- TheThinkTank - lists.bikecollectives.org

Fwd: nowtopia: writings in the anarcho-marxist hinterland....
by Chris Carlsson 08 May '08

08 May '08

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: francesca the coat <the.coat.and.general(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, May 7, 2008 at 8:25 PM Subject: nowtopia: writings in the anarcho-marxist hinterland.... To: the.coat.and.general(a)gmail.com Dear friends, acquaintances, esteemed professors, good people, The author of "Nowtopia", an interesting book that taps into some of the important questions du jour about revalorization and anticapitalist practice, that also happens to be written by my dear old dad, is in town and having three book talks scattered around new york. I do think it is an interesting interrogation, 'important' even, and I encourage a sojourn out to see what it's all about. I hear the discussions so far during his tour in baltimore, philly, etc, have been pretty interesting and i'm sure the trend will continue in ny. FRIDAY, May 9, 7:30pm: Brecht Forum, manhattan MONDAY, May 12, 7pm: Vox Pop, brooklyn -- Also performing with Carlsson at vox pop: music and sound performance by the indubitable Nader Hasan and the inscrutable Seth Porcello; short films by the incorrigible Brett Story; lecture #2 on the possibility of life without the sun "by" alexis bhagat. WEDNESDAY May 14, 7pm: Bluestockings Books, manhattan I encourage those who enjoy the odd aural experience or visceral film experience to come to vox pop, where Seth Nader and Brett will bring the best of Montreal to our borough. but i'll, sigh, probably be at them all, yelling at my dad like "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU SAID THAT". no just kidding. more info on the book, etc, below in love f. *Nowtopia* is a book about a new politics of work. It profiles tinkerers, inventors, and improvisational spirits who bring an artistic approach to important tasks that are ignored or undervalued by market society. Rooted in practices that have been emerging over the past few decades, *Nowtopia*'s exploration of work locates an important thread of self-emancipatory class politics beyond the traditional arena of wage-labor. http://www.processedworld.com/carlsson/nowtopia_web/ Outlaw bicycling, urban permaculture, biofuels, free software, and even the Burning Man festival are windows into a scarcely visible social transformation that is redefining politics as we know it. As capitalism continues to corral every square inch of the globe into its logic of money and markets, new practices are emerging through which people are taking back their time and technological know-how. In small, under-the-radar ways, they are making life better right now, simultaneously building the foundation—technically and socially—for a genuine movement of liberation from market life. *Nowtopia* uncovers the resistance of a slowly recomposing working class in America. Rarely defining themselves by what they do for a living, people from all walks of life are doing incredible amounts of labor in their "non-work" time, creating immediate practical improvements in daily life. The social networks they create, and the practical experience of cooperating outside of economic regulation, become a breeding ground for new strategies to confront the commodification to which capitalism reduces us all. The practices outlined in *Nowtopia* embody a deep challenge to the basic underpinnings of modern life, as a new ecologically-driven politics emerges from below, reshaping our assumptions about science, technology, and human potential. With historical grounding, a toolbox drawing from multiple schools of anti-capitalist thought and theory, and a refreshingly pragmatic approach, Carlsson opens our eyes to the revolutions of everyday life. *Chris Carlsson*, executive director of the multimedia history project "Shaping San Francisco," is a writer, publisher, editor, and community organizer. He has edited four collections of political and historical essays. He helped launch the monthly bike-ins known as Critical Mass, and was long-time editor of *Processed World* magazine. -- I am on the road (see schedule at the nowtopia link below) and may be slower than usual to respond... back to normal in July, until then, be patient and thanks! www.nowtopia.org The Nowtopian (my blog): http://www.lipmagazine.org/ccarlsson/

1 0

what do you call people in charge of your shop- shift supervisors and film fest
by Gary Gingras 07 May '08

07 May '08

hey All can't wait to get together in Sept in Cali with you super people. so i am writing a facilitators handbook- Some do not love the "title facilitator" bicycle kitchen calls them cooks and such - looking for a fun title or like to present to the group here at Community cycles. wrenches? cooks? we wil also be having a 2nd annual bike film festval here in Boulder and are taking any submissions - this will be June 25th at the boulder theater on Bike to work day. We will be accepting films until the 15th of June. any 40minute or less films whet ya got i would love to hear!! -- Community Cycles Shop Director 2805 Wilderness place Suite 1000 Boulder CO 80301 gary(a)communitycycles.org

1 0

Fancy Parts
by Erik Stockmeier 07 May '08

07 May '08

Question! What the heck does everybody's shop do with fancy items of special worth to collectors? For example... perhaps you come upon a donation of half a dozen 70s unused campi sidepull break sets. Your stock of breaks is full, so throwing them in the bin or selling them for 5$ or shlepping them on a Roadmaster seems like a waste. Is it ethically ok for a non-profit to occasionally indulge collectors as a source of surplus income? What about legally for a 501c3? Is it necessary to launder them through a "buyer" who sells them at profit and donates the difference? Erik

16 18

Fwd: Re: Bike Shop in a Box
by info＠re-cycles.ca 01 May '08

01 May '08

My response below got blocked (because I responded from the wrong email address): Chris --- Chris Wells <re-cycles(a)rogers.com> wrote: > Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:57:50 -0400 (EDT) > From: Chris Wells <re-cycles(a)rogers.com> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Shop in a Box > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > > From our director's web page: http://www.drumbent.com/trailer.html > The kit I based my hockey bag hauling cargo trailer on: > http://www.drumbent.com/trailer.html > > Chris > --- Vyki Englert <vyki.englert(a)thekickstand.org> wrote: > > > The Kickstand sets up a repair stand at our local farmers market > and > > any > > events we get involved in. This is currently what most of our > > outreach > > program consists of. We carry a portable stand, a 4x2 folding > table, > > an > > Ez-up, a tool set, and consumables. We've been doing this for a > very > > short > > while, but the idea is that we have a "market box", a tool box that > > is set > > aside, always ready to go with a good set of tools (we're still > > working on > > exactly what a good set of tools is), that is not used during > regular > > shop > > hours. We just started bringing consumables, patches, cables... > and > > are > > still hammering out exactly what to bring. And of course we always > > have > > some literature on hand, and usually bring some of the bright > orange > > safety > > vest the county bicycle/pedestrian advisory board gave us to pass > > out. > > > > Our only issue currently is that we toss of of this in the back of > a > > pickup > > truck! We are hopefully soon going to have the resources to build > a > > trailer > > (a member is purchasing welding equipment), but don;t as of yet > have > > any > > plans. > > > > Anyone have plans for a good (verylarge) bike trailer? > > > > vyki > > > > www.thekickstand.org > > > > On Tue, Apr 29, 2008 at 3:38 PM, Durham Bike Co-op > > <durhambikecoop(a)gmail.com> > > wrote: > > > > > United Bicycle Parts has a pretty nice looking "mix and match" > tool > > set > > > with items from a variety of different tool makers = around $200, > > if I > > > remember right, and maybe around 50 pieces with the most critical > > stuff > > > (spline tools, chainbreaker, lockring wrench etc.) being shop > > quality stuff. > > > Might be a good place to start. > > > > > > best, > > > Colin - Durham Bike Co-op > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > Chris Wells > (Head Mechanic & Email Handler) > > re-Cycles Bicycle Co-op > 477 Bronson Ave. Ottawa > > re-Cycles is open 6pm-10pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays > (for volunteering, DIY, bike & parts sales & donation drop off) > > Bike sales and donation drop off also available during Cyclists' > Kitchen hours: 9am-5:30pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9am-1pm on Saturday > > (IMPORTANT: Please remember that while Cyclists' Kitchen will be > using our shop during the day, any public bike repair, whether > volunteer or do-it-yourself, is still only during regular re-Cycles > hours in the evenings.) > > info(a)re-cycles.ca > http://www.re-cycles.ca/ >

1 0

Fwd: Re: Bike Shop in a Box
by info＠re-cycles.ca 01 May '08

01 May '08

Trying this from my other account to see if it gets through? Chris --- Chris Wells <re-cycles(a)rogers.com> wrote: > Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:11:22 -0400 (EDT) > From: Chris Wells <re-cycles(a)rogers.com> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Shop in a Box > To: The Think Tank <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > > Hi Sasha, > > We worked with Bicycles For Humanity to help send a bike shop in a > box > to Africa. Here is a link to a page on our website (which includes a > link to their's): > > http://www.re-cycles.ca/bfh2007.html > > Perhaps they would be interested in doing something similar more > locally. > > Chris > > --- dragonfly(a)mac.hush.com wrote: > > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > > Hash: SHA1 > > > > > > Hi, Everyone. > > > > I love reading everyone's posts. > > > > Thanks to the people who have written to me about creating a > > good bike plan for the Detroit-Windsor region. > > > > This past weekend, I was talking with some people. People we > > know were attending the UN Indigenous People's climate change > > meeting in New York, and we were talking about some things. > > > > My friends and I were talking about climate change, this time > > in the context of the aboriginal communities that these friends of > > mine come from. It was a long and interesting conversation. > > > > For a little part of it, I talked about bikes, and about how > > important my bike was to me in Detroit and about how my bike shapes > > my world view and my thoughts about community planning, etc. > > > > They all drive trucks, these friends of mine, even the ones > > from the city, and they think I'm a little nuts for riding my bike > > everywhere, but they could also see an increased potential for > > bikes in some of their communities. > > > > In some of their communities, bikes are not so practical. In > > others, they could be made into a more functional option for > day-to- > > day practical use, if there was an infrastructure to support them- > > a place to get bikes, a place to go to repair them, etc. > > > > We wondered about a "Bike Shop in a Box"-- could you get a > > big rubbermaid tub and put a whole bike shop into it? (Maybe two > > tubs plus a stand?) Could you make such a thing that would be easy > > to ship North or into the B.C. interior, by train or plane etc.? > > > > Do the people from "Bikes Not Bombs" know how to do this-- > > have some of you done this before? Is there a good way of doing > > this already known? > > > > What should go into the box, and how could we make this > > economical-- is there an economy of scale-- how many Boxed Shops > > would you need to create to get a good deal on the tools, do you > > think? Would suppliers be interested in creating a 'Shop in Box' as > > a product to offer through their catalogue, even? > > > > We're just thinking about the feasibility of this right > > now. For lots of reasons, it might be a dumb or unworkable idea, > > but one worth checking out. If any of you have done this, or if you > > know what the best things to put into the box are, please e-mail > > me. > > > > Sasha > > > > On Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:56:20 -0400 "Urban Bike Project Wilmington, > > DE" <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > >"we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about ten different > > >colors of spray paint..." > > > > > >Rafael, is that why you changed your name? I can only imagine the > > >positive message this has spread in Fort Collins... > > > > > >Jennifer, > > > > > >I think you want a name that instantly gives people a snapshot of > > >what > > >you do. Mike's comment rings pretty true. Often people will call > > > > >or > > >email about donating bikes and then ask what it is exactly that we > > > > >do. > > > If you do bikes and art call it something with bikes and art and > > >you'll be set. The Bike Gallery or something innocent. BICAS' > > >name > > >is pretty cool and explanatory. > > > > > >Once you pick it, stick with it. Like Rafael said, your shops > > >actions/quality are more important than the name. > > > > > >Brian > > > > > >On 4/28/08, bike against <bikeagainst(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > >> Hey Jennifer and all, Rafael from Fort Collins,CO here... > > >> > > >> I agree with Rachel, keep it simple... > > >> > > >> I believe the name does not make the project, the PROJECT makes > > >the name, > > >> just like band names, as long as the music is good people will > > >dig the > > >> name... > > >> > > >> In our case, for the first four years our project was known as > > >the Bike > > >> Against ! collective or Co-op and due to our current situation > > >we are now > > >> just called The Fort Collins Bike Co-op... yeah,is not radical > > >but it > > >> doesn't have to be. We still have the same ideals and philosophy > > > > >that gave > > >> birth to the organization and again, the quality of your work is > > > > >ALL that > > >> matters in the end. > > >> > > >> By changing our name we were able to have access to a lot more > > >resources > > >> and therefore help a lot more people. > > >> > > >> As for the militant riders out there,who believe that riding a > > >bicycle as > > >> main or ONLY means of transportation is also an act of political > > > > >expression > > >> and resistance,we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about > > > > >ten > > >> different colors of spray paint... > > >> > > >> Also there's less risk that the name will be already taken. > > >> > > >> > > >> -- > > >> Rafael Cletero > > >> Project Coordinator > > >> Fort Collins Bicycle Co-op > > >> ph (970) 484 38 04 > > >> www.fcbikecoop.org > > >> _______________________________________________ > > >> Thethinktank mailing list > > >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- > > >bikecollectives.org > > >> > > >> > > > > > > > > >-- > > >Urban Bike Project of Wilmington > > >1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the > > >building) > > >Wilmington, DE 19801 > > > > > >Hours: > > >Thursday 6:30-9:00 > > >Saturday 1:00-4:00 > > > > > >Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org > > >_______________________________________________ > > >Thethinktank mailing list > > >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- > > >bikecollectives.org > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- > > Note: This signature can be verified at > > https://www.hushtools.com/verify > > Charset: UTF8 > > Version: Hush 3.0 > > > > > wkYEARECAAYFAkgXN2wACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRkYFgCgqeGADGv4XT1x3eg9Bn49IPiPHqUA > > ninVivrE08nsJH1DEYWah7e0d/Q1 > > =zIuK > > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > >

