I still have photos to put up and I'll try and keep a more regular posting schedule despite my malady. So let's get it on.
The brand of this internal gear hub (IGH) bicycle in Dupont is unknown but I like it. The frame is in great shape as are the other original parts. Looks like the owner updated the tires, fenders and saddle as well as adding an after-market chain protector and basket.
Another 3-speed IGH bicycle in Dupont, this one is a Raleigh, probably from the 70s. The tires are really low but thumbs up for using the Sheldon Brown locking method. Not a fan of the gel seat but I do like that even after adding a huge wicker basket to the front, there's at least a white reflector on it....
Let's just call this post the internal gear hub edition. A Hercules bicycle from the 60s, also parked in Dupont. The Brooks saddle is a bit rough but very serviceable. However, I think the owner needs to tighten the adjustment before it goes full concave.
It looks classic, it's Chinese, and it's cheap... a Gran Royale Cogsville in NoMa that has Raleigh-esque styling. For under $200, getting a new internal gear hub bike is a good deal. Pay no attention to the crazy fender/rack contraption on the Mercier next to it.
Love love LOVE the color of this PUBLIC C7i IGH bicycle in NoMa. Not a fan of the black aftermarket rear rack however. Nor the use of the bike lock that only requires the removal of the saddle to heist the whole ride.
The classic Dutch orange on the PUBLIC C7 non-IGH version, also in NoMa. I like the Fenderbot rear fender light as I have the same model. Also love the ABUS folding lock.
This Ross IGH step-through is the spiritual sister to Ms. City Planner's ride. It's parked at Union Station and has been stickered to be removed and probably disposed of. :( The tires are still good so one has to wonder why the bike has been parked there so long that it's been slated for removal. There is no good reason why someone should not be riding this bicycle. Does anyone know what happens to these bikes once they are finally removed?
Speaking of spiritual twins, I feel this Nishiki Cresta in NoMa is a close cousin to my PUBLIC bike the way it was set up right before I crashed on it. Love the Brooks saddle of course, but also love the slim leather grips on the handlebars. Bell on the top tube is a nice unique touch and really love the column shifter on the down tube. Also, the front fender has been removed... that adds 5 mph to your top speed, truestory.
Here's my PUBLIC V7 as it stands now, parked in Adams Morgan. No front fender, slim leather grips from Walnut Studiolo added on the bars and a Brooks tool bag added to the saddle. But that's not why I took this photo. This photo marks the first time that Ms. City Planner ever expressed jealousy over another woman's bike being parked next to mine HAHA. And you have to admit, this Azuki mixte IGH bicycle is a beaut. Matching cream-colored tires, that crazy leather-wrapped mustache handlebar configuration, the aluminum fenders, and of course a Brooks saddle. She will dispute this but I am almost certain that Ms. City Planner said "Who's bike is that? I will cut a bitch!" BIKE LOVE.
So yeah, took a spill off my bike. Bad news about it was the car that pulled out in front of me never stopped. Asshole. The good news was that bunch of pedestrians and joggers stopped to make sure I was OK. I thought I was and only had the wind knocked out of me. So after a few moments, I got back on my bike and rode to meet my friend for dinner. Mr. NY Giant Poop (his fantasy football team name) had the good sense to notice that 1. I was not OK and 2. I should seek medical attention. So he escorted me to the GWU ER where I found out I indeed had broken bones in my body and all that crunching I was feeling in my shoulder was not normal. A good friend he is and has been.
Since then, I've been trying to walk more around town to make up for my lack of riding. Also looking at new places to live as my lease in Navy Yard is ending soon. Came across this solemn ghost bike installation art piece in Bloomingdale.
I'm also noticing that the District has some cool bike racks around town. Here's some playful and colorful paperclips by the Nat Geo HQ downtown.
And lastly, the weekend after my fall, I went to Richmond, VA with Ms. City Planner to attend her friend's wedding. I still wore a suit even though my arm was in a sling... decorum had to be maintained and I garnered maximum sympathy from all I encountered. Afterwards, she took me to a bicycle coffee shop called Lamplighter Roasting Company. Coffee was decent and the pastries were really good. But at this location, by University of Richmond, there was a minimal connection to biking at best. But in any case, I appreciated the effort in Ms. City Planner to raise my spirits as I'll be off the bike for awhile. She also made me forget about that Azuki bike as well.
Bike Love!
