tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post8226974657844107325..comments2024-03-18T10:19:55.782-04:00Comments on The Velo ORANGE Blog: Interbike WrapupVelo Orangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835615331417822722noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-74695503690862472882009-11-13T08:57:04.233-05:002009-11-13T08:57:04.233-05:00By the way, myself I ride a Gazelle bicycle and ha...By the way, myself I ride a Gazelle bicycle and has done so almost all of my life.<br />http://www.gazelle.nl/nl/ / <br />http://www.gazellebicycles.us/JotMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01148409026490338641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-62174673032724760782009-11-13T08:45:03.087-05:002009-11-13T08:45:03.087-05:00I do understand you like the orange Batavus bike e...I do understand you like the orange Batavus bike especially because of the colour, but I must say I like the grey one even better.<br />http://www.batavus.nl/collectie/stadsfietsen/Personal+Bike/Personal+Bike+Delivery.aspxJotMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01148409026490338641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-46200605517182755722007-10-04T17:09:00.000-04:002007-10-04T17:09:00.000-04:00Suprised I haven't seen any response to the MKS qu...Suprised I haven't seen any response to the MKS query. I am intriged by the idea and am getting tired of moving pedals around. I would even get and extra EZY for a second bike.Nagahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15581002619010845963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-50839111771129366172007-10-03T13:38:00.000-04:002007-10-03T13:38:00.000-04:00as for the stems: I probably wouldn't buy one, tho...as for the stems: <BR/>I probably wouldn't buy one, though they are beautiful. My threadless bikes are modern, and it makes sense to use a light alloy stem for them. But if you could come up with a stem that looked just like that, but was instead a threaded stem made to Technomic Deluxe dimensions, and if you could undercut the lugged stem price considerably, <BR/>now that would be nigh irresistable. (to me.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-56322358192852467152007-10-03T10:52:00.000-04:002007-10-03T10:52:00.000-04:00Dutch Bikes: You'll probably sell a lot more of th...Dutch Bikes: You'll probably sell a lot more of them to buyers in the Santa Clara Valley than in San Diego. When I visit my parents in Los Gatos, I can go on a ride almost to Alviso and have all of about 300 feet (guessing) of elevation change IF I purposely go searching for hills over the course of a three or four hour shopping ride (tough finding those Planet Bike SuperFlashes in the middle of summer!). I didn't feel slow riding my mom's old electroforged step-through Schwinn Suburban, either. In San Diego, my workplace is about 350 feet higher than my residence, and there's a fun down-and-up on the quickest path....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-46579767063219507762007-10-03T09:03:00.000-04:002007-10-03T09:03:00.000-04:00Those Jitensha auto taillights work great and they...Those Jitensha auto taillights work great and they mount up pretty high on the fender. Perfect look. Except that when you have the bike on a car at night, the taillight is flashing.<BR/><BR/>For the stems, I would strongly urge that they be of a pop-top design. There are a number of ways to lick that, but at any rate having to undo everything on one side of the handlebar just to remove it would make it a non-starter for me no matter how attractive.Dadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09016373487910801383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-20345099512030720672007-10-03T08:55:00.000-04:002007-10-03T08:55:00.000-04:00Another taillight for anonyme is the Spanninga SPX...Another taillight for anonyme is the Spanninga SPXba.<BR/>I picked up one of these the Saturday before PBP, and used it on the ride. Me and my riding partner would use it to guide us when to turn on the lights and don night gear. When it turned on, it was time! The instructions it came with were useless, but it can be figured out pretty quickly. Hard part is finding them in NA. The only place I found them on the internet is: http://tinyurl.com/ytnuwe<BR/>but shipping is crazy.<BR/><BR/>Chris, the constructeur rear rack looks great on the bike, thanks for producing them.