Official Coli Bike/Cycling thread
Why more Arabs are embracing pedal power
Jan 15th 2022 edition
Make way
Why more Arabs are embracing pedal power
Cars still dominate, but cycling is growing more popular
Jan 13th 2022
TUNIS
The dozens of cyclists winding past the colonial architecture in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, are an intriguing sight. They ring their bells and let out cheers. Vélorution wants people to know when it is on the move—and wants cars to give its members space. The group, and others like it, are trying to carve fresh paths for cyclists through the crowded roadways of the Middle East and north Africa.
Older Arabs often dismiss cycling as a form of transport for the poor. Those with means own cars, which still dominate the roads. Most others prefer trams and buses. But an increasingly vocal cohort of younger Arabs tout the environmental and health benefits of cycling, as well as the potential for easier commutes. From Morocco to Syria they have set up groups that arrange mass cycle rides, offer free repairs and campaign for more room on the road.
They face plenty of obstacles. The number of cyclists may be increasing in the Arab world, but so is the number of cars. The development of new infrastructure has not kept up, leading to hours-long traffic jams—and thus dirtier air. When the cars are moving, the situation is often unsafe for cyclists. According to the World Bank, road accidents are a leading cause of death in the Middle East and north Africa.
Cycle lanes would help, but there are few in the region. Drivers and roadside sellers oppose them. Even where the lanes exist, they are often ignored. Shortly after Egypt introduced cycle lanes in Cairo in 2015, drivers began using them as parking spots. In Damascus, Syria’s capital, there are 10km of cycle lanes, says Mohamad Al Hawarii of Yalla, Let’s Bike, a local cycling group. “But there is no commitment to them…most drivers do not know that these spaces are designated for bicycles.”
Tunisia also has some cycle lanes. One nearing completion on the capital's lakeside will allow riders to enjoy a scenic day out. But it is good for little else. “The problem is that disaggregated cycle routes often exist in isolation, meaning cyclists have a few kilometres of riding before they have to dismount and re-enter the traffic,” says Janene Tuniz of un-Habitat, a un agency that deals with urban development. “You couldn't comfortably commute that way.” Most countries in the region also lack racks or shelters for storing bikes, or bike-sharing schemes.
Until recently, Arabs had little reason to give up their cars. In Beirut, for example, most trips are within a reasonable cycling distance, but Lebanese could get cheap loans to buy cars and fuel was heavily subsidised. This is changing. Mired in an economic crisis, the Lebanese now face long queues at petrol stations, which are often short of supply. The government, like many in the region, has cut fuel subsidies. Cycling, all of sudden, seems like a less hassle some alternative.
It has influential champions. Muhammad bin Zayed, the de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates (uae), has taken an interest; Hamdan bin Muhammad al-Maktoum, the young crown prince of Dubai, posts pictures of himself cycling on Instagram. The uae, which hosts professional races, has many kilometres of cycling track. Egypt does not, but President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has called on his people to take up cycling. One reason: studies by the World Bank and others have found that traffic congestion costs Egypt a significant chunk of gdp each year.
There are other reasons, too. Health-care costs are rising across the Arab world, where obesity and its associated ailments, such as diabetes, are a costly problem. Cars are a big source of greenhouse-gas emissions and air pollution. Ditching four wheels for two would improve all of this. Covid-related lockdowns gave Arabs a sense of what more cyclist-friendly streets would be like. Many enjoyed it.
Jan 15th 2022 edition
Make way
Why more Arabs are embracing pedal power
Cars still dominate, but cycling is growing more popular
Jan 13th 2022
TUNIS
The dozens of cyclists winding past the colonial architecture in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, are an intriguing sight. They ring their bells and let out cheers. Vélorution wants people to know when it is on the move—and wants cars to give its members space. The group, and others like it, are trying to carve fresh paths for cyclists through the crowded roadways of the Middle East and north Africa.
Older Arabs often dismiss cycling as a form of transport for the poor. Those with means own cars, which still dominate the roads. Most others prefer trams and buses. But an increasingly vocal cohort of younger Arabs tout the environmental and health benefits of cycling, as well as the potential for easier commutes. From Morocco to Syria they have set up groups that arrange mass cycle rides, offer free repairs and campaign for more room on the road.
They face plenty of obstacles. The number of cyclists may be increasing in the Arab world, but so is the number of cars. The development of new infrastructure has not kept up, leading to hours-long traffic jams—and thus dirtier air. When the cars are moving, the situation is often unsafe for cyclists. According to the World Bank, road accidents are a leading cause of death in the Middle East and north Africa.
Cycle lanes would help, but there are few in the region. Drivers and roadside sellers oppose them. Even where the lanes exist, they are often ignored. Shortly after Egypt introduced cycle lanes in Cairo in 2015, drivers began using them as parking spots. In Damascus, Syria’s capital, there are 10km of cycle lanes, says Mohamad Al Hawarii of Yalla, Let’s Bike, a local cycling group. “But there is no commitment to them…most drivers do not know that these spaces are designated for bicycles.”
