What Bicycles Catch your Eye?

Red bicycles are classic, in whatever style!

We all have our own preferences for bicycles. What I'm curious about is what captures your fancy? When out riding, or driving, what makes you look twice? Is it a particular style, color, or is it a special accessory, or combination of several things? 

I used to be over the moon when spotting a step through bicycle, especially a loop frame. Nowadays, it's harder to spot those gems in a sea of commonplace, easily mounted ebikes.

Folding bikes turn my head. In our region, they are still rare, fortunately, highlighted by riders in upright posture, spinning faster on smaller wheels.

A wire basket on the front makes me smile. If a bike has a basket it generally means someone has an old bike that they've repurposed into a commuter. I enjoy seeing older bikes given a new life.

For color, red trumps all! If the cheery red frame is also one of the above loves, even better. Lookout, I may be the wacky rider stalking your red machine for a closer look!

What type of bicycle(s) turn your head?

Coffeeneuring 2021 - Fourth Cup at Blanchard Beach

A QCBC bandana makes a perfect table cloth.

Sunshine filled my soul.

 

Park and admire.

Watching the ducks on the sandbar.

Still lots of autumn color!

Wear flannel; ride wherever.

Art for art's sake

Blanchard Beach and the Earth Clock is attractive year-round for it's sweeping lake views and sandy beach. Burlington recently added several more benches for park goers, but I prefer to sit on the  concrete blocks for better views and easier coffeeneuring set up. Without autumn leaves for my art installation, I tore sprigs from a bountiful cherry tree for a colorful arrangement. My husband met up with me later and we continued on for a longer loop homeward. I hadn't ridden the Eco 3 in a while and my back was sore in the evening, but a yoga workout eventually cured the discomfort!

The Place: Blanchard Beach
Date: Saturday, November 6
Drink: Chai Tea
Observation: A perfect 50F November day
Total Miles: 30

Dahon Boardwalk 6-speed vs. Eco 3 7-speed

I have ridden my Dahon Boardwalk and Eco 3 almost exclusively for the past two months. Swapping between the two periodically has allowed me to compare their differences and similarities, their unique qualities (rack, fenders, handle bars, folding mechanisms) plus, the most important factor: road handling.

From a riding perspective, the Boardwalk has always been a comfortable bicycle, I suspect, primarily because of it's steel frame. However, the Eco 3 has been surprisingly smooth and zippy. I haven't burdened the red beauty with as much baggage, so initially I suspected it's spritely ride feel came from a lighter aluminum frame with added steel fork to dampen stiffness. Or was it a combination of all three features with seemingly decent, if old, tires?

After getting to know the Eco 3, it impressively felt like a larger bike. How could that be? The wheels seemed larger, the top tube larger, and of course, without the front bag I was used to on the Boardwalk, I could visually watch the front wheel zip around corners - what I especially love about folders, their nimbleness.

While both bikes are low end 20" wheel Dahon folders for their respective eras, it means the newer Eco 3 (model offered in 2010-11) has updated characteristics that are especially appealing. I like the cockpit comfort, which feels more upright and has a more ergonomic, slightly curved handlebar with telescoping handle post for maximum adjustment. The pedals are grippier; the rear rack is aluminum; the fenders are either aluminum or a stiff, molded plastic that neither rattles nor shifts even when folded. I presume the Eco 3 weighs at least 3 lbs less. While the components are lower end compared with the Boardwalk, the easy shifting, better braking (could be newer brake pads), and similar if not the same low gearing, and secure hinges, means this shiny, barely ridden folder holds a lot of appeal.

Interesting that the center of crank distance to ground and the crank arm length are the same - considering frame geometries and style are quite different.

Riding impressions aside, it was the actual dimensions that shed more light. The Boardwalk's wheel base, seat post to handlebar length, and lower top tube show how it's a longer touring machine compared to the Eco 3. In the photo, the Boardwalk's seat and head tubes are obviously at slacker angles. 

While I generally enjoy the classic Boardwalk style, the red Eco 3 captured my eye, and upon further observation, it's clean lines, chrome accessories, and a curved fork, which I, in hindsight, obviously, couldn't resist - it oozes vintage Dahon. And who could resist a bike that was in pristine condition?

