- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Help CBC: Congressional action threatens federal funds for bicycling projects
by Comm Bike Ctr 08 Jul '11

08 Jul '11

Hi Youth Bicycle Advocates, I assume that your state bicycle coalitions have informed you about the move to eliminate funding of federal transportation programs for bicycling and walking. Please immediately find out who to contact in your respective state congressional delegations to share your thoughts. Pass along this information to your networks. Thank you! Take care, Andy Greif Dear CBC Friends, We need your immediate help combating the efforts of the U.S. House Transportation Committee Chair John Micca and Senator James Inhofe to eliminate Safe Routes to Schools, the Recreational Trail Program, and Transportation Enhancement funds for biking and walking facilities. Please read the attached letter from Nancy Grant, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, for information about how to contact the members of our Maine congressional delegation. Please do this before you head home for the weekend since the long-term transportation bills are being written as we speak. We need your advocacy and influence. The Community Bicycle Center depends on Transportation Enhancement funds to provide youth development experiences through bike safety education activities including bike riding safety education, bike repair/maintenance instruction, and community service projects. We are "in the national interest" and we are "not frivolous spending." In 2010, the CBC served over 355 kids and 154 volunteers along with providing technical support to 12 organizations plus 35 cyclists (10 kids) just raising $19,640 for the American Lung Association of New England. Just yesterday, we gave IRS W4 and I9 forms to two people we will hire along with confirming purchases of bike relating equipment from businesses in Portland, Oregon, Santa Barbara, California, Miami, Florida, and Raleigh, North Carolina. We are a growing organization and nonprofit industry providing jobs and job skill development to youth. More importantly, six children spent nine hours with us yesterday on a 16 mile bike ride to swim at Goodwins Mills followed by attending the Music on Main Street benefit for the CBC and four other public benefit nonprofits followed by fixing bikes with another three kids and four volunteers. National interest occurrences that happened with the kids we serve through bike safety education activities during the course of the day included: * Cory telling Eddie to let Dakota to try fixing a rim since he had never done this task rather than taking over and doing it for him. * Eddie practicing leadership skills through leading our bike ride and role modeling to other kids Rules of the Road and safe group cycling strategies. * Amber learning how to safely captain a tandem with her younger sister as a stoker in preparation for their goal to Trek Across Maine in June 2012. * Megan learning how to break through her shyness to ask from strangers about how to get second helpings of food at the Music on Main Street Benefit. * All the kids learning how to share caring adults, problem solve, and genuinely say thank you as they need help repairing bikes for themselves and others. There is so much more depth to each of these stories that you must spend time with us to witness the growth in these children through our programs or more time for me to write about them. Please contact members of our congressional delegation to let them know how supporting Transportation Enhancement funding is necessary and effective to develop life skills and leadership skills in children especially those living in under-resourced situations. Let them know we are enhancing their learning, providing transportation alternatives, and developing lifelong fitness habits. Thank you for your help in sustaining the CBC! Sincerely, Andy Greif