The Bike Wishlist: An Orange-Colored Easy-Mount Mini Cargo Bike

Interesting concept: a step-through mini cargo bike. Paint it orange, and I'm in love. Photo credit unavailable.

I've long had a fascination with orange bikes, and I eventually want one. But it's difficult to justify a new purchase when I already own various styles. 

Enter the mini cargo bike idea. I love small-wheel bikes, so why not an orange-painted, easy-mounting, mini-velo-style? Pedal-powered only.

I've been eyeing the Tern Short Haul. On paper, it ticks all the boxes. It can be stored vertically in a garage, tipped onto its back rack. I had the opportunity to inspect one in our local bike shop. In person, the bike, to my eye, is clunky: thick tubing, moto-style tires, and overall, the length is longer than I had anticipated, especially when I sat on the saddle. It felt ungainly.

Tern Short Haul

There is always the Crust Clydesdale Fork or a similar Veloce Pick Up Fork that converts older mountain bikes into bombproof front loaders. I like this option, despite the hefty price, because it opens up various bikes for conversion. Add high-volume rear panniers, like Vincita's Skye Panniers, and, voila, lots of cargo space.

Photo credit: Veloce Pick Up fork.

What makes sense is eventually replacing my step-through commuter bike, or better yet, repainting it orange, because 20" step-throughs are hard to come by. Along with the fork conversion, I'd add Bullmoose-style bars, something else on my wishlist. They're at a similar angle to the Arc bar on my Peugeot commuter, so they'd work.

Whether or not these ideas come to fruition is anyone's guess. And honestly, I don't need a cargo bike - I just want one.

These are the musings that take up brain space. Tell me I'm not the only one.

Downtube Dyan - a New Handlebar and Front Rack

Soma's Clarence handlebar, flipped upside down, allowed a comfortable hand position.

Along with the initial saddle and pedal swap, I also needed to address the handlebars, seeking something more ergonomically friendly in addition to adding a front rack, so I'm all set for Amtrak adventures.

The Bars

The slotted handlepost is exceptionally long, and while I consider myself on the taller side at 5'7", I still had to slam the post for the best fit. I knew a new bar could fix both problems. Like swapping bars on my mountain bike, I use the same problem-solving technique: determine correct width, rise, and sweep, room for controls - 7" in my case - and avoid recabling the bike if at all possible. The bar also had to be fairly compact and not affect the fold. Most bars with a forward arc and similar backsweep will work. This in-depth research, and paying attention to all measurements, is hopefully the correct solution the first time around. Soma's Clarence handlebar worked perfectly. I'm 2 for 2! 

Top-down view of the flipped bars. So comfy!

 

Front Rack

The goal with a front rack, was to have more storage when needed, be removable so the bike could still be folded, and be lightweight enough to lug around, connected to any bag and strap system. I attached a red "pig nose" bracket to frame connection. It's permanent (unless unscrewed) and doesn't interfere with the fold. The simple L-shaped Zizzo Front Cargo Rack slides and clicks firmly in place, released easily by pulling a hook in the red bracket. 

I'm pleased with both changes!

Ideas for 2024

2024 plans should rock, another year filled with travel, cycling, and visits with family. 

• I'm recovering from an accident - breaking ribs (falling down stairs - ugh) - but I'm confident I'll be healed in time for a mid-March excursion to the Philly Bike Expo, and if the weather is agreeable, riding on Philly's trail system. 3 weeks out, I'm feeling much better, walking a bit, riding on an indoor trainer, and lately taking it easy on a nearby rail trail on my Dahon. It feels like spring in Vermont so that's aided my recovery, allowing some fresh air. 
• In the meantime, I'm creating a stem bag and an under rack pouch on Jack the Bike Rack, moved from Miss Rachel to the Specialized Hard Rock where it fits better. The pouch will allow extra storage for smaller items like my sleeping pad and liner, without risk of items accidentally coming loose on rougher rail trails (it happened on the Erie Canal adventure) while my sleeping quilt is secured on top.
• I continue to dabble with Gouache painting, exploring techniques. I love bright colors and this medium lends itself well with bold, opaque paint. I'll post images on Instagram: @annie.bikes
• The Bassi Rachel will get a Soma front rack. The Jack the Bike Rack wasn't an ideal companion - sat too high, obstructing vision - so I'm opting for a double rack and panniers setup on this gem. I'll add fenders to the Hard Rock to finish off its capabilities as a touring machine. 
• Touring ideas (take two) include a loop connecting the Cross Vermont Trail and the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, doable from home! Both trails sustained significant damage from 2023 floodwaters but should be in good shape this year - fingers crossed. It's an opportunity to ride varied terrain, crossing the width of Vermont twice. I plan to load up the Hard Rock and see how it handles its inaugural tour, likely in September.
• Additional vacation plans. In June I'll visit our eldest son in Colorado. He and his girlfriend will show me Fort Collins's bike trail network. 

