Earn-A-Biker wants BMX
Collectives,
We work with the Boulder County Jail's work release program where
inmates begin the program at our shop and Earn-A-Bike. This past
weekend we did a bunch of work in our storage where we keep kids bikes.
Three of the work release guys, in their late twenties and early
thirties, found BMX bikes they wanted to keep as their Earn-A-Bike. Our
response was to discourage this as we generally try to set people up
with commuter style bikes. I especially tried to discourage the six
foot two guy from choosing a BMX.
We're aware that /some /people are more than happy to commute by BMX but believe that won't work for most people. So the question is should we allow the work release guys to choose any bike they want regardless of the practicality? Are we being elitist bike snobs to make this decision for them? Should we just be happy we got them back on a bike?
Feedback is appreciated.
As a 30 year old 5'-10" male I have recently fallen back in love with the BMX bike. I first dabbled with the bike because of the simplicity - single speed, coaster brake. Now it is the perfect balance for an in town commuter option. I forgot to mention that the bike I have came with a "layback" seat post which allows my knees extra handlebar clearance.
I suggest the following:
- Provide education on the different types of frames available and the
advantages of each. 2) Ultimately it should be the decision of the volunteer based on your availability of stock. 3) Do not squash their interest now, let them have the BMX 4) Because they may then come back later for a commuter bike or service
Austin
On 2/18/08, Rich Points rich@richpoints.com wrote:
Collectives, We work with the Boulder County Jail's work release program where inmates begin the program at our shop and Earn-A-Bike. This past weekend we did a bunch of work in our storage where we keep kids bikes. Three of the work release guys, in their late twenties and early thirties, found BMX bikes they wanted to keep as their Earn-A-Bike. Our response was to discourage this as we generally try to set people up with commuter style bikes. I especially tried to discourage the six foot two guy from choosing a BMX.
We're aware that *some *people are more than happy to commute by BMX but believe that won't work for most people. So the question is should we allow the work release guys to choose any bike they want regardless of the practicality? Are we being elitist bike snobs to make this decision for them? Should we just be happy we got them back on a bike?
Feedback is appreciated.
-- Rich Points Community Cycles Directorhttp://CommunityCycles.org http://communitycycles.org/Rich@CommunityCycles.org 720-565-6019
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you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.
i know i've spent halves of hours extolling the virtues of a solid, mid-range road frame with cruiser bars for yr average commuter, only to sell a forty-pound mountain bike with full suspension and 26x2.75 knobbies. for commuting. in chicago.
people will ride what they will ride. at least they're riding.
- -bB
p.s.: and even if they're not riding, and they just want bmx bikes b/c those are hot commodities that flip easily, hell, you've just encouraged microenterprise!
Rich Points wrote: | Collectives, | We work with the Boulder County Jail's work release program where | inmates begin the program at our shop and Earn-A-Bike. This past | weekend we did a bunch of work in our storage where we keep kids bikes. | Three of the work release guys, in their late twenties and early | thirties, found BMX bikes they wanted to keep as their Earn-A-Bike. Our | response was to discourage this as we generally try to set people up | with commuter style bikes. I especially tried to discourage the six | foot two guy from choosing a BMX. | | We're aware that /some /people are more than happy to commute by BMX but | believe that won't work for most people. So the question is should we | allow the work release guys to choose any bike they want regardless of | the practicality? Are we being elitist bike snobs to make this decision | for them? Should we just be happy we got them back on a bike? | | Feedback is appreciated. | | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | _______________________________________________ | Thethinktank mailing list | Thethinktank@bikecollectives.org | http://lists.bikecollectives.org/listinfo.cgi/thethinktank-bikecollectives.o...
'every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.' -h.l. mencken
participants (3)
-
An Undercover Cop -
Austin Amos -
Rich Points