Executive Director _____ From: Bicycle Coalition of Maine [mailto:Nancy@BikeMaine.org] Sent: Thursday, July 07, 2011 8:57 PM To: info(a)communitybike.net Subject: Congressional action threatens federal funds for bicycling projects. <http://e2ma.net/oz/7126104730/208610213/1408679/spacer.gif> <http://e2ma.net/oz/7126104730/208610213/1408679/spacer.gif> If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may <http://e2ma.net/map/view:CampaignPublic/id:1408679.7126104730/rid=124f44dfd bf6bf0b11fbcb48461ba6f8> see it online . <http://e2ma.net/go/7126104730/208610213/223766036/1408679/goto:http:/www.bi kemaine.org> Dear Bicyclists, We've just received some very bad news regarding federal funding for bicycling projects and we really need your help. Today, the chair of the U.S. House Transportation Committee unveiled plans for a long-term transportation bill that will eliminate all dedicated funding for biking and walking, including Safe Routes to School, the Recreational Trails Program and Transportation Enhancements that fund many bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Chair John Mica referred to those programs as "not in the national interest." Senator James Inhofe, a lead negotiator in the Senate debate on the bill, declared that one of his top priorities is eliminating "frivolous spending for bike trails." We need every person who wants safe options to walk or bicycle to contact Maine's congressional representatives as soon as possible urging them to support funding for bicycling and walking. Click <http://e2ma.net/go/7126104730/208610213/223766037/1408679/goto:http:/org2.d emocracyinaction.org/o/7093/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=7483> here for a quick and effective way to do so. Please urge U.S. Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree to reach out to Mica and encourage him to retain funding for bicycling and walking. Please ask Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe to make the same request of Inhofe and Sen. Barbara Boxer. Read <http://e2ma.net/go/7126104730/208610213/223766038/1408679/goto:http:/capwiz .com/lab/issues/alert/?alertid=51133866&queueid=%5bcapwiz:queue_id%5d> more about the issue. Both the House and the Senate long-term transportation bills are being written as we speak. We still have a chance of influencing the outcomes. Let's make sure that dedicated funding for biking and walking programs doesn't disappear for many years. Thank you for your advocacy. Nancy Grant Executive Director Bicycle Coalition of Maine nancy(a)bikemaine.org <mailto:nancy@BikeMaine.org?subject=> <http://e2ma.net/userdata/1408679/assets/bcom-slogan.gif> <http://e2ma.net/userdata/1408679/assets/bmoc-photo-tile.jpg> Bicycle Coalition of Maine P.O. Box 5275, Augusta, ME 04332 info(a)BikeMaine.org | 207.623.4511 | www.BikeMaine.org <http://e2ma.net/go/7126104730/208610213/223766039/1408679/goto:http:/www.bi kemaine.org> Share This: <http://social.e2ma.net/next/e/1408679/db5c9cf96ba21ea61cf18e74a143171b/7126 104730/?mrid=124f44dfdbf6bf0b11fbcb48461ba6f8> This email was sent to info(a)communitybike.net. To ensure that you continue receiving our emails, please add us to your address book or safe list. <http://e2ma.net/app/view:Manage/signupId:1418511/id:1408679.7126104730/rid: 124f44dfdbf6bf0b11fbcb48461ba6f8> manage your preferences | <http://e2ma.net/app/view:OptOut/signupId:1418511/ID:1408679.7126104730/rid: 124f44dfdbf6bf0b11fbcb48461ba6f8> opt out using TrueRemoveR. Got this as a forward? <http://e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:1418511/acctId:1408679/mailingId:208 610213/rid:124f44dfdbf6bf0b11fbcb48461ba6f8> Sign up to receive our future emails. Network for Good <http://www.myemma.com/userdata/20050/branding/images/nfg_emma_logo.gif> <http://e2ma.net/go/7126104730/208610213/223766040/1408679/goto:http:/www.gr oundspring.org/services/emailnow.cfm> EmailNow powered by Emma

