I set out to find a new one, and being a beautiful Saturday I skipped the online search and did it the old fashion way: I went to three brick and mortar stores comparing products and prices. Yup, just like when my parents needed a new appliance and we’d spend all day Saturday touring West Michigan superstores with newspaper ads in one hand and consumer reports in the other.

Performance Bikes on Colorado only had fancy schmancy touring panniers. Too complicated for grocery runs and transporting bulky items. Turin Bikes stock tons of hip messenger bags, some permanent wire racks and baskets, but not the “clip on clip off” pannier I wanted for shopping and transporting bulky wares by bike.

I found the Detours Toocan Pannier at REI, for $45. Now high quality reputable panniers generally start at $100, so I wondered if this would be the same crummy quality as my old one. I bought it and planned to return it should it fail to transport the goods to my liking.

Surprisingly I loved it from day one. On the way home I stocked up to make a tray of lasagna, adding a half gallon of milk and two liter of soda. It weighed about 25 pounds and handled excellent. The bottom is solid rubber, which adds a bit to the weight but makes it sturdier. The hooks are deep so if you hit a bump or bounce it won’t fall off. There’s no bottom hook, but the design is wide rather than deep, so the sides don’t chafe against the wheel.

It also makes an excellent commuter’s bag, protecting folded shirts and pants with a zip up top. There are two side pockets and it even comes with a yellow rain cover. I can fit more in here than I ever have before, and no longer find myself dangling bags of bananas and onions over the handlebars when I can’t stuff them in.

The negative? I don’t really care for the diamond style design and stitching. When off the bike I think it looks like a big bag for women, especially with the pleated upper corners and more so if using the padded shoulder strap. But while I don’t care for the form I’m keeping it for the function. The design is perfect, and at this price it’s one of the best and most solid urban panniers I’ve seen.

I highly recommended this product for the urban cyclist, and I don’t believe it’s that feminine looking to be carried around the supermarket or office.

More photos and designs at REI.com

This couple was visiting from Western Australia, and had traveled all the way to Denver to buy a bike from Da Vinci Designs, a local manufacturer of high end touring bikes.  This was the first I’ve heard of this local Denver company, and I was very impressed when seeing their work up close.  They showed me the hand made and welded seams, and while not a cycling engineer I could tell it was top notch work.

They were a pleasure to chat with – and told me after getting used to their bike and breaking it in they were off to tour the Czech Republic and central Europe.  Needless to say I was excited to hear about their adventure. They assured me they had not one but two extremely durable locks as well.

Meanwhile they were excited to learn there was a Target just blocks away. They also were wanting to find a pair of Crocs during their Denver stay, (I didn’t voice my opinion,) so I steered them towards the abandoned Crocs store at the airport.

I wished them a wonderful trip and I hope they’re having a fun and safe adventure.

Da Vinci Designs
2145 South Platte River Dr
davincitandems.com

I’m extremely impressed with the number of locations. When I thought of a bike sharing program I imagined a few simple racks at tourists points or busy commuter hubs. There are over 25 stations, in all parts of downtown, and also stations in Cherry Creek, Washington Park and as far south as the Tech Center. This many stations makes it usable on a regular basis rather than one time novelty.

I’m also impressed with the utility capacity of the bikes.  A commuter bike is best when you can actually use it to accomplish errands and tasks, hence onboard storage is a must. All B-Cycle bikes are equipped with locks and baskets, so you can park your bike and do stuff, rather than just circling around City Park dodging geese.   And since I didn’t see a sign forbidding it I assume it’s ok to put your chihuahua or other small dog in the basket.

I haven’t ridden one, but they feel sturdy, solid, are have lights and an adjustable seat.

Another plus:  You can rent and return at different stations. The system is far more intelligent and complex than I expected any bike sharing program to be.  You can see online in real time which stations have bikes available, and which can accept returns.  If your destination rack is full the kiosk will direct you to the nearest open station and give you “free time” to cover transit. Another technological integration: Each bike is equipped with GPS and RFID – and as a member your trips, mileage and logged to your account.