1 0

Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Shop in a Box
by plan_9＠riseup.net 30 Apr '08

30 Apr '08

We recently were awarded a $2500 grant to do community outreach in at-risk neighborhoods and community events. We have purchased a bikes-at-work trailer, (6'x3' with removable sections if you don't need as much length). We are patiently waiting its arrival and we'll let you know how it works out. The rest of the funds will go towards two park folding stands, two basic tool sets with the idea of sewing some roll up tool bags, basic supplies like lube, cables, brake pads, etc. We also have budgeted for educational material to pass out as well as advertising so folks will know when we are going to be in their neighborhood. We already did one event at a local universities "Earth Day" celebration and it was a hit. A latent function of this was PR. More than a few people told us that they had heard about the shop and were interested in being involved but they were nervous/intimidated/unsure as to how to actually be involved or even come in and work on their bike. Hopefully their speaking with us at the outreach event alleviated some of those concerns. As for the grant, it was from an area foundation that typically doesn't fund overhead and is very into highly visible community oriented projects in the 1000-4000 range. If anyone has a similar situation and would like a copy of our grant application, contact me and I'll be happy to share. -Andy FM Community Bicycle Workshop

2 1

Bike Shop in a Box
by Bob Giordano 30 Apr '08

30 Apr '08

We have a nice 4-wheel bike we use for lots of things. The link below: http://strans.org/pedaled_sweeper.htm explains how we attached a sweeper and swept the bike lanes by bike power. Last week we welded a hitch to it and towed several types of trailers (boat, heavy machinery, etc.) to move 400 bikes to a festival. Missoula is surrounded by mountains, but the valley is _flat_. Lots of trailer designs are flying out of the shop- a no-weld version with forks, stems, tubes, and a piece of tire for a hitch. a kayak carrier made from aluminum crutches (a wheel fits exactly where the handles on the crutches are). shopping carts with the bottom wheel assembly taken off and 2 rear triangles (a use for those walmart rear triangles) bolted on. eventually we'll get pictures onto the web. we have instructions for the 'crutches trailer' typed up- email me if you want them. my favorite load carrier is the 'long john.' so smooth and versatile. see 1st 2 pics at: http://strans.org/bikestyle.html -Bob G., Free Cycles Missoula

1 0

Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Shop in a Box
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 30 Apr '08

30 Apr '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Vyki and Everyone Else. What a good idea! It would be a great thing to have at charity bike races, too. A bike based mobile shop has all sorts of potential. It might be a good model for African, Asian, Latin American and South Asian endeavours, too. The Grameen bank might be interested in the idea, for someone's not already doing it; it might make a good micro credit business. I know someone who is involved with them-- may I forward the idea to them? One of the ideas floated in Detroit was to use the existing infrastructure of Detroit's quite active inner city churches to broaden the reach of the bike community shop; remeber, we were also talking about going to the homeless shelters? A bike shop van that would make the rounds was the thought. A bike trailer is an interesting alternative, though. We have a great guy here who runs a summer time organic catering company; he does all his deliveries by bike. It is cool to see him. People on this list are so interesting and creative. I love getting Think Tank mail! Sasha On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:06:29 -0400 Vyki Englert <vyki.englert(a)thekickstand.org> wrote: >The Kickstand sets up a repair stand at our local farmers market >and any >events we get involved in. This is currently what most of our >outreach >program consists of. We carry a portable stand, a 4x2 folding >table, an >Ez-up, a tool set, and consumables. We've been doing this for a >very short >while, but the idea is that we have a "market box", a tool box >that is set >aside, always ready to go with a good set of tools (we're still >working on >exactly what a good set of tools is), that is not used during >regular shop >hours. We just started bringing consumables, patches, cables... >and are >still hammering out exactly what to bring. And of course we >always have >some literature on hand, and usually bring some of the bright >orange safety >vest the county bicycle/pedestrian advisory board gave us to pass >out. > >Our only issue currently is that we toss of of this in the back of >a pickup >truck! We are hopefully soon going to have the resources to build >a trailer >(a member is purchasing welding equipment), but don;t as of yet >have any >plans. > >Anyone have plans for a good (verylarge) bike trailer? > >vyki > >www.thekickstand.org > >On Tue, Apr 29, 2008 at 3:38 PM, Durham Bike Co-op ><durhambikecoop(a)gmail.com> >wrote: > >> United Bicycle Parts has a pretty nice looking "mix and match" >tool set >> with items from a variety of different tool makers = around >$200, if I >> remember right, and maybe around 50 pieces with the most >critical stuff >> (spline tools, chainbreaker, lockring wrench etc.) being shop >quality stuff. >> Might be a good place to start. >> >> best, >> Colin - Durham Bike Co-op >> >> On Tue, Apr 29, 2008 at 10:57 AM, <dragonfly(a)mac.hush.com> >wrote: >> >> > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- >> > Hash: SHA1 >> > >> > >> > Hi, Everyone. >> > >> > I love reading everyone's posts. >> > >> > Thanks to the people who have written to me about creating >a >> > good bike plan for the Detroit-Windsor region. >> > >> > This past weekend, I was talking with some people. People >we >> > know were attending the UN Indigenous People's climate change >> > meeting in New York, and we were talking about some things. >> > >> > My friends and I were talking about climate change, this >time >> > in the context of the aboriginal communities that these >friends of >> > mine come from. It was a long and interesting conversation. >> > >> > For a little part of it, I talked about bikes, and about >how >> > important my bike was to me in Detroit and about how my bike >shapes >> > my world view and my thoughts about community planning, etc. >> > >> > They all drive trucks, these friends of mine, even the >ones >> > from the city, and they think I'm a little nuts for riding my >bike >> > everywhere, but they could also see an increased potential for >> > bikes in some of their communities. >> > >> > In some of their communities, bikes are not so >practical. In >> > others, they could be made into a more functional option for >day-to- >> > day practical use, if there was an infrastructure to support >them- >> > a place to get bikes, a place to go to repair them, etc. >> > >> > We wondered about a "Bike Shop in a Box"-- could you get >a >> > big rubbermaid tub and put a whole bike shop into it? (Maybe >two >> > tubs plus a stand?) Could you make such a thing that would be >easy >> > to ship North or into the B.C. interior, by train or plane >etc.? >> > >> > Do the people from "Bikes Not Bombs" know how to do >this-- >> > have some of you done this before? Is there a good way of >doing >> > this already known? >> > >> > What should go into the box, and how could we make this >> > economical-- is there an economy of scale-- how many Boxed >Shops >> > would you need to create to get a good deal on the tools, do >you >> > think? Would suppliers be interested in creating a 'Shop in >Box' as >> > a product to offer through their catalogue, even? >> > >> > We're just thinking about the feasibility of this >right >> > now. For lots of reasons, it might be a dumb or unworkable >idea, >> > but one worth checking out. If any of you have done this, or >if you >> > know what the best things to put into the box are, please e- >mail >> > me. >> > >> > Sasha >> > >> > On Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:56:20 -0400 "Urban Bike Project >Wilmington, >> > DE" <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> > >"we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about ten >different >> > >colors of spray paint..." >> > > >> > >Rafael, is that why you changed your name? I can only >imagine the >> > >positive message this has spread in Fort Collins... >> > > >> > >Jennifer, >> > > >> > >I think you want a name that instantly gives people a >snapshot of >> > >what >> > >you do. Mike's comment rings pretty true. Often people will >call >> > >> > >or >> > >email about donating bikes and then ask what it is exactly >that we >> > >> > >do. >> > > If you do bikes and art call it something with bikes and art >and >> > >you'll be set. The Bike Gallery or something innocent. >BICAS' >> > >name >> > >is pretty cool and explanatory. >> > > >> > >Once you pick it, stick with it. Like Rafael said, your >shops >> > >actions/quality are more important than the name. >> > > >> > >Brian >> > > >> > >On 4/28/08, bike against <bikeagainst(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> > >> Hey Jennifer and all, Rafael from Fort Collins,CO here... >> > >> >> > >> I agree with Rachel, keep it simple... >> > >> >> > >> I believe the name does not make the project, the PROJECT >makes >> > >the name, >> > >> just like band names, as long as the music is good people >will >> > >dig the >> > >> name... >> > >> >> > >> In our case, for the first four years our project was known >as >> > >the Bike >> > >> Against ! collective or Co-op and due to our current >situation >> > >we are now >> > >> just called The Fort Collins Bike Co-op... yeah,is not >radical >> > >but it >> > >> doesn't have to be. We still have the same ideals and >philosophy >> > >> > >that gave >> > >> birth to the organization and again, the quality of your >work is >> > >> > >ALL that >> > >> matters in the end. >> > >> >> > >> By changing our name we were able to have access to a lot >more >> > >resources >> > >> and therefore help a lot more people. >> > >> >> > >> As for the militant riders out there,who believe that >riding a >> > >bicycle as >> > >> main or ONLY means of transportation is also an act of >political >> > >> > >expression >> > >> and resistance,we still have the Bike Against! stencil and >about >> > >> > >ten >> > >> different colors of spray paint... >> > >> >> > >> Also there's less risk that the name will be already taken. >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> -- >> > >> Rafael Cletero >> > >> Project Coordinator >> > >> Fort Collins Bicycle Co-op >> > >> ph (970) 484 38 04 >> > >> www.fcbikecoop.org >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> > >> Thethinktank mailing list >> > >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >> > >bikecollectives.org >> > >> >> > >> >> > > >> > > >> > >-- >> > >Urban Bike Project of Wilmington >> > >1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind >the >> > >building) >> > >Wilmington, DE 19801 >> > > >> > >Hours: >> > >Thursday 6:30-9:00 >> > >Saturday 1:00-4:00 >> > > >> > >Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org >> > >_______________________________________________ >> > >Thethinktank mailing list >> > >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >> > >bikecollectives.org >> > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- >> > Note: This signature can be verified at >https://www.hushtools.com/verify >> > Charset: UTF8 >> > Version: Hush 3.0 >> > >> > >wkYEARECAAYFAkgXN2wACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRkYFgCgqeGADGv4XT1x3eg9Bn49IPiPHqU >A >> > ninVivrE08nsJH1DEYWah7e0d/Q1 >> > =zIuK >> > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Thethinktank mailing list >> > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > >> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> > >> >> >> >> -- >> Durham Bike Co-op >> 723 N. Mangum St. >> Durham, NC 27701 >> www.durhambikecoop.org >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkgYzCgACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRkjnACfb17NjhdTunysuEquTr60oPqf/PYA nifEyhmLaQ3jKdIdkgTq88TlLPAr =Zvv7 -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

2 1

Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Shop in a Box
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 30 Apr '08

30 Apr '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Everyone. I love reading everyone's posts. Thanks to the people who have written to me about creating a good bike plan for the Detroit-Windsor region. This past weekend, I was talking with some people. People we know were attending the UN Indigenous People's climate change meeting in New York, and we were talking about some things. My friends and I were talking about climate change, this time in the context of the aboriginal communities that these friends of mine come from. It was a long and interesting conversation. For a little part of it, I talked about bikes, and about how important my bike was to me in Detroit and about how my bike shapes my world view and my thoughts about community planning, etc. They all drive trucks, these friends of mine, even the ones from the city, and they think I'm a little nuts for riding my bike everywhere, but they could also see an increased potential for bikes in some of their communities. In some of their communities, bikes are not so practical. In others, they could be made into a more functional option for day-to- day practical use, if there was an infrastructure to support them- a place to get bikes, a place to go to repair them, etc. We wondered about a "Bike Shop in a Box"-- could you get a big rubbermaid tub and put a whole bike shop into it? (Maybe two tubs plus a stand?) Could you make such a thing that would be easy to ship North or into the B.C. interior, by train or plane etc.? Do the people from "Bikes Not Bombs" know how to do this-- have some of you done this before? Is there a good way of doing this already known? What should go into the box, and how could we make this economical-- is there an economy of scale-- how many Boxed Shops would you need to create to get a good deal on the tools, do you think? Would suppliers be interested in creating a 'Shop in Box' as a product to offer through their catalogue, even? We're just thinking about the feasibility of this right now. For lots of reasons, it might be a dumb or unworkable idea, but one worth checking out. If any of you have done this, or if you know what the best things to put into the box are, please e-mail me. Sasha On Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:56:20 -0400 "Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE" <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: >"we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about ten different >colors of spray paint..." > >Rafael, is that why you changed your name? I can only imagine the >positive message this has spread in Fort Collins... > >Jennifer, > >I think you want a name that instantly gives people a snapshot of >what >you do. Mike's comment rings pretty true. Often people will call >or >email about donating bikes and then ask what it is exactly that we >do. > If you do bikes and art call it something with bikes and art and >you'll be set. The Bike Gallery or something innocent. BICAS' >name >is pretty cool and explanatory. > >Once you pick it, stick with it. Like Rafael said, your shops >actions/quality are more important than the name. > >Brian > >On 4/28/08, bike against <bikeagainst(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> Hey Jennifer and all, Rafael from Fort Collins,CO here... >> >> I agree with Rachel, keep it simple... >> >> I believe the name does not make the project, the PROJECT makes >the name, >> just like band names, as long as the music is good people will >dig the >> name... >> >> In our case, for the first four years our project was known as >the Bike >> Against ! collective or Co-op and due to our current situation >we are now >> just called The Fort Collins Bike Co-op... yeah,is not radical >but it >> doesn't have to be. We still have the same ideals and philosophy >that gave >> birth to the organization and again, the quality of your work is >ALL that >> matters in the end. >> >> By changing our name we were able to have access to a lot more >resources >> and therefore help a lot more people. >> >> As for the militant riders out there,who believe that riding a >bicycle as >> main or ONLY means of transportation is also an act of political >expression >> and resistance,we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about >ten >> different colors of spray paint... >> >> Also there's less risk that the name will be already taken. >> >> >> -- >> Rafael Cletero >> Project Coordinator >> Fort Collins Bicycle Co-op >> ph (970) 484 38 04 >> www.fcbikecoop.org >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> > > >-- >Urban Bike Project of Wilmington >1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the >building) >Wilmington, DE 19801 > >Hours: >Thursday 6:30-9:00 >Saturday 1:00-4:00 > >Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkgXN2wACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRkYFgCgqeGADGv4XT1x3eg9Bn49IPiPHqUA ninVivrE08nsJH1DEYWah7e0d/Q1 =zIuK -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