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Oops..............Now the Real Link to Brockvillebikeministry
by Eric Montgomery 07 Jul '11

07 Jul '11

Oops.......!!! Now that I have captured your complete attention with the first teaser email.... Below is the real link to follow! Thank you very much for your time! http://www.brockvillebikeministry.com/ Please take the time to review, make suggestions, maybe even help our youth. Eric Montgomery BikeMeEric Recycled, Rescued, Custom Re/Built Bicycles Custom Made Bamboo Bicycles 417 King Street West, Brockville, Ontario K6V 3S9 bike.me.eric(a)gmail.com (613) 246-6703

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Alternatively Empowered - Car-Free and Car-Light in Boulder
by Rich Points 06 Jul '11

06 Jul '11

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wR5hzKv1kTI&feature=player_detailpage -- Rich Points Community Cycles Executive Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 (W) 303-589-0597 (C) CC is Boulder's only bike shop dedicated to bike commuting. Find us on FaceBook http://facebook.com/home.php#!/CommunityCycles Volunteer orientations are held 6p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

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translated part names; archive search broken
by Brian (SLO Bike Kitchen) 05 Jul '11

05 Jul '11

Hi all - A couple months back someone sent around a spreadsheet with translated part names (i.e. technical terms). I'm particularly interested in the Spanish/Mexican ones. Would be grateful if someone could forward me the link again! In related news - I tried searching for this in the thinktank archives, but it gave a nice error... Unable to read word database file '/dh/mailman/dingo/archives/htdig-db/thethinktank-bikecollectives.org/db.words.db' Did you run htdig? Brian SLO Bike Kitchen San Luis Obispo, CA

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Bike Pirates Anniversary
by Ainsley Naylor 04 Jul '11

04 Jul '11

Five years ago Bike Pirates opened as a small, bare-bones DIY workspace in a storefront on Bathurst Street. We have grown so much and helped so many people in the past five years, we should be extremely proud of ourselves. We are always working to improve our space, our knowledge and our impact on the community, and we wouldn't have evolved into what we are now (and what we are envisioning for our future) without the help, experience and patience of all of our volunteers. To anyone who has volunteered with Pirates over the years, and to all of the bicycles and riders we have helped, congratulations on five years of good work. We also value the insight and amazing talents of all of the folks we have met and shared ideas with here on the thinktank and each year at Bike!Bike! We are awed by the amazing work you do, and the myriad ways we are all able to strive for the same goals. Thank you for providing us with this amazing community of support, and for inspiration of the past five years. Xo Bike Pirates.

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Want some slime tubes?
by Brian (SLO Bike Kitchen) 03 Jul '11

03 Jul '11

Any collective out there in desperate need of tubes? Our favorite product Slime was invented on our stomping grounds here in San Luis Obispo, CA. They donated a bunch of stuff to us - more than we can use ourselves. 20x1.5-2.125, 16x1.5-2.125, 24x1.5-2.125 tubes pre-filled with slime - I didn't check, but assume they are schrader valves. We have perhaps dozen of each of those tubes. We also have random smaller items, some not even intended for bikes, but rather car tires. Digital pressure gauges, needles for balls, instant patches, etc... We'd like to donate some of these supplies to a collective out there which could really use these - we rarely need tubes of those sizes here. Would especially be nice to help out a collective which is struggling to birth itself. In any case, if you're interested, drop me a note with a couple sentences describing your situation. Cheers, Brian SLO Bike Kitchen San Luis Obispo, CA P.S. I often wonder if other collectives out there have a huge excess of things. For example, ours desperately needs 6-7-8 speed pod shifters. P.P.S. SRAM is also a company local to us. Somehow we ended up with a bucket full of chainring bolts & M15 ISIS-style crank bolts, black. You'd have to grind the chainring bolts down to make single-speed versions, but if you want some of either I can send you a handfull.

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How was Bike!Bike!
by Jonathan Morrison 27 Jun '11

27 Jun '11

??? Sincerely, Jonathan Morrison Executive Director Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective 2312 S. West Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84115 w: 801-328-2453 c: 801-688-0183 f: 801-466-3856 www.slcbikecollective.org The mission of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is to promote cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to the community, focusing on children and lower income households.

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Bikes for Crates
by andrew 22 Jun '11

22 Jun '11

Hi Thinktank... is anyone out there doing any crates to Africa or elsewhere currently? we have been asked to participate in such things before and the stars never aligned, but now we are in a situation of needing to downsize our storage substantially. Please contact me if there is anything going on, especially if its in the Northeast.... we could potentially contribute anywhere from 1-300 bikes, but we know little about how such projects operate.... we are all volunteer and dont have any budget to assist... just bikes. Andrew Lynn Troy Bike Rescue Troy, NY

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A Bicycle Love Note
by andrew 17 Jun '11

