B. Anthony said bicycles have 'done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world'), Mapes reports from the world capitals of bicycle culture. Mapes explores Amsterdam, marveling at the ease with which cyclists, motorists and pedestrians share the road. In San Francisco and New York City, he finds cycling groups at their most hip and radical, and joins them on a 'Critical Mass' protest, in which cyclists take to the streets en masse to block traffic and take over rush hour streets; they've caused siginificant headaches for the NYPD, especially during the 2004 National Republican Convention. Focusing largely on the cyclists themselves, Mapes puts a passionate and pragmatic face to the 'new urban bike movement' while connecting the dots between cycling culture and a host of quality of life issues."
The Recumbent Blog » Blog Archive » Schroeder 2010 Human Powered Trike
A fully enclosed, streamlined recumbent trike.
The Recumbent Blog » Blog Archive » Schroeder 2010 Human Powered Trike
The Recumbent Blog » Blog Archive » Schroeder 2010 Human Powered Trike
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Man of the people with cities to save
Man of the people with cities to save:
"THE man whose life's work has been about making cities better places for people is not complimentary about Sydney. The city centre is 'backwards', 'anachronistic', and 'really rock bottom quality'. The CBD is cut off from the magnificent waterfront by giant elevated roads and a railway station. The buses are 'a study in mediaeval traffic planning'. The underground shopping arcades siphon life from the streets.
'You have the most wonderful city in the southern hemisphere and you push one-third of all your activities underground instead of celebrating the beauty of the harbour,' Jan Gehl says. In conclusion, Sydney is rich with 'good examples of what not to do'."
"THE man whose life's work has been about making cities better places for people is not complimentary about Sydney. The city centre is 'backwards', 'anachronistic', and 'really rock bottom quality'. The CBD is cut off from the magnificent waterfront by giant elevated roads and a railway station. The buses are 'a study in mediaeval traffic planning'. The underground shopping arcades siphon life from the streets.
'You have the most wonderful city in the southern hemisphere and you push one-third of all your activities underground instead of celebrating the beauty of the harbour,' Jan Gehl says. In conclusion, Sydney is rich with 'good examples of what not to do'."
Friday, December 10, 2010
SBS: Cycling Central : Sydney's easy riders
SBS: Cycling Central : Sydney's easy riders: "A report in the Sydney Morning Herald on December 9 with the attached headline 'Cyclists getting an easy ride' had me thinking.
At first glance, I assumed it was another token opinionated attack on bike riders who choose to use two wheels as a form of transport or recreation, rather than get behind the wheel of their car."
At first glance, I assumed it was another token opinionated attack on bike riders who choose to use two wheels as a form of transport or recreation, rather than get behind the wheel of their car."
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Cycling Holiday Adventures - 2007
Cycling Holiday Adventures - 2007: "We started our trip in July and cycled in two months from Adelaide to Darwin. Along the way we visited the Oodnadatta Track, Ayers Rock (Uluru), Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Devils Marbles, etc."
Cars to blame in most accidents involving cycles, says research calling for new road rules | The Australian
Cars to blame in most accidents involving cycles, says research calling for new road rules | The Australian: "NEARLY nine out of 10 accidents involving cyclists and cars in Australia are the fault of the motorist, new research has found.
The research also recommends introducing new road rules enforcing safe passing distances for cars.
Drivers were at fault in 87 per cent of incidents with cyclists and most did not realise they had behaved in a reckless or unsafe manner, according to the Monash University Accident Research Centre and The Amy Gillett Foundation."
The research also recommends introducing new road rules enforcing safe passing distances for cars.
Drivers were at fault in 87 per cent of incidents with cyclists and most did not realise they had behaved in a reckless or unsafe manner, according to the Monash University Accident Research Centre and The Amy Gillett Foundation."
Automopedia's Guide To Sharing The Road
Automopedia's Guide To Sharing The Road: "We at Automopedia love sharing the road with our fellow bicyclists. Yes, you read that correctly. Unlike other motor-heads who loath the sight of a bike on their street, we embrace our two-wheeled pedal brethren…mostly because many of us are avid cyclists.
It was disheartening, yet not surprising, when a recent study showed “nine out of 10 accidents involving cyclists and cars in Australia are the fault of the motorist,” according to The Australian."
It was disheartening, yet not surprising, when a recent study showed “nine out of 10 accidents involving cyclists and cars in Australia are the fault of the motorist,” according to The Australian."
Cars are to blame for overwhelming number of car/ bike accidents | The Daily Telegraph
Cars are to blame for overwhelming number of car/ bike accidents | The Daily Telegraph: "NEARLY nine out of 10 accidents involving cyclists and cars in Australia are the fault of the motorist.
Research also recommended introducing road rules enforcing safe passing distances for cars.
Drivers were at fault in 87 per cent of incidents with cyclists and most did not realise they had behaved in an unsafe manner, according to the Monash University Accident Research Centre and The Amy Gillett Foundation."
http://www.amygillett.org.au/news
Research also recommended introducing road rules enforcing safe passing distances for cars.
