A Better Cycle

Valentine's Day Promotion

2012-02-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest differences between local businesses and the other guys is that we deeply love our community. And what better holiday than Valentine's Day for us to show some of that love!

From midnight to midnight on Feb 14 you can get it Labor on a complete tune-up! with just 250 points in your supportland.com account. Normally, and every day other than Valentine's Day, you need 500 points to get this reward. But on Valentine's Day, ALL your Supportland points are magically worth double at supportland.com

While this deal is only good until our inventory runs out, stay tuned to our social media where we'll be releasing more rewards throughout the day. Check out all the rewards being offered from locally-owned businesses across town at supportland.com and keep racking up those points!

With love, all mushy-gushy like,
The A Better Cycle Crew
Ian, Clinton, Aaron, Miranda, Spencer and Rachel

2012-02-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

This freshly powder coated, Peugeot Orient Express is an elegant commuter, which we've affectionately designated, as a "Monster Porteur". These frames were originally marketed as mountain bikes, but we have repurposed it with swept back handlebars, Shwalbe "Fat Frank" 2.36" Balloon tyres , Soma Porteur front rack, Brooks saddle, and fenders. Refurbished components include, a more modern eight speed drive train, linear pull brakes, and our hand-built wheels. The long wheel base and steel frame ensure a luxuriously supple ride as well as ease of handling even under heavy load. The seat tube is 56cm and the top tube is 59 making it sort of a men's medium or women's tall with a comfortable upright seating position.

2012-01-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

Put on your skin suits group-ride lovers! (Or not, whatevs.) Team Portobello will be hosting a group ride next Sunday and to which your chamoised behind has been cordially invited. The ride starts here at A Better Cycle at 9:00 am where we will attempt pull our decrepit bodies out of their caskets early enough to lovingly BREW COFFEE for you. Experience Portland's sublime scenery! Enjoy the delightful company of our dreamy bike team! Tell winter to take off! We can't wait to see you.

2011-12-03T07:54:00.001-08:00

IT'S BIKE CRAFT! We will be there with a some very special bicycles showing off the custom build-ups and overhauls we specialize in.

Also, there are three certificates in the Bike Craft raffle good for redemption at A Better Cycle. check it.

2011-11-23T16:36:00.001-08:00

We will be closed Nov 24th and 25th for Eat Day and Buy Nothing Day. Everybody get stuffed and save your cash for Buy Local Day November 26th.

2011-11-23T16:30:00.001-08:00

SUPER SURPRISE SALE! Support Buy Local Day!
Nearly everything in the store will be on sale. 10% to 50% Off! We have entirely to much inventory going into winter and we need to get rid of stuff. Sale Saturday November 26th and Sunday November 27th only.

2011-11-19T13:25:00.001-08:00

The best place to get holiday presents for your bike riding loved ones (including yourself) is the annual Bike Craft Fair.

This year it's at Sandbox Studio and is 2 full days of crafty-goodness. More details, check out the new Bike Craft website.

Live the Revolution!

2011-09-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

Sugar Wheel Works is throwing its 2nd Annual Live the Revolution benefit on September 16 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Ristretto Roasters. Sugar was born of the love for the hand-built bicycle wheels and its powerful ability to revolutionize rides, lives and communities.

The work begins with the small things. How the company operates is equally important as creating and building a quality wheel, which is why founder and owner Jude Kirstein is organizing a benefit for the second year that celebrates Portland’s love for bicycles and supports two great causes: the Bicycle Transportation Alliance’s Safe Routes to School educational program and a program in Gresham started by two teachers called Wheelz.

Sure to be a good time, the event will feature a wheel changing contest, a photo booth through RM Photo and a raffle to give away some sweet gear! With all of that and all the proceeds benefiting programs to get kids on bikes, it's definitely a party you don't want to miss! A good cause is definitely a good excuse to party.

When: September 16, 2011 — 6:30-9:30 pm

Where: Ristretto Roasters — 3808 N. Williams in Portland

Can’t come to the event and want to pre-order your limited edition t-shirt? Email revolution@sugarwheelworks.com. T-shirt is $15. All proceeds benefit the Safe Routes To School Program and a program in Gresham started by two teachers called Wheelz. All T-shirts will be mailed for an additional $3 the week of September 5.

Support the growth of a healthy community. Be part of The Revolution.

Closed on Monday July 4th!

2011-07-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

Heya! We'll be closed to the public for the day of Monday July 4th.

Normal hours will resume Tuesday bright eyed and bushy tailed at 10 am.

Cheers! abc crew.

2011-06-11T16:13:00.000-07:00

So, Google Sent a film crew to make a "mini documentary" (read: commercial) about us. Here it is. Thanks Google.

Google Places Portland - A Better Cycle from Agency Charlie on Vimeo.

Clinton

This Truce won't last long.

2011-06-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

I am just popping by the shop on my way to my sewing studio and then the Etsy/I<3Art/PNCA/MoCC all day craft party (where I'm leading the Mighty Ugly activity). And out of the corner of my eye I see something different on the Bike Craft Wall.

Looks just like any other day on the bike craft wall.

"oooooh! Luke dropped off a new bag!" And this one makes me wish I'd worn my techier sport clothes so I could match.

But wait! That's a new Truce bag.

Red liner (and a teal pocket inside) are such a good combination.

One of my favorite functions is the "carry on" mode.
The shoulder straps tuck into the back so nothing's hanging loose and
you can carry it like a duffel bag.

We currently have two TRUCE backpacks in stock and this newest one is h-o-t.

Fresh stock of baggage works

2011-05-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

We are so fully stocked on bags for your bicycle riding pleasure. All pictured are locally made by a variety of small bag making companies. From saddlebag tool rolls (made by yours truly) to grocery panniers, and three styles of backpack, three style of hip pouch and now small duffels, our local bag making posse is well represented at A Better Cycle.

2011-05-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

Come to C Bar on Saturday, May 21st to learn some basic bicycle maintenance!