17 Jun '11

This is up today, on the local Times Union Bike Blog... a really inspirational story from one of our newer volunteers... http://blog.timesunion.com/bike/a-bicycle-love-note/3576/ you can also find it linked on the TBR facebook and share it there too. http://www.facebook.com/troybikerescue

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Directors insurance
by andrew 16 Jun '11

16 Jun '11

any 501c3s out there have 'directors' insurance' what does it generally cost? for ten years we have had no insurance... we are now operating in our own building and are actually a 501(c)3, though still entirely volunteer operated... and starting to figure out the insurance thing. andrew Troy Bike Rescue http://www.troybikrescue.org

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Form 1023
by Jonathan Green 15 Jun '11

15 Jun '11

Bike Folks! My name is Jonny Green, and I volunteer at the Bicycle Kitchen in Los Angeles. I am helping at least two, possibly three, other co-ops get their tax-exempt status. I am looking for Form 1023s and related correspondence with the IRS from which to borrow text and ideas. I am especially interested in filings that state that the co-op will be selling bikes, parts and accessories outright at low cost. We would like to establish maximum flexibility for these organizations in the types of activities they can use to sustain themselves. Please help us out. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at 917-520-4647. Thanks. Jonny

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Noob Coop Questions ~ Other's Experiences and Opinions?
by Ron Kellis 03 Jun '11

03 Jun '11

I am very new to coops of any type so I have to apologize if these subjects have been discussed in depth and I don't know where to look (if I can be pointed in the right direction, TIA). These questions are mine, not the VéloCity Co-op. Some have been discussed in general and some not at all, I am doing a little research for my own education. Use of patron/customer sign-in sheets. Y/N comments Pro/Con. Using sheets to track shop use, help motivate donations for stand time vs. not putting off those who have limited funds. Use of membership. Y/N comments Pro/Con. $5 for membership, 1st hour (or "use") is free so cost neutral, write the date on a business card and leave it at that. Collect $5 to use the stand/tools/consumables as patron/bike passes the door and either gets their card or flashes it to use the coop. Idea is they would spend >$20 to purchase the consumables they might only use once a year. Plants the idea stand time and consumables cost. Use of requirement to have taken a basic class to use the stands (waved at the discretion of the Sr. person on site). Y/N comments Pro/Con. Non-profit competing with the local bike shop by offering paid services. Pro/Con We try to offer "Verbal assistance" right . . . but many struggle with "Righty-tighty, lefty-loosy" and are often trying to get back on the trail so aren't in a place where they are looking for a learning experience. So if they can't do the work themselves, paid services when the LBS is on the other side of the same building. Again, TIA to any who can take time to answer or point me to message archives for education. Ron

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Step-by-step Mechanic Lessons Request
by John Barrett 28 May '11

28 May '11

Hi, Does anyone have documents for step-by-step individual mechanical tasks (IE rear derailleur adjustment). We want to make individual instruction sheets to have available in the shop so that it's really simple for folks to learn on their own. I realize this sort of thing is widely available through many books and the Internet, but it would be great if there's an already formatted doc available. Thanks! -- John Barrett The Good Life Community Bicycle Shop / Two Wheel View - Calgary / The Organic Saskatoon & Iron Orchard jonny(a)goodlifebikes.ca 403.619.2648

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Nasson Community Bicycle Center Spring Newsletter!
by Maryalice Walker 27 May '11

27 May '11

Good day! Please find attached the Nasson Community Bicycle Center's first newsletter (in easy-to-open .pdf!). If you do not wish to be on our newsletter e-mail list, please reply with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. Ride on, -- Maryalice Walker Resiliency Activities Coordinator Nasson Community Center Tel: 207-324-5657 Web: www.nassoncc.org Twitter: http://twitter.com/NassonCC Facebook Page: Nasson Community Center and Little Theater<http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Springvale-ME/Nasson-Community-Ce…>

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Community Cycles is hiring a bike mechanic
by R Points 26 May '11