Drivers were at fault in 87 per cent of incidents with cyclists and most did not realise they had behaved in an unsafe manner, according to the Monash University Accident Research Centre and The Amy Gillett Foundation."
http://www.amygillett.org.au/news
Monday, November 22, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
'Silent' bike clips cyclist | Gympie Cars | 4WD, Green Cars and Motorcycling in Gympie | Gympie Times
'Silent' bike clips cyclist | Gympie Cars | 4WD, Green Cars and Motorcycling in Gympie | Gympie Times:
"AN electric motorcycle taking part in an around-the-world race for zero-emission vehicles has collided with a cyclist in Canada.
"The two-wheeled Zerotracer motorcycle, entered in the 80-day Zero Race for vehicles using renewable energy sources, hit the 50-year-old cyclist on Friday after he allegedly rode off the footpath and into the Zerotracer’s path."
"The two-wheeled Zerotracer motorcycle, entered in the 80-day Zero Race for vehicles using renewable energy sources, hit the 50-year-old cyclist on Friday after he allegedly rode off the footpath and into the Zerotracer’s path."
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Waterproof Breathable Helmet Covers from People Who Really Know Waterproof Breathable Helmet Covers!
Waterproof Breathable Helmet Covers from People Who Really Know Waterproof Breathable Helmet Covers!: "The Helmet Cover is a very functional, durable basic design that simply slips over your helmet and is held in place with elastic, similar to a shower cap. It's available in Waterproof Breathable 2-ply Nylon Taslan fabric. The Helmet Cover has a highly reflective 3M-brand strip on the front, and one on the back making it highly visible from both front and back."
Friday, November 5, 2010
Status Report on Columbus Bike Parking Shelters | Consider Biking
Status Report on Columbus Bike Parking Shelters | Consider Biking
Thanks to everyone that provided input on locations for bike parking shelters proposed for 2011 in Columbus. We had an incredible response from almost 100 unique individuals thanks to publicity from our Consider Biking members and audience, Columbus Underground, the Columbus Dispatch and Alive.
Big Cat HPV - Creators of Catrike and Catbike - Recumbent Trikes and Bikes
Big Cat HPV - Creators of Catrike and Catbike - Recumbent Trikes and Bikes
A Performance Catrike loaded with fun. It can corner like its on rails and it is still capable of light touring and commuting.
Bicycle helmet lobby - advocacy, statistics, data, research
Bicycle helmet lobby - advocacy, statistics, data, research: "Ontario's Nanny-statists Target Cyclists Again
The helmet law debate in the Legislature came back suddenly on November 4th, 2004 after a 13 year absence. It was sudden to us because none of the parties had mentioned it during the last election, and it had become a non-issue in Ontario's cycling community following the implementation of the child helmet law in 1995. Organized cycling wasn't aware that health and safety lobby groups had been working behind the scenes at Queens Park to bring it back.
The front man for the latest initiative is Liberal MPP, John Milloy. He introduced the bill and kicked off the debate in the Legislature. 'Debate' in this case is a misnomer. The discussions that took place blatantly lacked any scientific basis; instead, it was based on anecdotal evidence, personal conviction and grief."
The helmet law debate in the Legislature came back suddenly on November 4th, 2004 after a 13 year absence. It was sudden to us because none of the parties had mentioned it during the last election, and it had become a non-issue in Ontario's cycling community following the implementation of the child helmet law in 1995. Organized cycling wasn't aware that health and safety lobby groups had been working behind the scenes at Queens Park to bring it back.
The front man for the latest initiative is Liberal MPP, John Milloy. He introduced the bill and kicked off the debate in the Legislature. 'Debate' in this case is a misnomer. The discussions that took place blatantly lacked any scientific basis; instead, it was based on anecdotal evidence, personal conviction and grief."
Copenhagenize.com - Building Better Bicycle Cultures: Motoring Helmets for REAL High-Risk Transport
Copenhagenize.com - Building Better Bicycle Cultures: Motoring Helmets for REAL High-Risk Transport
Let's just get one thing straight right off the bat. This is a real product, produced in Australia in the 1980's by a company called Davies, Craig.
And I'm so pleased to know it exists. Chris from the CTC - Cycle Touring Club - which is Great Britain's cyclist advocacy group with 130ish years behind it, has this helmet in their offices and my mate Chris was kind enough to send me photos of it.
I can't describe the calm that has now settled over my soul now that I know true safety exists.
And I'm so pleased to know it exists. Chris from the CTC - Cycle Touring Club - which is Great Britain's cyclist advocacy group with 130ish years behind it, has this helmet in their offices and my mate Chris was kind enough to send me photos of it.
I can't describe the calm that has now settled over my soul now that I know true safety exists.