The only negative?  I see it as cost prohibitive for some.  In order to compensate for all the great things listed above they seem pricy. The $5 “one day membership” fee could be ditched. It’s akin to an airport WiFi “one time charge,” in that you’re being forced to purchase a membership for something you may use only once.

The pricing structure encourages people to use the bikes for point A to B transit, then park them back at a station.  With a membership 60 minutes of use is only $1.10, an excellent rate,  but conversly keeping a bike for a full day will cost $65. It would be nice to have a reasonable day rate, but I can understand the need to keep bikes available for all and not locked up at coffee shops unused for hours.

If you and your sweetheart visit Denver for the weekend and want to see sights by bike, (rather than renting a car or using transit,) it will cost you $5 per day for the membership, and two hours per day would be $6.60.  That rate times two days and two people that would be $46.  Judge for yourself.

If I were visiting town I wouldn’t hesitate to take one out for a few hours.  And if I didn’t own a bike, (or car,) I could see myself picking one at times for errands

It appears that Denver is the unaugural city for B-Cycle, as I don’t see any others listed under “other cities.” I think it’s a great program, I’m proud to see it and I hope for its long term success.

Check them out and take a ride a http://www.bcycle.com/ The slick video demo is well done and informative, but one nit-picky observation: As a bike commuter of seven years I recommend keeping your white dress pants AT work and ride around with dark pants. Trust me.

Photos and additional info by Caleb Cross

This Hummer is 90 cubic square feet. Would I have proportionally spent what I can fit in my bike pannier versus what I could fit in this Hummer I estimate my Safeway bill would have been $1,080. (Assuming two cubic feet in my bag.)

Not making a statement – just thought the contrast was, well, extremely contrasting…

The water in Cherry Creek was so high with the recent rain they were almost flowing over the banks and onto the path.

Included are businesses which operate utility bikes for their deliveries, workforces, and daily errands.

Of course the base for these businesses is the bike utopia of Portland, but also included are Harvest Cycle of Sarasota, and Pedal Co-Op in Philly. Just proving that with community support, initiatives, and resources, it can be an option.

Cutting costs might appear to be the biggest reason for transitioning to a bike operated structure, but just like individuals, the price of driving isn’t the sole force behind choosing pedal power over cars. “When we worked on our business plan, gas prices were low. We did a full price analysis that looked at cars, zip cars, scooters, electrical cars, etc. and for the price and brandability of those, bikes came out way ahead. There’s a low up front, low maintenance costs and you don’t have to worry about gas prices fluctuating,” says Lazar.

Full article here.  p.s. Wend Magazine is at every REI store I’ve ever been to.  It’s a very well done publication – check them out.

Last week the plastic top part of this bracket broke off.   The bracket attaches the light to your handlebars and allows you to snap the light on and off  – so you can take it with when parking your bike.

I found the part number and emailed:   “This broke, could you please send another one?”   I saw their office was in Japan, and figured I’d never get a response.   I was annoyed at the thought of spending $25 on another light, but then found I could order the replacement for under $5 with shipping.

I did just that, but was surprised an hour later when Jeff from Boulder emailed me back saying he had just sent out my part, no charge.  Turns out their North America office is here in Colorado.

I thanked him and explained I had just paid for one online too.  When the both arrived a few days later I sent the extra one back and he promptly credited my card.

I can be cynical but it’s good to remember that not every customerservice@company.com  goes unanswered.  In this case a quick answer and resolution impressed me, and I’ll remember the company and brand when outfitting my next bike.   Not a bad ROI for $4.17.

Many bike commuters can be stifled by storage logistics, and it can be unweildy to transport bikes on crowded public transport if biking is only part of a commute.

The SwissBike TX folds into a nifty little square, making it easy to throw into a trunk, carry around, or lock up securly.  If you do need to bring it inside somewhere, (business, office, etc.) you’ll probably find fewer objections than you would if carting around a full size bike.  According to Alternative Consumer is retails for $699.

