Are squirrels genetically programmed to play chicken with cyclists?
It sure seems as if they are. It seems that any time I pedal through a leafy area, one of those fuzzy creatures hops and scampers as close to my wheel as it can without getting tangled in my spokes. Then it scampers away.
That leads me to wonder: How would a squirrel ride a bicycle?
The image is available as a T-shirt. I think it's kinda cute.
I have never owned a carbon fiber bicycle--or even a component larger than a brake lever made from the material. I've ridden CF, and can appreciate its ride qualities. Still, I'm not ready to plunk down my hard-earned money for it.
Some folks, though, simply must have it. But they not only don't want to spring for it; they don't have the necessary funds (or credit lines).
Well, for such consumers, there's good news: Specialized--one of the most-recognized names in the carbon fiber bike arena--has just introduced a machine that will sell for $999 in the US (999 GBP in the UK, which, at yesterday's exchange rate, translates to $1342.91).
The news gets even better: The wheels, as well as the frame and fork, are made from carbon fiber. So are the handlebars and stem.
Now to the bad news: If you were dreaming of a spot in the Tour, Giro or Vuelta, you won't be allowed to ride it on this bike: It weighs only 2.1 kg (4.6 pounds). The Union Cyclisme International, the sport's international governing body, doesn't allow bikes lighter than 6.8 kg (14.991 pounds) in the races it sanctions.
But your kid might be able to ride it in a Tour, Giro or Vuelta for toddlers. That is the intended market for this machine. One reason why it's so light is that it doesn't have cranks, pedals, chain, derailleurs, shifters or brakes.
It's a balance bike. Yes, a carbon fiber balance bike, called the Hotwalk.
Here's my question: Will buying this bike turn your kid into a champion--or an uber-consumer?
I know I shouldn't make light of a bike recall--especially if the reason for it is a problem that could cause serious injury.
But--whatever this says about me--I had a little laugh when I heard that Santa Cruz Bicycles is recalling some of its aluminum frames.
Why? According to the company, some of their aluminum frames and rear triangles have a defect that can cause them to bend or buckle.
Now, I don't want anyone to get hurt because a frame or fork buckled under him or her. And I am glad Santa Cruz bicycles is trying to make things right for their customers.
Still, I thought it was kind of funny that frames shaped like the ones in the recall are being replaced because they might bend.
I mean, someone not familiar with the bikes wouldn't know they were bent, would they?
The bikes and frames in question were sold from June 2019 to October 2020.
