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    •  
      CommentAuthorBev
    • CommentTimeJun 23rd 2010
     
    Cheeky!
    •  
      CommentAuthorHMeins
    • CommentTimeJun 24th 2010
     
    I'm not often excited by news from the automobile industry, but I've been waiting for a couple of years now to see photos of this car, which as a result of the merger of Chrysler and Fiat we may be seeing on this side of the pond sometime soon. It promises to be an efficient and roomy bike carrier with a 1.4 liter DOHC power plant producing over 100 bhp. All wheel drive and a locking rear differential should make it an able off road/bad weather vehicle.

    http://www.argusauto.com/actualite-automobile/nouveautes/exclusif/fiat-500-jardiniere-4x4-la-mini-countryman-est-visee-182346.html&Rech=1

    My 2001 RAV4 is approaching 110k miles, so I'm starting to think about a replacement.
    •  
      CommentAuthorSigurd
    • CommentTimeJun 24th 2010
     
    ray333:I've been waiting for a couple of years now to see photos of this car, which as a result of the merger of Chrysler and Fiat we may be seeing on this side of the pond sometime soon.
    For those whose French is getting a bit rusty, here's a rough translation.:face-monkey:

    As long as the cargo area is big enough to fit a full-size bike (with or without wheels - it doesn't matter!), it's a "go" in my book!
    •  
      CommentAuthorHMeins
    • CommentTimeJun 24th 2010
     
    Wow! Rough is right! Reading about planters and shooting up it sounds like just the car for a junky gardener harvesting opium poppies!
    •  
      CommentAuthorSigurd
    • CommentTimeJun 24th 2010
     
    Yeah, I had a good laugh, too!

    But -- unlike in French -- at least I get the gist of it!
    •  
      CommentAuthorthreeflys
    • CommentTimeJun 24th 2010
     
    how much you want to bet we won't see this? Kind of like the Abarth Fiat 500... some politician will find a reason to stop it...
    • CommentAuthorSam
    • CommentTimeJun 24th 2010
     
    I think "riding a bicycle" is a valid entry that should win this contest. But I suspect the entry that details a how to on getting cars to run on rainbows may actually be the winner.
    •  
      CommentAuthorbikingbill
    • CommentTimeJun 24th 2010
     
    A Jetta Sportwagon Diesel will probabily get more MPG and it will hold a lot of bicycles.
    •  
      CommentAuthorHMeins
    • CommentTimeJun 25th 2010 edited
     
    A Performance Scattante is a lot cheaper and will get me where I need to go just as quickly, but I'd rather have the Colnago! There is a certain unquantifiable feeling that Italian wheeled conveyances have: Ferrari (Fiat owned), Ducati, Lambretta, Colnago... I remember one of the last Fiats imported to the U.S. in the '70s, the 124. Jolie's father had a coupe when we were first dating. In spite of its acronymic nickname "Fix It Again, Tony!" it was a blast to drive: Bertone design, DOHC 1600, gated 5-speed, handled like it was on rails.

    The merger with Fiat is Chrysler's last best chance at survival and represents a move away from the doomed gas guzzler Mopar paradigm to smaller, more practical 21st Century vehicles. I would imagine that politicians and regulators will take that into account before killing the importation of the new Fiats and Alfa-Romeos in the way they did the great Fiats, Alfas, Citroëns, and Renaults of the past twenty years. At a bike race recently a Mexican team arrived in the coolest Renault mini-van, unavailable in the U.S. due to protectionist "safety" standards.
    •  
      CommentAuthorSigurd
    • CommentTimeJun 25th 2010
     
    ray333: At a bike race recently a Mexican team arrived in the coolest Renault mini-van, unavailable in the U.S. due to protectionist "safety" standards.
    bikingbill:A Jetta Sportwagon Diesel will probabily get more MPG and it will hold a lot of bicycles.
    Adding in a hodge-podge of carefully crafted protectionist legislation to deny European diesel technology access to the US market (while permitting monsters such as the "Ford F-350 Power Stroke 6.2L V8 Turbo Diesel") in any meaningful shape and form, we have what someone described as "a lesson of corporate greed, liberal greed, and protectionism at it's worst".

