Looking For Mary Bars or Midge Bars by On One?

I have seen quite a few hits here from people looking for On One Mary Bars and On One Midge Bars. Well, I can't get them from ZedSport or BTI anymore. But I do have these (pics above) from Origin8. They are knock offs, but they work well and the price is right. $30. Call or email. I have both in black and silver.

Fuji Roubaix Pro 09...Life Gets Busy

I have an 09 Fuji Roubaix Pro 58cm ready to go. This is real road bike! The msrp is $1,600. Call or email me.

The pile of snow at the curb in front of Recycled & New Bicycles is still two feet high. The temperature never went above freezing yesterday. Still, the shop is already getting busy. A new bike and a recycled bicycle went out the door on Thursday. I hope Al enjoys his Fuji Newest 3.0. I had no sales to speak of yesterday, but I was not lonely. People were in and out all day. I mostly watched money go out, a check to R.M. for Rudy B's. new bike (Robin, has he jumped the bike into oblivion yet?), and a big purchase from Rich with J&B Importers.

Busy is good. But, when you are a one man bike shop, busy can be stressful. I refuse to get stressed this year. Last night Patty talked to a friend who said "I love it that he is never there during his posted hours...it shows he has other priorities." Well, I don't know about "never" but I do want to maintain the wisdom to just close the door at times and write on the white-board "call me if you need me" or "coffee break, back in 15" or "picking up Lupine from school, back at 3:30." I've said it before so I will say it again: Customers, you may have to be a little patient.

Work today. Bike ride tomorrow.

Can someone explain to me why I would put the five-word paragraph above in a twitter post? I already have a blog. I just don't get it yet.

Family Ride

Here is a pretty good slide show of Patty, Lupine, and some hippie at the Florida Cyclocross State Championships at Jonathan Dickenson State Park near Hobe Sound, Florida. Thank you Kristen B. for the high def pics!

Fuji Palisade 2.0 The Ultimate Campus Bike

I've been waiting to show you this one, the Fuji Palisade 2.0. Oh, I am so excited. Recycled & New Bicycles carries a lot of Fuji hybrid bicycles (Absolute, Crosstown) but this one is a little different. I like different. Check out the handlebars! Comfy (if you want fast, I can flip 'em over). It comes with a front rack with a built in cup holder, a bell, and a water bottle cage. I have these in all sizes. The color is a beautiful burgundy (Fuji says it's cranberry). Come in and take a test ride. To campus.

Bicycle Fit

I'm not going to go on a long rant here, I promise. I talk a lot about bicycle fit. How do I do it? Good Question. Is it 0.67 x inseam? Is saddle height 0.883 x inseam? Do I use the FitKit? Here is a link to learn more about the many "systems." One thing for sure, if there are so many systems, they can't all be right. It would take a long time to read and understand all this information. So, make sure you read this one by Peter White. I really like this article. I use Peter's basic philosophy along with some formulas and 30+ years of personal experience. Done.

False Alarm

Just ignore my 6:09 AM rant about the air. It's raining hard outside and the air quality forecast has been updated. We are all green. Quick, everyone head for your car. It's ok to drive, it's a green air day.

Bicycles are still the answer.

Hope for the Future

Little Mason, you have made my morning. Thanks, Ryan M.

Fuji Crosstown 3.0 and Nasty Air

I've had an upper respiratory infection for over a week now. I wonder if Logan's air quality has anything to do with it? We've been over 35 micrograms per cubic meter for particulates, "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," since Friday of last week. I think I may be sensitive, particularly to my own feelings. The forecast for Wednesday is "Unhealthy." Logan is now on the EPA's list of non attainment cities. The EPA will require a 10 year plan so that Logan can drag its feet and pretend to do something about our air. This means when Lupine is ready to go to college in Florida (2019), a plan to improve Logan's air quality will finally be implemented. Great.

Here is my plan to improve everything on the planet: "Ride a bike, ride a bike, ride a bike." Fausto Coppi said that when they asked him how to become a great champion.

That said, this is just in time. From the "Shameless Commerce Division" here at Recycled & New Bicycles, the Fuji Crosstown 3.0, another hybrid, like the Absolute, this one with 700x35 tires. It has a shock and an adjustable stem for those seeking comfort. It's perfect for dirt paths and gravel roads. Rough and tough. I have most sizes in the 2008 models. This means closeout prices on new bicycles that are no different than the new 2009 models. Prices are negotiable. Call or email me. Please.

Fuji Absolute 3.0

Yesterday and today are "Red Air Days" here in Logan, Utah. I was going to say something new about Cache Valley's air quality, snow fog and brown air, but really, there is nothing new to say. Here is a self-link to a post from one year ago. Here is a haiku from several years ago:

The inversion's back
Mountains have disappeared
In fog white and brown

Yesterday was a good day at the shop. Warren, a skillful negotiator, bought a new Fuji Absolute 4.0 (see post and pic above). Michelle G. came by for free shifting adjustments (adjustments are always free if you buy a new bike) and to swap out her saddle on her Redline. She reads this blog!

