While looking up something on Sheldon Brown's website, I learned that 2011 is the 75th Anniversary of the Sturmey-Archer AW hub, the 3-speed hub-cum-gearing system that graced virtually every English 3-speed bike made since 1936 (and many non-English ones too) .

Therefore, let us pause in our labors to honor this sturdy, weatherproof, utterly reliable and simple-to-adjust invention, many specimens of which remain in use today. The one on my commuter dates from 1951.  Many more can be found on any walk through the Village.  While I will not live to see the 75th anniversary of the Record Carbon derailleur, I suspect few, if any, will be in daily use when it rolls around.  

Hip Hip Hooray!  Hip Hip Hooray!  Hip Hip Hooray!

Do ya wanna hear yet another TSA story? OK, so...nah, no you don't.

Then there was the time at Orly airport (Paris) that I had a two-hour layover, waiting for my connecting flight. I waited by the gate, I mean right by the gate. After two and a half hours I got up and asked some woman with the airline when the flight was leaving.

"Ah, monsieur, je suis désolé; it est depart depuis demi-heur."

What?! It left half an hour ago?! Couldn't have. I was right here all the time! I was at the gate, alright; but I was supposed to walk down to another level. Not that anyone told me.

Me: Why didn't you tell me?

Her: (without a trace of Gallic charm) Because I didn't have to.

My first group ride is going to be the ENY coming up in a couple weeks and I think I need to get a backup tire incase i get a flat. I just bought my first road bike about a few weeks ago so I dont have all the accessories yet. Specifically, an extra tire or a pump (im thinking about winging the pump though and hoping someone else can lend me a hand if something happens, not to mention i have never changed a bike tire before so ill probably need help anyways). 

Does anyone have any suggestions for a backup tire? I was either thinking going with the cheapest tire I can find and just leave it in my seat pack until i get a flat, then swap it out after I buy another good tire. Kind of like a donut flat in a car.

Any suggestions?

On the off chance that you're a member of the boards, I hope nothing came of the minor incident involving you and the police car on Clinton and Delancey. As far as I could tell, you made an honest attempt at getting out of the way of the car as it barreled through the changing light (with sirens on), and he put his car into the barricade. That he cuffed you is frankly absurd, and I'd have given you my card but you were already in the squad car.

Given that the cop in question was clearly a hothead, I wasn't going to volunteer to hand it to you when you were in the backseat of the cruiser.

anyone interested in meeting up for unofficial laps in central park as an alternative to morning rides? 6:30PM Boathouse at night. email contact me if you are interested at [email protected]

Late ride listing.  The route won't be final until we see the condition of River Road later in the week.  We'll ride four of the following six climbs:  River Road, Churchill, Speer, Walnut, Mountain Road, and The Presidents.  The "B15" means that this ride is casual speed-wise. 

From Gale Brewer's office comes this survey about the protected Columbus Avenue Bike Lane between West 77 Street and West 96 Street.

The survey is an effort to determine how the street design changes affect West Siders and is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BrewerBikeLaneSurvey

Please help spread the word about the survey.

Hi,

I am selling a lightly used Specialized Prevail helmet (size L) and Giro Prolight SLX shoes (size 42). 

The S-Works Prevail helmet (retail $230, selling for $120) is Specialized highest-end helmet. I have for a comparo review I was doing between this and the Giro Aeon. Reviews on the web are very positive and I liked it as well. Was used for about 100 miles.

The Prolight SLX shoes are lightweight race shoes (retail $350, selling for $200 obo). Used for about 150 miles. Slight scuff under the left toe but otherwise looks new.

Photos of both can be found here:

http://ilseung.smugmug.com/Other/Bike-Stuff/18435153_w5QQgf

Contact me at [email protected] if interested.