Specialized Hard Rock Ultra - Great Utility, and Then Some!

1993 Specialized Hard Rock Ultra: unique pink and purple fade.

I didn't know I would replace my much loved Trek Antelope so soon! I have always admired 1980-1990s rigid mountain bikes for their relaxed geometry and utility - they make great all around bikes, whether that's commuting, touring, riding with family or, in colder climates are adept as winter beaters - add studded tires and don't worry too much because it's an old bike. Added bonus: frames are upgradeable with new components.

Amazing shape for a 30 year old frame! I feel very lucky.

Our youngest son is a bike mechanic at a shop that accepts bikes and parts donations - they rehab older bikes for resale or to help lower income folks get decent transportation at nominal cost. I happened to mention months ago that if he ever came across a certain model and color in my preferred 20" size, then give a holler, expecting it was like finding a needle in a haystack.

Granola handle bars set a little higher than my seat. Stem is at maximum height. I expect there will be tweaks down the road like a taller stem or bars with more rise, non-traditional fenders, etc.

I got a text and photo while I was just starting a solitary mountain bike weekend. "Hey mom, look what I found." When he said it was in great shape, it didn't take long to give him the green light. I was ecstatic of course, thinking about the possibilities, then, if I'm honest, wondering how I could personally justify this new addition, bringing what I thought was a perfect number of bicycles from 4 back to 5.

From August to November we started collecting parts. I bought the VO Granola bars as an alternative, though aligning width-wise with much loved Soma Oxford and Ritchey Kyote bars. Had the VO Crazy bars been narrower, that would've been my first choice. I also chose a loved saddle - the Terry Topo - at least for starters. 

Between our son's knowhow, sourcing new and used parts, and my industry discount - I work for Terry Bicycles - we saved money, and honestly I wouldn't have considered this project on my own otherwise. 
 

He put together a 2X assortment of components that would play nice together. The only hiccup was configuring the V-Brake setup, necessitating ordering a top tube clamp to correctly guide the rear brake cable. He also added his signature two colored spoke nipples, bordering the valve, when building wheels.

Immediate riding impression: I felt at home! I've missed this kind of comfort, 2" plush tires, and diamond frame. I immediately transferred the Jack-the-Bike-Rack for needed utility, and more recently, repainted an older, discontinued Blackburn Mountain rack, installing it fairly easily - saved from the Trek Antelope, so that old beauty lives on through this recent reincarnation. And, I have now fulfilled a dream of owning a purple bike!

Rack and my commuter pannier makes this bike more useful.

And I shouldn't have worried about the Hard Rock's place in my collection. Shortly after acquiring the frame, my husband and I rode a rugged Northern Rail Trail where my Rachel, unfortunately in her current setup, wasn't the best choice. I kept thinking how the Hard Rock would be a perfect complement, lending comfort to rough terrain.

For those seeking build details...

Thoughts on Online vs Local Shopping

 

As I hunt for parts on my current build, I discovered that shopping in 2023 isn't much different than in 2020. I'm reusing as many parts from our current basement stash as possible. Tires were sitting around - our youngest son is a bike mechanic so he accumulates lots of everything! He found a used group set, but of course cables and housing are new. Saddle, rear rack, and water bottle cage are rehomed, and we're piecing a former triple crankset into a 2x setup; one ring is used, the other is new. I'm picky about handlebars so I ordered them online, using my industry discount. 