Obesity in Australia and bicycle helmet laws
Obesity in Australia and bicycle helmet laws: "Obesity in Australia versus
bicycle helmet laws
This page displays press clippings concerning Australian public health.
All research papers warn of worsening rates of obesity in Australia with much of the blame attributed to our increasingly sedentary lifestyle.
Australia is one of only two countries in the world with national all-age helmet laws which discourage one of society's most popular, healthy, safe and enjoyable forms of recreational transport and exercise - bike riding. In June 2008, research at Melbourne's Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute found that Australia is now the fattest nation on earth. Download Australia's future fat bomb (PDF 2.3mg).
Research published by Deakin University in October 2009 shows that Australian pre-school children spend 85% of their waking hours inactive. One in seven Australians will be suffering type 2 diabetes by 2050, according to a study also published in October 2009 by the University of Canberra's National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling.
Australians who wish to exercise frequently by cycling are punished if they don't use uncomfortable, inconvenient and potentially dangerous helmets, and as a result many choose not to exercise."
bicycle helmet laws
This page displays press clippings concerning Australian public health.
All research papers warn of worsening rates of obesity in Australia with much of the blame attributed to our increasingly sedentary lifestyle.
Australia is one of only two countries in the world with national all-age helmet laws which discourage one of society's most popular, healthy, safe and enjoyable forms of recreational transport and exercise - bike riding. In June 2008, research at Melbourne's Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute found that Australia is now the fattest nation on earth. Download Australia's future fat bomb (PDF 2.3mg).
Research published by Deakin University in October 2009 shows that Australian pre-school children spend 85% of their waking hours inactive. One in seven Australians will be suffering type 2 diabetes by 2050, according to a study also published in October 2009 by the University of Canberra's National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling.
Australians who wish to exercise frequently by cycling are punished if they don't use uncomfortable, inconvenient and potentially dangerous helmets, and as a result many choose not to exercise."
Assessment of Australia's Bicycle Helmet Laws
They say that their analysis of bike accidents shows that the laws have done little to reduce head injuries and that they discourage people from making short trips by bike.
Mandatory bicycle helmet laws in Western Australia
Mandatory bicycle helmet laws in Western Australia: "Australia was the first country in the world to impose uniform national mandatory bicycle helmet legislation, beginning in 1990. Western Australia commenced police enforcement of the law on July 1, 1992.
Analysis of results in Western Australia suggests the helmet legislation has:
increased hospital admissions per cyclist on the road
reduced the popularity of cycling
damaged public health
This website provides a compendium of reports and studies into cyclist injuries and cycling participation rates in a mandatory rather than voluntary bicycle helmet jurisdiction, and compensates for the Australian media's lack of interest in public health and safety.
The legislation has been enforced in Western Australia for 18 years - a timescale providing abundant data to analyse the effect of an all-age mandatory bicycle helmet law.
Government data shows an increase in cyclist hospital admissions and total injuries despite also showing fewer people cycling on West Australian roads during most of the 1990s - a downturn in public recreational exercise with further negative consequences for community health and safety."
Analysis of results in Western Australia suggests the helmet legislation has:
increased hospital admissions per cyclist on the road
reduced the popularity of cycling
damaged public health
This website provides a compendium of reports and studies into cyclist injuries and cycling participation rates in a mandatory rather than voluntary bicycle helmet jurisdiction, and compensates for the Australian media's lack of interest in public health and safety.
The legislation has been enforced in Western Australia for 18 years - a timescale providing abundant data to analyse the effect of an all-age mandatory bicycle helmet law.
Government data shows an increase in cyclist hospital admissions and total injuries despite also showing fewer people cycling on West Australian roads during most of the 1990s - a downturn in public recreational exercise with further negative consequences for community health and safety."
MR Recumbent's Preloved Trikes
MR Recumbent's Preloved Trikes: "MR Components currently has a wide variety of 'pre-loved' trikes. Please browse through the selections below and click the images for a larger view.
Feel free to contact Michael for his best advice on a trike that best suits you"
Feel free to contact Michael for his best advice on a trike that best suits you"
The World Today - Call for repeal of bike helmet laws 16/08/2010
The World Today - Call for repeal of bike helmet laws 16/08/2010: "The supposedly life-saving laws came into effect across Australia almost two decades ago. Now researchers at Sydney University are calling for the legislation which makes it compulsory for bike riders to wear helmets to be repealed.
They say that their analysis of bike accidents shows that the laws have done little to reduce head injuries and that they discourage people from making short trips by bike."
They say that their analysis of bike accidents shows that the laws have done little to reduce head injuries and that they discourage people from making short trips by bike."
Bicycle helmet laws could do more harm than good - health - 27 April 2009 - New Scientist
Bicycle helmet laws could do more harm than good - health - 27 April 2009 - New Scientist
Helmet laws like those in effect in Australia levy a substantial cost on healthcare systems because savings from fewer head injuries pale in comparison to the costs incurred by decreases in cycling, a mathematical model concludes.
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