    •  
      CommentAuthorSigurd
    • CommentTimeJun 25th 2010
     
    Supposedly, this is a real question from the Dutch DMV driving test:



    Coming from the DMV equivalent and judging by the image subject, I can only assume that the answer is a resounding "No", but I am not sure exactly why: Double yellow line, visibility, "3-foot rule", door zone, CVC 21202, speed limit, right hook, imminent lane changes - you never know...

    :face-monkey:
    • CommentAuthort.e.d
    • CommentTimeJun 25th 2010
     
    Njord Noatun:Supposedly, this is a real question from the Dutch DMV driving test:



    Coming from the DMV equivalent and judging by the image subject, I can only assume that the answer is a resounding "No", but I am not sure exactly why: Double yellow line, visibility, "3-foot rule", door zone, CVC 21202, speed limit, right hook, imminent lane changes - you never know...

    :face-monkey:


    That's EXACTLY why you should bike everywhere. You never know if you're going to come across another cyclist to talk to.
  13.  
    My wife laughed out loud seeing that. Nice image sigurd....

    By the way I love the BICYCLE feature on the new google maps for the blackberry
    •  
      CommentAuthorSigurd
    • CommentTimeJun 29th 2010 edited
     
    I said somewhere that was I intending to ride the trail through the Western section of Rose Canyon between LJ Colony and UC High, as I haven't been in there in a while. I did that today in both directions, and if you like a bit of "under-biking", the trail was more than adequate for my touring (low BB, long WB, drop bars) bike running 32mm, 100PSI slicks, with no need to dismount anywhere or to even use the third chainring. The surface was a little loose in places, but nothing a bit of balancing wouldn't handle. In fact the trail was no worse, and in most cases better, than the trail in Panasquitos Reserve that XO-1 and his "Rough RIders" ride.

    On the way back, instead of crossing the RR illegally a second time, I traversed on the east side of I-5, under I-52 and connected to San Clemente Canyon, which also is rideable, but rougher than Rose Canyon. The transition between the two canyons, however, is not for the faint of heart.

    I need to clean my bike now.

  15.  
    new blog postssss
    http://brianitzaina.blogspot.com/
    just sayin'
    •  
      CommentAuthorSigurd
    • CommentTimeJul 2nd 2010 edited
     
    Check out this CL ad (expired, facsimile only).

    And here's some more bike CL fun.
  17.  
    so awesome!
    • CommentAuthort.e.d
    • CommentTimeJul 3rd 2010
     
    It's my lucky day! Went for a ride and stopped by VC on a whim. Asked if they had a set of 46cm Nitto Noodles... Not only was the answer "Yes", but they had a USED set! Saved a TON of cash and finally got my Noodles.
    •  
      CommentAuthorVelo Cult
    • CommentTimeJul 3rd 2010
     
    Cool, glad you got them. I knew those would stoke someone out.
    • CommentAuthort.e.d
    • CommentTimeJul 3rd 2010
     
    Velo Cult:Cool, glad you got them. I knew those would stoke someone out.


    Yeah, beyond stoked. I had DREAMS about these bars. The stem I picked out won't work, so I'll have to get something else, but I think I do want to go open-clamp rather than pinch bolt.
    •  
      CommentAuthorSigurd
    • CommentTimeJul 3rd 2010
     
    t.e.d: Asked if they had a set of 46cm Nitto Noodles... Not only was the answer "Yes", but they had a USED set!
    Lucky, indeed!
  22.  
    i rode my ss fixed gear cyclocross bike in a mtb race on saturday and finished no problem.
    i did a 50 mile offroad ride on the same bike on monday and it was a blast.
    i have a blister the size of a quarter on the palm of my hand becuase i forgot my gloves DOH!
    i was on the rocks about putting brakes on my new masi fixed gear, i did today and shall ride tomarrow.
    i scored sugino 75's like new in black with a 48t truvativ omnium ring and miche bb for $70 shipped to my door today!!!!!!!! so stoked on that sale considering i bout another pair of speedplay frogs on ebay that were supposed to be like new, and are way worse.
    • CommentAuthort.e.d
    • CommentTimeJul 7th 2010
     
