Steampunk bike

I'm not normally into "freak bikes"  Although I understand the fascination with tinkering and reshaping the definition of  what can be considered a bicycle, many of them have such awkward proportions or deliberately hard to ride designs that they're mostly a curiosity.  This bike has a steampunk sensibility and attention to elegant craftsmanship that to me take it a step up from just being freaky.

The curves of the frame, and the monochromatic palette help tip the scales away from "freak".  Lucky to find two matching fenders for such different wheels.

I think that the fork/ rack connection is particularly simple 

Ok, so some of it was a bit freaky......

When I was taking the pictures, I thought this was a vintage Miller light, which I covet. However, it might just be a batter operated cheapie that's been spray painted.  I remember the reflector being more complicated and faceted than the cheapies, but I can't really tell from my backlit photo.

The steering wheel- I wonder how it handles?

Bike Accident

I suppose it was only a matter of time- but  wait it's not what you think!

I was walking back from picking up lunch, and was checking out a bike riding by.  I was wondering if the "carbon fiber" pattern of the fenders could possibly actually be carbon fiber, and why anyone would pay that much money for fenders,  when I stepped off the curb, and bam!

I guess I just misjudged the step, and caught my heel on the curb, and wham, I was down on one knee in the gutter.  I guess that will teach me to check out bikes while I walk!

top tube?

I don't think I've ever seen such an oddly curved (or perhaps bent?) top tube.

I suppose it's the geometric equivalent of a sloping top tube,  but it's kind of an odd look.

Definitely unique.

You know those well educated cars?

You know, the ones with three or four stickers from Ivy League colleges in the back window?  Extra points if they're a mid-80's volvo wagon?

Who knew there was a bike equivalent?

Modernized Phillips

After building up Gilbert, I have a soft spot for modernized English three speeds,  and I found a great example in this copper colored Phillips parked next to the ART (American Reparatory Theater).

Front and rear Sturmey Archer Drum brake hubs (3 speed in back, generator in front)

Fantastic placement of a horn-  I was sooooo tempted to see what it sounded like!

And sparkly red grips!  I wondered if the front light was a stock B&M retro, or if it was "modernized"

I especially like the retrofitted fender stays.  A lot of the original fenders on these old steel bikes fail at the  stay attachment to the fender.  This is a seamless integration of modern stay and old fender (or a VERY good paint job to make the fender look original).

Charming rear light.  I assume it's an LED retrofitted into a vintage housing.  Note what appears to be cat5 cable for the wiring :)

The hubs were built into stainless steel rims which is unusual- I couldn't read the manufacturer.  I am not certain, but from the fender line, I wonder if they're 650B.

All in all a lovely modernization of a classic city bike.

When bike seats attack

RAWR!

Doesn't look very comfortable, I have to say...

Hot rides in the city

I knew it was going to be a hot ride when my radio said it was 83 at 7:00 when my alarm went off.

I took a couple of steps to arrive at work not a sweaty mess:

1) Wear as little as possible- skirts for women, shorts for non-cross dressing men. Today I wore a light colored all natural fibers sleeveless dress (silk liner, cotton exterior).

I love these polka dot heels ($19 at DSW)

 I also didn't dry my hair- evaporation being a good thing to encourage on a day like today.

2) Icewater.  I don't normally bring a water bottle on my 5 mile commute, as I just don't think a normal healthy person can get dehydrated that fast.  However, icewater helps cool you from the inside, and is a real help above and beyond hydration.

3) Stay away from cars , and seek shade as much as possible.   I don't know if you've noticed, but cars put out a lot of heat, and being stuck in among a bunch of them in not a good thing in the heat.   I chose to ride on the dirt path, which I normally avoid, but it was in the shade, and the concrete was not.

An advantage of taking the multi-use path along the charles is that I personally don't feel the need to wear a helmet there, as I do on a city street.YMMV.  I keep a "vented" style helmet around for the couple of days this time of year when my bern helmet's holes are not enough airflow,  and I put it on before I ride through the city, in traffic which might cause me take evasive action or wreck.

4) A handkerchief is the fastest way to make yourself presentable at your destination.  If my face is dry, I feel 100% more pulled together, even if the small of my back is a bit damp.  I have a bunch of vintage linen-cotton hankies with cute leaf appliques, which I treasure, but any kind of hankie works wonders.

5)  go slow.  Not a good day to set a PR.   I have to consciously remind myself to shift down a gear, and go slower than I feel "comfortable" doing,  because I know once the breeze of my passing stops, I'll be hotter than I 'd like to be.

What steps do you take to cope with the heat of riding in summer?