26 May '11

http://communitycycles.org/events-calendar/events/401-hiring-mechanic.html?… *Bike Shop Mechanic/Customer Service Representative* Community Cycles (http://CommunityCycles.org) seeks a motivated and qualified individual to assist in the day-to-day operation of its non-profit bicycle retail and community bike shop in Boulder, Colorado. Duties include working in our community bike shop doing customer tune ups, refurbish bikes for retail, as well as large bike sales and customer service. This is a seasonal full-time position. *Responsibilities* * Refurbish bikes for showroom and large bike sales * Perform customer tune ups * Provide customer service, including repair diagnosis and point-of-sale operation * Manage and stock inventory * Assist with general shop cleanliness * Assist shop manager with incidental operations, including bicycle repair * Attend weekly staff meetings * Report to the executive director *Position Requirements* Successful candidates will have previous professional experience in the following areas: * Ability to oversee other mechanics * Ability to educate interns, as needed. * Use of Point of Sale system (computerized cash register). * Ability to help customers and represent organization in a professional manner. * Solid cycling knowledge base * 5+ years of experience repairing bikes preferred * Bicycle repair, including diagnosis * Ability to lead, manage and oversee a group of workers * Retail management experience preferred * Strong desire to give back to the local community and have an impact on peoples' lives * Non-profit management *In addition, the following skills and experiences are desirable: * * Professional attitude and teamwork ethic * Customer communication in a retail environment * Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines * Flexible availability * Ability to work in a fast paced environment *Apply* *Send your resume in the body of the email to resume(a)communitycycles.org * *If you do not paste your resume into the email your resume will not be accepted.*

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moving video
by andrew 24 May '11

24 May '11

fun lil vid! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CnIqE2YhiWA Troy Bike Rescue come visit our new house anytime!

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Launching new Co-Op in St Pete, FL
by Chris Kelly 23 May '11

23 May '11

Greetings from sunny St Petersburg, Florida, where we're hard at work hatching a Co-Op under the umbrella of the St Petersburg Shuffleboard Club. The Club sits in a historic landmark recreation complex downtown, owned by the City. One of the buildings located on that property, the Cue House, is being fitted out this month for a (hopefully) June opening. We're on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/St-Pete-Bike-Co-Op/2030482163895…>here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/St-Pete-Bike-Co-Op/203048216389591 but figure website can wait. The goal is to get wrenches turning as soon as possible. If list members are inclined, the following info would be very helpful and much appreciated: - What is your organization's solution for Membership/Utilization recordkeeping, database, etc...? - What surplus tools might you have? We're willing to pay for shipping on donations, and will purchase used tools offered at decent prices. - and finally: What do you wish someone had told you when you were at the 'launch' stage we currently find ourselves? St Pete is a largely flat town, bathed in sunlight for more days of the year than most of the US, and has recently implemented millions of dollars worth of designated trail, lane, path and other infrastructure<http://www.stpete.org/bicycle/>. As the community responds to that investment/invitation, we hope to help keep them safely moving... Excited at the possibilities, delighted with the community response thus far and thanking you for your kind response, I remain, yours, Chris Kelly CPeterKelly(a)Gmail.com

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SCHOOL Bike Shops?
by Daniel S 23 May '11

23 May '11

Hello. I'm looking for ideas around setting up a bike shop to be used within a school division area. The students coming there would, I think, be being worked with to address some "issues". And/or students in general, probably. Anyone familiar with any school-used bike shops, of any kind? Funding is something we're needing to look at, too. Any ideas there? Cheers. Daniel.