CBarPDX.com

lights in unusual places.

2011-04-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Amidst the various Knog lights (we have the new Boomer USB rechargeables) and under the Planet Bike Superflash lights, we now have BAR END LIGHTS by SunLite. They look pretty unassuming in their little package, yet once installed are a rockin' option for your required rear red reflector. Watch the videos below to see the lights in action.

"Lights are required by law when riding after dark. You or your bicycle must have a white light visible at least 500 feet to the front, and a red light or reflector visible at least 600 feet to the rear. These are the minimum requirements." --from the Oregon Bicyclist Manual (wondering about the rest of the laws for bikes?Here's a link to the Oregon Bicyclist Manual.)

Sitting Pretty, Brooks are back.

2011-04-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you get lucky and whatever saddle came on your bike is adequate. Other times you may want an upgrade. Brooks saddles are the leather saddle to buy. We had some VO brooks-like saddles, but they just aren't nearly as wonderful, so we're bringing the real Brooks back. In stock are four of the most commonly purchased Brooks saddles.

If you're not quite ready to commit to the Brooks, we have a fair selection of other sport saddles. And because saddles are such an amazingly personal thing, if you buy one and turns out it doesn't fit your sit bones and nether parts comfortably, you can bring it back in exchange toward a different style. (as long as it is still as good as new y'know. ask mechanic on the sales floor for details)

Are you attending the Alice Awards?

2011-04-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

I've been keeping an eye on the growing list of donors and awesome live auction items coming up at the BTA's Alice Awards.

A Better Cycle donated three packages for the silent auction. Two items I made exclusively for the event: a one-of-a-kind medium tool roll, and a one-of-a-kind mini quilt shown below.

Are you going? I'd love to know. I wonder if they still need volunteers...

Hip pouches, and a chicken!

2011-04-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

I love getting new Bike Craft wares in stock! After having an appliqued Black Star hip pouch with Oregon on it hanging out for a while, Dave kindly traded us for this green hip pouch with a chicken on it! He's also coming by later this week to drop off stock from their current run of hip pouches. I'm hoping we'll get to have one or two of his backpacks on consignment once they are done too.

Also new are the Mini-You Pouch by new-to-Portland bag makers BLAQ Design. It's such a cute little size with a nice pocket and sturdy velcro. It'll be perfect for carrying your utmost essentials. The BLAQ pouches have a built in u-lock holster and they fit the mini-bulldog u-locks we carry.

Also remember, we're on Supportland so if you happen to stop by and purchase any of these hip pouches, you'll be earning points toward awesome rewards. (Supportland is like having 87 punch cards in one, shop local at participating businesses and earn points to redeem at any other participating business!)

87 local punch cards in one!

2011-04-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

We are now part of the lovely Supportland network!

Basically, you get a free Supportland card at our shop (or one of the other 86 local businesses who are also on the network) and you earn points and rewards by shopping locally. For instance, when you get 10 punches at our shop, you earn a Bike Cozy tool roll! And once you've earned 250 points you could redeem them at our shop for $25 off your next tune-up!

Or if that flat tire is keeping you from enjoying our intermittent sunny days, you can redeem 75 of your Supportland points for a tube change (including a new tube).

Check out what Supportland businesses are in your 'hood. From coffee shops to yarn stores and creative coaching, there's a big range of local awesome going on that you ought to get in on.

Brand New Mixte Bikes for Sale!

2011-03-06T16:19:00.000-08:00

With more and more people in Portland riding bikes, and more and more people moving to Portland because they can ride bikes here, the local stash of used bikes and frames is depleting quick. Craigslist bike prices are rising exorbitantly as people hark back on their economics 101, supply vs. demand. So while we would love to have more used bikes to offer, it is getting harder and harder to find them, buy them, do all of our work and stay within a reasonable budget for you, our customer.

As you'll hear if you're shopping for a used bike at our shop... every used frame / bicycle that you see on our sales floor has been thoroughly checked over and rebuilt. As a matter of fact they have all been stripped down to a bare frame and fork, all wear-out parts are replaced, and anything that doesn't quite work right is replaced with wonderfully working bits. This level of scrutiny takes time, yet it is the only way we can guarantee that the used bikes on our floor will work as new (better than new in some cases!) We guarantee every bike on our floor.

So as the used bikes in town are harder to get a hold of, we have realized we need a replenishable source of frames and bicycles to build. Enter our brand new Origin8 "Mixer" frames and builds. I just rode this beaut around and it makes a wonderful city rider!

Most new bikes come from the manufacturer with pre-selected parts. To keep the price down the manufacturer has cut some corners and the parts are low quality. NOT SO with our build! We've spent time, energy and effort in selecting parts that we can guarantee so we know you're on a delightful, dependable ride. Details we think are important to mention are:

Hand-built wheels (built in house, limited lifetime warranty)
5-spd internal gearing and braking (nearly maintenance free! And you won't lose braking power in the wet weather)
Mounts for racks and/or baskets (A front basket would be perfect on this bike!)
Mounts and room for fenders (installation is free when you buy them with a complete bicycle)

And as with any complete bicycle you buy at A Better Cycle, you get complimentary cable adjustments (within the first 100 miles, so we can adjust the stretch) and a complimentary tune-up within the first year!

The model we have built up, on hand, is a 54cm. We have 4 sizes of this bike to build up, so if you're looking for a bike and think a step-through might be the one, we've got your size.

And we're just getting started! You'll be seeing more new builds as we assemble the bits and spec out additional frame styles.

Care Package for Bike to Eugene Challenge

2011-02-27T11:27:00.000-08:00

We got an email in our inbox about a week ago from one of our customers, on behalf of the Environmental Law Caucus, a forum for environmental stewardship and appreciation at Lewis & Clark Law School.

Liv was asking for donations for their upcoming (Mar 3) Bike to Eugene Challenge, when a gaggle of riders will pedal 140 miles from Portland to the Public Interest Environmental Law Conference at the University of Oregon. Being her neighborhood shop we're so pleased to put together a little care package for the group of bicyclists on their long ride.