5 5

Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 20, Issue 21
by Mario Bruzzone 30 Apr '08

30 Apr '08

Track down the Davis, CA Bike Church for a portable shop--their whole shop is housed in a "church" that you can drive (bike) around. It's really quite fun! ~Mario Bruzzone Bike Kitchen, San Francisco Wrench Nepal, Kathmandu On Wed, Apr 30, 2008 at 1:23 AM, <thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org> wrote: > Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to > thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > thethinktank-owner(a)bikecollectives.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Bike Shop in a Box (rachael spiewak) > 2. Re: Bike Shop in a Box (Durham Bike Co-op) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:54:16 -0400 > From: "rachael spiewak" <rachael(a)sopobikes.org> > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] Bike Shop in a Box > To: "The Think Tank" <thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org> > Message-ID: > <d74806f70804290854qe7ff55cs70d46b2250a739d1(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > It might be most affordable and easiest to get a complete toolset from one > of the big bike tool companies (via a distributor or a sympathetic local > bike shop). Here's what Park > Tool<http://www.parktool.com/products/category.asp?cat=6>has, for > example. The backpack is a nice idea, but, in my experience, > structurally hard to deal with. I would add to your set a bunch of hard > line tools, which are easy to get donated. Tons of people have metric box > wrenches lying around in their garages. > > Our wiki <http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Tools> has > some excellent ideas about stocking tools. > > Good luck! > > rachael > > On Tue, Apr 29, 2008 at 10:57 AM, <dragonfly(a)mac.hush.com> wrote: > > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > > Hash: SHA1 > > > > > > Hi, Everyone. > > > > I love reading everyone's posts. > > > > Thanks to the people who have written to me about creating a > > good bike plan for the Detroit-Windsor region. > > > > This past weekend, I was talking with some people. People we > > know were attending the UN Indigenous People's climate change > > meeting in New York, and we were talking about some things. > > > > My friends and I were talking about climate change, this time > > in the context of the aboriginal communities that these friends of > > mine come from. It was a long and interesting conversation. > > > > For a little part of it, I talked about bikes, and about how > > important my bike was to me in Detroit and about how my bike shapes > > my world view and my thoughts about community planning, etc. > > > > They all drive trucks, these friends of mine, even the ones > > from the city, and they think I'm a little nuts for riding my bike > > everywhere, but they could also see an increased potential for > > bikes in some of their communities. > > > > In some of their communities, bikes are not so practical. In > > others, they could be made into a more functional option for day-to- > > day practical use, if there was an infrastructure to support them- > > a place to get bikes, a place to go to repair them, etc. > > > > We wondered about a "Bike Shop in a Box"-- could you get a > > big rubbermaid tub and put a whole bike shop into it? (Maybe two > > tubs plus a stand?) Could you make such a thing that would be easy > > to ship North or into the B.C. interior, by train or plane etc.? > > > > Do the people from "Bikes Not Bombs" know how to do this-- > > have some of you done this before? Is there a good way of doing > > this already known? > > > > What should go into the box, and how could we make this > > economical-- is there an economy of scale-- how many Boxed Shops > > would you need to create to get a good deal on the tools, do you > > think? Would suppliers be interested in creating a 'Shop in Box' as > > a product to offer through their catalogue, even? > > > > We're just thinking about the feasibility of this right > > now. For lots of reasons, it might be a dumb or unworkable idea, > > but one worth checking out. If any of you have done this, or if you > > know what the best things to put into the box are, please e-mail > > me. > > > > Sasha > > > > On Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:56:20 -0400 "Urban Bike Project Wilmington, > > DE" <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > >"we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about ten different > > >colors of spray paint..." > > > > > >Rafael, is that why you changed your name? I can only imagine the > > >positive message this has spread in Fort Collins... > > > > > >Jennifer, > > > > > >I think you want a name that instantly gives people a snapshot of > > >what > > >you do. Mike's comment rings pretty true. Often people will call > > > > >or > > >email about donating bikes and then ask what it is exactly that we > > > > >do. > > > If you do bikes and art call it something with bikes and art and > > >you'll be set. The Bike Gallery or something innocent. BICAS' > > >name > > >is pretty cool and explanatory. > > > > > >Once you pick it, stick with it. Like Rafael said, your shops > > >actions/quality are more important than the name. > > > > > >Brian > > > > > >On 4/28/08, bike against <bikeagainst(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > >> Hey Jennifer and all, Rafael from Fort Collins,CO here... > > >> > > >> I agree with Rachel, keep it simple... > > >> > > >> I believe the name does not make the project, the PROJECT makes > > >the name, > > >> just like band names, as long as the music is good people will > > >dig the > > >> name... > > >> > > >> In our case, for the first four years our project was known as > > >the Bike > > >> Against ! collective or Co-op and due to our current situation > > >we are now > > >> just called The Fort Collins Bike Co-op... yeah,is not radical > > >but it > > >> doesn't have to be. We still have the same ideals and philosophy > > > > >that gave > > >> birth to the organization and again, the quality of your work is > > > > >ALL that > > >> matters in the end. > > >> > > >> By changing our name we were able to have access to a lot more > > >resources > > >> and therefore help a lot more people. > > >> > > >> As for the militant riders out there,who believe that riding a > > >bicycle as > > >> main or ONLY means of transportation is also an act of political > > > > >expression > > >> and resistance,we still have the Bike Against! stencil and about > > > > >ten > > >> different colors of spray paint... > > >> > > >> Also there's less risk that the name will be already taken. > > >> > > >> > > >> -- > > >> Rafael Cletero > > >> Project Coordinator > > >> Fort Collins Bicycle Co-op > > >> ph (970) 484 38 04 > > >> www.fcbikecoop.org > > >> _______________________________________________ > > >> Thethinktank mailing list > > >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- > > >bikecollectives.org > > >> > > >> > > > > > > > > >-- > > >Urban Bike Project of Wilmington > > >1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the > > >building) > > >Wilmington, DE 19801 > > > > > >Hours: > > >Thursday 6:30-9:00 > > >Saturday 1:00-4:00 > > > > > >Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org > > >_______________________________________________ > > >Thethinktank mailing list > > >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- > > >bikecollectives.org > > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- > > Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify > > Charset: UTF8 > > Version: Hush 3.0 > > > > wkYEARECAAYFAkgXN2wACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRkYFgCgqeGADGv4XT1x3eg9Bn49IPiPHqUA > > ninVivrE08nsJH1DEYWah7e0d/Q1 > > =zIuK > > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Thethinktank mailing list > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > > > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > > > -- > Sopo Bicycle Cooperative > 404-425-9989 > www.sopobikes.org > * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * > Hours of operation: > Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm > Sat/Sun 2 pm - 6 pm >

1 0

Re: [TheThinkTank] New shop name ideas, anyone?
by mike eng 29 Apr '08

29 Apr '08

I'd just echo Rachel's point about not trying too hard to come up with some funky word for the name. Having a self-explanatory name makes it easy for people who know nothing about your program recognize what you do. In our case, at an outreach event, a bunch of people just saw the name and walked up and said, "Oh, I'd never heard of your organization before, but can I donate my old bike to you so it doesn't have to go in the garbage?" And we said, "Absolutely". -- Mike Eng Recycle-a-Bike, Providence, RI www.recycleabike.org

4 3

Re: [TheThinkTank] Article from Common Dreams NewsCenter
by Tom Emm 28 Apr '08

28 Apr '08

A friend <refsvr(a)referralblast.com> wrote: Hello, A friend wanted to share this article with you: http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/04/27/8558/ Thanks! ______________________________________ Common Dreams Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community www.commondreams.org ________________________________________________________ Referral service by ReferralBlast.com --------------------------------- Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.

1 0

Liability insurance/ Children's legal issues?
by Sandy Robson 28 Apr '08

28 Apr '08

Howdy from St. Paul, Minnesota! We've been having a pretty successful starting season at Sibley Bike Depot--maintenance classes, a women's/trans open shop night, an after school program, art bike projects...it's all going swell. Right now we have a number of children that come to our open-shop hours and earn bikes. We don't have any liability insurance whatsoever, so we've temporarily limited the number of kids allowed in the shop at one time. How do you all handle this? Do you have any advice as to what kind of insurance/ forms we need? Thanks! Sandy Robson (410)206-7826

1 0

Mayor's Ride May 12!
by Community Bicycle Shop Omaha 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

2008 Mayor's Ride to Start at the Community Bicycle Shop! Start your day off right on *Monday, May 12 at 8:00* am and bring your bicycle down to 33rd and California! Community Bicycle Shop Omaha (CBSO) is pleased to partner with Mayor Mike Fahey, Activate Omaha, and Bikeable Communities to bring the Mayor's Ride to Gifford Park. This event kicks off National Bike to Work Week and will include the presentation of Omaha's first commuter bicycle map. The mayor will make a proclamation at 8:30 am and the group will ride to the Pedestrian Bridge downtown and back through Creighton's campus. Bicycling to work is good exercise and saves money on gas. Cycling instead of driving is also good for air quality and mitigates global warming. Most important to CBSO is the immediate benefit of your presence on the street! Our streets are safer and more enjoyable when we employ human power to get us where we're going. If you are new to bicycle commuting this is a great way to get started! All you need is a bicycle and helmet. The ride will be guided by the police so that traffic at intersections will be monitored. If you'd like to know more about the event call Stuart at 216-1235 or visit * www.activateomaha.org*.