Tunisia also has some cycle lanes. One nearing completion on the capital's lakeside will allow riders to enjoy a scenic day out. But it is good for little else. “The problem is that disaggregated cycle routes often exist in isolation, meaning cyclists have a few kilometres of riding before they have to dismount and re-enter the traffic,” says Janene Tuniz of un-Habitat, a un agency that deals with urban development. “You couldn't comfortably commute that way.” Most countries in the region also lack racks or shelters for storing bikes, or bike-sharing schemes.
Until recently, Arabs had little reason to give up their cars. In Beirut, for example, most trips are within a reasonable cycling distance, but Lebanese could get cheap loans to buy cars and fuel was heavily subsidised. This is changing. Mired in an economic crisis, the Lebanese now face long queues at petrol stations, which are often short of supply. The government, like many in the region, has cut fuel subsidies. Cycling, all of sudden, seems like a less hassle some alternative.
It has influential champions. Muhammad bin Zayed, the de facto ruler of the United Arab Emirates (uae), has taken an interest; Hamdan bin Muhammad al-Maktoum, the young crown prince of Dubai, posts pictures of himself cycling on Instagram. The uae, which hosts professional races, has many kilometres of cycling track. Egypt does not, but President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has called on his people to take up cycling. One reason: studies by the World Bank and others have found that traffic congestion costs Egypt a significant chunk of gdp each year.
There are other reasons, too. Health-care costs are rising across the Arab world, where obesity and its associated ailments, such as diabetes, are a costly problem. Cars are a big source of greenhouse-gas emissions and air pollution. Ditching four wheels for two would improve all of this. Covid-related lockdowns gave Arabs a sense of what more cyclist-friendly streets would be like. Many enjoyed it.
Took my Raleigh to the LBS today. The options were limited with the brake levers, but they did drop the angle of the hoods and consequently, the brake levers. Talking with the mechanic, I now also realized that altho the levers aren't great, my uncertainty around the brakes levers is also partially because I'm learning to ride a road bike in the dead of winter when the roads are at their worst, while using bulky gloves.
She did maintenance on the gears as well and also gave me a lil tutorial on the shifters, recommending I get a feel for the bike by using the left shifters more and the right shifters less... so basically, instead of making minor changes with the right hand shifter, make larger changes with the left shifter instead.
I was able to take it for a test drive and it felt a lot smoother using the left shifter to change gears! It felt good riding up and down the sidewalk outside of the LBS.
Buuuuut, when I eventually tried to use the shifters on the right, the gears were still sticky. The mechanic acknowledged it as well, pointing out that it happens when you cross-chain, and that I could use the left shifters for the most part to tackle hills and stop lights. She was extremely knowledgeable, so it kinda made sense, but when I step back and think about it, it's the equivalent of turning my 10-Speed into a 2-Speed.
I think the Cycling Gods felt my uncertainty after the test ride, because as I was gathering my things to have one last talk w/ the mechanic and dip, I overheard a different mechanic talking to a customer:
They talk some more and then the mechanic goes in the back and grabs the new bike that they built. As they're walking past me, I couldn't help but ask: "Aye bro is that the 4130????" And he confirmed that it was.
Stylish AF and the frame was thinner than I expected. He got the fixie but I'm guessing it's the same frame/bike that @Stir Fry recommended save for the gears, and it looked amazing. At that point, I confirmed their return policy and biked home on the Raleigh, but I knew deep down that I was getting the 4130.
My initial plan was to surpass an arbitrary # of riding miles yearly, and cop a new bike as a reward each time... But since I'm buying something that is 100% my type (and more expensive), I will shift my reward to upgrades. So short-term the bike is more expensive, but I should save $$$ long term.
She did maintenance on the gears as well and also gave me a lil tutorial on the shifters, recommending I get a feel for the bike by using the left shifters more and the right shifters less... so basically, instead of making minor changes with the right hand shifter, make larger changes with the left shifter instead.
I was able to take it for a test drive and it felt a lot smoother using the left shifter to change gears! It felt good riding up and down the sidewalk outside of the LBS.
Buuuuut, when I eventually tried to use the shifters on the right, the gears were still sticky. The mechanic acknowledged it as well, pointing out that it happens when you cross-chain, and that I could use the left shifters for the most part to tackle hills and stop lights. She was extremely knowledgeable, so it kinda made sense, but when I step back and think about it, it's the equivalent of turning my 10-Speed into a 2-Speed.
