Susan Nolan
May is Bike Month, so EcoNews stopped by Mooncycles at 1905 Alliance Road in Arcata to ask Sprout and Sage about what’s new and exciting, and for some reminders about best bike practices for those who haven’t been riding lately but want to start up again.
Sprout started, “You want to be comfortable on a bike—comfortable in your abilities, able to be on a road with cars and still feel safe.” For safe places to practice, they suggest bike paths, the Arcata Bottoms, the Hammond Trail, and even a big parking lot.
Physical comfort is important. “A lot of road bikes aren’t made for comfort. Commuter bikes are more upright, can carry weight, are practical and utilitarian. The comfort is more baked into upright. Your muscles are more aligned.” That comes from the angles of the frame, or “geometry”.
“Gravel bikes are a new trend,” Sprout went on. “They’re a great mix between a road bike and a mountain bike. You can use a lot of trails and explore new places. More comfortable than a road bike for touring and bike packing with their geometry, handlebars, wide tires.” They’re good for “bike pathing.”
“Bikes can be converted to upright with a new riser and stem extension” (they indicated the neck between the frame and handlebars) “and new handle bars.” A wide variety of handlebars are available. “There’s so many conversions you can do with an existing bike—bikes can be converted for the purpose you want. We can turn any 90’s mountain bike into a gravel bike.” Electric conversion is another option.
Being able to carry stuff will increase your bike’s usefulness, and there are lots of options: “A back rack, front basket, zip tie milk crate or really strong cardboard, pannier bags. Different styles. Rainproof, or open like grocery bags. I recommend keeping your bike narrow,” Sage advises.
For night riding, you want “lots of light, and high visibility clothing. Blinking rear lights are much more visible than non-blinking. Lights or reflectors on your wheels are really visible. With one type, each spoke – the entire rim – is a reflector. Wheels are a great place to increase your visibility. Most bikes get hit from the sides.”
For a quick safety check before heading out, remember ABC: air (in the tires), brakes and chain in good working order. Air is important, especially for thin tires. No rips or tears in the sidewalls. Be sure the wheel quick release is in the closed position and the wheels are on tight. Lubrication is really important. “Use anything,” even olive oil. But never WD40.
There’s another handy acronym for riding in traffic, PAL: be “predictable, alert, and lawful.”
For longer rides, be ready to change tubes or fix a flat. At least have the gear you need, so someone else can do it if you can’t. “You never know!” Sage jokingly admonishes.
A good quality lock is well worth the investment. Expect to spend a minimum of $50. Sage says, “An easy rule of thumb is, the heavier the better.” The classic U locks are good. “Completely stay away from cable,” they advise, and “chains are risky unless they’re ‘super hardened steel’.” There are some very good new lock designs.”If it’s newer and weird, thieves are just going to look at the next bike.” They add, “Don’t leave your bike outside anywhere.” Indoors is safe from theft and also rust.
Want to ride more often? Sage suggests, “Make a space for your bike that’s easy to access. Keep your bike in a location that’s really easy to get it in and out—grab and go. Make it comfortable. Get a water bottle for the bike. Keep the lock on the bike.” Bikes can go on racks on Redwood Transit System buses at no extra charge.
There are several great bike shops around Humboldt Bay. Other resources include the Eureka Bike Kitchen, which provides tools, resources and mechanics’ knowledge to help people repair bicycles, and sometimes has used bikes for sale (eurekabikekitchen.org). CalPoly Humboldt’s Bicycle Learning Center offers tools and assistance for students’ bicycle maintenance needs, and has some supplies and parts (wrrap.humboldt.edu/bicycle-learning-center).