1 0

Cheap locks/stolen bikes
by plan_9＠riseup.net 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

We at the FM Community Bicycle Workshop have had a good,(read: busy, chaotic, overwhelming) first spring openand have run into a few unexpected situations regarding stolen bikes. We have a one bike a year limit policy and have had individuals get bikes from us, then come back the next week saying theirs was stolen and they want to get another one. Some of these were pretty decent, modern bikes (trek 4300, Giant Cyprus, Diamondback BMX) and we don't want to suspect the worst, that these bikes were pawned or sold for profit rather than ridden, but we also don't want to open ourselves up to exploitation either. We have put in place a policy that if you bring us a copy of your police report you are eligible for earning another bike, assuming that folks wouldn't file a false police report. We don't live in an area that has high bike theft rates, except for "bike hopping" where people just grab a bike that isn't being used and leave it wherever they end up. Basically, crime of opportunity rather than intent. The bigger issue here is that we are getting folks bikes who can't normally afford one, but not giving them the means to secure it. We are interested in getting locks to give out to people who get bikes from us through our referral system but are debating which is the best solution. One idea would be to buy cheap cable locks in bulk. Another idea we have had is a much more DIY approach: Get a roll of beefy hardware store chain and a padlock and call it good. Has anyone run into this? Thoughts? -Andy FMCBW

5 4

New shop name ideas, anyone?
by Jennifer Nordhem 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

We've decided against using the name Battlesteed for multiple reasons. Does anyone have a good name the didn't get picked for their shop that they still like or came up with after it was set in stone. This is really the only thing that's holding us back right now since we can't file as a non-profit organization until we have one. This is our brief mission: We are a small group of avid cyclists who, through our love for the bike, decided to found Battlesteed Custom Bike Works. Battlesteed's mission is to create a larger, more knowledgeable and self-reliant community in Denver through teaching affordable bicycle mechanics classes in a comfortable, unpretentious learning environment. These are other intentions of the shop: -To hold monthly art shows to support the growing art community of Denver and advertise our services to new potential students. -To sublet space/benches to people (mainly people who are teaching classes and are involved with the shop) for their personal tools... we even have a friend interested in using his space for a screen printing press which he will teach classes in as well. Any ideas?! Thanks, Jen Nordhem Denver

4 3

Following up with Bike Donors
by Rich Points 25 Apr '08

25 Apr '08

Collectives, At Community Cycles when someone donates a bike we have them fill out a tax deductible donation receipt. This is a carbon copy form where the donor gets one copy and we get the other. We then take that info an input into our database. We've done this for about 9 months now and have quite a few Bike_Donor contacts. So far we haven't contacted these donors but I've been thinking of doing a direct mail campaign to these people. My question is, have other collectives done this kind of direct mail? Or more broadly how are you following up with people who donate bikes and parts to you? Peace -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director http://CommunityCycles.org Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019

2 2

Re: [TheThinkTank] illustrated instruction booklet
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 17 Apr '08

17 Apr '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hello, Everyone Back in the 1980's when I was a little kid, my big sister was part of a group called Cycle Watch, which was one of the early local cyclists groups in Toronto. Cycle Watch made a beautiful little booklet for cyclists. It had a yellow cover of a light card stock and accordion folded paper inside. It was small enough to fit inside a wallet, but it was a little fat. Sort of the thickness of a package of rolling papers (I'm getting all Canadian on you now.) Instead of information about flats, it had a picture of a bike with all the parts labelled with their names, and spaces for you to write in information about your bike, such as the make, the size, the serial number, the City bike licence if you had one, etc. The next little pages were a description of what information you needed to gather if you were in an accident-- the name and details of the driver who hit you (Kate had to explain the concept of insurance to me), and space for contact info. for witnesses, plus the name and badge number of the police officers, etc.. (They used small type.) It was a little booklet of information about how to record all the things that would help you win a traffic case if you were hit (the picture ofthe bike with the names of the parts was to help you describe your bike or the damage to it), plus all the info you'd need to have if your bike was stolen. It was great. Part of what made it compelling to me was that it was kid- sized. My sister gave me a whole bunch of these booklets to hand out at school (As my mother had encouraged me to afix a "Midwives do it Better" button to my knapsack, you can imagine how cool the cool kids found me, right?); to my amazement, everyone wanted them. I've often thought of recreating them, and I've wondered if they would still be popluar-- if you are working on a little booklet, something like that might go over well. A bi-lingual version would be a good design problem-- how to include all the info while preserving readability and a small size. For me, those little yellow booklets were my introduction to cycling as something that created a community, and also an early, simple way of participating in do-it-yourself politics. Thanks for reminding me of something happy, and good luck with your project. Sasha On Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:09:23 -0400 "Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE" <urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: >http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Spanish_Resourc >e_Materials > >The first link is a good place to start, maybe you could print it >front/back >and fold it. > >Brian > >On Thu, Apr 17, 2008 at 2:02 PM, Sharlyn Grace ><sharlyngrace(a)gmail.com> >wrote: > >> Hello all, >> >> We're thinking of putting together an illustrated little booklet >> (bi-lingual) that people could carry around as a resource-- >mostly right now >> we're thinking how to fix flats, tips like putting a dollar >inside a tire >> with a hole, etc. Does anyone know if something like this >exists? Or do >> you have good ideas about what would be useful information to >include? We >> want it to be really small, but also helpful. We have so many >people come >> in and fix a flat and never think about it again, so they're >helpless when >> the next one comes around, so this is an attempt to make the >info >> non-technical and available all the time. >> >> Thanks!, >> Sharlyn >> >> The Recyclery >> Evanston, IL >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> > > >-- >Urban Bike Project of Wilmington >1908 N. Market Street (entrance is in the parking lot behind the >building) >Wilmington, DE 19801 > >Hours: >Thursday 6:30-9:00 >Saturday 1:00-4:00 > >Visit us online at http://urbanbikeproject.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkgHo/EACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRlBcwCgspKA561xLxabj6eHRCyfKkM+CbsA oIBvdZ3xIIfVsQAw0uijdsSRII/R =EeZ3 -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

1 0

illustrated instruction booklet
by Sharlyn Grace 17 Apr '08

17 Apr '08

Hello all, We're thinking of putting together an illustrated little booklet (bi-lingual) that people could carry around as a resource--mostly right now we're thinking how to fix flats, tips like putting a dollar inside a tire with a hole, etc. Does anyone know if something like this exists? Or do you have good ideas about what would be useful information to include? We want it to be really small, but also helpful. We have so many people come in and fix a flat and never think about it again, so they're helpless when the next one comes around, so this is an attempt to make the info non-technical and available all the time. Thanks!, Sharlyn The Recyclery Evanston, IL

2 1

Being seen at night: Lighting and reflective materials
by BovineOaks＠aol.com 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

I wrote this for another bike group, I thought you might find some of the information useful. I have been a light tester for year. 25 years as a photographer with a tra ined eye to respond to changes in light and study lighting contrast. Constantly studying ever changing lighting conditions has helped me see bike lighting effectiveness in relationship to other traffic. I do not believe anything workes to make me seen by cars, I test it to prove it works all of the time, some of the time or is just Psychological protection. I have also studied how the eye reacts to different levels of light. I have carefully evaluated the eyes reaction time to change when eyes are blinded by bright car head lamps, to how long it takes to see much lower intensity LED blinky lights. I have studied how the spacing of lights creates the illusion of space or can hide the true shape and size of an object. Trying to keep things short I have found the following the be most effective. 6 and 12 volt bright helmet lamps 6 volt generator, 6 and 12 volt rechargeable battery lamps mounted to the bars or above the front wheel. Blinky's out on the ends of the bars and lower on the fork. Multiple red led strobes spread out across the rider and the rear of a bike or trailer. Reflective side walls on tires. Rear facing reflective material on bike, rider, bag, trailer, Reflective material on Left wrist for arm signals. Front facing reflective material If you want to read the reasoning continue on, if not, stop here. I have been trained to act like traffic. I do not know any electric or petroleum powered traffic that uses low watt LED blinky lights as the primary source of light to be noticed by other traffic. If low watt LED's were a sufficient light source, all car manufactures would use them to cut costs. I am traffic, I need to have similarly powerfully lights to be seen effectively by other traffic on the road. Cars do hit other cars with bright lights, having bright lights on a bike will not stop impacts, It will increase visibility of cyclist and reduce incidents. I wish it could end incidents between vehicles, that is a human behavior issue. Reflective material In your lane of traffic you should see red 10 watt light ahead of you and white 50 watt lights behind you. Reflective material works best when there is very little light behind it. Reflective material reflects less light than it receives. As a rider you are for the most part directly in front of the motor vehicles 50 watt head lamps. Your material will reflect 30% to 70% of this light, which is much more light than the 10 watt red lamps ahead of the rider. This makes rear facing reflective material greatly effective at all times. Front facing reflective materials are very effective when you are alone on the road ways. You are not positioned directly ahead of oncoming car headlamps, you are off to their side and out of the strongest part of their headlight beam. On coming traffic can easily distinguish you from the darker background. When you ride on the right side of the road you are not straight in front of oncoming head lamps where the light is focused and the brightest, you are on the far side or the edge of their lamps beam. You may only receive 10 watt of the 50 watts of light coming from their lamps and you are reflecting even less of that light. To reduce the effectiveness of reflective material even more the traffic behind you is backlighting you with 50 watt lamps this makes the few watts of light coming from the vest almost invisible. All of this is bull unless you can test it. I have tested it and you can too. Have a friend put all your reflective stuff on. Get a bright hand held spot light or a car, aiming the light down the side of the road the cyclist is not on. Have the cyclist stand still at 100 yards away 50 yards away and 25 yards away. Look at how bright the reflective material is when the cyclist has a car behind and beside them, and when there is no car around them. Have the friend switch to the same side of the road you are on with their back facing you. Look at how much more light comes off the reflective material from your hand held spot light or from your car. Watch how the reflective light changes as a car in your same lane approaches the cyclist and after they pass the cyclist and the tail lights are on the other side of them. You can also evaluate how much the reflective light changes as oncoming cars in the opposite lane pass by the cyclist. I have done this test and I was surprised and horrified by the results. I thought reflective materials worked all the time and were great. Now I know they are a part of a complete package to be seen by other traffic. I agree with Jim and others "It's always a good idea to have lots of reflectors. You can never have too many." I have reflectors or reflective tape on my trailers, bike, clothing, helmet, tires, if I could get reflective teeth I would. I love having a reflective strip, cuff, glove on my left arm for night time turn signals. I sometimes put a reflective ankle strap around my wrist for signaling. Rear lights I had a few experiences that taught me about how we perceive the size of an object by the spacing of lights. Cars with one head lamp look like a motorcycle. Trucks on dark roads out in the country appear to be farther away if the tail lights are inside the rear step instead of on the outside corners of the trailer. I was in a blinding snow storm at night looking ahead for tail lights. When I saw the lights I thought I was 150 feet away from the truck. I switched lanes only to fine I was right next to the truck instead of 150 feet away. The two tail lights were between the stair instead of on the out side corners of the trailer that threw my perception of distance off. Same thing with bike lights. A single light from a bike has to go through a windshield of a car before it reaches the driver. If you look at a red blinky that is far away you will find that the normal road dust and fine scratches on the windshield change the appearance of the lights. Red lamps farther away will look larger, and light closer will look smaller. This is the reverse of what it should be. Two blinky light separated give traffic more consistent way to judge the distance they are from you. I like a blinky on the cyclist back and one on the bike. Examples: One on the helmet or back pack or courier bag or collar of clothing. The other mounted on the seat post, rack, handlebar ends, high on a trailer. The idea is to have one light low and one high to give you shape. The more lights the easier it is to show your shape to other traffic and help other traffic judge distance and closing speed. Blinky and reflective material work great on the back of your bike. Reflective tires Something I was surprised by: Reflective sidewalls on tires. My thoughts were what help are reflective sidewalls? If the side of a bike is in front of a car it is a little late. All I can say is that I was wrong. I found that the sidewalls did reflect from the front and rear. As we keep balance we turn the tire a little to the left and right all the time. This turning back and forth allows the reflective surfaces to gather and shoot back light like a blinky. The tires strobe and catch attention in a large way. I recommend Reflective Tires whole heartily now. Up to now I have not talked about expensive lights. Blinkys, reflectors, reflective tires are not super expensive to do well. I am traffic and need to act like the rest of traffic to be seen in ALL conditions. Bright Head Lamps I am surrounded by traffic with 50 Watt head beams. I am surrounded by people whose iris closes down when they are facing bright head lamps. This smaller hole in the eye lets less light in and makes it harder to see dimmer low wattage lights. In simple language if you have a car behind you or one has just passed you, it is likely that any oncoming traffic will not be able to see a low watt blinky or flashlight because there iris takes a while to recover and become large enough to see dimmer lights. This is why it is important to have a similar amount of light coming off your bike as is coming of the rest of traffic. Some newer LED lights put out the same amount of light as a 30 watt incandescent bulb. I have seen them priced at $50 to $70. If you know your history then you know that lights this bright were triple that amount of money three years ago. I have one light system that cost $360 and a helmet light that was $180. Modern lights are much more affordable. I like a 30 watt light on the bike and one on the head. One to light the ground effectively and one to look over at traffic coming in from the side. I like to make sure I am seen, get the attention of a driver and see their face. I like a mindful driver and I make sure I am not invisible to them.When I can see their face I know they can see my light. On the road at night I am SOL the sun god, not black invisible Ninja. I act like traffic because I am traffic. Christopher Wallace **************Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp00300000002851)

1 0

Re: [TheThinkTank] Cheap locks/stolen bikes
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 16 Apr '08

