Every now and then, I see an argument against road diets and the like that goes something like this: “Disabled people need cars to get where they’re going, so removing car lanes and street parking to make room for bike lanes and sidewalks is being ableist!” While I am able-bodied, I feel like I’m able to debunk this argument adequately, and as I see it often enough, I felt it worth making a blog post, covering this from a few different angles.
Continue reading “A thought on disability and transportation infrastructure”A rant about transportational cycling gear in the US
I’m going to rant a bit about the availability and pricing of transportational cycling gear inside the US, because I’ve been inspired by recent purchases. Continue reading “A rant about transportational cycling gear in the US”
Folding bike upgrades
I’ve been busy upgrading my folding bike.
Starting point was a bone-stock 2002 Dahon Boardwalk 1.
Added the following:
- Skyway Tuff Pads (they appeared to be the Kool Stop salmon compound, and the LBS had them in stock, not sure that’s what they actually are, though)
- 1976 Sachs Duomatic 28h 2-speed kickback IGH coaster brake hub, built into a Sun CR18 rim by the LBS (gearing is 48/22)
- Planet Bike Superflash, turns out that it lines up perfectly under the sprung saddle
- TransIt Epic DX rack trunk
- Biologic Joule 2 20h dynamo hub (Biologic/Tern sells these prebuilt with Kinetix Comp rims for $115 shipped to the US)
- Tektro Sabre BX2 brake lever (the stock plastic lever was honestly terrifying)
- Busch & Müller Lumotec Lyt BN plus headlight (in German)
I think this is pretty much all this bike needs except for maybe tires and a pedal upgrade.
Well… things are changing…
So, I got on salary at work, with a giant raise to do so…
And, I just signed for an apartment last night, and will be moving in on the 1st of October. It’s 2.4 miles from work, and all along wide 35 MPH streets, whereas I’m currently living 40 miles from work. So, I can actually bike commute.
Speaking of that, I’ve been working on my bike… now it’s got fenders, LOTS of rear lighting, a pannier (and I think I’m going to get another one,) and a new saddle.
In addition, the other day, I worked on a friend’s 1965 Hillman Super Minx diesel. We made a bunch of progress, but didn’t get it going.
Anyway, this is a rather interesting car. From what’s been found, it’s believed that only 100 of the diesel version of this car were produced. If that’s not rare enough, only FIVE were believed to have made it to the US. And, TWO are believed to survive in the US. This is one of them, and my friend got it for DAMN cheap.
The thing is basically a normal Hillman Super Minx, except it’s got a Perkins 4.99 diesel swapped in at the factory, in place of the normal Hillman gasoline engine. Take a look at the photo album I have of this car for more.