<BR/><BR/>MichaelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-74721366346044657152007-10-02T21:55:00.000-04:002007-10-02T21:55:00.000-04:00aaron,The Jack Brown looks intriguing on paper- bu...aaron,<BR/>The Jack Brown looks intriguing on paper- but $45 per tire is too rich for me. Especially when one can pick up the ubiquitous Pasela for well under $20.<BR/>I had a pair of Rolly-Polly's and never liked them - they felt dead and sluggish. I feel the Riv tires don't truly offer anything that their Panaracer counterparts do not.<BR/><BR/>n"purely subjective"vAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-77300353600587492642007-10-02T21:35:00.000-04:002007-10-02T21:35:00.000-04:00Maybe instead of the Dutch cargo bikes you might w...Maybe instead of the Dutch cargo bikes you might want to try these. They are looking for dealers:<BR/><BR/>http://www.civiacycles.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-80116140346185632632007-10-02T21:20:00.000-04:002007-10-02T21:20:00.000-04:00tys: Thanks for the tip on the taillight. It even ...tys: Thanks for the tip on the taillight. It even looks French, in a 70s Renault sort of way. Sure hope they get some in. They had the neatest headlight for fender mounting listed for a long time, but never seemed to have any of them. I didn't see that when I rummaged around the site yesterday. Oh well, at least somebody somewhere is making my taillight.<BR/><BR/>ZAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-63657926573283465322007-10-02T21:02:00.000-04:002007-10-02T21:02:00.000-04:00That Dutch bike looks a lot like the bikes I used ...That Dutch bike looks a lot like the bikes I used to rent and ride everywhere over there. Sure, they're heavy, but you wouldn't believe how useful these bikes are. Rolls right over curbs, railroad tracks without flinching. Load it up with a week's worth of groceries . . . It's the most useful vehicle ever invented, probably. What would it cost?<BR/><BR/>I love the VO city bike. I have no problem with the Tig joints; that's probably what they do best in Taiwan, anyway. I would really, really, really hope for a real crown, preferably flat. Nothing screams cheap like a Tig bike with unicrown, even though some of them ride very well. I would also hope for reinforcing rings on the headtube; that might be too much to hope for. I would say canti's for this one; save the longreach calipers for a rando. <BR/>OH, and a red one. <BR/><BR/>best,<BR/>michael whiteAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-52955620182570635662007-10-02T19:07:00.000-04:002007-10-02T19:07:00.000-04:00I ride one of these 'heavy' Dutch bikes. It doesn'...I ride one of these 'heavy' Dutch bikes. It doesn't slow me down and the ride is amazing - smooth and controlled. Plus because of the strength of the bicycle, you can off road with no problems.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-3440413264124022392007-10-02T09:50:00.000-04:002007-10-02T09:50:00.000-04:00I'm surprised, that you don't stock or promote the...I'm surprised, that you don't stock or promote the B.72 saddle found on so many old 3-speeds. It would seem to me the perfect saddle for a mixte, camper, porteur, etc. for a couple of reasons....<BR/><BR/>Unlike the B.66, it doesn't do the uncontrolled "rocking" that the coil-springs give you, and those springs don't get in the way of attaching a saddlebag to the seatpost directly with the strap. It's also lighter, but without giving up that subtle vibration-dampening quality that makes a decent brick road into glass. Instead of awkward bag loops sticking out to snag, they are neatly integrated.<BR/><BR/>Unlike the B.17, it has enough room to sit up comfortably if you raise the bar, but without giving up the smooth top (new production, black and antique). They honey model is still available with pebbled top and brass rivets - unique to the flat sprung chasis linup. The integrated bag loops are much easier to use than the tiny wedged-in ones on the B.17. The loop-springs add a very slight and fine vibration dampening to the ride - just enough to smooth imperfections in the brick lane or sidewalk, without adding all the bulk-weight of the coil-spring setup. <BR/><BR/>Seems like the perfect saddle for VO orange bikes to me.lee.watkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00650449275019133632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-42636923743056800972007-10-02T08:15:00.000-04:002007-10-02T08:15:00.000-04:00Yes! Dutch bikes! When are you going to start se...Yes! Dutch bikes! When are you going to start selling / making real dutch-style bikes? I will buy that. I will love that. The Batavus Favoriet would be a great start... the Personal Delivery Bike is great too. FWI the Batavus Old Dutch also comes in a "light orange". You might sell more if you got the Delivery Bike in Black though. Just yesterday I was at City Bikes in downtown DC, and they had a Gazelle Toer Populair, sporting a B.33 saddle - I was in love...