For today's marketing ploy, we take one step up from yesterday and feature the Fuji Absolute 3.0, The Ultimate Hybrid. I have a bunch of these in stock in most sizes and colors. Call or email if you want to negotiate.

Fuji Absolute 3.0

Yesterday and today are "Red Air Days" here in Logan, Utah. I was going to say something new about Cache Valley's air quality, snow fog and brown air, but really, there is nothing new to say. Here is a self-link to a post from one year ago. Here is a haiku from several years ago:

The inversion's back
Mountains have disappeared
In fog white and brown

Yesterday was a good day at the shop. Warren, a skillful negotiator, bought a new Fuji Absolute 4.0 (see post and pic above). Michelle G. came by for free shifting adjustments (adjustments are always free if you buy a new bike) and to swap out her saddle on her Redline. She reads this blog!

For today's marketing ploy, we take one step up from yesterday and feature the Fuji Absolute 3.0, The Ultimate Hybrid. I have a bunch of these in stock in most sizes and colors. Call or email if you want to negotiate.

Fuji Absolute 4.0 Affordable Hybrid

I know, more shameless marketing this morning. Hey, if I do not sell some of the bicycles I have in stock, I can't pay the rent. It is 2 degrees F outside, so I'm not going for a ride until it gets up to 20. Why did I come back to Utah in February? Oh yeah, to sell bicycles.

The Fuji Absolute 4.o is a wonderful bike for a little bit of money. I have them in most colors and sizes. I have some 08 bikes too at closeout prices. As a hybrid it does it all. If you want to ride gravel and dirt roads I will put bigger tires (tyres for my UK friends) on and your new bike will be a 29er. They fit. 08 prices are $329. Call or email.

Arizona Must Be Warm!

Wow, look at all the hits from Arizona! You folks must be ready for bicycle season. Here in Logan, it is 6 degrees F with dense fog. Want to ride?

Again, support your local bike shop. But, if you need a Redline d440, contact me. I'm curious. If I had a "buy now" click on this site, would you? Feel free to comment.

Fuji Outland Comp

The bicycle of the day at Recycled & New Bicycles is the Fuji Outland Comp. Squish, boing, squish, boing, squish, boing. I have an 08 close out, medium, in stock, so the price will be much less than $1,700. Call or email if you want it.

I know, you thought I would never sell a full suspension mountain bike. Well, this is exactly what some people want to ride. Would I ride one? Probably not.

Fuji CCR-2 08

Here is another great bicycle I have in stock, the Fuji CCR-2. Are you doing Logan to Jackson this year? LOTOJA? This is a super comfortable full carbon bicycle. Mountains? Yes, it has a triple. Closeout price, $1,800. Call me. Email me.

Holier Than Thou (You)

We've been back in Logan for more than a week. It seems like it has been snowing every day, and everyday, I have taken Lupine to school by bike. This morning there were two other brave souls in front of us pedaling to school too. At the stop sign, one lifted her left hand to indicate a right turn. I started to cringe but then immediately thought, "hey, they are out here on snow covered roads, commuting by bicycle, and signaling their turns." In a split second all my initial fears became reality as the driver of the car on the other side of the intersection rolled through their stop sign, waved back, and turned left. The bicyclists just put their feet back down, and no one was hurt.

Here is the Utah rule exception for signaling a right hand turn on a bicycle:

41-6a-804 (c) (i) A person operating a bicycle or device propelled by human power may give the required hand and arm signals for a right turn by extending the right hand and arm horizontally to the right.

The above rule is the exception. Utah and most (all?) other states require the raised left hand to indicate a right turn. Many bicycle instructors across the country still teach people to lift their left hand and wave when turning right. This is an anachronism. It's a holdover from the days when people stuck their left arms out of car windows to signal. It made sense because you can't stick your right arm out of the right window when sitting behind the wheel. It does not make sense for bicyclists.

If you are making a turn on a bicycle, point to where you are going! Rant over.

Next Rant: "Attention Car Drivers. If You Have The Right Of Way, Go. Don't Stop At A Green Light And Wave Bicyclists Through The Intersection. We Are Not Pedestrians."

Next Rant After That: "Bicyclists, Stay Out Of Cross Walks And Off Sidewalks, You Are Confusing Car Drivers."

Bitterroot

No shop time today
I'm in Montana, counting
Deer tracks in the snow

Coppi

Recycled & New Bicycles Is DIFERENT

"Your boy is different, Mrs. Gump." It's OK, Forrest, different is not a bad thing. Look at me as your "paradigm of hope." I know, I'm mixing the dialogue from two movies.