I think the Cycling Gods felt my uncertainty after the test ride, because as I was gathering my things to have one last talk w/ the mechanic and dip, I overheard a different mechanic talking to a customer:
At that point, I went from glancing over my shoulder, to straight eyeballing
They talk some more and then the mechanic goes in the back and grabs the new bike that they built. As they're walking past me, I couldn't help but ask: "Aye bro is that the 4130????" And he confirmed that it was.
Stylish AF and the frame was thinner than I expected. He got the fixie but I'm guessing it's the same frame/bike that @Stir Fry recommended save for the gears, and it looked amazing. At that point, I confirmed their return policy and biked home on the Raleigh, but I knew deep down that I was getting the 4130.
My initial plan was to surpass an arbitrary # of riding miles yearly, and cop a new bike as a reward each time... But since I'm buying something that is 100% my type (and more expensive), I will shift my reward to upgrades. So short-term the bike is more expensive, but I should save $$$ long term.
TELL ME YA CHEESIN FAM?
I walk around a little edgy already
Too cold in Houston to be riding right now
Took my Raleigh to the LBS today. The options were limited with the brake levers, but they did drop the angle of the hoods and consequently, the brake levers. Talking with the mechanic, I now also realized that altho the levers aren't great, my uncertainty around the brakes levers is also partially because I'm learning to ride a road bike in the dead of winter when the roads are at their worst, while using bulky gloves.
She did maintenance on the gears as well and also gave me a lil tutorial on the shifters, recommending I get a feel for the bike by using the left shifters more and the right shifters less... so basically, instead of making minor changes with the right hand shifter, make larger changes with the left shifter instead.
I was able to take it for a test drive and it felt a lot smoother using the left shifter to change gears! It felt good riding up and down the sidewalk outside of the LBS.
Buuuuut, when I eventually tried to use the shifters on the right, the gears were still sticky. The mechanic acknowledged it as well, pointing out that it happens when you cross-chain, and that I could use the left shifters for the most part to tackle hills and stop lights. She was extremely knowledgeable, so it kinda made sense, but when I step back and think about it, it's the equivalent of turning my 10-Speed into a 2-Speed.
I think the Cycling Gods felt my uncertainty after the test ride, because as I was gathering my things to have one last talk w/ the mechanic and dip, I overheard a different mechanic talking to a customer:
At that point, I went from glancing over my shoulder, to straight eyeballing
They talk some more and then the mechanic goes in the back and grabs the new bike that they built. As they're walking past me, I couldn't help but ask: "Aye bro is that the 4130????" And he confirmed that it was.
Stylish AF and the frame was thinner than I expected. He got the fixie but I'm guessing it's the same frame/bike that @Stir Fry recommended save for the gears, and it looked amazing. At that point, I confirmed their return policy and biked home on the Raleigh, but I knew deep down that I was getting the 4130.
My initial plan was to surpass an arbitrary # of riding miles yearly, and cop a new bike as a reward each time... But since I'm buying something that is 100% my type (and more expensive), I will shift my reward to upgrades. So short-term the bike is more expensive, but I should save $$$ long term.
Dope! Yeah, for me a bike is something of a buy once, cry once type of item when you've decided that you like cycling enough to commit to it for the long term. No point in buying new, complete bikes that cost hundreds to thousands of dollars just to be looking forward to dumping it in a few years. I remember one of your points of liking the repurposing aspect of buying used, and that mindset would have been the total opposite of your original intention. Even if it means eating ramen for a couple months , you'll save tons of money in the long run, and ultimately own a product that is much more rewarding in the end.
Another piece of advice I like to give is that it's just as important to lock up your bike inside your house as it is when it's parked on the street. I know I'd be a mess if I came home one day and mine was gone over something that could have been so easily avoided.
Happy to hear that it sounds like everything is working out for you
Post a pic when you get itDon't forget to look into adding a cross brake lever too, you just need one for the rear. They make a world of difference.
I just compared our geometries and it looks like they're almost exactly the same. I think you'll be really happy with that purchase. You'll have an aggressive, sporty ride, but still be able to comfortably go on 50 mile rides at the same time.
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Since it looks like this may now be the "official" bike thread I'll repost my riding kit here. I'm not into patching my tubes. I'm sure I could learn how, but I'd rather just replace the whole tube than to risk doing it wrong in the field.
LEZYNE Road Caddy
Portland Design Works 3 Wrencho Tire Lever
Portland Design Works Shiny Object CO2 Inflator Head
Continental Supersonic Lightweight Long Valve Bicycle Tubes
I keep a couple loose allens in the pouch as well
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repost
Asked a supposedly black forum for a helmet recommendation for someone with an afro and got no responses.
Heres what I found anyway
S1 Lifer Helmets - Mega Lifer (23"-25.5") - S1 Helmet Co. Official Store
this Bern helmet appears to be suited for large hair as well
Bern Macon 2.0 MIPS Helmet | REI Co-op
now i need to find a bike.
