London Called

Been in Londonistan past few days. Now in London to get around on your own accord, you need The Knowledge (or a fuckload of money, or a willingness to ride The Underground). Cabbies spend years tooling around on mopeds to learn it. I'd say most of the free-range bike couriers - the ones who go anywhere the money takes'm, not fixed-route cats - those guys must have The Knowledge too. With the increase in petrol costs, congestion charges, higher cost of living vs. falling currencies etc., there is more cycle-commuting in London than ever before. Sorta like America, where car-centric cities like LA are seeing more two-wheeled transpo hitting the pavement. Adding another pool of citizens to the streets who need The Knowledge. All of which makes us wonder when the bike industry is going to step it up and make more useful gear for the urban commuter. Or perhaps better stated, when the urban commuters are going to demand it. Like puncture proof tires that don't suck. Or locks that actually stop theft. Or specific to this original rant a GPS that works in highrise canyons, perhaps with a headsup display that streams across the inside of your Oakley Blades. As opposed to the current trend of rather useless urban cycling props like fixed-gear specific denim and pants, or arguing the variances between deep-V and 29er hoops. Real gear that real riders can use. We won't hold our breath. Meanwhile in the exciting world of bike racing, the Golden Boy is worried about his unretired ass getting smacked down by an irate Frenchman this July. As we've said before, you can't go slingin' stones in the house and not expect some glass to fall on your head. Go ride.

Comments

[SMB tech geeks]

Save some cash & repair your own bike. Why not visit www.smbbearings.com/BB_BRGS.htm for a great article about replacing your bike's bottom bracket bearings, the photos are a real help too.
To help you get a better understanding of bearings & their performance on/in bikes, check out www.smbbearings.com/SMBtechdata.htm for loads of technical information & help on bearings.

[squadra_obscura]

say waht? who said anything about fixing your bottom bracket?