<BR/><BR/>If you got in some Gazelle Toer Populair 115 Limited Editions, that would be expecially cool. I've been thinking about getting one somehow. Gazelle has a "Basic" singlespeed old dutch in glossy Orange as well. <BR/><BR/>I'd like to see VO do more with the fully Upright dutch-style sitting position. I've altered all my old bikes to ride that way and it's very comfortable for leisurely riding to work or do errands. I don't think many americans understand the concept yet. <BR/><BR/>I think that the market for the agressive forward position is already saturated - those are the people already riding now. However, the potential market for the Upright position is potentially huge! Everyone who isn't riding right now, basicly. <BR/><BR/>I'm interested to try out the 3-spring Lepper L75 which you pictured. I assume it's directly comparable to the Brooks B.73, which I have on my daily commuter. The B.73 is fantasticly comfortable for the fully-upright position. Although it's a very soft ride, I wouldn't use it for heavy hauling, it's too bouncy on rough roads for that. For the heavy loads I'd want to use my B.135, or a B.33, as they have a much more "controlled" manner to them. Lepper has a "cruiser" saddle that appears to have lower dampening springs like the B.135 does, to elminate rebound.lee.watkinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00650449275019133632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-55595834528135657672007-10-02T07:46:00.000-04:002007-10-02T07:46:00.000-04:00Anonyme 19:44I'd like to see a fender mount- batte...Anonyme 19:44<BR/><BR/>I'd like to see a fender mount- battery powered- motion sensitive LED tail light too. The REI commuter bike w/generator hub and racks (pictured here: http://www.rei.com/novara) comes with one. I'd purchase one in a minute. <BR/><BR/>But that dutch cargo bike looks cool, depending on the price I'd like one. <BR/><BR/>-Joexjoexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16590347509328334113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-33272777399418605162007-10-02T02:11:00.000-04:002007-10-02T02:11:00.000-04:00Chris, I've put my money where my mouth is and hav...Chris, I've put my money where my mouth is and have purchased from VO. Needless to say, a good experience. So I mean it when I say yes please to extra-large half clips. I'll take two pair. If you can get extra-extra large, I'll take three pairs! Size twelve All-stars!<BR/><BR/>Dutch delivery bikes and their ilk.<BR/><BR/>One would think that I would be the ideal candidate for such a contraption; I'm tall and, shall we say, gravity acts on me more than others. I commute throughout the year, afternoon out, evening home. Almost always carrying too much; one never knows what tool might come in handy! If I'm not commuting I'm knocking about the broken inner-city roads locking up the steed where I can. So a hefty Sherman-tank of a bike should be for me.<BR/><BR/>No.<BR/><BR/>The Dutch bike is the very antithesis of the graceful, efficient, gorgeous, load-carrying, mountain-climbing, versatile randonneur bike. The Dutch bikes are heavy, usually not particularly good looking, often with unusual sizing of rims and tires and whatnot. And heavy. Hereabouts, in Toronto, attempts have been made to sell various models (Batavus, Kronan, Jorg&Olief, et al), none have born resounding success. Why? Expensive (for what they are) and heavy. Sorry to harp on that, but usually they weigh in the region of forty-five to fifty pounds for no particularly good reason. A well designed and built frame with moderately cushy tires do the trick for city work just fine at about half the weight and cost. And the merest modicum of frame care will ensure the same longevity.<BR/><BR/>You've been warned!<BR/><BR/>That's my two cents worth anyhow. Now that the Canandian dollar is at par, that's not to be trifled with either.<BR/><BR/>Chris, I appreciate all that you're doing with VO!