Making bikes by hand in metropolitan Boston. That’s Beantown, for short. Almost the same as my last name. Must be a connection. This link takes you to a wonderful photo essay that includes, among other things, Lloyd Graves, the founder of Independent Fabrication, tooling in the city on two wheels while wearing construction boots. Also: Factory floor. Images of builds in progress. People. Gritty. Real. Legit. Savor the moment. It’s Friday, and the craving is good.
Related posts:
- Over under Sunglasses and helmet straps. Oh, the burning question of over and under. Do helmet straps go under sunglasses? Or is it acceptable to wear them over sunglasses? These are potential cycling fashion land mines. Wear incorrectly, and you could be jettisoned from the Saturday group ride (just kidding). Mismatch them,...
- Ultimo Kilometro Alas, a week of pounding rain almost done in San Diego. I worked in a few easy spins in before hitting the office. But nothing compares to riding when you’re alert, rested and ready. That’s when your senses are at that their most sensible. Today feels electric. Not a typical...
- Friday was my day Friday was my day. At 4 p.m., I aimed the bike west toward a winter’s setting sun. The air was cool. Not cold. The sky was blue. Not gray. The canyons were dressed in a green that reminded me of Scotland. The ocean shined in the distance. Hot air balloons...
- The art of waving I crossed paths with more than 100 bicycles today. The Southern California coastline is a weekend magnet for riders of all ages, abilities and aspirations. The bikes I saw shared many things in common. The obvious: two wheels, handlebars, saddles, pedals. And the human: Lots of riders with blank faces....
- Wheelie Hand-built wheels are my training “hoops” of choice (with apologies for use of word hoops to BikeSnobNYC). Mavic Open Pros, black. 32-hole. Three-cross. Rear ‘hoop’ tied and soldered. On Dura Ace hubs. Shazam. Truly bomb-proof. I wish I could build wheels myself. I have a great buddy in San Diego...