I wonder if I could carry this on my back somehow… Swissbike.com

According to the Boulder Daily Camera, the track will be marketed towards cyclists of all abilities and levels – creating a nice venue or jumping off point for those wanting to start racing.

I’m an avid cyclist, however I’ve never used a velodrome or worn spandex in my life. I promote more urban and biking for utility and practical use and don’t really run with the racing crowd. But next time I’m up in Boulder I might stop by. (You rent special bikes too, sans brakes for lighter, faster equipment.)

The official name is “Boulder Indoor Cycling,” and they’re located at 3350 Frontier Avenue, in Boulder.

Photo from 303Cycling – visit them for some interesting construction photos.

This month they want YOUR bike.  If you have a child who has outgrown his or her bike, consider donation it to their Share A Cycle program.  They will pass it along to kids and families who may have difficulty affording one of their own.

They’ll be accepting used bikes through November 30th. The Cherry Creek Bike Rack is at 2nd and Detroit in Cherry Creek, and Campus Cycles is at 2102 South Washington, near the University of Denver.

Unlike some other power assisted bikes and small mopeds the Twist Freedom uses a quiet electric motor providing a less strenuous ride and the ability to maintain constant speeds.

These are becoming more and more popular for those wanting to commute by bike, but have long distances or steep hills to conquer along the way.

At $2,250 you’ll need a very good lock.  Most bike commuting experts recommend “investing” in a cheap beater bike for trips for bad weather, or when you need to park your bike in a no-so-friendly area for a long period of time.

Thanks Forbes for recognizing bike commuting as a viable transportation method!  Or maybe its because Forbe’s readers need options after finding their second and third cars repossessed. 

Check out those sleek fenders and panniers!  More info at (and photo from) giant-bicycles.com.

Bob Kretschman and Mike Taylor of Colorado Biz Today writes about the travel industry and customer service, with specific directives regarding web 2.0:

“You should be aware of all the major blogs and websites that refer to you,” Levine said. “Answer each and every complaint.”

Web-enabled handheld devices, such as the iPhone, will transform the travel industry as they become more popular. Potential customers will be able to use their handhelds to surf travel sites and change travel plans and reservations at a moment’s notice. As a result, Levine said, tourism-related businesses must be ready to answer customer requests and engage in two-way dialogue with them.

This is very true. I have found restaurants and hotels at a moments notice, and often rely on sites like Yelp and Tripadvisor to gauge the general grade of an establishment. Thus its very important to address complaints and concerns in a timely manner, if not immediately. I keep this site focused on well run and above average places, but on occasion I have brought to attention places that have been especially horrific.

A place that’s bad WILL get attention on the web, and not the good kind. Web 2.0 enabled consumers have power. Even Dwight Schrute from “The Office” agrees that Trip Advisor is key to maintaining his Bed and Breakfast’s reputation.

This sounds familiar: over in Seattle they’re debating the larger benefit of light rail. The Stranger’s Erica Barnett cites the home value increases in Denver around light rail neighborhoods, and notes a Seattle shopping center that thinks “transit people” moping around their mall will be a detriment. This has been proved false by Denver’s Park Meadows, which originally shunned involvement with the County Line station but later changed their mind.

added 5:15pm:   Sad news for Denver’s international reach:  Claire Walter reports that Lufthansa’s non-stop Denver Munich flight ceased to exist on October 28th.  I flew this in May of ’07 and loved. Not only does it provide easy access to the heart of Europe, but it offers an alternative for connecting passengers too. I would much rather fly DEN-MUC and make a morning connection another European city, (even if it meant backtracking a bit to a Amsterdam or London,) than connect via Chicago or New York – especially in winter.  And when returning to Denver here you can clear customs at home and skip that groggy second flight.  Disappointing and hopefully it will return. I’ve never been to Frankfurt airport, (only MUC,) but from what I read Munich is far superior.

Read the full article: The Things He Carried.