Even though the bike inventory is no longer problematic online, local shops can't carry everything. The situation is the same with other items. Take computers, for example. I ordered a refurbished model online at Best Buy to save money, even though their store location is 10 miles away. Their online outreach is broader. I tried to buy gouache paint at our local Michaels craft store - they told me to get it online! The same thing with fabric - I was looking for a particular color of rip-stop nylon for a project. I pedaled to a Joann's store but came up short. At home, I easily ordered 1 yard and it's getting delivered in a week, combined with other items in my cart to save on shipping. 

I'm not sure how I feel about shopping locally anymore for hard goods. I don't mind searching in one store, but my browsing days are over. Gas is expensive and visiting shopping malls across town, in my opinion, is just not worth it. Sure, I can still bike there, but the pandemic has altered my shopping habits. It's easier to shop from home and be done with it. 

Have your shopping patterns changed?

Specialized Hard Rock Ultra - a Surprise Find

Specialized Hard Rock Ultra, my new gravel tourer?

I didn't intend to add a Specialized Hard Rock to a perfect number of bicycles - four - all with distinct characteristics, but I have missed the Trek 830 Antelope's amazing utility, a bike I parted with in 2020 because of poor fit. 

I'd never seen this colorway until @Bobbinnsprocket on Instagram built one up for herself. Since then, it's been on my radar. The color and style also satisfied my goals to one day own a purple bike - half purple is close enough - and paired with pink is stunning.

Our younger son is a bike mechanic and spotted the bike soon after it arrived at his workplace. The rest is history. He stripped it, knowing (his way of insisting) I might like to build the Hard Rock from a blank slate.

The frame condition is remarkable for it's age - I believe it's a 1993 vintage. While the gorgeous frame would lend itself to a resto-mod build, I plan to reuse parts from my stash, triple crank set, and including a Blackburn rear rack with around-the-world patina. I also like the looks of Denham handlebars or VO Crazy Bars, but will attempt a DIY approach, perhaps using bar ends strategically and safely placed on a curved riser bar. It's the utility that matters the most to me.

Wide Gumwall tires should lend comfort on hand-built rims - our son's surprise gift. 

Since I'm not in a hurry, and with my son's guidance, I plan to put it together myself - first time for everything!

I envision this bicycle as a dirt road, rail trail, touring rig. Perhaps without fenders.

Cable guides need cleaning.

How to begin? Our son says he starts with wheels. In the meantime, I have specific grips and pedals in mind. I'd love to reuse the Shimano thumbshifters - so classy - but I know my hands won't tolerate the required strength to move them easily anymore. Easy to adjust V-brakes win out over cantilevers. The rest will sort itself out under the mechanic's tutelage.

Bassi Rachel - Dialing in the Fit

Bassi Rachel, complete with racks, fenders, two bottle cages, and foot retention straps.

I have finally set up the Bassi Rachel to my liking! For touring, there are racks and fenders, and a handlebar cushioned for a change of hand positions. Most importantly, the cockpit is comfortable, finetuned for optimal body position.

In record time, compared with the former Clem-entine.

Our son also clipped the support brackets on the fenders so there's less hardware to catch on my shoes.

I installed the front fender one evening, but couldn't fathom how to install the rear one with included clamp-type bracket, so I set the project aside. Fortunately our bike mechanic son offered to finish. His method involved drilling a hole in the metal fender, bolting directly to the frame hole (see below). It's cleaner-looking for sure - thanks to him!

It's often preferable to build the bike from the frame up: you get to choose components. I have light, tubeless wheels, I asked for a setback seat post. I chose easier, click-type shifting, and V-brakes for simple adjustment, 2x gearing, and a curvy handlebar for alternate hand positions.

What I hadn't anticipated, was toe overlap. I added the ugly, but customizable Power Grip straps, rather than using old school clips and straps. I'm hoping they'll prevent my shoes from whacking the front fender, potentially tearing my shoes and/or the rubber endcaps off the fender stays. I haven't used any foot retention for 5 or so years so we'll see...

