from the On Line Edition of the New Yorker:

http://www.newyorker.com/science/maria-konnikova/cars-vs-bikes-vs-pedest...

I recently bought a spare bike to keep me going while my regular bike was being repaired. I've upgraded the bike with new cassette, new saddle and other things. Actually, for a spare bike, I'm liking it a lot.

Now I've had three spokes break and I believe that means I could use new wheels. The bike is a very nice 2014 Giant Defy Aluxx aluminum bike worth maybe $500-550. I don't want to overspend on the new wheels.

So what are some wheel models or types I should be looking at? The wheels should be reliable, accommodate 25mm tires, run fast enough for a B rider on an aluminum bike, be lightweight or at least average weight, and match my bike in terms of quality and price. Thanks.

The last time I rode the trail going through Van Cortland park (connecting to South County trailway), there was a section that's pretty narrow, and the overgrown vegetation "reach out" to grab my clothing!

That was quite a few years ago though. Has the trail condition been improved since? Or gotten even worse?

Hello everyone, 

I recently found out about NYCC and kinda interested at the SIGs that are being offered.  However, I couldn't find any information on the registration etc.  Would someone point me into the right direction here?

Greatly appreciate your help.

While writing up a description for a 20" rear wheel, I was endeavored to determine the brand of spoke.  I knew Wheelsmith, DT Smith and Sapim.  But this one had a lowercase "n" (or possibly a "u".)   So I performed a Google search on "bike spokes with 'n' logo" and came up this remarkable Spoke Head Identification Chart which had photographed and catalogued scores of images and manufacturers.  Who knew?

During my ride to Piermont yesterday,  I did some hand-held I-Phone work—video (mainly) and a few stills and cut together a short 3 minute video of what nature was up to between the bridge and Bunbury’s yesterday.  I’ve posted it here:  https://vimeo.com/144681357   Solo piano piece composed and played by Canadian David Kidd.  

This is in further celebration of this year’s special fall colors, and earlier posts recognizing it by Hank and Richard—the latter with Jerry’s terrific video of River Road which, if you haven’t seen, I strongly recommend.    

i need to upgrade my wheels and would like to work with a local wheel builder instead of one of the shops in the UWS.  Any recommendations will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Eric

Work off all that food by joining Marilyn and Ken on our 22nd annual climb over Diamond Mountain, an easy Harriman State Park hike, with Manhattan-skyscraper views from the summit.

For a mile or so we follow cascading Pine Meadow Brook (with recent rain, anything but a brook,) then climb the Cascade of Slid, a confused jumble of rocks caused by a hillside cave-in. There's plenty more climbing--nothing technical--and nothing the 78/yo leader can't do. After our decent, a picnic lunch at a  private--well, semi-private--spot overlooking Pine Meadow Lake awaits.

A Community of Volunteers - Paying it Forward

The NYCC has a rich history of volunteering. In fact, nothing is accomplished without it. There would be no ENY, no STS, no programs, SIGs, led rides, web site, special events, anything without our members stepping up to perform a variety of tasks.  Moreover, we have been told countless times: “we must give back” to the club; “pay it back” for all it does for us.