The Archives
Simon's Heavy-Duty Trailer Build
Check out Simon’s child trailer. No, he doesn’t put children in it. We’ll let him explain: This trailer started as a two-child trailer, but it was too large, too high and the fabric floor was just not practical for cargo hauling. So I took it apart and built a new trailer around a sturdy plastic…
Thinking of Spain on America's Independence Day
It’s Independence Day in the United States of America. My thoughts are in Spain. Spain was just one of many countries pissed off at the British in the 1770’s, and Spanish support for the American Colonies seeking independence was a pretty big deal. But that’s not why my thoughts are in Spain. It’s because my wife…
Andrew's Tout Terrain Mule
This Independence Day week, explore the freedoms hitting the road with your bike allows. Take a cue from Andrew and his Tout Mule-fitted rig. Also check out Andrew’s previous patriotic tour.
The Cocoon: Carry half a deer, half a bear, and a tiny dog—possibly all at once!
The Cocoon basket from DoggyRide would probably be just fine for carrying a doggy. I, on the other hand, used it more for the transport of a somewhat endangered species, to be revealed before this article ends. I think the endangered species handled the enclosed space with less stress than did the pup. The dog:…
Liam's Mega-Trailer Build
Introducing: the Wonder Trailer!! by Liam: I’ve spent 2 years building this articulated bike trailer it can haul upwards of a ton to 2 tons**. The trailer handles surprisingly well for its size: 5 x 2 feet with 20″ wheels. I am currently working on what in England we call a tilt body – basically…
The Thule Commuter Pannier and Tour Rack (go together like Ikea and Super Villains)
Just to be confusing, Thule now makes bike racks and bike racks. The former being the things you use to carry your bike on your car; the latter being the things you put on your bike to carry panniers, rack-top bags, kids, beer, etc. Soon I suspect they will also be manufacturing bike racks as…
Bike Commuting Basics Video
Bike Commuting Basics Video
Homo Satis Habilis – Handy Enough Man (Father's Day 2013)
I know how to patch a tube. I know how to pump up a tire. Neither is very hard to do, so it’s not like I’m bragging. And I’ve been known to dismiss the idea that one should learn these or any other mechanical skills before they take up cycling. I’ll say something like, “If…
Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Indianapolis Cultural Trail
The Uberhood – Be cool, stay dry and keep riding!
Karen Voyer-Caravona is a some-time city cyclist living in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a founding member of Phoenix Spokes People, which is dedicated to promoting bicycling as a viable transportation option in the city of Phoenix. When she is not conspiring socialist plots against her city’s infamous car-centric culture, she is studying for her masters…
The Spokesman
The Spokesman
Our Commuting 101 Section Featured in New Book: Go Green…
A new book by Crissy Trask is a “practical guide that details the money-saving side of greener, healthier, and simpler living.” I haven’t read “Go Green, Spend Less, Live Better” yet, but I flipped as fast as I could to Chapter 4 — “Getting from Here to There without Breaking the Bank.” The chapter begins…
A Guide to Backpack-Panniers
Should you use a pannier or a backpack? It’s one of the great, dumb, debates between cyclists. There advantages to each mode, so why can’t the answer just be yes? I own panniers as well as several backpacks. Some mornings I’m like a socialite trying to decide what shoes to wear. Is today a pannier…
Americans Are Driving Less
Americans Are Driving Less
Tom's Mission & Custom Trailer
Tom’s on a mission to combat child sex abuse by increasing and promoting healing for victims. To achieve this goal, he’s built a custom trailer for the road, and he’s not afraid to use it! “10,000 miles, across 3 nations on a 50cc scooter (with a custom trailer attached…that I designed and built).” Pretty sweet…
Cyclovia Tucson Timelapse
Cyclovia Tucson Timelapse
Quivvers: The Speedo of Messenger Bags
You probably carry a cell phone with you when you commute. And on your commute, you probably don’t use your phone for GPS navigation, because you are going to work and you already know how to get there — unless it’s your first day at a new job. What I’m getting at is that you…
Ethan & Reid's Fundraising Ride Across U.S.
Brothers Ethan & Reid are cycling across the U.S. to raise money for the Phoenix Children’s Hostpital here in Arizona. The story behind the cause, according to Ethan: Back in my junior year of high school, I was rushed to Phoenix Children’s Hospital via ambulance in a grand mal seizure. Doctors quickly induced a coma…
A Plea for First Timers: Adjust your Seat
Hey new bike commuters! Are you fixing to ride to work? Maybe for the first time ever? Congratulations!If you’re prepared, you have been listening to lots of advice, and maybe you’ve read our entire Commuting 101 section.Here’s one last thing that will make a world of difference: Properly adjust your dang seat height.If it’s too…
Throwback Thursday: Bike to Work Week 1993
Throwback Thursday: Bike to Work Week 1993
Tomas, Campfire Cycling, and Ortlieb in India
In 2012 I cycled over 3,000 miles solo across India. The first part of my trip was in Rajasthan, in the north; the second was an epic journey from Mumbai down Konkan coast to border of Goa, then up to Deccan Plateau, south through the interior of entire Karnataka, across Tamil Nadu and Kerala to…
The Beginner's Mind of Car Freedom
Bike commuting in Tucson is becoming easier. My routes are starting to take shape, and I’m feeling less and less like I will get lost on the way to work. I don’t think of my commutes as “exercise.” Rather, I’m aware that my body is adjusting to what I’m asking it to do every day:…
Tom's (Again) Ill-Advised, But Still Pretty Cool BOB Trailer Mod
Tom and his Vespa are at it again. “Updated photos for the BOB folks to fret over …lol.” And again, we dont recommend, support or condone the use of BOB trailers, or any other bike cargo trailers, on any motorized vehicles other than electric bicycles that are regulated the same as standard bicycles.But check these…
Blinking Man Bike Posse
Blinking Man Bike Posse