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-43785611046146244612007-10-02T00:08:00.000-04:002007-10-02T00:08:00.000-04:00stems... i'm thinking...http://www.ahearnecycles.c...stems... i'm thinking...http://www.ahearnecycles.com/Images/SSStem.jpgMike vwhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08783110224072566499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-23620519546256797002007-10-01T21:53:00.000-04:002007-10-01T21:53:00.000-04:00Done before you had your own brand out there, but ...Done before you had your own brand out there, but I put Riv sourced Honjos on the lovely Sycip I made for my niece.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-76809852905246604082007-10-01T20:38:00.001-04:002007-10-01T20:38:00.001-04:00nv: why not try the new Jack Brown from Rivendell?...nv: why not try the new Jack Brown from Rivendell? It is quite plump and rolls fast.Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07606360749976387700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-1493602541788468642007-10-01T20:38:00.000-04:002007-10-01T20:38:00.000-04:00Z: Jitensha lists the tail-light you want: http://...Z: Jitensha lists the tail-light you want: http://tinyurl.com/yrv69n<BR/>But they didn't have it in stock when I asked about it.<BR/>VO: Please no cantis on the production frame. <BR/><BR/>tysAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-9418258328092173472007-10-01T19:44:00.000-04:002007-10-01T19:44:00.000-04:00That Dutch delivery bike is cool and all, but wher...That Dutch delivery bike is cool and all, but where can I get some of those neon sidewall tires? My morning commute is now well into the neighborhood of dawn, and those tires would work wonders with the not-yet-awoken drivers I encounter.<BR/><BR/>Seriously now, I'd really like to see a battery powered LED taillight, motion sensitive and designed to mount on a fender. I'd buy half a dozen of those, or maybe even a dozen if they looked really French. The technology is readily available and cheap, but I have yet to see such a thing anywhwere. I've got some junk lying around, old Tire Flies and dead taillights that I have been meaning to cobble into a motion sensitive light, but it would still not be fender friendly, and not remotely Frenchy.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for all the info. Very brave of you to go to Vegas!<BR/><BR/>ZAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-13431738265231010922007-10-01T18:29:00.000-04:002007-10-01T18:29:00.000-04:00Chris, If you move forward with tire production, o...Chris, <BR/>If you move forward with tire production, one tire I'd LOVE to see (wont hold my breath) is a high quality, light and supple 700c in a 34 or 35mm width at half the price of the Gran Bois. Yeah, the Pasela is good and it's all I ride but I'm jealous that folks are out there on these supple-cased Gran Bois tires! I'd definitely stock up on such a tire...<BR/>Thanks for listening,<BR/>nvAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-76625974870834540642007-10-01T18:04:00.000-04:002007-10-01T18:04:00.000-04:00I'd love to see a VO version of the Dutch cargo bi...I'd love to see a VO version of the Dutch cargo bike.<BR/><BR/>I'd also love the production VO city frame/fork to be $400-450 (with cantilevers).<BR/><BR/>Keep up the hustle!Reference Libraryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14979302086402829286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-35335570607934693592007-10-01T17:21:00.000-04:002007-10-01T17:21:00.000-04:00Chris, I would be willing to order a "Singer-esque...Chris, <BR/><BR/>I would be willing to order a "Singer-esque" fillet brazed Nitto quill stem today!! Sight unseen. Just let me know the item number.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24415034.post-63006231938675169302007-10-01T14:37:00.000-04:002007-10-01T14:37:00.000-04:00Cantilevers on the VO city bikes please. A bicycl...Cantilevers on the VO city bikes please. A bicycle with a frame geometry that lends itself to front loading should have cantilevers to make front rack installation as simple as possible. Or might you have in mind a fork with four mounting points for a different front rack? <BR/><BR/>I'm not impressed with the Tektro R556. I replaced a dia compe center pull with a R556 in the front of a bike and it seems to be less powerfull than the center pull and had less clearance for the fenders.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com