Bike + Co-op !

Last night, I'm proud to say, I bought a bike from (and applied to become a member of) Third Hand Bike Co-op of Columbus. This is an amazing co-op that refurbishes donated bikes to sell while providing workshop space, tools, and programming for members and the public.

The bike I purchased is a single-speed Schwinn Probe mountain-bike-convert with road tires and drop handlebars. My favorite part might be the neon green brake cable housing or the bright green pedals that I'm sure came from a kid's bike. My only disappointment is that, due to the vertical dropouts, I need a chain tensioner to keep the chain taut...otherwise I'd dispense of its clunky ugliness. [Funny sidenote: I test-rode the bike down 5th Ave without back brakes.]


My membership in the co-op will afford me the chance to learn how to fix up bikes as I volunteer in the shop each month. Fortunately, Third Hand is located just a few blocks north of Jess & Mike's new apartment--which will offer good incentive to visit both my in-laws and the shop more often.

According to my payoff calculator, for a 1.4 mile commute, with gas at $3.45/gallon, and having only paid $50 for this tank, I will pay off my bike after 6.5 months of daily riding!

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Some other great Columbus bike resources:
ConsiderBiking.org
Cranksters radio - go to the archive to stream the radio show dedicated to biking around Columbus.

Plus:
Fixed-gear documentary, Getting Fixed: This video explores the fixed gear phenomenon.

Art of a bike messenger film: See bikes battle and outwit cars on the streets. Unfortunately, these cyclists end up on sidewalks, dodging pedestrians--a divisive move.