Bicycle Fetish

Discovered a new bicycle manufacturer yesterday: Linus Bikes.

The guys at Wheelhouse were able to get a few of the utilitarian and handsome bikes from this small shop, and I’ve got to say, the look is great and they’ve got a very nice build quality for the price. I’ve been by twice in the last two weeks (a friend looking at the Swan, and a brother looking for other stuff) and each time I’ve found myself pedaling one of these around the parking lot.

They’re quite light, and the length is less than that of my Opa, but the ones I rode still had a satisfying feel — steady, not delicate, and comfortable. They strike me as ideal for a 3 mi. ride downtown, or to the grocery store if you need a half-gallon of milk. A little more nimble and a little more delicate than a full-on dutch bike. But you’ll pay a bit less, too, I think they’re under $600 for the models with gears.

Though their website doesn’t show them yet, the Linus folk also make panniers and other accessories that are quite fetching; Will bought a couple of rigid canvas bags for his Secret Service bike, and they’re pretty spiffy. Clean and well made, without a lot of un-necessary stuff is how I’d describe them — and I will, in more detail, after I’ve got some pictures to show.

Lastly, how could you not like a company with this logo?

It’s not like anyone needs more than a single bicycle — particularly more than one of a particular style — but these Kogswell bicycles are just beautiful. I like the fact that they sell the frame and fork, and you (or a builder) adds the rest of the parts to complete your ride. It may not be any cheaper, but it’s bound to be an interesting experience.

However, I’m reminded of my co-worker who started to work on a custom-built PC today; he’s going to spend hours and in the end will have something useful, but a bit finicky, and will have lost hours (perhaps days) to an unnecessary process. I prefer to purchase a computer in finished form, and while I may admire a bicycle assembled from ideal parts, the fact remains: I’ll never build one for myself.

(I’d include a picture, but all the images in their gallery are copyrighted, it seems.)

Browsing around and admiring pictures of the Pashley Guv’nor a friend of mine has thought of purchasing on his trip to England led me to the site for Gold Country Cyclery in northern California. I’m glad they’re an eight-hour drive away, or I’d probably spend far too much time drooling over this great looking three-speed.

It’s not quite right for me (I prefer to sit up, and there aren’t enough gears for the hills in this area), but it is a great looking bike; the Roadster Sovereign and the Princess Sovereign are also fine examples of what I’m going to have to start referring to as “Dutch/English”-style bicycles. The cork grips and the white tires are a nice touch, but the brand logo really seals the deal for me — guess I’m just shallow.

THE CONFERENCE BIKE!!!!!!!!!!! – WheelHouse: Classic and Modern Bicycles.

The “McClintock 7″ — What greater honor is there? These guys are undoubtedly on to something, and are already making a great contribution to Santa Barbara’s bike scene.