The ID triangle: before a passenger boards a commercial flight, he interacts with his airline or the government three times—when he purchases his ticket; when he passes through airport security; and finally at the gate, when he presents his boarding pass to an airline agent. It is at the first point of contact, when the ticket is purchased, that a passenger’s name is checked against the government’s no-fly list. It is not checked again, and for this reason, Schnei­er argued, the process is merely another form of security theater.

“The goal is to make sure that this ID triangle represents one person,” he explained. “Here’s how you get around it. Let’s assume you’re a terrorist and you believe your name is on the watch list.” It’s easy for a terrorist to check whether the government has cottoned on to his existence, Schnei­er said; he simply has to submit his name online to the new, privately run CLEAR program, which is meant to fast-pass approved travelers through security. If the terrorist is rejected, then he knows he’s on the watch list.

Due to a new matrix of airline pricing by Southwest, flying on the cheap dates of Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, may not be as cost effective anymore. Scott McCartney takes a peak into how they do it.

Jason Cochran writes an interesting piece in Walletpop.com    Web Access on the Road Needs a Makeover.   He compares web access companies to laundromats.  Like laundromats, barring delays you’re usually at an airport for a few hours.  At a hotel you often check in late afternoon only to check out the next morning.  Why the need to pay for far more time then you’ll use?   Smaller increments would be welcomed.

Cool Hunting has a review of Dutch Bike Chicago. Over the weekend Dutch Bike Seattle opened their new Chicago location at 651 West Armitage, in Lincoln Park. Even with the winter ahead, one of the most enjoyable ways to traverse the windy city.

How to do New York for Free - article from the Times UK about touring the Big Apple for cheap.

More biking news: I didn’t know this, but apparently the 700 Billion bailout package includes a provision for those who commute by bike! The employer will act as the middleman, providing the credit to employees while deducting it from their taxes. To me it seems a small amount of paperwork to help recognize a viable form of commuting. Hey – if Kellen can go 2,000 miles I should never complain about my nine mile ride to work.

Starting in January, workers who use two-wheelers as their primary transportation mode to get to and from work will be eligible for a $20-a-month, tax-free reimbursement from their employers for bicycle-related expenses. In return, employers will be able to deduct the expense from their federal taxes.

In Americana news: No buyers for the “Elvis is Alive” Museum over in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.. The website lists the facility as the only source of the “Elvis DNA Test.” If interested in purchasing said museum check out the above link.

He listed the collection on eBay last week and received one bid of the minimum $15,000. But that turned out to be a mistake by a child playing on a computer.

In past articles I’ve been critical about the yellow pages and their never ending deliveries to my doorstep.  Here’s a blog about a guy eating the yellow pages, appropriately titled “The Man Who At a Yellow Pages.“

On Wednesday, October 15th, one of the Future Gringo fleet vehicles was stolen: a Trek 7200 hybrid bicycle. This theft occurred at the 7-Eleven at Colfax and Downing, at about 12:30am. This bike is a few years old, (2003,) and fortunately not my more expensive and regularly used road bike. However this bike is important to me and holds special value in my heart. I purchased this a while back after settling back into the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Denver. I started biking to work with it, and doing my errands around town. It has served me well for three full years, throughout every season. Although later I purchased a faster road bike for my commute, this bike is still regularly used in our household. It even took part in the MS150 ride to Fort Collins and back this past June. More importantly: I just really miss it and want it back.

I wasn’t in command of the bike at the time, but being a quick stop into 7-Eleven the operator locked the bike to itself, (wheel to frame,) while he went inside. The thief couldn’t have ridden off with it unless he picked the lock, so I suspect he had a nearby accomplice with truck. A police report was filed, and in contrast to my expectations the police have been very communicative and helpful, and emails have been exchanged with photos and the serial number. The police suspect this may be part of a larger theft ring around the area, and per their last correspondence were planning to review the 7-Eleven tapes. If they’re busted and property is seized we just may find this in a police station basement somewhere. Wishful thinking I know – but its more than many other police departments do. So thank you DPD.

