Tuesday, February 22, 2011

2011 North American Handmade Bicycle Show

















































The 2011 North American Handmade Bicycle Show (NAHBS) has arrived. I would like to start The Bicycle Escape’s coverage of the event with my new ride, the pictured YiPsan cruiser.

Some of you may remember the YiPsan Sunflower bike that won the “People’s Choice Award” and “Best City Bike” at the 2010 North American Handmade Bicycle Show. Well that beauty belonged to my beauty (aka wife Danielle). At the time the bike was being designed there was discussion of a dude’s version of the now famous cruiser. NAHBS 2011 offered the perfect excuse for such a bike to become a reality.

The design of the bike is function forward. Racks, generator lights, fenders, a bell, and a kickstand adorn the machine. To say it is functional is not to overlook the bikes beauty. The paint was done by the skilled hand of Keith Anderson. His flawless finish is complimented by lots of high-polished bits and pieces. When polished parts were not available (they usually were not) we had them polished. The rims for example started out as a nice silvery/grey color but it was not shiny enough for this build. We could do better. The kickstand, brake lever blades, crank, ring, fenders, and Shimano Alfine rear hub all received the same treatment. We even replaced the kickstand and brake lever pivot pins with pins made of brass. So yeah, I am kinda worked-up about this bike.

One of the original motivating forces behind this bike was the transforming front rack. I wanted a porteur style front rack that could transform into a small randonneur rack. After discussing this idea with Renold Yip at YiPsan Bicycles he took the idea a step further. He designed and built a rack platform with removable left and right sides. With the sides removed you are left with a small front rack. The sides can then be installed on the fork forming a low-rider rack to accommodate side bags.

I am really pleased with the way this bike came together and am super excited to see my bike displayed alongside the best our industry has to offer. Stay tuned for more posts from Austin.

Oh, I almost forgot. The Chinese writing on the seat tube reads: "The Bicycle Escape"









Test


Test
Originally uploaded by thebicycleescape

Saturday, January 29, 2011

The Latest Build

We just built this Quiring Stainless Steel road bike for Jeff. The Bike is built with fat tire clearance for added versatility. Sram Rival components, a BB30 and 32mm tires round out the build. The rig tips the scale at 18.95lbs exactly as you see it picture.

Friday, January 28, 2011

I Just Customized a Kickstand!

This very special kickstand will grace my YiPsan hybrid which will be displayed at the 2011 NAHBS.

I customized this Greenfield kickstand by filing off graduations, wording and as many of the imperfections as possible. Next up it was polished and just for fun I replaced the alloy pin with one made of brass.

If you are going to NAHBS this year keep an eye out for my bike and while your at it why not vote for it :)

If you can not make it to the show check out this here blog for live posts from the show.

I also started a Flickr Photo Pool for the show.

Can you tell I am getting excited?!?!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Adopt a Road

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO SNOW. I WILL POST THE NEW DATE SOON.

Dear devoted FBC supporters. We know it’s winter and we know hunting season is finally over, but we could really use your help with cleaning up our adopted mile of Rt 40 (Kehne Rd. to Gambrill Park Rd) on Saturday, January 29th and Sunday January 30th. Here’s the break down:

Date: Saturday, January 29th & Sunday, January 30th

Time: 10am – noon

What: pickn’ up trash

What to bring: dress warm, wear bright colors and bring your work gloves

Where to meet: We will meet at the intersection of Kehne and Rout 40. (click below map to enlarge)

Riding?Don’t have a lock? Don’t worry, there will be enough of us there with locks to make due.

Driving? There should be enough room along the shoulder for parking, but think about carpooling if possible!

Questions? Contact the lead trash guys for the day your are interested in:

Saturday’s lead: Mic (membership@frederickbicyclecoalition.com)

Sunday’s lead: Tom (president@frederickbicyclecoalition.com)

Thank you to all our dedicated volunteers!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Food and Brew for a Cause

On January 4th, 2011 we will be having a Frederick Bicycle Coalition event at Brewers Alley in downtown Frederick. All day long, 20 percent of your food/bar bill will be donated to FBC. So visit Brewers Alley for some great food and beer and help support Frederick biking at the same time.

Plenty of bikers and FBC board members will be there in the evening, so come on out and introduce yourself, enjoy some great food and beer and help support the Frederick Bicycle Coalition.

Brewers Alley is located at 124 North Market Street in downtown Frederick, MD and will be open from 11:30AM to 11:30PM on the day of the event.

And of course, you are encouraged to ride your bike to the event. Hope to see you there!

Food and Brew for a Cause

On January 4th, 2011 we will be having a Frederick Bicycle Coalition event at Brewers Alley in downtown Frederick. All day long, 20 percent of your food/bar bill will be donated to FBC. So visit Brewers Alley for some great food and beer and help support Frederick biking at the same time.

Plenty of bikers and FBC board members will be there in the evening, so come on out and introduce yourself, enjoy some great food and beer and help support the Frederick Bicycle Coalition.

Brewers Alley is located at 124 North Market Street in downtown Frederick, MD and will be open from 11:30AM to 11:30PM on the day of the event.

And of course, you are encouraged to ride your bike to the event. Hope to see you there!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas and MANY Thanks!

















We at The Bicycle Escape have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends and customers this year. The amazing clock shown was a gift made by an artist in Bogota, Columbia and is constructed of recycled metal. I could not believe it when this was delivered to the shop. Pile on some delicious homemade pupusas, gourmet deserts, fresh fruit, and some very good craft beer and you've got yourself a truly touched collection of bicycleman. Thanks so much and have a happy and safe holiday.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Origin 8 Pro-Grip Toe Straps


We just received a shipment of the Origin 8 Pro-Grip Toe Straps. They are shown here mounted to Fly BMX pedals. These are a great lower cost ($19.99) alternative to some of the pricer straps on the market.

Monday, December 13, 2010

NEW Water Bottles
















Water bottles just took a huge leap forward. Our latest shop bottles are the new Purist bottles produced by Specialized. These new vessels are made of a space age compound that is nearly as smooth as glass. It does not absorb colors, tastes or odors. If you are a skeptic, fill the bottle with tomato juice and then go pump up your car tires (you know it has been a while) when you return empty the bottle and give it a quick rinse. You will be holding a totally clean bottle awaiting the next hydration challenge. The bottles are BPA free and easy to squeeze. They also feature high flow, no-drip bit valves. Stop by and get yourself one of these beauties while they last.


Saturday, December 11, 2010

Frederick Bicycle Coalition



The free FBC bike tune ups are taking place right now. We are at the Hillcrest Latino Market off Hillcrest Drive.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Cheers to Five Years!

Our five year anniversary just past and to commemorator the event we filled our glasses and said Salute! If you would care to join in our toast, stop by the shop sometime before Christmas and wish us a happy birthday. We will make sure you are set up with a proper drinking vessel.

Friday, November 26, 2010

SALE SALE SALE

Don't forget out 5 year anniversary sale continues into tomorrow Saturday Nov. 26
Everything in the shop is on sale! Save up to 10-50%

Monday, November 15, 2010

Bicycle Advisory Committee Ride


More wonderful signs that Frederick continues to move to improve bicycle accessibility.

Yesterday the Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Committee took a ride downtown to identify problem areas as well as investigate using bicycles as a way of touring Frederick's many historical sights. The formation of the Advisory Committee is one of many examples of Frederick's ambition toward becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community. These efforts are being spearheaded by the Frederick Bicycle Coalition (FBC). If this goal is as important to you as it is to us, support the cause by becoming a member of FBC.