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TBR Rapture Pics
by andrew 23 May '11

23 May '11

hi all, heres some pics from the TBR rapture (move to our new home) this past weekend: https://picasaweb.google.com/tbr.collective/TBRRaptureMovingDay52111 we've still got a ton of organizing to do, but the space has been miraculously transformed!! for some fun contrast, here is a small album of pics from when we were first checking out the space: https://picasaweb.google.com/tbr.collective/WheelhouseBefore enjoy! thanks a lot to the peops who came out to help! and if you're local, remember the big bike party fundraiser this saturday may 28: http://troybikerescue.org/fundraiser

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Re: [TheThinkTank] SCHOOL Bike Shops?
by reno bikes 21 May '11

21 May '11

Check out aact in reno, they have a nice one On May 21, 2011 8:37 AM, "Daniel S" <danmrc(a)yahoo.ca> wrote: Hello. I'm looking for ideas around setting up a bike shop to be used within a school division area. The students coming there would, I think, be being worked with to address some "issues". And/or students in general, probably. Anyone familiar with any school-used bike shops, of any kind? Funding is something we're needing to look at, too. Any ideas there? Cheers. Daniel. _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)lists.bikecollectives.org To unsubscribe, send a blank email to TheThinkTank-leave(a)bikecollectives.org To manage your subscription, plase visit: http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.…

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MBC is hiring Bike Safety Instructor
by Casey Wollschlaeger 19 May '11

19 May '11

Bicycle Safety Instructor Posted on: *May 18, 2011* Posted by: Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition<http://www.idealist.org/view/org/k5SNbhKnGSXd/> here's the link: http://www.idealist.org/view/job/tSHN6Ts763cp/ love, Casey -- Casey Wollschlaeger Art Coordinator BICAS 44 West 6th Street Tucson, AZ 85705 520.628.7950 art(a)bicas.org www.bicas.org

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Who has a promo video/commercial?
by Jason Moore 17 May '11

17 May '11

We want to create a short 3 minute video that show cases our group and what we do. I've seen some other collectives' videos on youtube, but curious if there are anymore. Can you share a link to your promo video if you have one? Jason -- http://mae.ucdavis.edu/~biosport/jkm/ Sports Biomechanics Lab <http://biosport.ucdavis.edu>, UC Davis Davis Bike Collective <http://www.davisbikecollective.org> Minister, Davis, CA BikeDavis.info Office: +01 530-752-2163 Lab: +01 530-752-2235 Home: +01 530-753-0794

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RBP PSA
by reno bikes 15 May '11

15 May '11

If you guys want to learn a bit about RBP check out the podcast at the bottom of the post. http://www.psatodaynevada.com/ N -- www.renobikeproject.com Wed-Fri 10-5 (summer hours) Sat 10-4 541 E. 4th Street. Reno, NV 89512 775.323.4488 donate via paypal: http://www.renobikeproject.com/index.php/donate/ Follow us on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/renobikeproject/ Please let us know if you would like to unsubscribe to our email list.

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new emails for bike saviours
by Allison Karow 12 May '11

12 May '11

hi all, sorry if we are not regularly in touch, feel free to ignore this e-mail! if you need to get in touch with bike saviours in general from now on, please use: info(a)bikesaviours.org and for me specifically, please use: sunny(a)bikesaviours.org thanks! sunny (allison) founder, administrator, collective member

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Re: [TheThinkTank] non-petroleum lube
by Beth & Josh Goran 11 May '11

11 May '11

Phil Bio-Lube and Pedro's ChainJ come to mind, if you've not tried them already. Both are chain lubes. I wouldn't say that either of them are the best chain lube I've ever used, but they do okay and are both biodegradable, if memory serves. Certainly different plant-based oils have very different properties. Flax (linseed) oil for example is known to be a highly polymerizing oil, which is why it's used in paints and the like. Good to season a cast-iron skillet, too, but such properties may be either helpful or harmful for different uses. I'd be curious to see how butter. ghee (clarified butter, doesn't need refrigeration [especially as a lube!] so wouldn't get so funky as butter), or coconut oil might hold up as chain lube...the solid oils don't oxidize and gum up in the same ways that something like olive oil does, and therefore might work better. Refining oils can also change things dramatically. For the worse in food, but might be for the better in this case. Josh -- *Crooked River Recyclery* *Kent, O.* "All Bikes! All People!"

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