My first love.

There's room in my heart for this one too!

Flying By the Seat of My Bike Shorts

Riding scary trails at Perry Hill until I discovered less crowded part of the system.
Slowly meandering in the woods was more my style.

This summer has been a whirlwind, escaping the home office for rides of any flavor: mountain biking on weekends, evening tootles anywhere, and sometimes setting out without a particular destination, hoping for inspiration en route.

Foam Brewery has a nice terrace.

I check out outdoor restaurants and breweries, wishing for available tables, often finding crowds and waiting lines - not a comfortable dining situation for me at the moment. I got lucky one Tuesday evening at a popular microbrewery and spent a delightful time by myself - a one woman party until sundown - eventually cruising homeward on a balmy night. 

What a refreshing plunge into lighted pathways again! Normally dodging pedestrians and ringing my bell, I'm reminded how much I miss the quiet night and the sounds of crashing waves on nearby Lake Champlain. 

I've had a grand time trying out different Terry bike shorts. Who knew I'd love compression and padding, least of all this aging cyclist? I have favorites that I prefer, and shockingly love capri/knicker length style when conditions warrant extra coverage. I'm not sure where this current opportunity is going but I'm enjoying daily comfortable bike rides.

We escaped Vermont for a Father's Day overnight ride to visit a friend in New York. Surprisingly, our youngest son tagged along, seizing the opportunity to try his new gravel bike. It was rather hot, but taking a ferry across Lake Champlain, and shady New York roads were delightful.

Charlotte covered bridge, a favorite route to the ferry dock.

And returning the next day, our friend and her companion lead us on an alternate route back to the ferry.

On the home front bike shop, I'm slowly getting to know the Dahon Eco 3 by fits and starts, firstly by adjusting the derailleur, surprising myself that I could actually do it! Up next will be a new seat and remove the obnoxiously large and loud bell, assess the tire condition, then head out for a 10 mile shakedown. As in life, you take one day at a time with some projects, figuring it out as you go.

What else is new about 2020-2021?

Meet the Dahon Eco 3

Dahon Eco 3, a hunk of shiny red love.

What is it about a shiny red bike that draws my eye? Is it because it's in pristine condition, newer, lighter aluminum frame with rear rack and fenders, solid equipment unlike my current folder's accessories? 

It's all of the above!

I gave myself an out too, because the last thing I need is another folding bike. To that end I made an afternoon appointment, expecting the bike to be sold by then. It is 2021 after all, and everyone wants a bicycle! And then I pedaled my Dahon Boardwalk to the sellers house to compare both bikes side by side. A test ride confirmed that the aluminum frame with steel fork rode well, the derailleur needing minimal adjustment. 

But dang, I don't need another bike, I thought.

It was practically new, hmmm, and that shiny red color, did I say how beautiful that red is? I offered considerably less than the asking price, and when the seller counteroffered, I explained my reasoning, going so far as to suggest she wait a few days, because I presumed someone would pay full asking price.

Pretty please, I thought, don't accept my offer.

Ugh, she accepted my offer! Maybe it was meant to be...so I pedaled to the nearest ATM (see, I didn't bring cash, another out) and came back to buy THE SHINIEST RED BIKE, and it's nearly brand spanking new.

Of course, riding a bike to buy a bike has inherent problems (even with regular yoga practice I'm not Godzilla) so I returned with my husband in tow who planned on using the car at the same time. Let's just say that he didn't speak to me for a while. 

Look at the barely used freewheel!

I did my research beforehand. New, the Eco 3 was listed at 380.00 and only available in 2010-2011 - and that's without rack and fenders. 7 gears, adjustable stem, Dahon-style bungee, separate eyelets for derailleur and axle - all improvements on the Boardwalk.

The beefy rack and fenders are worth about half of what I paid (150.00) and would be an upgrade to my Boardwalk. I'm not sure what I'll do to or with this new bike. Part of me loves the Boardwalk's steel frame, part of me itches for a lighter weight folder, and I wonder if waiting for a newer, modern model, with front truss block, double chainring - more geared for touring - should be my next step.

It can still be, I suppose.

Until then. I have a new toy, er, bicycle.

Bicycle acquisition really is a rabbit hole, isn't it?