I have agonized over Internet sales, PayPal, and credit card sales for a long time, and they are not going to happen. I will not pay 2.9% plus $0.30 per sale plus $30 per month. Neither will my customers. I will keep my prices as low as possible. I'm happy to ship bicycles and accessories, but there will never be a "buy now" button to click on this site. Cash, check, or money order. Recycled & New Bicycles is different. Here is the laundry list:

1. Recycled & New Bicycles is a one man show, for the most part. I do the repairs, I build the bikes, I deal with the customers (not very well many times). There are no teenagers ("Like, I have a mountain bike, and I'm way into it, like, are you hiring anyone?") here working on your bike. It's just me. That means you may have to be a little patient.
2. I will never sell you a bicycle that does not fit you. When you buy a new bicycle, my professional fitting is free. I will ask your height and may measure your inseam. I will adjust the height and position of your saddle and handlebars (again, you may have to be patient). If you are female, your new bike will have a woman's saddle. Future adjustments are free (not just for 30 days) for as long as I am here. Cables stretch. If you are uncomfortable, or if your bike does not shift or brake well, just come see me.
3. Buying a bike from me involves personal conversation. I will ask questions like "how do you want to ride?...how far do you want to ride?...where do you want to ride?...what do you envision for the future, riding to work, riding in the mountains, riding on the road, or taking a long bike tour?" Again, this takes time, and you may have to be patient. That said, if you know what you want, we can skip much of the above. My goal is to get you on a bicycle that meets your needs. I do not sell many high end bikes because most people do not need a high end bike. But, if you really want full carbon, full squishy, and a lot of gears, come see me. Just don't be surprised if tell you how great single speed bicycles are.
4. I don't accept credit cards.
5. I really like bicycles like this:

Redline d440 09

I have the Redline d440 29er in stock in all sizes. This bike can do it all: mountain, commute, and tour. There are very few 29ers out there with a steel frame and lowrider front rack mounts. Did I mention "affordable?"

I have been seeing hits from all over on this site. So, yes, I will be happy to ship you a bike if you do not have a LBS (local bike shop). Call me.

Recycled & New Bicycles Now Open For 09

I am back in Utah. Recycled & New Bicycles will be open tomorrow. Come on by.

Lunch Time Yet?

We will be eating lunch here. We found this place on our way to Florida in December. The food is really good.

The Latest

We'll be in Utah
Before sunset tomorrow
The rain turns to snow

We are in Las Cruces, NM tonight. Here is the plan for tomorrow. Goodnight.



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A Quick Report From The Road

Here is the update:

After waiting in Jacksonville for most of Tuesday, Lucky the cat finally returned smelling like my sister's neighbor's perfume (he arrived in the arms of another woman). We hit the road and made Tallahassee before midnight.

On Wednesday we waited all day for the cat again. I found him by the rail road tracks, hiding under a brush pile. We finally started driving about 5 and arrived in Pensacola around 8. No, I don't want to talk about it.

Yesterday we drove all the way to San Antonio. We are still here this morning. The cat is locked in the car, yowling. We are going to see the Alamo and the River Walk. The Starbucks across the street is down. They have no water. It was a riot scene, but I got out with my life and without my espresso drink.

What I really need, is a bike ride. When we left the Florida house I thought it would be a really great idea to leave bicycles there so we would never have to strap them on the car for future cross country drives. So, there they stayed. I wonder if I can remember how to go for a run.

How to Pedal. Really

Where's Lucky?

Well, it's finally happened. Lucky (our cat) ran away last night from my sister Lynn's house in Jacksonville, his second attempt at an escape. He also jumped out the car window before we could get out of our driveway. He is hiding because he does not want to be in the car for five long days. We should have been as far as Tallahassee last night, but we just could not get it (all the stuff, both cats, and the dog) together. I always thought we would lose Lucky somewhere in he middle of Texas.

How long do you have to wait for a cat to come back, one that you really love? Patty says three days. I say, if he wants to stay in Florida, let him say. I wish someone would let me stay. Perhaps I will jump out of the window before we cross the state line into Alabama. Oh well, we will cross that bridge when we get to it.

"Here Lucky. Come back!"
Lost cats are mixed blessings, no?
Can't we just leave him?

Crazy

Santos to Dunnellon, Yesterday's Cross Florida Greenway Ride

Actually, I rode all the way from Santos to Crystal River, 50 miles in about 4 hours. Dunnellon to Crystal River was on narrow county roads, flapping away for 20 miles in a 52 inch gear, getting run off the road and honked at by little rednecks in big trucks, so I'm not going to talk about that part.

Santos to Dunnellon was about 30 miles of singletrack. Here is a link to the Cross Florida Greenway Trails site where you can look at maps of each section. The trails west of I-75 are fantastic. These trails go up and down, in and out, twisty but flowy, through the "diggings." For 2 hours on a Saturday, I never saw another human.

What are "diggings?" Here is the story. Crazy humans. I don't think the Cross Florida Barge Canal was ever a shovel-ready project.