We're hoping to do more for next year's ride, with a little more notice. Until then I hope the conference is awesome and we're looking for a full recap of the ride when they get back!

As promised, Truce is ready.

2011-02-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

Two backpacks ready for you to come and check out. Like I mentioned last week, the detailing is really impressive. Reflective bits abound to add little pecks of visibility at night. The lines of the backpacks are smooth. The size of these "medium" backpacks leaves me feeling it would hold just everything I need on a day to day basis without letting me overpack. Not pictured are special cords (stowed in the top compartment) which attach easily to side buckles and can turn into compression straps if you find yourself out and about needing just a little more space.

Made primarily of reclaimed marine grade materials and USA made bits and bobbles, these backpacks show Luke's commitment to growing a sustainable company. Here's an excerpt from Truce's website:

Truce builds resilient, fashionable and environmentally responsible bags and accessories for men and women. Crafted with reclaimed and high-performance materials, Truce bags are sleek, durable and weatherproof. Our products are proudly made in the USA.

Truce prides itself on re-purposing high-performance fabrics that may have been otherwise discarded. Sails, waterproof drysuit cloth, and ballistic weaves are reclaimed and assembled with high-performance hardware at our shop in Portland, Oregon. At Truce, everything we make is a limited edition.

I'm really excited to be carrying Truce Designs. It just warms my little Bike Craft loving heart.

Coming Soon! Truce Designs

2011-02-06T17:14:00.000-08:00

Oh so soon, you'll be able to shop and compare not 1, not 2 yet 3 local bag makers at our shop. Soon, and very soon we'll have two backpacks by Truce Designs up on our Bike Craft Wall.

These bags are seriously detailed and well thought out. I spoke with Luke when he dropped the bags off earlier this morning and every detail on the bag has a reason behind it. One of the things I was ultimately impressed with is Luke's commitment to sourcing as many of his materials from US manufacturers as possible. From USA made buckles (all except the whistle buckle) to USA made zippers and reclaimed marine materials for the bodies, these backpacks are tight.

My snapshot does no justice to the superb craftsmanship. For beautiful photos and explanation of features visit Truce's website and blog respectively.

We'll have, to start, the medium backpack retailing for $230. Save up your nickels and dimes boys and girls, until then we're drooling right next to you.

Bike Craft Goods in the House

2011-02-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

A little compendium of the current selection of Black Star goods and North St Bags we have at the shop..

Oregon pri-zide showing up with a brown applique on pine green cordura. Hip pouch with ready-made awesomeness, belt included.

A Tan (with yellow?) insides convertible pannier to backpack. This is the Woodward style from North St Bags.

The other North St convertible pannier in stock, wine with blue accents.

Black Star messenger bag, understated brown with the Black Star.

A leftie messenger bag, the bag goes on opposite most messenger bags. The advantage? When you're checking over your left shoulder in traffic, you can actually see what's behind you because the high bulk of the bag is over your other shoulder.

Same leftie bag with showing the green innards.

Black Star bags have reflective bottoms so cars behind can see you at night. (Not a replacement for a rear light, yet handy additional visibility.)

Aaron with the empty bag on.

Black Star Bags wallets! One of the ways Black Star reduces waste is by converting smaller scraps into useful objects like wallets. heart.

Remodel complete

2011-01-30T17:08:00.000-08:00

While it still just looks like the mechanic area of a bike repair shop, we're real proud of our mini-winter-remodel a couple of weeks ago.

Stuff that was piled on Ian's floor, piled on Ian's bench.

Aaron and Clinton moved most/all of the other stuff that was taking up floor space.

Where'd all the stuff go? Down on the sales floor, one of the many reasons we had to close for the process.

We all met Monday morning, caffeine in hand, to tackle the carpet removal.

With everything moved, it became so much easier to see just how disgusting the carpet had become over 3 years of mechanickery.

It's so satisfying to see a transformation like this, tearing up the carpet and padding and tack bars and staples and all, ah. . . accomplishment!

And suddenly a ninja appeared.

Pry bars and hammers were necessary to get all the tack bars detached.

After dozens of rounds of sweeping, Ian and Clinton decided the floor was sufficiently prepped for the floor sealer, which meant it was time to don shoe booties to avoid tracking any dust/dirt upstairs.

Everything's back in place and we added some shelving units. And hopefully the new shelves will aide in better organization versus just more stuff.

Shelves! Oh, btw those stacked rims are all tubular rims that we would l-o-v-e to sell. Get in touch if you're interested ABetterCycle [at] gmail [dot] com.

Closed for mild remodeling next week.

2011-01-11T14:53:00.000-08:00

We're redoing the mechanics' flooring upstairs, and it's going to be a giant project of tearing up old carpet, sealing, waiting, sealing and waiting. At the end, it will be worth it, but we're going to need some time to work and then let it all air out so:

we will be
CLOSED
for mild remodeling
on
MON Jan 17
TUE Jan 18
WED Jan 19

normal hours will resume
(if everything goes as planned)
THUR Jan 20

We are sorry for the inconvenience

New Product! M.U.T.s from Randi Jo Fabrications

2011-01-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

Check these out. A multi-use tote (M.U.T.) for storing bits and bobbles, cans or bottles. The most awesome feature is the versatility of mounting.

photos courtesy of Randi Jo Fabrications

You can:
A// slide it into an unused water bottle cage (a special pocket slides over the bottle cage lip to help secure in place)
B// use the velcro straps to mount it under your saddle, or
C// mount it on your top tube (secure to your head tube to keep in place).

Rachel's favorite is a tie between the turquoise and red, and the teal and orange.

Handmade, storage goodness is yours for just $24 ea. Made lovingly by hand in Cottage Grove, Oregon.