    So I'm on the edge of selling my entertainment center. 50" plasma, PS3, Computer that hooks to TV... all going. Guy's coming to look tonight. Does anyone here have experience going multimedia-less? I haven't had cable in years and don't really watch movies anymore. I'm hoping this will be an interesting transition to reading more, taking walks, and of course, riding my bike. So, any experiences? Good, bad? Talk me out of it?

    Cheers,
    Ted
    • CommentAuthorSam
    • CommentTimeJul 7th 2010
     
    I don't share the experience entirely, but I used to be a tv addict and now I ride and read loads.

    I periodically go on media diets...it has been harder to get back into old habits once I stop. My passion has always been reading, so giving up things hasn't been much of a hardship really.
  25.  
    t.e.d:So I'm on the edge of selling my entertainment center. 50" plasma, PS3, Computer that hooks to TV... all going. Guy's coming to look tonight. Does anyone here have experience going multimedia-less? I haven't had cable in years and don't really watch movies anymore. I'm hoping this will be an interesting transition to reading more, taking walks, and of course, riding my bike. So, any experiences? Good, bad? Talk me out of it?

    Cheers,
    Ted


    My family and I have been Cable TV-less for 4 years but we subscribe to Netflix and watch movies without the unwanted commercials. You actually gain more time to do more fun stuff (those things you mentioned). If you need to watch sports you could always watch at a sports bar or get together with friends...

    I recently learned from a millionaire that Cable TV is one of the greatest income reducer. A pediatrician announced that TV is mental pollution to the brain. Watching it once in a while is okay but it is much easier not to have the temptation (or reminder) to stare into the TUBE. Everything in moderation, right?
  26.  
    July issue of Momentum Magazine is now available online...
    :face-monkey:
    •  
      CommentAuthorSigurd
    • CommentTimeJul 7th 2010
     
    I'm selling my bike - in case you are interested, here's the ad.
    •  
      CommentAuthorHans
    • CommentTimeJul 7th 2010
     
    Njord Noatun:I'm selling my bike - in case you are interested, here's the ad.

    I want it. Just reading about it was equivalent to washing down a couple Cialis' with a 3x RockStar. Lets ride.
    •  
      CommentAuthorSigurd
    • CommentTimeJul 8th 2010
     
    t.e.d: Good, bad? Talk me out of it?
    Go for it! TV is largely a wasteland of empty, unsatisfying and mindless entertainment. You will have more time for the things in life that mean something to you.

    Disclosure: I have never had cable (not for financial reasons but for the reasons outlined above), and although I own a TV, it is rarely turned on: I am not looking to change.
    • CommentAuthort.e.d
    • CommentTimeJul 8th 2010
     
    Guy came by last night and he's going to take it. We'll have enough for new furniture and some to set aside for the wedding. While I haven't had cable in years, I have the computer hooked up to the TV so THATS what I stare endlessly at for hours. Looking forward to some lifestyle changes.

    Thanks for the encouragement.
    •  
      CommentAuthorSigurd
    • CommentTimeJul 12th 2010 edited
     



    DEAR ABBY:

    I haven't ridden my bicycle since Saturday: Is there something wrong with our relationship?

    CONCERNED IN SAN DIEGO, CA
    •  
      CommentAuthorbikingbill
    • CommentTimeJul 12th 2010
     
    Shouldn't that be ...

    DEAR EDDY?
    • CommentAuthort.e.d
    • CommentTimeJul 12th 2010
     
    bikingbill:Shouldn't that be ...

    DEAR EDDY?


