Bike questions

[sonofabish.livejournal.com]

I have a couple of bike questions. I'm putting aside my fear of Boston drivers and want to do more biking, which is a big step because after spending time in Amsterdam where there are dedicated bike lanes with their own traffic signals and a very highly-evolved set of rule that are for the most part obeyed, I'm a little trepiditious. (But all is not paradise- they stupidly allow motorized scooters in the bike lanes as well and there is a lot of conflict between the people-powered and the engine-powered.)

1> I bought a new lock for my bike. It's a Bell that has a Kevlar-coated cable and a U-lock. Is this a decent lock set-up? I'm a little concerned about the U-lock, as the housing is made out of plastic. (I am assuming there is steel underneath) Are any of you screaming in horror or will I be pretty OK with it?

2> Do any of the local shops install the rear wheel locks that are permanently attached to the frame? In the Netherlands, most bikes have them and folks use a combination of them and cable/chain w/ U-locks. Even then, there are still thefts, if you can believe it.

3> I am looking for European-style wide curved handlebars. I currently have the straight mountain bike style and am looking to switch them out for the far more comfy wide bars.

TIA

Comments

[srakkt.livejournal.com]

For local bike shops, Harris Cyclery on Washington St in Newton simply wins. They win so much that they win not only as a local shop, but as a national resource for folks with bikes (I hesitate to say 'cyclists' because to me that means something snooty and wanna-be-racer'ish).

There's the Dutch Bicycle Company - they're over at 161 Broadway right in Somerville, and they may be able to help with the integral real-wheel lock. They may not, though. My understanding is that such locks are installed by brazing right to the steel frame prior to painting, so if your bike didn't come with one, retrofitting may be difficult.

as for handlebars, there are lots of options. You're probably going to have to order handlebars, and if you do I can wholeheartedly recommend Rivendell Bicycles (http://www.rivbike.com) - they have two handlebars which may fit what you're looking for: the Albatross and the Dove.

When shopping for handlebars, be aware that there are two "standard" diameters for handlebars, depending upon whether they're intended for "road" or "mountain" bikes, and your stem is likely to have one diameter and you may want to mount a set of bars with the other, so, be cognizant of this. It can also affect what sort of handlebar accessories (light, cycle computer, bell) you'll be able to fit.

And finally, getting out on the road is awesome - I've recently gotten back in to commuting by bicycle after a year of not doing so. Just remember that when you're mounted on a bicycle, you have all the same rights and responsibilities that a car does. Obey signals, obey signage, and make sure to signal your turns, and you'll be doing better than a lots of really reckless folks out there.