Curious Hours for this Week

2010-12-20T11:07:00.000-08:00

A list of early closings and closures for these weeks leading up to the turn of the new year! (which kind of sucks that the new year always comes in during the dead of winter yah? Oh to be in the southern hemisphere where you can go to the beach and celebrate in the sun!)

Dec 24th: We're closing early.
Dec 25th, 26th: Closed
Resume normal hours Dec. 27th
Dec 31st: we're closing early.
Jan 1: Closed

Resume normal hours Jan. 2nd
Jan 3: Closing early for inventory

Bike Cozy back in stock!

2010-12-19T16:50:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for a Bike Cozy small tool roll, we now have all sorts of colorways back in stock including neutrals and binding colors beyond pink!

merry-go-rounds of locally made goods

I was surprised when Ian called me (at home) from the shop yesterday saying I needed to bring more tool rolls by. "The only ones you have here are houndstooth with pink, red with pink, purple with pink and grey with pink and green." I tagged and packed up the rest of my stock from Crafty Wonderland, including my two medium tools rolls and biked them on down.

Also back in stock, the tool kits to go with the Bike Cozy tool rolls. And! Colors of toe cozies available only at A Better Cycle.

Super water resistant toe cage covers in lots of colors.

Also, we have A Better Cycle t-shirts for sale so you can show your love while out and about. $15. sizes s,m,l

Last minute holiday presents? We just stocked up on lots of Black Star Bags goodness including hip pouches (with reflective and applique options), bill folds and top tube protectors. And as always, A Better Cycle gift certificate makes a great present (and they're real good looking because I used all my good design sense on 'em)

Happy Anniversary to Us!

2010-12-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

Happy 3rd Anniversary/Birthday to Us! We've always been pretty low key with celebrating our anniversary, Ben used to buy a cake and we'd all eat that happily. This year we've had a change in the guard. Ben is now driving a school bus professionally, and Spencer Callahan has joined the A Better Cycle crew. There hasn't been a cake yet, but I'm still hopeful!

It's no simple feat to keep all the gears oiled and moving, we're six worker/owners working on a consensus basis and this makes us a family. Thank you to everyone that has been supporting us, our customers (hey, without you, we wouldn't even be here!) as well as our loved ones at home that have been amazing through everything. A special thanks to those three lenders that loaned us the start-up capital allowing A Better Cycle to open its doors three years ago in 2007.

While winter may seem like a funny time to have opened a bike shop, it was a nice way to ease into the swing of things and we're going into our 4th winter this year. As more bike shops are springing open all over the city, it's really a special thank you we owe to our loyal customers who, by loving their bicycles and treating them right, are also showing us love by spending local and supporting our small business.

Thank you very, very much,
Rachel, Ian, Clinton, Spencer, Tim, and Aaron

Bike Cozy and North St Bags at Crafty Wonderland

2010-12-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

Even if you missed BikeCraft this weekend, you still have a chance to get lots of handmade goodness for holiday presents this weekend at Crafty Wonderland.

You'll have the chance to see our Rachel showcasing all her BikeCozy Goods (including her new Medium tool roll, and lots of toe cozies and small tool rolls). Also, Curtis of North St Bags will be there (booth #172) and he is celebrating the 1 year anniversary of North St Bags with a 15% off sale!

People kept asking about a larger tool roll and Rachel has delivered!

Some of the styles Curtis makes. photo courtesy of BikePortland.org

There are going to be 200 handmade vendors, and you'll be able to gets presents for lots of loved ones on your lists.

PS Come see Rachel and Ian at Bike Cozy's booth (#137) and you can purchase A Better Cycle gift certificates for 85% the face value (ie $100 gift certificate will only cost you $85!) only available Saturday and Sunday at Crafty Wonderland.

Customers are great.

2010-09-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

Sitting here drinking my morning coffee I just happened to be staring at one of the tips we were given at the shop.

A gift certificate to Tart as a tip? Okay!

The dessert tips are my favorite. I just had a delicious truffle last night that was a tip. (That's two truffles in two days because on Friday the Hawthorne Fred Meyer was sampling Lindt truffles when I was there!)

Other tips we've gotten aside from the ever welcome dollar bills:
cupcakes
beer
New Seasons gift certificates
Cake (the one I'm thinking of was from Pix and so so chocolaty good)
fruit
vegan muffins
candy

Generally food, come to think of it. I just wanted to say thank you, because it makes me feel special. Even though it's the mechanics you're tipping, they're generally pretty great guys and they share.

Reasons to close for holidays

2010-09-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

Our recent change in hours has gone very smoothly. Number one response to the new hours "You were open at 8 in the morning?"

Being open 7 days a week, it's pretty rare that we get a chance to close. Sometimes we'll use a holiday like MayDay to close and have our peer review (spokes council. spokes like bike wheels, get it, we're so clever), and other times like Labor Day, we close because it makes sense and we could all use a day off.
Partially just as a reminder to ourselves, here is a list of days we know we will be closed in the upcoming holiday season. They have been historically quiet days and we feel pretty confident you'll be off doing other stuff.

thursday November 25 Thanksgiving Day
friday November 26 Buy Nothing Day

saturday December 25 Christmas Day

saturday Jan 1 New Years Day

Baskets and bungees

2010-09-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

The other day a customer was in the shop trying to decide whether to get a rear rack, or a front basket.

It made me think of how much I love my front basket (I think of it as the middle size basket, but Ian tells me that most people would think of it as a big basket). I have been able to carry everything I have needed (within reason) with my front basket and trusty bungee net. The bungee net is key.

Me and my bike set up a couple of years ago. . . before we found my awesome mixte frame. The basket is carrying: a toaster oven, metal kitchen drawer set and a foot stool.

Ian also has some fancy language about the center of gravity axis of the bicycle and where is best to carry the weight for the best handling/ride, and it all makes sense. I just know I love my basket.

A primer on Irony.