    Hahaha. Nice.
    • CommentAuthorSam
    • CommentTimeJul 18th 2010
     
    I'm reading and thoroughly enjoying a book that il Pirati lent me, Predictably Irrational, that is blowing my mind. It discusses how we humans do not make decisions rationally, based on logic or any sort of good sense. One of my favorite sections tossed the standard model of Economics (supply/demand model that everyone learns in any basic economics course) out the window. And it makes sense since Marketing wouldn't exist if Economic models worked the way they were supposed to.

    Below is an excerpt from the book,

    I suspect that the price changes would make a huge impact on demand if people remembered the previous prices and noticed the price increases; but I also suspect that without a memory for past prices, these price changes would have a trivial effect, if any, on demand.

    ......

    The same basic principle would also apply if the government one day decided to impose a tax that doubled the price of gasoline. Under conventional economic theory, this should cut demand. But would it? Certainly, people would initially compare the new prices with their anchor, would be flabbergasted by the new prices, and so might pull back on their gasoline consumption and maybe even get a hybrid car. But over the long run, and once consumers readjusted to the new price and new anchors (just as we adjusted to the price of Nike sneakers, bottled water, and everything else), our gasoline consumption, at the new price, might in fact get close to the pretax level. Moreover, much as in the example of Starbucks, this process of readjustment could be accelerated if the price change were to also be accompanied by other changes, such as the new grade of gas, or a new type of fuel (such as corn-based ethanol fuel).

    I am not suggesting that doubling the price of gasoline would have no effect on consumers' demand. But I do believe that in the long term, it would have a much smaller influence on demand than would be assumed from just observing the short-term market reactions to price increases.
    • CommentAuthorslobiker
    • CommentTimeJul 18th 2010 edited
     
    My opinion was not asked for, so I pray no one takes offense.

    The author is suggesting that increased taxation ultimately doesn't discourage demand for goods and services. Which may very well be true.

    My observation is that aggregate demand for products is more a function of disposable income plus an expectation of prices continuing to rise - when times are good, price is no object (so to speak) - than some Pavlovian response to price changes. I think the author's point is more than valid - that aggregate demand may be better gauged by marketing efforts than by price mechanisms - but only when disposable income is high accompanied by a belief that a current purchase is a hedge against a future, more expensive purchase. Or, as a corollary, that a future purchase will be a better value due to an improved product... and thus, at some point money will be spent.

    Not too long ago people were buying houses they couldn't afford and driving resource intensive vehicles with impunity. Currently we have entered a dismal economic cycle where a lot of people are out of work and, due to the resultant decrease in disposable income and loss of confidence, overall demand has been cut way back. Note all the foreclosed homes (National City is full of 'em) and empty lots on Mile of Cars. And taxes are increasing: in San Diego sales tax is 8.75%; in Nasty City we pay a sales tax of 9.75% (with the extra going to the city). It is currently being proposed by our esteemed state legislators that the state sales tax base go to 9.25%.

    In my very humble opinion, increased taxation in whatever form will only further erode our respective disposable incomes, causing each of us to economize accordingly. That is to say: contrary to the author's opinion that tax increases have a negligible effect on demand, I believe they will add to the aggregate disincentive to spend at the levels of a few short years ago. (I leave it to you folks to decide whether that would be a bad thing. Personally, I like that our American society is learning to do more with less. I made the decision to buy less gas - now I ride a bicycle to work. Huge plus in my book... but I digress:face-plain:)

    I strongly suggest that each of us contact our respective state representatives and let them know: to preserve the current level of consumer demand (even if only to enable certain bike shops to do well) now is NOT the time to increase the sales tax or the state income tax.

    And regarding a "national value-added tax" (VAT)? Oy vey!!!!!!

    Off my soap-box. Thoughts?
  36.  
    I've been riding the Xtracycle in in North County for 4 years (2 years with the motor assist) and still get the "What Da!?" kind look...It's nice to get the spandex cyclist's attention especially when I cruise pass them on an up hill :face-devil-grin:

    • CommentAuthorslobiker
    • CommentTimeJul 18th 2010
     
    markphilips:I've been riding the Xtracycle in in North County for 4 years (2 years with the motor assist) and still get the "What Da!?" kind look...It's nice to get the spandex cyclist's attention especially when I cruise pass them on an up hill...