16 Apr '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hello, Everyone Sometimes people in Detroit try to earn one or more bikes to help get bikes for other family members or friends without the time to do EAB themselves. (Not all older siblings are evil bike thieves.) Single mums sometimes need help earning bikes for themselves and a couple of kids, some of whom are too small to be responsible for EAB hours. Kids sometimes earn bikes for their mums as a present after earning their own. People who live far away or who do shift work or who work a million little jobs to keep afloat sometimes have a friend who will earn a bike for them. The locks made of chain from the hardware store (often covered with bits old fire hose to make it harder to cut) and a padlock are popular and apparently effective here. Coming from Toronto, where bike theft is a real problem, I was amazed to see Detroiters leaving their bikes on the ground outside-- unlocked!-- to go into stores. Many of the thefts we have involve people trustingly leaving their bikes completely unlocked. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed the tales of the naive, trusting denizens of Detroit's Cass Corridor... Sasha On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:56:14 -0400 veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com wrote: >We got the city of Boulder to subsidize locks, lights, racks, and >a small >tool/set for each of our Youth EAB students. The locks are the 4 >tumbler >number kind that you can "program" with your own combination, so >the kids >won't forget. One issue we had early on was someone opened her >lock to lock >up her bike, and bumped one of the tumblers, and couldn't get it >to lock. >she didn't know what to do, so she left it unlocked. Then it got >taken. (We >now walk the kids through the process of locking and unlocking and >locking >again their locks. It's almost as important to me to explain that >the locks >won'tclose if the combination is wrong, just as it won't open... > >Anyway, we've also encountered the older sibling/evil evil bike >thief >takes/breaks an EAB'ers bike...we're still working on a solution. > >My thought is that anyone should be able to earn as many bikes as >they want, >with one caveat. With each bike that they earn, the hours they >need to put >in go up. For example, in the normal program, students go through >12-16 >hours of work before they earn a (first) bike of their own. With >my >proposal, if someone wants to come in and earn a second bike, it >would take >20-24 hours, or some appropriate amount. The goal would be for >them to have >the option to do it, but make it silly enough (wanna earn 5 bikes? >work 200 >hours...etc) that it's not worth it. I realize there are some >other >issues--what if someone comes in and wants to earn 5 bikes, no >matter how >many hours it takes?--but i don't like the idea of limiting people >to one >bike... >This way, while students have more invested in the second, third, >etc, bikes >they've earned, which hopefully encourages them to take better >care of their >bike/security, it also offers them the opportunity to get another >bike >should the first one get stolen, run over by mom/dad, etc. > > > > >On Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 1:37 PM, rachael spiewak ><rachael(a)sopobikes.org> >wrote: > >> We've been running into this with the younger folks at the bike >shop, and >> we have to be firm about our earn one bike and one bike only >policy. >> They're allowed to trade in their bike for a different one only >if the one >> they're turning in is in good condition, and we regularly have >chats about >> why our policy is what it is. We also chat about how not to get >your bike >> stolen. It's hard when older siblings are the ones taking the >bikes away >> from the kids who come up to the shop and otherwise abide by >what we have to >> offer, so we do our best to be understanding. The most we can >do is create >> a system of accountability that makes sense for us, stick to our >rules for >> the good of the entire shop community, and be understanding >about >> extenuating circumstances. >> >> When we can find deals on locks, we buy a few and distribute >them to folks >> who express the need for one. That seems to work for some >people. The >> younger folks tend to lose keys, so combo locks work best for >them. I try >> to keep a list of their lock combinations and spare keys to help >them out >> when things get lost or forgotten. >> >> If folks don't trade cash for bikes, are they doing anything to >create a >> sense of investment or ownership in the bikes? >> >> -r >> >> >> >> On Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 3:24 PM, <plan_9(a)riseup.net> wrote: >> >> > We at the FM Community Bicycle Workshop have had a good,(read: >busy, >> > chaotic, overwhelming) first spring openand have run into a >few >> > unexpected situations regarding stolen bikes. We have a one >bike a >> > year limit policy and have had individuals get bikes from us, >then >> > come back the next week saying theirs was stolen and they want >to get >> > another one. Some of these were pretty decent, modern bikes >(trek >> > 4300, Giant Cyprus, Diamondback BMX) and we don't want to >suspect the >> > worst, that these bikes were pawned or sold for profit rather >than >> > ridden, but we also don't want to open ourselves up to >exploitation >> > either. We have put in place a policy that if you bring us a >copy of >> > your police report you are eligible for earning another bike, >assuming >> > that folks wouldn't file a false police report. We don't live >in an >> > area that has high bike theft rates, except for "bike hopping" >where >> > people just grab a bike that isn't being used and leave it >wherever >> > they end up. Basically, crime of opportunity rather than >intent. The >> > bigger issue here is that we are getting folks bikes who can't >> > normally afford one, but not giving them the means to secure >it. We >> > are interested in getting locks to give out to people who get >bikes >> > from us through our referral system but are debating which is >the best >> > solution. One idea would be to buy cheap cable locks in bulk. >Another >> > idea we have had is a much more DIY approach: Get a roll of >beefy >> > hardware store chain and a padlock and call it good. Has >anyone run >> > into this? Thoughts? >> > -Andy FMCBW >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Thethinktank mailing list >> > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > >> > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> > >> >> >> >> -- >> Sopo Bicycle Cooperative >> 404-425-9989 >> www.sopobikes.org >> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * >> Hours of operation: >> Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm >> Sat/Sun 2 pm - 5 pm >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkgGYUwACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRldeACggmrH2IqkO6dLjTP3KUKKrPuA8TsA n0//+iabyCayeMXgvbfshjkFI6jw =PMkr -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

1 0

moving bikes by bike
by Bob Giordano 15 Apr '08

15 Apr '08

freewheelin' friends, We are having our annual Festival of Cycles this weekend and we are reviving an old tradition: moving all the bikes to the festival by bike/people power. At the peak, we moved 600 bikes on 3 giant haywagons across town to the festival site, with people pushing and pulling- quite fun. We no longer have access to the hay wagons and we are thinking of using lots of boat trailers hooked to bikes, with people walking and biking along side. We have about 400 bikes to move this way- any ideas or thoughts before we began the search for 10 trailers? thanks, -Bob G., Free Cycles Missoula

1 0

who's got resources en español?
by rachael spiewak 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

We just got the news that a community bike shop is in the works in a suburb of Atlanta that's largely populated by Spanish speaking recent arrivals. Thought I'd ask the kind folks on this list for a round up of resources en español to send over to the shop organizers. We've already got the BICAS manual (has some Spanish translations), which is my favorite repair manual in general. Is there a way to filter the Wiki to search only for things in a particular language? Or can there be a section for multilingual resources? Thanks! -rachael -- Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat/Sun 2 pm - 5 pm

3 3

BICAS is hiring
by kyle mckinley 10 Apr '08

10 Apr '08

All- Anyone wanna join us for the warmest weather this side of the Sahara? Please tell your friends and coworkers, especially if they are/ might soon be in Tucson. BICAS, a collectively run non-profit BICYCLE recycling and education center is seeking a part time Staff Collective Member, $8.50/hr. Job Description: assist customers, help with classes, build bikes, coordinate volunteers, etc. Personable and comfortable greeting customers, strong mechanical skills encouraged, bilingual a plus, interest or experience in teaching classes or grant writing/organizational work a plus. Diversity of age, gender, and ethnicity encouraged. Accepting resume˙s until April 25th. Contact bicasunderground(a)yahoo.com or 44 W. 6th St (drop in or mail) for resumes, #628-7950 or e-mail for questions. www.bicas.org. thanks,kyle -- If an Easyrider rides easy, then a bicirider rides bicis

1 0

Re: [TheThinkTank] hijacked espanol "thread". or "junk bikes for the world"
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 09 Apr '08

09 Apr '08

continuing on the theme of not hijacking the thread; my girlfriend just got back from new orleans, where she went to the book collective and got me the new chainbreaker<http://www.microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/2077/>book. it's along these lines, and many people on the list are already familiar with chainbreaker zine. the book is awesome. lots of goodies, and she even put the 4 issues of chainbreaker zine in the back of the book, as the originals were destroyed in hurricane katrina. if you don't have the book, personally, it's an awesome read. good sense of humor, and she's got a list of community bike shops in the back, which is surprisingly up to date, what with it having a 2008 copyright date. well worth the 12 bucks, and an awesome present for someone you like/love. On Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 9:14 PM, Urban Bike Project Wilmington, DE < urbanbikeproject(a)gmail.com> wrote: > <snip> is there an opportunity to publish a repair manual available to the > general > public? something like "fix any bike or die trying". included would > be such topics as "home-made drop bolts" , "build your dream bike out > of trash on the street" and "my cat could fix this with a hammer, > screwdriver and adjustable wrench (though he should probably use the > proper tools)".</snip>

1 0

Re: [TheThinkTank] parts wanted/available on the wiki?
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 09 Apr '08

09 Apr '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Everyone. A mini-Craig's List for bike shops sounds like a genius idea. Sasha On Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:33:20 -0400 Jonathan Morrison <jonathan(a)slcbikecollective.org> wrote: >The current job posting on bikecollectives.org is actually an >under utilized >classifieds component, we would just need to add some more >categories. > >On Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 7:58 PM, <veganboyjosh(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> I know a lot of the traffic we see in Community Cycles is pretty >specific >> to Boulder. We can't keep cruiser type bikes in stock, while >other shops >> can't give them away. >> >> Would it be possible for there to be a place on the wiki or some >other >> spot on the bcn.org site where shops could list things they're >looking >> for, that other shops might be looking to get rid of? Granted, >we're all in >> need of floor pumps and chain tools, but perhaps there's some >class of >> parts of bike types that one shop gets that another shop needs. >It would be >> nice to see that in one place. >> >> I've got a road trip to IKEA in SLC soon, and I'd love to check >out the >> bike shop while I'm there. It occurred to me that the van will >be empty on >> the way there, so I could potentially load it up with stuff they >might need >> that we have excess of...since we're driving anyway. >> >> I don't know that a website feature like this would take much >> maintenance...I'm thinking it could serve three functions; >1>Those >> parts/bikes that your shop is always needing, but cannot keep in >> stock--cruiser bikes for us--, 2>parts and bikes that you have >an excess of, >> and/or wish to pass on...3>specific things you need that another >shop might >> have, instead of going through QPB or the like. We had a bike >come in that >> had a smashed derailleur, and needed a specific hanger, which >QPB didn't >> even sell...granted, this type of thing would be a long shot, >but how many >> of you would rather order a part like that from one another than >from the >> big bike distros a lot of us use? >> >> I guess I'm imagining a sort of mini-craigslist, for bike co-ops >to post >> on. >> >> Thoughts? Feedback? >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> >> > > >-- >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 > >Get Addicted to Crank! >http://www.slcbikecollective.org/crank/ > >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. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkf83uMACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRmvSACfSW/wJUyFkU2irOaT/bulrSwddPIA n1xC4/1QUAvZUQGHnGSkU++rl19X =71xf -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

1 0

parts wanted/available on the wiki?
by veganboyjosh＠gmail.com 09 Apr '08

09 Apr '08

I know a lot of the traffic we see in Community Cycles is pretty specific to Boulder. We can't keep cruiser type bikes in stock, while other shops can't give them away. Would it be possible for there to be a place on the wiki or some other spot on the bcn.org site where shops could list things they're looking for, that other shops might be looking to get rid of? Granted, we're all in need of floor pumps and chain tools, but perhaps there's some class of parts of bike types that one shop gets that another shop needs. It would be nice to see that in one place. I've got a road trip to IKEA in SLC soon, and I'd love to check out the bike shop while I'm there. It occurred to me that the van will be empty on the way there, so I could potentially load it up with stuff they might need that we have excess of...since we're driving anyway. I don't know that a website feature like this would take much maintenance...I'm thinking it could serve three functions; 1>Those parts/bikes that your shop is always needing, but cannot keep in stock--cruiser bikes for us--, 2>parts and bikes that you have an excess of, and/or wish to pass on...3>specific things you need that another shop might have, instead of going through QPB or the like. We had a bike come in that had a smashed derailleur, and needed a specific hanger, which QPB didn't even sell...granted, this type of thing would be a long shot, but how many of you would rather order a part like that from one another than from the big bike distros a lot of us use? I guess I'm imagining a sort of mini-craigslist, for bike co-ops to post on. Thoughts? Feedback?