2010-09-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

Before we left for our morning ride up Mt. Tabor I had started a post all about how my road bike has a new lower lowest gear. It involved lots of numbers, wikipedia and gear inch calculators. The ride went a little differently than expected, so I deleted that post and here is the replacement.

Waiting for Clinton to meet us on our way to the park.

We left for the ride, met up with Clinton and Spencer on the way. Everything was normal until we'd finished our laps at the top of Mt. Tabor and I sent everyone down ahead of me because I wanted some "Rachel action shots." Like the ones of Clinton and Ian in my first Tabor post.

The plan was to give them enough of a lead to get to the bottom and then Ian would ride partway back up to take my picture as I came down.

So I started another lap around the top as they rode down to the reservoir.

Clinton speedy down the hill while Ian waited for my descent.

Up top, I was halfway through my stalling lap when I felt a "wibblewobbleblurbleblurble," looked down and indeed, my rear tire was flat.

I pondered my sixth grade literature lesson about "irony," which I learned about by reading O. Henry's Gift of the Magi.

The wikipedia article on Irony is really good. Having just read it, I realize now that all of my subsequent usage of "irony," is "situational" or "cosmic" irony and though it "appears to be gaining ground. It is still considered a minor usage." (according to the wikipedia article)

I had no cell phone to tell the three mechanics riding with me what had happened. I hoisted my bicycle on my shoulder and started walking.

After 30 seconds I wished I had one of these, because my clamp-on cable guide was digging into my shoulder.

Portage Strap by Walnut Studios. Photo copyright bikeportland.org

While walking I wondered if it was ironic that:

I got a flat just after sending everyone ahead of me.

Between the four of us we had one multi-tool and that was it.

(shifting shoulders again because of the clamp-ons digging in)

I make these yet didn't have one with me.

Bike tool kit roll from my Bike Cozy line of accessories.

Although I'd ridden up Tabor a handful of times, I did not know the fastest way to walk to the rendezvous reservoir.

(Now carrying bicycle on back of both shoulders)

I determined none of these things were ironic, and was in-between thoughts when a cyclist on his way UP the hill asked if I needed a tube.

How lucky that an everyday hero happened by. "Yes, I could use some help," I said.

The nice gent named Bill (I would have asked for a picture, but the camera was at the bottom of the hill with Ian) pulled off the path, and changed my flat, giving me his spare tube and everything. I was so embarrassed (owning a bike shop and all) that it wasn't until about half-way through I mentioned that, "The ironic thing is that the other three riders I'm with are bike mechanics, and we're four of the six owners of A Better Cycle, and amongst us, we're carrying one multi-tool." It gave us both a good chuckle.

Just as my wheel was ready to go back on my bike, Ian rode up and said "There she is! We wondered what had happened to you."

We thanked Bill, who shrugged off our offer of replacing his tube if he stopped by the shop. "No, worries, I've been on your side of this situation before."

Ian and I set off down the hill. He took a few pictures on the way down. When he asked if any turned out well, I said there was one I liked, but it didn't look like I was moving. He didn't believe it, saying that my spokes had to at least be blurry.

Not a blurry spoke among them.

In summary, the ride was a bit anti-climactic. Helpful strangers still exist. Some people don't clean up after their dogs (Ian had to wash off dog poop from his cleated shoe-- from standing in the grass for the pictures of Clinton.) The lower gear is nicer.

Cheers,
Rachel

P.S. Dear Bill, my offer stands if you want to upgrade your pump, come by and we'll give you a great deal. Also, you are more than welcome to stop by and we'll give you a replacement tube. You saved my ride. Rachel

Take that Tabor!

2010-09-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

You may not be able to tell from the picture, but my ride up Tabor is about to be a whole lot nicer. Lowest gear just went from a 42/21 to a 39/24 . Full update after the ride.

rachel

sold! Just this once sale: Black Star Hip Pouch

2010-08-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

Well, someone's dirty greasy fingerprint has besmudged our last in stock Black Star hip pouch (we are due to get more soon!)

Just this once, we're putting it on sale because no one wants a brand new hip pouch to have a giant grease mark on it. . . but a brand new hip pouch with a giant grease mark that you got for a deal!? Normally $40, this one is marked down to $30.

If you'd like your own Black Star hip pouch (green with yellow interior) it can be yours for $30.

And if you want to cover up the grease stain, you could get one of the Microcosm patches we just got back in stock!

But don't get any dirty ideas. Rachel gets really sad when we don't make any money on stuff. So keep your greasy fingerprints to yourself!

Why the heck are they riding on: Powell

2010-08-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

by: Rachel.db

Occasionally I'm a passenger in a car and I get to see all the streets I avoid as a cyclist.

At least once every car ride there is a person riding a bicycle on a busy car thoroughfare. I shake my head and think "WHY!!!" but in a strictly rhetorical fashion. The idea of knowing someone's "reason" for riding on a street like Powell makes me think of that Lewis Black sketch with the woman who says "If it weren't for my horse I wouldn't have spent that year in college."

I pretend it's just because they don't have a bike map of the city, or someone hasn't told them that: as a general rule, streets that are good for cars, are not good for bikes and vice versa. So in my little world, I imagine giving each of these persons one of the Portland bike specific maps, (many of them free, others amazingly detailed ), and they say "thanks bike map fairy!" and it's one less person riding on Powell.

With that in mind, we're going to shout out the occasional "Why the heck are they riding on..." post. Just like the "WHY!?" in my head, it's a rhetorical question. With the idea that maybe it's just because they don't know any better, the post will offer a practical alternative.

So to fanfare and trumpets and cellos and the bicycling harper may I present:

Why the heck are you riding on: Powell ... when

Woodward and Clinton are just a few blocks away.

This comes from my FAVORITE bike map, the Portland folding pocket map, they are free and we have some at the shop.

A close up of an inner SE portion of Powell.

What do all those colors mean? Here is the bike map legend. Notice the white marking says "Major Street" add "FOR CARS" to the end of that and you know not to ride on those!

Portland has amazing bike maps that will help you navigate the city in the bike friendliest way.