    Mark, I sure could have used that motor assist on Saturday when we were riding up Hill St in Ocean Beach. I hate to admit it, but I had to dismount and walk it up most the hill:face-crying:
    • CommentAuthort.e.d
    • CommentTimeJul 19th 2010
     
    Saw DEVO last night. They've still got it. GREAT show.
    Just sayin'
  39.  
    slobiker:
    markphilips:I've been riding the Xtracycle in in North County for 4 years (2 years with the motor assist) and still get the "What Da!?" kind look...It's nice to get the spandex cyclist's attention especially when I cruise pass them on an up hill...


    Mark, I sure could have used that motor assist on Saturday when we were riding up Hill St in Ocean Beach. I hate to admit it, but I had to dismount and walk it up most the hill:face-crying:


    I would probably do the same thing and walk and enjoy the scenery. I do that often especially on the long hills. It's very hilly where I live and I usually take my time climbing up the hills or in most cases I choose to walk. Know your limits and gradually increase it.
    •  
      CommentAuthorBev
    • CommentTimeJul 19th 2010
     
    slobiker:Mark, I sure could have used that motor assist on Saturday when we were riding up Hill St in Ocean Beach. I hate to admit it, but I had to dismount and walk it up most the hill:face-crying:

    Steep hill walkers unite!
    • CommentAuthorslobiker
    • CommentTimeJul 19th 2010
     
    That's what I love about this forum: no egos, just great people!!!!
    •  
      CommentAuthorbikingbill
    • CommentTimeJul 19th 2010
     
    After Kitchen Creek ... I FEAR NO HILL :-)
  43.  
    I was at Sorrento Valley Performance Bicycle shop. A lady in her 50s was contemplating on purchasing a Fuji single speed cruiser with an Aluminum step-through and flat foot design frame(like an Electra).
    The bike retailed for $350 but on sale for $200. She contemplated whether IF IT WAS WORTH spending that much money because she also needs to get a bike rack for her car.
    Her inspiration is her daughter who is rides her bike on organized bike rides. The lady told me that she has not ridden a bike since highschoo. She rented a beach cruiser at the beach last weekend and re-called her teenage years.
    .
    My two cents: you'll get more fresh air, sun, and exercise. How much do you value your health? It was a really big decision for her- that is growing young again ;-)
  44.  
    Just wondering, does anybody have else have a Facebook? Mine is facebook.com/cobraeverde feel free to add me.
    •  
      CommentAuthorbikingbill
    • CommentTimeJul 20th 2010
     
    cobraeverde:Just wondering, does anybody have else have a Facebook? Mine is facebook.com/cobraeverde feel free to add me.


    http://www.facebook.com/william.volk
    •  
      CommentAuthorbikingbill
    • CommentTimeJul 20th 2010
     
    I miss summer :face-sad:
    • CommentAuthort.e.d
    • CommentTimeJul 20th 2010
     
    bikingbill:I miss summer :face-sad:


    I hear you.
    Don't worry, I'm sure our stuffy, hot, high pressure summer is right around the corner. While I did enjoy last weeks glimpse of fine sunny weather, I'm also enjoying temperate commutes.
    •  
      CommentAuthorBev
    • CommentTimeJul 21st 2010
     
    It's drizzling. It''s drizzling. Yay for precipitation! I'm over the 106°F weather. Where is the happy medium?
    •  
      CommentAuthorVelo Cult
    • CommentTimeJul 21st 2010
     
    I love this weather for riding. I hate this weather because less people ride though which makes absolutely no sense to me. Why most San Diegan's will only ride when it's scorching hot escapes me.
    •  
      CommentAuthorSigurd
    • CommentTimeJul 21st 2010
     
    Velo Cult:Why most San Diegan's will only ride when it's scorching hot escapes me.
    The current cloud cover is indeed the perfect riding weather: When the sunshine is pouring down in the summer I am much less likely to go ride a bike or even having any desire to spend much time outside.

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