3 2

Is your bike coop located in a low income neighborhood?
by Cris Shirley 08 Apr '08

08 Apr '08

Hello, I'm currently writing a research paper on the relationship between bicycle collectives and their low income neighborhood communities. Right now, I am looking for members of collectives which are located in low income neighborhoods, poor parts of towns/cities, or ones that specifically finds themselves working with and handling many low income individuals. I will be conducting interviews with these individuals over the phone and will then incorporate into the paper in the form of case study analysis. I'd like to find several people form each of the bike collectives that fit the stated precondition, so please pass this on to other's in your collective that may be interested. Please respond promptly with: Your Name: Collective's name: The location of collective: Phone number: Best Times to Talk: Thanks! Christopher Shirley Undergrad at Yale University

3 2

On Shop tools
by Sherief 08 Apr '08

08 Apr '08

Hello all, This is Sherief from the Austin Yellowbike, and I was hoping to pool the thinktank's experience with shop tools prone to breakage and the like. We're currently having huge issues keeping up with Chain Tools and Presta Valve pumps especially... it feels like not a week goes by without at least one of each of these tools breaking. W/r/t the chain tools, we recently switched from the nicer Park tools to the cheapest we could get out of the catalog, but with the way those break there's effectively no net savings and even when they are functioning the new cheap ones are no good. We try to make sure people know how to use the tools before they do, etc. But my question(s) today is: Do people have any similar experience out there with broken/breakable tools-- specifically good ways to prevent these breakages? Does anyone have any recommendations for good chain tools /PV pumps that can withstand a bit of overeager volunteering? Best, Sherief

9 9

Re: [TheThinkTank] (no subject)
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 06 Apr '08

06 Apr '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hello, Everyone. Detroit's own Bec Young, the wonder woman of Back Alley Bikes, has a new print ready and up for viewing on the JUSTSEEDS website. It's called "Deeper Than Mechanics Dare". All this stuff about shop tools and budgeting is pretty great. Thank you for all the helpful information. As soon as this kid is born and I've figured out the immediate lay of the land for the next bit of my life, I'd like to see about starting a community bike shop here in Windsor, Ontario, just across the river from Detroit. Windsor has a city bike plan that seems to consist of printing car bumper stickers that say "Share the Road", and Detroit does not have a city bike plan. I've submitted a session proposal to this year's Allied Media Conference in Detroit for a session that would allow anyone who was interested to help work to create a Detroit-Windsor/ Windsor-Detroit regional bike plan. I don't know if they will accept that proposal yet, especially as I'll have to help organize it and then let it go-- I'll be home in Toronto with my absolutely brand new little kid when the conference takes place, and someone else would have to run the session. This whole attempt to create a grassroots (and actually designed by people who use their bikes as their primary means of transportation)regional bike plan here, right at Ground Zero of the car culture, should be interesting. Not many places have the opportunity to figure out how to make an international border crossing point bike friendly-- never mind city counsel-- try figuring out how to approach Homeland Security! We're dealing with sprawl, the auto industry, crazy economic and racial divides, and a whole host of other issues, including the gender problems, which I've written about before. I'm writing about this here, because at some point we're going to have a wiki up, and helpful suggestions and insights from accross the continent would be welcomed. Anyone who wants to write to me off list about creating bike plans, please, please do so. We need allies from everywhere to help heal Detroit and Windsor. It may seem dumb, but I think if we can get something good happening here, we could change the whole culture. (Incidentally, having bikebike! in Detroit and Windsor would be an awesome thing to consider for some futire year.) The first modern oil wells in the world were set up in this region-- in Petrolia and Oil Springs, Ontario. The modern industrial world was born on assembly lines right here. This region's industrial might was key to the Allied victory in WWII. The culture created here and rolling off the assembly lines daily is helping to kill the planet, which is a sad, sad thing, because back in the day, the decent wages and union organizing of this region was a serious force for progressive social change. We have all benefited from Detroit and Windsor. Crossing the river here was once the way from slavery into freedom. This is also the part of the world that hides Tecumseh's bones. People pass buildings named "Renaud" without knowing that that is the French word for Fox, and an allusion to the rich and complex Native American history of the region. These cities are broken, and often ugly, and unpleasant things happen here; they are also full of half-forgotten signs of the complex dynamics of the competing empires that have been fighting over the riches of the Great Lakes region for centuries. And of course, there's Motown, and Aretha Franklin and all those other people you've probably bopped around to. Every year, the Monarch butterflies come up from Mexico, and the cities are full of them. We're on a major bird migration route, too. The ecological importance of the Great Lakes cannot be overstated. If you'd be interested in learning more about this area and helping us create a bike plan that addresses the needs of people in cities in two countries, a plan that includes a strategy for trying to make a border point bike friendly, please get in touch. I'm sorry my posts are always so long, and I'm sorry to the people who have written to me off list to whom I haven't yet responded-- I'm busy and pregnant and my life's a little out of control. I'm still thinking of you-- I hope someone will reply to the post about transgendered space, too. I haven't yet, and I'm sorry to leave something as important as that just hanging out there. Thank you for writing that. Happy spring, everyone. Sasha On Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:05:10 -0400 rachael spiewak <rachael(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: >I've read that minimum membership for any nonprofit should be $30 >(too bad I >can't substantiate that right now.. I think maybe I picked that up >from the >Thunderhead Alliance). Check on the free info on >http://foundationcenter.org. > >Here's the art show <http://www.sopobikes.org/events/artshow> >we've got >going on right now. We started organizing it in October and we've >put a >couple hundred bucks into it. I'll let you know if we make money >on it. >Other events we've got in the works are a bicycle flea market >(sellers pay >for a space in our parking lot, buyers shop for free, and we'll >encourage >the sellers to donate their leftovers to us) and a photography >print show >(lots of artists take pics in the shop.. we're very attractive >bike >mechanics) coupled with food demos in the artspace you can see in >the pics >on the art show website. > >-rachael > >On Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 7:11 PM, Jennifer Nordhem ><jen(a)milehighmess.com> >wrote: > >> Yeah, we won't be selling a whole lot of bicycles. >> Our mission is primarily to teach and assist people >> with their current bikes. We will have a wholesale >> account with which we can sell them parts. I'm sure >> we will end up with a bike or two here and there, some >> used parts, etc. that we will sell, but that's not our >> goal. >> >> We are going to have a membership program which we're >> playing with right now, figuring out how to price >> things, etc. Does anyone have suggestions on that? >> Mark from Re-cycles pointed out the fault in their >> system, any other advise? >> >> In addition to profits from classes and membership we >> will be holding a monthly art show to advertise our >> services to new potential students and have a little >> fun. >> >> Jen >> Battlesteed >> --- rachael spiewak <rachael(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: >> >> > We don't sell refurbished bikes, but a good chunk of >> > our shop generated >> > funds comes from people donating $25 per frame/bike >> > they pick up from us, >> > and they tend to give more for parts even though we >> > consider parts as being >> > included with the bike. We /could/ sell whole bikes >> > for more, but that >> > seems to run up against our general shop philosophy >> > of most things being >> > mostly equal. We don't have membership fees either, >> > which is another great >> > income generator if it works for your >> > shop/organization. >> > >> > -rachael >> > >> > >> > >> > On Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 12:22 PM, Mark Rehder >> > <mark(a)re-cycles.ca> wrote: >> > >> > > Same for us. Bike sales dominate our income >> > stream, with parts sales >> > > in 2nd place, and income from do-it-yourselfers >> > behind that. >> > > >> > > Mark Rehder - Director >> > > http://re-cycles.ca >> > > >> > > >> > > On 3-Apr-08, at 11:32 AM, Rich Points wrote: >> > > >> > > > I think it's safe to say that most of the >> > collectives out there >> > > > make most of their money from refurbished bike >> > sales. Last year >> > > > bike sales accounted for about 65% of our total >> > income at Community >> > > > Cycles. Refurbished bike sales are our >> > strongest fund raising tool. >> > > > >> > > > Rich >> > > > http://CommunityCycles.org >> > > > >> > > > Jennifer Nordhem wrote: >> > > >> >> > > >> Jay, We are already in the process of becoming >> > a 501(c)3. We're at >> > > >> the Articles of Incorporation and By Laws >> > writing stage. I know >> > > >> the questions I asked were lengthy, I'm just a >> > little overwhelmed, >> > > >> which I'm sure you can understand. Jen --- Jay >> > Varner >> > > >> <jay(a)sopobikes.org> wrote: >> > > >>> >> > > >>> Hi Jennifer, I'm glad you've found the wiki >> > and website useful. >> > > >>> To answer some of your questions - most (if >> > not all) the shops in >> > > >>> the community that operate on grants and >> > donations are non-profit >> > > >>> (501(c)3) organizations. I'm not sure what >> > model you are going >> > > >>> for. The answers to your questions can be a >> > bit complex. To help >> > > >>> us help you, I'd suggest giving this a read >> > and figuring out >> > > >>> where your project fits: >> > > >> http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php? >> > > >> title=Bike_Collective_Starter_Kit >> > > >>> >> > > >>> On Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 9:00 PM, Jennifer >> > Nordhem >> > > >>> <jen(a)milehighmess.com> wrote: >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> Hello everyone, my name is Jennifer Nordhem >> > of the soon to be >> > > >>>> Battlesteed Custom Bike Works in >> > > >>> Denver. >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> We're currently looking for places to rent >> > for >> > > >>> our new >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> shop. I noticed some people say they don't, >> > > >>> which >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> would just be a miracle that I don't foresee >> > > >>> coming >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> true. Here are the questions I have: How much >> > do you pay for >> > > >>>> rent? About how much money do you receive >> > monthly from grants, >> > > >>>> donations, membership fees, sales, etc? How >> > much do you spend >> > > >>>> monthly on tools, etc? I want to get a grasp >> > on what kind of >> > > >>> income/outflow >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> to expect so I can budget how much we can >> > afford spending on >> > > >>>> rent. Thanks everyone! The website and wiki >> > have been extremely >> > > >>>> helpful so far, I'm really happy to see >> > > >>> such >> > > >>>> >> > > >>>> a supportive community. Jen >> > > >>>> >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Thethinktank >> > > >>>> mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > > >> >> > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >> > > >> bikecollectives.org >> > > >>> >> > > >>> >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Thethinktank >> > > >>> mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > > >> >> > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >> > > >> bikecollectives.org >> > > >> _______________________________________________ >> > Thethinktank >> > > >> mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > http:// >> > > >> >> > lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >> > > >> bikecollectives.org >> > > > >> > > > -- Rich Points Community Cycles Director >> > http://CommunityCycles.org >> > > > Rich(a)CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019 >> > > > _______________________________________________ >> > > > Thethinktank mailing list >> > > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > > > >> > >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >> > > > bikecollectives.org >> > > >> > > _______________________________________________ >> > > Thethinktank mailing list >> > > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > > >> > > >> > >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> > > >> > >> > >> > >> > -- >> > Sopo Bicycle Cooperative >> > 404-425-9989 >> > www.sopobikes.org >> > * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * >> > Hours of operation: >> > Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm >> > Sat/Sun 2 pm - 5 pm >> > > _______________________________________________ >> > Thethinktank mailing list >> > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> > >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> > >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Thethinktank mailing list >> Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >> >> http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org >> > > > >-- >Sopo Bicycle Cooperative >404-425-9989 >www.sopobikes.org >* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * >Hours of operation: >Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm >Sat/Sun 2 pm - 5 pm -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkf5VSAACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRnaMgCfeGfCmxUFoL29fFvMdZ0JUxQV2T8A oI+BUXvwWsTySW2MS/5iZ8hDHKxz =iPZg -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

1 0

Support Community Bike Shop at Whole Foods 4/8
by Community Bicycle Shop Omaha 04 Apr '08

04 Apr '08

Hello, friends – Whole Foods is generously donating 5% of their sales on Tuesday, April 8, to the Community Bicycle Shop of Omaha. Please stop by any time on Tuesday from 8 am to 8 pm for some grocery shopping, and a portion of your purchase will go toward our operating costs. Omaha's Whole Foods is located at 10020 Regency Circle, just south of Dodge. Thank you so much for your support! The Community Bicycle Shop of Omaha

1 0

New shop: Help me budget!
by Jennifer Nordhem 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

Hello everyone, my name is Jennifer Nordhem of the soon to be Battlesteed Custom Bike Works in Denver. We're currently looking for places to rent for our new shop. I noticed some people say they don't, which would just be a miracle that I don't foresee coming true. Here are the questions I have: How much do you pay for rent? About how much money do you receive monthly from grants, donations, membership fees, sales, etc? How much do you spend monthly on tools, etc? I want to get a grasp on what kind of income/outflow to expect so I can budget how much we can afford spending on rent. Thanks everyone! The website and wiki have been extremely helpful so far, I'm really happy to see such a supportive community. Jen

7 12

info about Freehub from SF Bike Kitchen
by andrewsawtelle＠riseup.net 03 Apr '08

03 Apr '08

hey hey bike bike people people: A couple weeks back, people were asking about PoS (point of sale/service) systems for tracking parts, members, visits, all sorts of things. Here's what I got from Mario at the SF Bike Kitchen about Freehub, an online system they use for tracking members and visits. They plan to make it available soon after some other shops test it out. Email Mario at mario.bruzzone(a)gmail.com if you want to be part of the test. They want to have a big presentation of the results at the next Bike!Bike! which is September 25-28. andrew recycle-a-bike, providence ri http://www.recycleabike.org ----------------------- Hello from San Francisco! As I mentioned once or twice on the Think Tank list, the Bike Kitchen in San Francisco has been working on an open-source database program named Freehub to track our members and their visits to the shop. We've been using Freehub for about a year now, and are ready to have other shops start testing it to figure out how well it meets their needs (as opposed to just our own). We expect to have a beta version ready for widespread use in 4 to 6 weeks. We're looking for 3-4 shops to commit to using Freehub for 3 months. You're receiving this email because you've either expressed interest in Freehub directly at some point or because you recently sent an email saying that you were looking for such a program, or something similar. Here's the abstract: Freehub is a web-based system used by the San Francisco Bike Kitchen to track membership and visits to our community bike shop. We are working on a new version that will be available for free to other community bike shops through simple online registration. Freehub is: * A database of your members and the services they have access to * A patron sign in system for use at the front desk of the shop * A reporting tool for looking at shop use, membership status, earn-a-bike... Freehub is not: * A broadcast emailer - Freehub will not send emails to your members or patrons * An accounting tool - we do not track money in Freehub * An inventory tool - we do not track tools or parts in Freehub * An point of sale system - we do not track shop sales in Freehub In Freehub, your data belongs to you. Other shops can not see it, we will not use it for any purposes and you can export it in entirety at any time. * To use Freehub, you will need a computer and web access in your shop. We will provide hosting, donated to us by a fairly high-end provider called EngineYard, which specializes in Ruby on Rails (what Freehub is built upon). We'll create a url for you at the freehub.bikekitchen.org, probably something like freehub.bikekitchen.org/sfbk (to use our shop as an example). If you have questions or would like to be part of our testing, let me know. Our goal is to have a significant presentation at Bike!Bike! this year, which is a scant 6 months away! (Sept. 25-28th!) Cheers, Mario Bruzzone Bike Kitchen San Francisco