Coming up on the "Why the heck..." list: bike salmon.

Presents from Rachel

2010-08-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

Mt. Tabor is not as big as I remember. by Rachel

2010-08-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

"I'm coming too!"
"Then you need more breakfast."

One banana, two waffles with maple syrup later, Ian and I meet Clinton at 8:30am on his way to Mt. Tabor. Ian's riding his single-speed cross bike, Clinton is on his super-awesome Ahearne road bike and I'm on my Raleigh Super Course road bike for the first time this summer. (I don't count yesterday when I rode it home from the bike shop.)

I can think of two other times that I have ridden up Mt. Tabor. Once was when I lived in North Portland... on Atlas, my sturdy, heavy heavy Motobecane road bike, and once with Ian on our tandem. As you may guess Tabor, in my memory, is this really big hard super long ride that takes an entire day.

We live closer to Tabor now, so it's a pretty short ride over, though before we even get to the park gates I'm saying "Maybe I'll just go to the entrance and then home," because I am huffing and puffing and sweating and my legs are tired and I want to quit and we haven't even gotten to the park yet.

Ian says "No, this is just the warm up, you've got to get everything going, in a couple of minutes it'll pass and you'll be fine!" And Clinton says he's content to go as slow as we need to. And that's when I think about how I almost didn't even come because I didn't want to be the slow one holding everyone back (perhaps some latent childhood stresses in there) but how would I get any faster if I am just sitting on my butt at home? Next thing I know we're at the gates and I'm not ready to go home anymore.

We do some stretches, nibble on our nutrition bars, sip a little water, mount up and head through the gate. I haven't quite figured out how to manage my blood sugar on strenuous rides (since I had my gall bladder out last November, my blood sugar has been a little wonky). So far, and please forgive me if this is common sense to everyone but me, little nibbles all along the way has really helped.

Ian and Clinton appeasing Rachel's "I want a picture!" outside the gates of Mt. Tabor

So we start climbing, I'm in my third lowest gear because, from what I remember, I'm going to want lower gears later on. Ian and Clinton are ahead of me a ways, and I'm huffing, trying to breathe steady, enjoying the sweat, and thankful it's a perfect temperature.

We stop outside another gate and the boys check in "How are you feeling?" "A little quesy.. meh... mumble..." Clinton says "Here's as good a place to start to descend as any, that's basically the top"

"But I want to go to the top! I want a picture... for the blog!"

"okay!"

So we go on. And the top is approximately 45 seconds later. And I think "We're at the top already!? I should have been in my lowest gear sooner, that was shorter than I remember!"

At the top of Tabor a cyclist gent was kind enough to take our picture. He was right, the cityscape is all washed out.

Clinton managed to get the city in there, though Ian and I look like little dark blobs.

And then comes the fun part. You get to go down! That's my favorite kind of exertion, when the payoff is at the end. All this climbing and sweating and swearing and then you get to fly down a hill. It has been so long since I was mountain biking with the guys that I'd forgotten how much I like going down hill.

I love the way some cycling clothing makes you look like super-heroes.

Also, I was happy to have my brass bell on my road bike. . . a couple of cyclists zipped past a row of pedestrians and I slowed down and rang the bell "Oooh! That's loud" I said because it surprised me how loud it was. The peds said "Yes! Nice and loud! Thank you!" I love it when I ring a bell and the pedestrian says thanks, it's like a perfect little interaction.

My present to you is a bell to let you know I am coming. And their present to me is a very nice "thank you! (for letting me know you are coming and not scaring the daylights out of me by passing without warning and so quietly because your nice bike is so very quiet and I did not hear you coming, and you may know you have plenty of room and will not hit me, but it is still an unpleasant shock to me because I did not hear you.)"

No Ian, the 2 second self timer is not long enough for you to get from there to here.

At this point it's only 9 am, we're less than halfway down the hill, at a nice stopping point near one of the reservoirs and the guys have a half hour before they need to be toward the shop, preparing to open at 10am. Clinton says "Want to go again?" I say "I think I'll just hang out here. I'm feeling pretty good for my first time out." And they head back up the hill.

Then I think "Oh! I could get action shots!" So I ride up the opposite direction to try to catch them on their descent.

I find a sunny spot to shoot. It takes less time for them to circle around than I thought so I am scrambling to get the camera out of my pocket when Clinton rounds the corner. Can you see him?


Ooh! Too fast for my little fingers!

Now it's Ian, I just saw him up the hill. . .

I need to work on my camera skills. Next time it'll be the auto three click.

Then it's down some more hill, and through a bit of the city to get back to our neighborhood. I think we're planning on doing it again because, as we parted ways Clinton was naming off days. . . I'm not sure which ones he meant though because he named off most of them.

Why Rachel loves her bike trailer.

2010-07-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

Rachel and Clinton, two of the six worker/owners at ABC.

Rachel here, I'm mostly behind the scenes at A Better Cycle, working in my super secret office perch. So if you've never seen me at the shop, it's because I'm hiding.

For the car-less crowd, being the friend with a trailer is like being the friend with the pick-up truck. For the last year or so that's been Clintron. I've been borrowing his Burley trailer to transport all my craft display and product to Bike Craft events around town. I make all the Bike Cozy accessories, and love the craft fairs when I get to come out from hiding and meet all the local cyclists who love Bike Craft. ASIDE: If you're a local bike crafter too, read Tuesday's post because ABC wants to work with you!

Home from MCBF 2010. The burley flat bed with my entire Bike Cozy booth; tent, table and all!

After MCBF this year, Clinton called Ian up and said he wanted to give me the trailer! Just like that! I said "yes please!" and now it's mine, forever. And that establishes that I love it, but why?

It's just so easy to carry a bunch of stuff. I mean look at that photo, that's an entire booth set up.

All this and a 10x10 tent can be packed onto my bike trailer.