As for the handlebar set up, I've used a similar approach on the Clem-entine, so I expect this will work out well.  

For fit, I realized the Bassi Rachel is designed to sit upright, more so than my previous step through bicycle - or the way I ended up using it. Once I embraced the new fit, I lowered the seat and tilted the nose upward, and raised the handlebars slightly, and all is well.

Of course, nothing like beginning a weeklong bike tour - leaving Friday - to encounter other quirks! 

Dahon Boardwalk 6-Speed - Major Upgrades

Keeping the classic Dahon Boardwalk 6-speed on the road.

I'm very pleased with the major upgrdes to my Dahon! The bike rides smoothly - no more creaks and grumblings - and looks much better, in my opinion, with a sleeker crankset and a splash of purple to complement its dark green paint. In the process, it went on a diet, thankfully, or at least it feels much lighter.

The above photos illustrate previous cranksets: the first photo shows the 48 tooth one piece crankset that was installed a couple years ago, which vastly improved my pedaling range. The second photo displays the original one-piece crankset, possibly original, a 52T that was difficult on my older body.

 

Our son and his girlfriend talked me through removing the old parts and replacing the bottom bracket, crankset, and pedals. Their younger strength properly tightened the bolts.

Our bike mechanic son swapped in some new parts: Gripshifter, new cables and purple housing, rear cassette, and chain. He knew the bottom bracket was failing, and sure enough, after a week of riding during Jan-Feb's unusually balmy weather, I limped homeward with an awful creaky noise radiating through my feet. It was fortuitous though, because in addition to replacing the bottom bracket, it was time to get rid of the ugly one-piece crankset for a better upgrade. There's a lot of Web help, fortunately, and I sourced Litepro crankset, a common upgrade among Dahon owners. Going forward the new two-pice crank will enable me to easily replace the ring going forward.

Of course, buying components was contagious! In addition, I bought new pedals (old ones were loose), lock-on grips (yay) because I was tired of the cheap ones that rotated, I put there years ago. There's also a new Schwalbe Racer rear tire. 

Beside the frame, handlebar, and derailleur, the original wheels appear to be holding up well. It is interesting that for a 2003/4 lower end model, the bones of this bike are great. For it's smooth, steel-frame ride quality an durability - as I was telling someone the other day - I equate this Boardwalk model with a 1980s mountain bike, of course, in small wheel form.

And lastly, tired of the ziptie securing the fender to the rack, I dealt with a more permanent fix for the rattling fender.The metal fender is irreplaceable - the option is a black plastic version - so I'll do anything to keep this original classic intact.

Phew! Let's hope this baby will keep going for many more years.

The Winter That Was

 

This winter, like much of the mid-west, has been above normal temperature-wise and lacks abundant snowfall. Brief reprieves from intense cold have been prolonged and spring-like warmth has certainly been weird, but welcome! 

I embrace riding my bike in the winter with studded tires, and equally I've been enjoying exploring again on my Dahon on snow-free paths. The folder has been updated with new Gripshifter, new cables with purple housing, new cassette and chain, plus a permanent fix for a rattling rear fender. Recently, the bottom bracket has been creaking more so I have plans to give my spry Dahon more love.

Though the unseasonably warm - dare I say recording breaking - weather will not last indefinitely, the return of Canadian geese has been a nice surprise, along with more daylight. I've bolted from a home office to enjoy sunset rides, serenaded by Jupiter and Venus sparkling on the western horizon.

Procrastinators Nightmare - I Can't Ride My Bike

Transitions are hard. The seasonal change is gradual, and yet sometimes it slams us and we wake up one morning, woefully unprepared. The intense cold and snowfall that won't go away is normal, of course, as we slide into a Vermont winter, but for a procrastinator, it means I won't be able to ride with confidence until I swap nearly treadless commuter tires for, you know, ones with studs.

It seems to be a pattern with bicycle maintenance too. My Dahon has been sitting in the work stand for a month, waiting for an overwhelming list of deserved repairs: secure fender, regrease rear axle, replace rear tire, replace broken Grip shifter, possibly cable and housing, etc. They are not difficult as separate tasks, but daunting in entirety, especially for someone who doesn't have patience. It will get done, eventually, but after the studded tire session, because, as avid riders know, riding a bike keeps us sane.

