Electric Assist Christiania

When we were in London this fall, I rented a lovely Christiania from my friends at Velorution. Quite similar in most ways to my own trike (though black & red as opposed to red & black!) - in all ways except the addition of an electric assist motor!

London isn't as flat as Denmark by any means, but it was pretty sweet, very much appreciated on a full day out! Especially when we discovered that we'd forgotten something and I had to whizz back three miles to the hotel...

I shot the video at the playground in The Regent's Park.

Kim rented a green & purple Brompton to ride that day. It worked out just great, though more favorable gearing would have been appreciated. Perhaps she rode it a bit too hard... my friend Richard (in London for work completely coincidentally!) had trouble with the gearing when he rented it the following day!

Also: Here's a longer video from our trip, including a tour of Primrose Hill by Christiania!

I like Paradise Garage in Columbus

One quick highlight of my visit to Columbus was a stop at Paradise Garage, a very nice, personal, quirky bike shop in the Short North district.

When I say "quirky" of course what I mean is:

• Nothing by Trek or Specialized as far as the eye can see
• Lots of steel, wool, tweed, and leather
• Nifty stuff I've never seen before
• My bushy holiday beard feels right at home

I was particularly interested in the bikes by All City Cycles, which were new to me. Very nice lugged steel goodness with an urban flavor (plus some sweet single-speed cross bikes!). Also lots of nice Surleys with giant fatties.

Plus, when I checked in on Foursquare, I got a $10 to spend there from American Express from a small business promo they're doing! (Of course, I didn't have time to do it then, hopefully I will before we leave Columbus!)