Beyond fitting my whole Bike Cozy craft set up, it's also been an amazing improvement for grocery shopping. We've been making due with panniers on my rear rack, loading my basket and Ian carrying a backpack. On these beautiful summer days it's nice to not have to wear that backpack. After getting used to the little bit of lag when you go over a bump or get started, and the slightly increased stopping distance, you barely know the trailer is there.

The hitch is easy to install, just take off the bolt of your axle (or take out your quick release skewer), slip the hitch onto your through-axle and replace the bolt. You don't even have to move your wheel.

Then attach the trailer with its pin and safety cord.


Today was Ian's turn to pull the trailer.

We use a giant rubbermaid for grocery shopping because it's easy to load and secure with the trailer's straps.

Also, we've learned our lesson about skipping lunch before having to navigate the grocery store. We stopped at the little Po'Boy shop on Hawthorne and 44th. I balked at the $3 lemonade until I saw that it was giant!

Ian with the giant lemonade.

Rachel thankful for the umbrella.

Snapper Po'Boy with delicious cayenne molasses hot sauce.

The bikes parked while we eat lunch within view.

Ian and I shop mostly at the Fred Meyer on Hawthorne, where the bike parking is often full, or difficult to navigate to an open spot. (Hint: there is additional bike parking around the corner. It's a logical choice for cargo bikes, when we rolled up there was an extracycle with a soft cooler parked)

We locked up the trailer and the cooler with the bikes; an extra long cable lock with a sturdy u-lock does the trick for a grocery trip.

The big cart was the perfect size to set our rubbermaid in while we shopped. In checkout just unload it onto the conveyor and pack it all back into the plastic bin after it's been rung up. I carried the fruit, extra veg and delicate loaf of bread in my basket.

A week's worth of groceries for two (and we love our salty snacks) fits into the bin, add a cooler for dairy and frozen food, and mesquite for grilling, it's a week worth of delicious.

Up the hill, how'd he get so far ahead of me?

Home again, Home again, now to get it all upstairs.

If this looks like your style, we can order them at the shop. They take about a week to come in. The flat bed trailer like mine is $299. The covered version is a cool $349.

Calling (most) BikeCrafters

2010-07-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

locally made bicycling accessories. we want more!

A Better Cycle wants to support more locally made Bike Craft goodness. We are particularly interested in well designed utility goods and we are on the hunt!

We love local bike Crafters (Rachel especially wants the local Bike Crafters to succeed, since she is one. She would love to expand the shop to include all sorts of local bike craft awesome, but space is currently a constraint.) We also love to support our local economy, artisans and makers and when we can connect a customer with a cherished personal object whether it's a new bike or a new bag, we get all aflutter.

Do you know Bike Crafters that would fit in well with the mix below? Or are you a BikeCrafter yourself that makes excellent craftsmanship utility goods that you would like to consign or wholesale to us? (Our shop is too small to successfully showcase most jewelry, posters, t-shirts or other clothing at this time) Then the Bike Crafter should contact Rachel via ABetterCycle@gmail.com subject line: Rachel! Bike Craft Goodness Here.

Um, just as an aside, Rachel's been trying to get more Bike Craft into the shop and some of the local makers, while exuberant in personality, have been a little lackluster in follow through. Things that will be useful in the email are: a link to a website, or images demonstrating quality of product and selection, a pricelist with item, description and MSRP and potential wholesale/consignment rates.

Rachel is also meeting with BikeCrafters (who may or may not have that info collected all in one spot ) during the week of August 5th-12th. Email for an appointment (totally informal meeting at a coffee shop or park or something, bring sample items and any other pertinent info) and let's get your Bike Craft Goodness into our shop and in front of so many more admirers. Let's have Bike Craft all year long!

Currently we stock locally made bike craft goodness from:

Bike Cozy (one of our worker/owners Rachel Dominguez-Benner)
--Bicycling accessories for the everyday hero, including yet not limited to: tool kit rolls, toe cozies, cycling caps, shoelace wranglers and stationery.

Black Star Bags
-- Waterproof messenger bags, hip pouches and top tube protectors

NorthSt Bags
--convertible pannier backpacks

Ciclismo Designs (once George brings back his display)
--jewelry for cyclists

A note for potential BikeCraft partners:

Larger items like messenger bags and panniers we consign which means when an awesome Portlander (or visitor) buys one, we take a split and send most of the money straight on to you! Then you bring us replacement and we repeat.

Smaller items like top tube pads, hip pouches and toe cozies may start as consignment and once a market has been determined, we'll buy them wholesale several at a time, money straight into your bike crafting pocket.

Closed Saturday May First to celebrate the rights of workers!

2010-04-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

A Better Cycle will be closed on Saturday May First to celebrate May Day. We will resume normal business hours on Sunday May Second at 10am.

The internals of a 1973 Sturmey Archer S3C three speed coaster brake hub.

Bike Cozy in stock! Hand made goods!

2010-03-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

A Better Cycle is proud to carry Bike Cozy's awesome hand made goods in our shop. Bike Cozy is a project of A Better Cycle Worker/Owner Rachel. From her etsy:

"Bike Cozy makes tool rolls, cycling caps, bike hats, toe cage covers, stationery and more-- sewn and constructed by me, Rachel db. with care and giggles in a small corner of a shared studio in Portland, Oregon. Handmade bicycling accessories for the fashionably practical rider."

Tool Rolls:

Toe Covers:

Cycling caps:

We carry a large selection of most Bike Cozy products, but Rachel also does custom work. Check out her etsy page for more information: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BikeCozy

2010-03-11T18:56:00.000-08:00

Hey folks!

Elias Grey, with http://lemolobags.wordpress.com/, just posted the best blog about us! This is not surprising, considering he is probably the nicest guy on earth.

For those of you not familiar with Lemolo Bags, He and Tony Pereira won first place at the '09 Oregon Manifest Constructor Challenge(let google do the walking). Here's some bags he made for my girlfriend, Kristín.

