I’ve heard of some pretty bizarre bikes (they normally come from the pimped out category, shag-carpeted seats and all) but in terms of practical biking, the Varibike pretty much takes the cake.
“Strassenfeger” in German means “Street Sweeper.” There are two distinctive features on this bike (three, if you count the paint job): it’s electric and it’s got a one-armed fork, a la Cann
I like looking at concept bikes but they turn me off.
If you are just starting out in biking, then you’ve probably been told you need to get yourself a helmet. So if you go to a bike-specific store, you’ll probably see a lot of different types of helmets. Each type is specific to a certain activity. They can come in all different colors and designs so there is plenty to choose from.
Let’s take a look at the different types.
BMX/Motocross
Ibis was the company that first launched the full carbon bike called the Mojo. It took the world by storm and they’ve been innovating, working on their version of the 29er.
Okay, technically this does have a motor on it but it’s electric and very green which, in theory, is what we want in the biking community.
Seeing as that I did the post on cargo bikes with buckets, I’m doing the one without the large buckets or with a reduced space to carry items smaller than, say, children. There is an odd array of bikes and I am impressed with the initiative to promote a bike culture.
This list is for you if you are looking for an option that doesn’t have a large box or bucket on it. I’ve specifically included brands that have modified the frame itself to provide a base for cargo or can accommodate panniers on a longer frame.
So here’s the list, in alphabetical order:
I’ve been researching the cargo bike and like most everything in the bike world, there is quite a bit to choose from. Seeing as that there was a wide variety of all sorts, I’ve grouped this list up and am featuring here the cargo bike with a wheelbarrow-like bucket in front or on the sides (like panniers). Just so all you Bullitt fans don’t get mad at me.
The bucket is pretty interesting and, in the some of the models, is an option to carry children in. I’m not much of a fan of the child seat in the back and this looks much more stable, with a lower center of gravity.
I can’t imagine eating pavement with your kid is too fun, for either party.
The cargo bike is relatively unknown in the States, as it is more of a European thing. However, you can’t deny the practicality and considering the crappy diets and lack of exercise that seem to plague a lot of households, it is a needed change in the way we look at transportation.
I’ve always liked the idea of folding bicycles but that didn’t necessarily mean that they were pretty to look at.
Touring on bike is a great way to travel to a specific destination while doing exercise and seeing the sights along the way. This, however, implies many specific items you will need to make your tour a successful one.
Here are some things to consider before you make your first foray into touring.