Until then, I work from home, staring outside at the snowy landscape, sunshine casting pretty shadows. Longing. 

Tea and frosted sugar cookies will have to do for now.

Getting to Know the Bassi Rachel

CL Cycles is a Montreal shop and develops their own brand of Bassi steel frames and complete bikes.

CL Cycles' Bassi Rachel frame caught my eye a couple years ago. It was their 2021 model updates, however: ability to accommodate wider tires, a second water bottle cage mount, and V-brake compatibility, that made me take a second look.

I test rode two sizes to determine which fit best.

What I initially liked about the Rachel was its shorter wheelbase and sparkly Beaujolais paint color. I could start from scratch and pay attention to overall bike weight. Our bike mechanic son built wheels, set them up tubeless for starters, working after hours to help keep my costs down. I checked in periodically to watch the build progress. I specified 2 X Low Gearing (love that about the Clem), easy shifting, and it was fine to go with used parts if it made sense. I am picky about handlebars though, so I bought Nitto's Dove bar, a comparable equivalent to the much loved but out-of-stock Soma Oxford's that graced the Clem. 

I vacillated over the housing color - too many choices - and my son suggested grey because it was classy.

Components include Nitto's Dove handle bar, a new Light & Motion coordinated headlight, and used, grimy Ergon Cork Grips, a Velo Orange stem (though I asked for removable faceplate style), SRAM drivetrain and Shimano silver and black click shifters (used?), which are brilliant for my arthritic hands! 

One day, Simple Green and I attacked the grips and I whittled corks for bar end plugs. 

Riding the the Rachel is like night and day from it's predecessor! 

Simply put, it's fast. Our son explained that lightweight wheels, set up tubeless, make a big difference, so I'm glad I sprang for whatever he suggested. I am leery of touring with this setup because it's foreign, and as much as I love 1980's bikes, new bicycle technology has advantages. At any rate, the rims and Rene Herse tires can accommodate tubes, should I wish to go that route in the future.

I have always loved this simply styled English-made steel rack. It graced my husband's 1970's Peugeot when we rode across the country, then I adopted it on my skinny-tired Peugeot, and now with an extension (refitted by Old Spokes Home) it's a perfect complement on Rachel.

Rachel's 55cm frame has 700c wheels.

With a rear rack, I've gained some functionality - something I require of all my bikes. A kickstand is next, along with a setback seat post. Since Rachel (pronounced Ra-CHEL in Canada) is my touring bicycle, fenders and a front rack are on the agenda. I'd like to explore Velo Orange or PDW black fenders, and investigate Jack the Bike Rack as a removable front rack option - made available to the public soon.

Anything I'm missing?

Peugeot Saint Laurent - Big Changes and Ready to Roll

Peugeot St. Laurent step through: redone and ready to roll.

2022 is the year for reimagining the stalwart Peugeot St. Laurent step through commuter bike, my preferred choice for most rides. 

Our youngest son has helped me - indeed accomplishing most tasks and suggesting a change to the drivetrain - that otherwise would've been put on the backburner. Aging is inevitable, which has weakened my hands (a bit of arthritis) so tasks requiring hand strength are a struggle for me. I am thankful for my son's assistance. He has an interest in becoming a bike mechanic, and has recently begun working on older bikes to expand his knowledge - lucky me!

New Terry steel stem and matching housing. Formerly, there was black, blue and white!

We began with swapping the old, shortened stem with a removable faceplate variation. This enables me to easily swap bars in the future and raise the bar height. I'm embarrassed to admit I've had this stem for two years and just now getting to use it. The was an easy project and I accomplished this task, mostly myself.