In the past few dreary days, (weatherwise and emotionally,) I’ve been scoping out the area from which it was taken, sleuthing for possible leads. I’ve come up short. There are a LOT of bikes in downtown Denver. I’m trying to worm in closer to the case, but I’ve found shifty looking 19 year olds aren’t that interested in chatting up a guy wearing Diesel jeans approaching them from a black Saturn with a note pad. Don’t tell 7-Eleven, but I’m considering applying for a night job in order to surreptitiously hunt down clues. Somebody MUST know something – and I’m really trying to worm my way into it. When I succeed it’ll be like that Val Kilmer movie “Salton Sea” where he purposely falls into the dredges of the Los Angeles underbelly to find out who really killed his wife. (I this case I don’t believe it was crooked cops.)

So while I continue to take on the dark side of Denver alone, here’s my deal to anyone interested: I will pay $500 for the return of this bike. (For the full bike, not just a pile of bolts.) Being a heavily used 2003 model, that’s WAY MORE than its worth! That may sound crazy, but it has sentimental value to me. When the time comes that I DO sell or giveaway this bike I want the recipient to be someone deserving who will treat it like I have. I don’t like the thought that its currently sitting in the backyard of some meth house in the cold autumn rain. If you find it and are kind enough to waive my reward I will still donate some money to your favorite charity.

But wait – there’s more included! From the Future Gringo shwag closet:

*A $50 gift certificate to Imperial Palace. Johnny Hsu makes THE best Chinese Food in Denver.

**Three pairs of club level seats for the Colorado Rockies 2009 season. Its a ways off, but I won’t forget about you. You pick the dates.

***A Pentax Optio E30 Digital Camera. (ok I really just need to get rid of this. Its broken and deletes pictures from the SD card, plus the screen won’t turn off.)

Now – I’m sure all my regular readers are eager to start traipsing up and down Colfax ready to make a citizens arrest, or don trenchcoats and roam around seedy Aurora warehouses. But – there are many hybrids out there, so here are some key elements for identification:

1. Most important, since this probably has not been modified: Most hybrids have handlebars that curl up from the main stem. Like this. I don’t really care for them, so when I purchased it I requested flat/mountain bike bars. (see my photos.)

2. There’s a rear rack, and the black paint is worn off on the right side from the U-lock bouncing up and down on it.

3. There is a bracket on the handlebar (right side,) for a Garmin GPS mount. I attached my portable aviation GPS twice, but realized its pretty stupid because you have to take it on and off all the time. I never removed the bracket. There’s also a center bracket for a handlebar box. (pictured below)

4. There’s another bracket for a light on the main stem, right above the frame, and also a red tail light – assuming those haven’t been removed. Click “more” (below) for some close up photos of these elements.

Now you’re probably thinking. “But your blog is so popular, what if the thief reads this and hacks apart my beloved bike to make it unrecognizable?” Well I’m extending an offer to him or her: Is your life miserable and you’re wondering how you ever got caught up in this bike theft gang? Are you sick of having to dash out at 2am stealing peoples’ bikes – while your lousy cut is only 15% of whatever the kingpin pawns them for? Contact me and tell me where your headquarters are. They won’t know its you, I won’t implicate you, and I’ll help you get the assistance that you and your pregnant girlfriend need. I’ll even pay your studio apartment rent for a month! As mentioned $500 is MORE than the bike is worth, so you’ll come out way ahead. Maybe we’ll even become friends, like in Doogie Howser when the guy robbed the liquor store and Doogie calmed him down then got him a job at the hospital. Let’s get you back on track in life, vis a vis the return of my bike.

What’s that – you just want pot? Look I can get that too. Seriously, just tell me where the bike is. I’m a pretty nice and forgiving person. And as you can see by my generous offer of free Chinese food and Rockies tickets I have some pretty sweet connections around town.

This Trek 7200 is somewhere in Denver. I respectfully request it be returned to me.

Below are some larger photos. Again, Please return my bike.

Thank you for your time.