1 0

solvents in the shop
by Michael Wolfe 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Speaking of liver damage, etc.. Wondering if any shops out there have had issues solvent tanks in their shop? The fumes give me a headache but others don't seem to mind it. Mostly I worry about the health effects on the full time people in the shop. Short of installing a hood or ventalation system, what options are there to locate that stuff outside? On 4/2/08, Tom Emm <tom48236(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > > Acetone, also known as propanone, dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, > propanone2-one,and ketro-propane is a colorless mobile flammable liquid.itis the simplest example of the ketones. > acetone can dissolve many plastics including those used in Nalgene bottles > made of polystyrene, poly carbonate,and some types of polypropolene. > Toxicology:acetone is an irritant and inhalation may cause hepatoxic > effects(causing liver damage). the vapors should be avoided. always use > goggles when handling acetone. > from Wikipedia. > > ------------------------------ > You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster > Total Access<http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=47523/*http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/…>, > No Cost. > > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >

2 1

permission slips for kids to participate in your shop
by rachael spiewak 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Do you have one? Can you share it on the wiki? Thanks! Rachael -- Sopo Bicycle Cooperative 404-425-9989 www.sopobikes.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Hours of operation: Tues/Thurs 7 pm - 10 pm Sat/Sun 2 pm - 5 pm

2 1

Re: [TheThinkTank] solvents in the shop
by Bob Giordano 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Indoor air quality is tops on our list for a healthy shop atmosphere. We do not store anything that gives off harmful fumes. Tooth brushes and simple green (highly diluted) in a small wooden bowl is our parts cleaning station. We are even moving away from simple green (i've learned it is harmful to some)- to a citrus based cleaner. I guess tri flow is the only thing with fumes in the shop. Often we ask people to use it outside. I'd like to find a non-petroleum lube. -Bob Giordano, Free Cycles Missoula Michael Wolfe wrote: > Speaking of liver damage, etc.. Wondering if any shops out there have had > issues solvent tanks in their shop? The fumes give me a headache but others > don't seem to mind it. Mostly I worry about the health effects on the full > time people in the shop. Short of installing a hood or ventalation system, > what options are there to locate that stuff outside?

1 0

no blood for oil
by Tom Emm 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

Acetone, also known as propanone, dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, propanone2-one,and ketro-propane is a colorless mobile flammable liquid.it is the simplest example of the ketones. acetone can dissolve many plastics including those used in Nalgene bottles made of polystyrene, poly carbonate,and some types of polypropolene. Toxicology:acetone is an irritant and inhalation may cause hepatoxic effects(causing liver damage). the vapors should be avoided. always use goggles when handling acetone. from Wikipedia. --------------------------------- You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost.

1 0

i'd like to join the list!
by Sandy Robson 02 Apr '08

02 Apr '08

sandyrobson(a)gmail.com -- Macalester College 1600 Grand Ave St Paul, MN 55105 US Cell 410 206 7826 MSN jindabad(a)hotmail.com

1 0

cheap lubrication; blood for olive oil
by Michael Wolfe 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

white lightning. wax and acetone. same idea. NO War for Chain Lube!! On Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 6:45 PM, Tom Emm <tom48236(a)yahoo.com> wrote: > Cheap chain lube > motor oil mixed with paint thinner fifty-fifty or adjust to taste. > theory: paint thinner allows lube to creep into the tiniest cracks, it > evaporates > (in theory) leaving behind oily residue to lubricate your part. > > ------------------------------ > You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster > Total Access<http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=47523/*http://tc.deals.yahoo.com/tc/blockbuster/…>, > No Cost. > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > >

1 0

cheap lubrication
by Tom Emm 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

Cheap chain lube motor oil mixed with paint thinner fifty-fifty or adjust to taste. theory: paint thinner allows lube to creep into the tiniest cracks, it evaporates (in theory) leaving behind oily residue to lubricate your part. --------------------------------- You rock. That's why Blockbuster's offering you one month of Blockbuster Total Access, No Cost.

1 0

Suntour Shop tools
by BovineOaks＠aol.com 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

The two or four pronged tools and BMX four pronged tools need to be held in place by either the Quick release or the axle nut. The tool only needs to be held tight for only the first 1/4 of a turn when you are loosening it. After that you can unscrew it with your bare hand. I have had my Suntour tools for 23 year and used them in four bike programs on a couple hundred bikes, I have only broken one. It broke into five pieces when three of us tried to break a stuck freewheel off a bike. Always use anti seize on your threads where two dissimilar metals come together, or grease if you do not know about better products. Suntour tools should never slip if they are used correctly. **************Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15&ncid=aolhom0…)

1 0

Re: [TheThinkTank] On Shop tools
by troy neiman 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

We come across the same problems also. We use the Park PC3 chain tools and have to replace the pins fairly regularly (and find that many people that say they know how to use them may not really know how...so watching for the first few seconds helps). You can also buy direct from Park Tools replacement parts which has been very helpful when you can replace just the chain tool handle or just the T shaped screw part. The parts are about half the price of a new tool and less waste. Same goes for any of Park Tools products such as crank arm extractors and bike repair stand arms, etc. You can get a parts catalog for free through QBP and I assume through Park but you don't need any account to order from Park directly. the pump? I am at a loss but the silca seems to hold up the best for Schroeder valve using the little brass screw type head. Troy BICASTucson AZ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mario Bruzzone" To: "The Think Tank" Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] On Shop tools Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:10:01 -0700 With the Park Tools, you can replace just the pins--it's usually much cheaper (and creates less waste!) than buying a whole new tool. But yes, those are things that break all the time for us as well. Cheers, Mario Bruzzone Bike Kitchen San Francisco On Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 9:53 AM, Sherief <sgaber(a)gmail.com> wrote: Hello all, This is Sherief from the Austin Yellowbike, and I was hoping to pool the thinktank's experience with shop tools prone to breakage and the like. We're currently having huge issues keeping up with Chain Tools and Presta Valve pumps especially... it feels like not a week goes by without at least one of each of these tools breaking. W/r/t the chain tools, we recently switched from the nicer Park tools to the cheapest we could get out of the catalog, but with the way those break there's effectively no net savings and even when they are functioning the new cheap ones are no good. We try to make sure people know how to use the tools before they do, etc. But my question(s) today is: Do people have any similar experience out there with broken/breakable tools-- specifically good ways to prevent these breakages? Does anyone have any recommendations for good chain tools /PV pumps that can withstand a bit of overeager volunteerin g? Best, Sherief _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… _______________________________________________ Thethinktank mailing list Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… -- Want an e-mail address like mine? Get a free e-mail account today at www.mail.com!

5 4

Re: [TheThinkTank] ***DHSPAM*** Re: On Shop tools
by Velocipede Bike Project 01 Apr '08

01 Apr '08

as for pumps I've had good luck with topeak two sided pumps. They are pretty durable and it's easy to get new parts for them if they break or go missing(you can order a repair kit from QBP, or just seperate parts), and they make sense to people. (I've had good luck with the specialized pump as well, but it can be harder to get parts for them) We had afew silca headed pumps that were donated to us and all of them have parts missing because people don't know how to use them. It constantly blows my mind how many people out there have no idea how to pump up a tire!!!!! I've thought about attaching laminated cards to the pumps with instructions on proper use, but haven't gotten that together yet.... Still, no matter how well you care for a pump, the rubber fitting in the head will eventually wear out, so it's nice to know that you can easily find the replacement... On a slightly different note, how do you guys label your freewheel and bottom bracket tools? We've had more problems with those going missing and getting stripped than any other tool in the shop. Especially the very similar shimano splined FW tool, and the Falcon/atomic Splined FW tool. They look the same, but if you use the wrong one you strip the tool, plus, the only way to tell which one you need is to read the label on the free wheel itself..... also those Suntour two prong FW removers strip all the time if you don't use them right.....any ideas on this would be great!! -beth velocipede bike project baltimore, md > We come across the same problems also. We use the Park PC3 chain tools > and have to replace the pins fairly regularly (and find that many people > that say they know how to use them may not really know how...so watching > for the first few seconds helps). You can also buy direct from Park Tools > replacement parts which has been very helpful when you can replace just > the chain tool handle or just the T shaped screw part. The parts are > about half the price of a new tool and less waste. Same goes for any of > Park Tools products such as crank arm extractors and bike repair stand > arms, etc. You can get a parts catalog for free through QBP and I assume > through Park but you don't need any account to order from Park directly. > the pump? I am at a loss but the silca seems to hold up the best for > Schroeder valve using the little brass screw type head. Troy BICASTucson > AZ > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Mario Bruzzone" > To: "The Think Tank" > Subject: Re: [TheThinkTank] On Shop tools > Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:10:01 -0700 > > With the Park Tools, you can replace just the pins--it's usually much > cheaper (and creates less waste!) than buying a whole new tool. > > But yes, those are things that break all the time for us as well. > > Cheers, > Mario Bruzzone > Bike Kitchen > San Francisco > > > On Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 9:53 AM, Sherief <sgaber(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Hello all, > > This is Sherief from the Austin Yellowbike, and I was hoping to > pool the thinktank's experience with shop tools prone to breakage > and the like. We're currently having huge issues keeping up with > Chain Tools and Presta Valve pumps especially... it feels like > not a week goes by without at least one of each of these tools > breaking. W/r/t the chain tools, we recently switched from the > nicer Park tools to the cheapest we could get out of the catalog, > but with the way those break there's effectively no net savings > and even when they are functioning the new cheap ones are no > good. We try to make sure people know how to use the tools > before they do, etc. But my question(s) today is: Do people have > any similar experience out there with broken/breakable tools-- > specifically good ways to prevent these breakages? Does anyone > have any recommendations for good chain tools /PV pumps that can > withstand a bit of overeager volunteerin g? > > > Best, > Sherief > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… > > -- > Want an e-mail address like mine? > Get a free e-mail account today at www.mail.com! > > _______________________________________________ > Thethinktank mailing list > Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org > http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… >

1 0

Re: [TheThinkTank] Thethinktank Digest, Vol 19, Issue 34
by Tom Emm 31 Mar '08

31 Mar '08

Pat I have the advert re: big ride sat apr 12, i will tell don also. here's is something i thought interesting regaring shop tools \ it looks as though every body has similar problems. Tom thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org wrote: Send Thethinktank mailing list submissions to thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.… or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to thethinktank-request(a)bikecollectives.org You can reach the person managing the list at thethinktank-owner(a)bikecollectives.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Thethinktank digest..." Today's Topics: 1. On Shop tools (Sherief) 2. Re: On Shop tools (joshua muir) 3. Re: On Shop tools (Mark Rehder) 4. Re: On Shop tools (Mario Bruzzone) 5. Re: On Shop tools (Jonathan Morrison) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:53:05 -0500 From: Sherief Subject: [TheThinkTank] On Shop tools To: Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org Message-ID: <6f24d4530803310953n69ccb215h3f893d96c17ab91f(a)mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Hello all, This is Sherief from the Austin Yellowbike, and I was hoping to pool the thinktank's experience with shop tools prone to breakage and the like. We're currently having huge issues keeping up with Chain Tools and Presta Valve pumps especially... it feels like not a week goes by without at least one of each of these tools breaking. W/r/t the chain tools, we recently switched from the nicer Park tools to the cheapest we could get out of the catalog, but with the way those break there's effectively no net savings and even when they are functioning the new cheap ones are no good. We try to make sure people know how to use the tools before they do, etc. But my question(s) today is: Do people have any similar experience out there with broken/breakable tools-- specifically good ways to prevent these breakages? Does anyone have any recommendations for good chain tools /PV pumps that can withstand a bit of overeager volunteering? Best, Sherief

1 0

Valet Bike Parking details: contracts, equipment?
by Jim Sheehan 30 Mar '08

30 Mar '08

Can we resurrect this topic with more detail about problems and solutions? A few of ours are: Getting event organizers to pay what the service is worth. We are writing a contract for this and will share it when finished -- does anyone have one we can model ours on? Parking large volumes. I loved the idea of playing card suites for parking areas. Some have mentioned a chronological (sequential, for numbered tickets) system, and color coding. We usually invite users in to help find their own bike, which is less than ideal. Racks. We have made some from rims and crib railings, and have a grant pending for a design contest, so if you have something good (sturdy, light, collapsible), let us know. If we get the grant, you could get $250. On Sun, Feb 10, 2008 at 1:04 PM, Jonathan Morrison < jonathan(a)slcbikecollective.org> wrote: > Does anyone else do it? > http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Valet_Bike_Parking > Jim Sheehan Director, Ohio City Bicycle Co-op 1823 Columbus Rd Cleveland, Ohio 44113 216 830 2667 OhioCityCycles.org