It's no surprise that I dislike the tedious and strenuous areas of bike maintenance, especially re-greasing bearings, and I've lost track with the assorted wheels I have in my possession that fit this bike - 5 wheels I think - saved from previous bikes. Who knows when they were last serviced? It's not pretty, considering this is the bike I gravitate to! I attacked the front wheel after my husband loosened the axle. It's not difficult to clean, remove the bearings, just capture them in a container, then add new grease and gently put them back. My son correctly tightened the axle and placed it back in the fork blades. The rear wheel was another matter! The bolts were fairly frozen, but with leverage on a large wrench, his young strength freed it. And to note, he was able to remove the cassette and regrease the rear wheel in the same time it took me to gingerly deal with the front wheel. Oh to be young, interested, and focused!

What I didn't anticipate was converting the drivetrain to a 1X setup. 

After replacing the wheels, the chain removed, my son asked if I was ready for a single chainring. Heck yeah! Once upon a time, I had considered a three speed conversion, but felt limited by gearing. While we live in a relatively flat region where I frequently ride rail trails, the reality is I will also ride some hills to do errands or ride loops and some easy single track trails. Versatility is key with the Peugeot.

While he raided his parts stash and came up with a crank arm attached to a single ring, I lovingly washed the frame with diluted degreaser. The area where the front deraileur was removed was in tough shape: a bit rusted, so I covered it with a blue nail polish stripe. Then I painted other exposed regions with white nail polish, but refrained from overdoing it. The frame is old, no longer pure white, and has crazing, or as I like to call it "character". It's always best to preserve it from further rust and sprucing up the frame a little.

Put back together for the time being, I rode with my son, briefly assessing the setup. As I expected, I need a higher toothed cassette for lower gearing, so we stopped by Old Spokes Home, rummaged through their used parts bin, but failed to locate adequate parts. Instead we picked up a new cassette, deraileur, and more white housing for aesthetics. 

I've also added colorful Vincita Dutch style panniers. They should be easier to fasten - one buckle on each bag versus two - with my arthritic thumbs. While I was seeking a similar sized replacement to the smaller, simple style panniers, what I got can swallow a large paper grocery bag! However, they are colorful, and I'll learn to live with them. Initially, I didn't care for the hook and loop closure (nor the ripping sound this system makes) on top of the buckle closure but perhaps it will prove to be useful down the road. If not, I'm handy with a seam ripper.

My son wasn't able to index the thumb shifter, but I'm no stranger to friction shifting. The shifting cable was also replaced. However, as my mechanic warned, the thumb shifter is more difficult to operate as it needs to span a larger cassette, so for now I'm getting by with palming the shifter, much like how I operated it last winter with mittens! My son suggested trying a speed shifter - like what's on my mountain bike - should I eventually require a change. For now, in it's new configuration, it's a cleaner, simpler bike. I'm happy to have my commuter bike in operating order!

Trek Marlin 7 Handlebar Update - Ritchey Kyote

Taking comfort up a notch with Ritchey's Kyote bar.

I've owned the Trek Marlin 7 hardtail for more than a year. After dialing in the perfect seat, the next step was to gain more comfort in the cockpit. Also, it's become apparent that I can no longer tolerate flat bars for prolonged periods. Priorities were: seeking a comfortable hand position, more forward reach (if at all possible), with more rise - all without compromising leverage required to snake through the woods.

whatbars.com - curvy Ritchey Kyote compared with existing flat bar.

I used whatbars.com to help confirm the bar switch on my Clem-entine so I felt confident applying the same process on the Trek. First, I researched several handlebars before leaning towards Ritchey's Kyote handlebar. The Kyote's price and reputation, confirmed with online reviews and YouTube videos, sold me. Then, whatbars.com was proof that the Kyote bar's forward curves and sweep put my hands along a similar if not slightly forward reach, seemed ideal, all while possibly using the existing stem. 

Voila! The Kyote bar looks like it should work.

Our son talked me through the replacement, even teaching me how to use a torque wrench! We agreed to cut the bar one inch on each end for starters (he did that), then with further testing I may want the bars shortened further. 

I'm pleased with how nice these new bars look on my bike!

There's no question the Kyote bars will be a huge improvement. I'm sure there will be further adjustments once spring mountain biking season rolls around. At least the difficult portion of the project is finished. Currently, we're navigating snowy bike paths on studded tire bikes!