Thanks Eli!
Love Clinton

P.s. The blog offers an incredibly unflattering photo of yours truly, if that sweetens the deal at all.

Sturmey Archer S3X now in stock!

2010-02-23T19:48:00.000-08:00

We just received our first shipment of the long anticipated Sturmey Archer S3X three speed fixed gear hubs! They are real. Should have a pair built up soon for test rides. Stop on by to check them out.

We currently only have black in stock, with matching high flange front hub.
Sturmey Archer's product page: http://www.sturmey-archer.com/products/hubs/cid/3/id/47

Get ready for March Maddness!

2010-02-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

We decided it was about time for a big ass sale!
All through out the month of March, buy a bike from A Better Cycle and get 20% off all accessories.
That means 20% off on fenders, lights, locks, helmets, and pumps.
Start saving those pennies come check out our selection of overhauled bikes. This deal also applies to custom builds, so if we don't have what you want already built we can take a frame and fork that fits you and you can build it to your specifications.

Holiday Hours

2009-12-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

Ho Ho Holiday hours!
A Better Cycle will be open on Christmas eve from 10am till 6pm. We will be closed Christmas day. On new years eve we will be open 10am till 6 pm and closed New years day Jan 1st. Woot!

A Better Cycle turns Two! Anniversary sale!

2009-12-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

It was on December 15th, 2007 that A Better Cycle first opened its doors. We couldn't have done it without all our great customers! To celebrate we are having a SUPER AWESOME ANNIVERSARY SALE! Ten percent off any complete bike and 20 percent off one new part, accessory, or labor. Buy a gift certificate for your favorite friend and get ten percent off the cost! Offer good through December 24th, just mention our anniversary sale.

Also we have joined the modern age and set up our very own Facebook page! Add us here.

Fenders! We've got em!

2009-10-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

We have stocked up for winter and currently have a large selection of fenders from Planet Bike, including the Freddy, Cascadia, Hardcore, SpeedEZ, and a box full of clip-ons. Come check them out and winterize your bike. Also, our turnaround on repairs is pretty quick right now. If you held off through the summer on that tune up or repair, there is no better time than now!

Bike for Shelter and Commuter Checks.

2009-09-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

You can now register for the Bike For Shelter ride in our shop. The ride is on September 27th and benefits victims of human trafficking. For more information or to register online check out http://www.bikeforshelter.org/.

A Better Cycle is now prepared to accept Commuter Check Bicycle Vouchers. This is money that you can get from your employer to put towards your commute, and in Portland that means your bike. So ask you employer if they are a part of the Commuter Check program or check out http://www.commutercheck.com/ for more information.

A Better Cycle gets rave reviews! (on the internet!)

2009-08-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

Check out what people have been saying about us on yelp! Thanks for the support from everyone in the neighborhood.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/a-better-cycle-portland

New Bikes!

2009-06-29T16:52:00.000-07:00

We now stock Origin8 Del Pasado single speed frames.

Frame and fork retails for $200(or $150 with complete build) and comes in four sizes: 50cm, 53cm, 56cm, and 59cm. Some examples of complete builds we can do:

The Fixie. This fixed gear bike with bullhorns is $650.

The single speed city bike. This single speed comes with a Cardiff sprung leather saddle and rack to accommodate panniers costs $700 complete.

Stop by and check out these frames. Also this September we will be participating in the BTA's Bike Commute Challenge, get your team ready and check out http://www.bikecommutechallenge.com/ for more info.
-ABC

Reorganization!

2009-03-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

So we have been doing some rearranging here in the shop to make it feel more open and better organized. We have tires!

Stop by and check out the new lay out.
-ABC

Black Star Bags!

2009-02-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

We now proudly carry Black Star Bags makers of fine messenger bags, top tube protectors, and hip pouches! Made right here in Portland, Or by Dave Stoops.

Dave also does custom orders. Come check em out!

ABC is one year old!

2008-12-15T10:21:00.001-08:00

It's our one year anniversary!!! 12 months to the day since we opened our doors to the public.

Ben said he might buy us a cake, but other than that we're all too tuckered from running ABC to plan any type of celebration. Maybe we'll get ice cream too.

Look at the six of us all cute and excited a year ago.

Closed for Eating Holiday

2008-11-23T12:09:00.000-08:00

A Better Cycle will be closed on Thursday November 28th.

Closed October 16th

2008-10-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

We will be closed on Thursday October 16th in observance of National Boss' Day.

Closed September 1st

2008-08-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

While we're normally open seven days a week, A Better Cycle will be closed on Monday September 1st (commonly known as Labor Day), and this time we're all going to actually take the day off!

~ABC

Open today July 04 2008

2008-07-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

Shop is open normal hours today- open until 8 pm.

Shop Closed Thursday May 1st.

2008-04-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

A Better Cycle will be closed on Thursday, May 1st in honor of International Workers Day.

Filmed by Bike

2008-04-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. Time for Portland's best bicycle film fest: Filmed By Bike! Tomorrow is opening night and will include a raffle with prizes donated by A Better Cycle and others.

Yes, we have for your raffling pleasure: 2 gift certificates offering WINNER'S CHOICE
A) Free project lesson for your bike...we'll set you up with a one-on-one session with a mechanic who will walk you through step-by-step to fix a particular problem, or work on a particular project.
B) Free labor on a bicycle tune-up." 1 front and 1 rear blinky light. 1 package of Fun Reflectors reflective stickers pack. 1 cycling cap sewn by local A Red Bee Badges. and finally, 1 pair of Shoelace Wranglers.

Gotta be at Filmed by bike Friday night to win. Admission is $8.00 - $15.00 (which includes 2 free raffle tickets and a sticker). Make sure to get in line early if you want to attend Friday night, it will sell out.

Check out Filmed By Bike's website for more info:
http://www.filmedbybike.org/

Welcome

2008-03-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Blog! Expect to see more here soon, such as bikes we have recently put on the floor, new merchandise, etc.
-ABC