1 0

Re: [TheThinkTank] Women and Trans Night
by Kale 24 Mar '08

24 Mar '08

Just my two cents on this issue, which has already been discussed fairly thoroughly-- but it seems like the "and trans" is often tagged on the end. The discussion has been entirely about women, which is a discussion that needs to take place, but what about the transpeople? There are a whole other set of issues at work here- how masculinity gets defined in the shop, and who gets to define it- the cismen or the transmen. As a fairly iffeminate transman and amateur bike mechanic, I get a lot of hate from more masculine transmen, plus the standard, run of the mill sexism from cis-gendered men. Can transmen be included in a woman's only or women-identified space? We face some of the same issues of oppression by patriarchy and homophobia as cis women and queer peoples, but our issues are different in a lot of ways. -K

1 0

Bike Works Seattle is Hiring: Lead Mechanic
by Melanie Lyons 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

POSITION OPENING: LEAD MECHANIC Please help spread the word! Bike Works is a nonprofit organization that has been working for kids, bikes, and community in Seattle since 1996. Our programs and services invest in young people and encourage bicycling as a clean and healthy transportation alternative. Our programs include Earn-a-Bike for youth, Summer Bike Camps, Neighborhood Rides and Street Burner bike club activities, Community Bike Shop, Annual Kids Bike Swap, domestic and international bicycle donations to charitable organizations, and more. Our Community Bike Shop serves Seattle residents from all walks of life with used bike sales and affordable repairs. Essential Job Functions: The Bike Shop Lead Mechanic assumes primary responsibility for managing all mechanical work in the Shop, which includes scheduling work, maintaining quality and timely services, performing repairs and overhauling bikes for resale, providing outstanding customer service and sales, supporting the overall operations of the shop, and serving as a resource to the community. Primary duties include: * Oversee mechanic services in the shop, ensuring quality, timely work * Perform bicycle repair, maintenance, and walk-in services on customer bicycles of all types and conditions * Recondition and overhaul used bicycles of all types and conditions for resale * Deliver professional, accessible, and helpful customer service to a diverse customer base * Support daily Bike Shop operations * Collaborate with Program Staff to support Youth Programs and Adult Volunteers * Represent Bike Works to the neighborhood & act as a resource for the community * Work in partnership with Executive Director, Board of Directors, other staff, and Key Stakeholders to participate in strategic planning process, to develop a long term mission driven strategic plan, and to create annual operational plans Desired Qualifications: * Strong commitment to youth leadership, sustainable communities and bicycle transportation; * Strong customer service skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently are key aspects of this job; * Excellent mechanical skills required (minimum 3 years hands-on, professional experience working on a wide variety of bicycles, wheel building is a plus!); * Previous experience in retail management and sales preferred; bike shop experience essential; * Ability to work with youth and adults of diverse cultural backgrounds; * Self-directed, energetic, flexible and personable & be able to work independently and as part of a team; * Excellent organizational skills: systems oriented with high attention to detail; * Ability to work competently with computers and word processing, spreadsheet, and database software, Basic PC skills, working knowledge of QuickBooks and Microsoft Office applications; * Strong interpersonal skills & a friendly outgoing attitude with a desire to work with the public; * Ability to mentor youth ages 9-17 in engaging and empowering apprenticeship relationship; * Ability to multi-task in a fast paced, ever-changing environment; * Respect for and a commitment to diversity, teamwork, and progressive social values; How to Apply: Send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to development(a)bikeworks.org Pay Rate & Benefits: Regular, full-time, salaried position with benefits. Monetary compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience. Bike Works is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation Melanie Lyons Assistant Director Bike Works 3709 S. Ferdinand St. Seattle, WA 98118 206-725-9408 HYPERLINK "http://www.bikeworks.org"http://www.bikeworks.org "Building sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling." No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.8/1339 - Release Date: 3/22/2008 4:43 PM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.21.8/1339 - Release Date: 3/22/2008 4:43 PM

1 0

Random Thought: Creating a bicycle parts/tools distributor for Community Bike Shops.
by Jonathan Morrison 23 Mar '08

23 Mar '08

Distributors ( http://www.bikecollectives.org/wiki/index.php?title=Distributors) are just the middle men separating manufacturers from retailers. Just like food cooperatives that buy in bulk and disseminate food at bulk rates, we could do that with bike parts. For those of us that buy using distributors it would save an roughly 25% off of wholesale, and for those community bike shops that aren't established enough to get a distributor account -- we would be providing an option that is 75% off of MSRP. Ideally we would get accounts with tool manufacturers like park tool, pedros, hozan, etc.,... as well as wearable items like grease, bearing, chain lube, patch manufacturers, and then lower-end (but quality) parts manufacturers for things that we don't get enough of donated, or that aren't worth re-using. This will be different for each shop, but as an example in SLC we don't re-use bearings, spokes, cables or housing -- they get recycled and we put new ones on bikes. We also buy new road tires (27" & 700c) because we don't have enough decent ones donated, either they are too worn or dried out. I can think of 2 conclusions: 1) It isn't worth doing. The 25% cut a distributor gets is worth paying given the hassle and it is just another random thought that might result in spending $5 to save $3. 2) It is worth doing. -- 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 Get Addicted to Crank! http://www.slcbikecollective.org/crank/

9 8

Re: [TheThinkTank] Women and Trans Night
by dragonfly＠mac.hush.com 22 Mar '08

22 Mar '08

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Hi, Colin. Back Alley bikes in Detroit has had wonderful Women and Trans nights for over a year. The amazing B got the idea from the people at Plan B. She and C ran it. It was great. The shop was so quiet. Everyone asked politely for tools and shared and helped, we usually had homemade food we'd made to feed each other, so it became a potluck. There were often babies (and no one shouted at the little ones), and usually a fantastic dog called Ruby. We played music and you could actually hear it. The whole energy of the shop was more gentle and mellow. For most women, it was our favorite night. Lots of women came out, so it was often just as busy as a usual night, but the shop seemed larger and cleaner and better organized on Women and Trans night. It was peaceful and fun. A whole other crowd came out-- Detroit is a homophobic place, and transgendered people have a tough time in this town. There are not many spaces respectful of them. It was such a fantastic thing to have happy, relaxed transgendered people just fixing their bikes. Women who don't usually come to the shop came; other women who are usually nervous and quiet all of a sudden emerged as strong and raunchy and funny and really good at things. More older women came; one said that the regular shop nights had too much background noise for her to hear anything, as she is partly deaf. Many women seemed to learn twice as fast as they usually do. B and C were the only two people who were really great mechanics. The rest of us know our own bikes pretty well, or else we know how to make some repairs and not others. We were pretty good at helping each other, and many of us felt confident to try to teach or assist for the first time on these nights, but B and C really, really worked hard. It is too bad that one of your members is upset by Women and Trans night. There is a lot of terrible violence and injustice in the society as a whole, and a lot of women and particularly transgendered people have some real safety concerns and scars. Despite everyone's best efforts, our ordinary shop nights are NOT always safe or cool. We have a collective member and a couple of regulars that have to be spoken to with alarming regularity. Many of us can speak for ourselves, but there is only so much BS you really want to deal with on your off hours, and some people are a little fragile. I nearly lost it one night when some f**kwad started lecturing me about how to pump up my tires on a day when I was taking things slow because I'd had chemo that morning. He made some comment about not having to pump up my breasts but wanting to squeeze them, and I was just freaking done. Lucky for me other men in the shop are stellar human beings who hustled him out of there so fast his feet left the ground. The exclusivity of Women and Trans night is a decent band- aid solution for now. Maybe you could tell your upset person that if he would take on the task of totally policing your regular shop hours and making the place feel really secure, and if he'd do the outreach in the local women's and transgendered communities to recruit female and transgendered mechanics, and if he could address the concerns of the conservative Muslim women who won't be given permission by their fathers and husbands to come to the shop if it is a mixed gender space-- good luck changing THAT one over night, buddy-- the special nights could be phased out. In Detroit, no one has complained about the exculsivity of Women and Trans night. Every one who comes to the shop is cool with it. We've had a different problem, though. We have one collective member who has been really disrespectful of the authority that B and C demonstrate. He treats them really badly, some times even pretending that he does not hear their voices, or telling someone to stop working on something that either B or C asked them to do. On ordinary shop nights, there are little blow- ups that get hustled off into corners and smoothed down by other (male) collective members. B and C are the main women of Back Alley, and this guy does not do this to male collective members, but he does get pissy with them if they stick up for B and C. All the shop regulars and volunteers have noticed this. B and C are sick of it, and may be leaving the shop for a while or permanently, until the people who are squeamish about directly addressing this man's behavior (he is one of the original collective members) are willing to do so. No one wants B and C to go, but the situation is pretty unbearable. What should everyone do about THAT situation? The women and transgendered people who have created a safe and happy space for each other at our Women's only nights might lose that space because a disfunctional silverback has been allowed to run amuck. This man has lots of good points, and he is a founding member, but everyone is troubled by his conduct. I love Women's night, but agree with your guy who is upset about it that there is something disappointing about it, too. It would be great if the shop as a whole was so totally free of ugliness at all times that special arrangements did not have to be made. It's hard to fix a bike wearing a chador, though, and so totally cool to have chador-wearing women becoming bike mechanics along side transgendered people that pretty much whatever you have to do to keep that happening should be done. Incidentally, we do run kid's only programs, and no one gets upset. We have mechanics classes that are closed to people who just want to fix their own bikes and not take the class. We are trying to figure out how to set up a sessions for the homeless men so they don't have to choose between fixing their bikes and a bed for the night. Treating everyone in exactly the same way all the time does not always lead to a just society. Seeing people's real lives and responding to their real needs gets you closer to a beloved community than a one-size-fits-all approach. What do you all make of this one? -- There are some people who have floated the idea of having shop hours that would only be attended by black men. Some black male shop users have indicated that they would like to have a black male space once a month. Totally needed conversations and forms of community building might happen on those nights that would make our neighbourhood as a whole a better place to live, in the same way that those special women's conversations happen when we have the shop to ourselves. One man wanted it to be about fathers and sons. A lot of the dads in this community are non-custodial parents who look for good things to do when they have their visitation rights, and if fewer numbers of people were in line to use the shop, the dads and their kids might have more quality bike repair time with each other, as opposed to sitting-outside-in-the- sun-waiting time, which isn't much fun. (There are ants.) If those kids had a better time with their fathers, wouldn't that serve all of us, even if we had to wait a couple days to true our front wheels? There isn't enough demand for this yet to make it real, and no one who has said they want it has come forward to agree to organize and lead it, but given where our shop is and who it serves, if people want such a night, if they see that it would serve a good community building, family strengthening, purpose, why shouldn't it go forward? I'd be really, really uncomfortable with a whites-only night, but things like a Spanish language or Manderin and Cantonese shop night, or this black father-and-son thing, all seem fine to me. What do other people think? Good luck to you with your Woman and Trans nights, Colin. Sasha On Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:52:48 -0400 freeridemp(a)riseup.net wrote: >Hey Bike Shops, >Does anyone else hold a Women and Trans night or Ladies' night? I >know >Plan B does. We had a weekly one last summer and will be having >another >this summer. The women who have held the shift have found it >effective to >keep the shift exclusive, closed to male-bodied masculine- >identifying >people. We have had a backlash from one of our members, who >accuses us of >sexism, discrimination, and injustice. We have gotten some >incomplete and >bad press. > >Please let me know if you hold a shift like this one, exclusive or >not, >and what you have done about any complaints your membership or >community >has had. > >Thanks, >Colin Gunn >Freeride Montpelier >Montpelier, VT >www.freeridemontpelier.org > > > > > >_______________________________________________ >Thethinktank mailing list >Thethinktank(a)bikecollectives.org >http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank- >bikecollectives.org -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Note: This signature can be verified at https://www.hushtools.com/verify Charset: UTF8 Version: Hush 3.0 wkYEARECAAYFAkflRI8ACgkQ5O7ahKJmrRmCAACfeJYAYaAWQEcKi4Pk4Lt7wKZs9hsA n0F5+indXn2UDNNfDhmRs4bGzxA7 =q4gZ -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

2 1

Women and Trans Night
by freeridemp＠riseup.net 22 Mar '08

22 Mar '08

Hey Bike Shops, Does anyone else hold a Women and Trans night or Ladies' night? I know Plan B does. We had a weekly one last summer and will be having another this summer. The women who have held the shift have found it effective to keep the shift exclusive, closed to male-bodied masculine-identifying people. We have had a backlash from one of our members, who accuses us of sexism, discrimination, and injustice. We have gotten some incomplete and bad press. Please let me know if you hold a shift like this one, exclusive or not, and what you have done about any complaints your membership or community has had. Thanks, Colin Gunn Freeride Montpelier Montpelier, VT www.freeridemontpelier.org

6 5