I have no way to relate this to bicycles or to anything going on at Open, but I just wanted to acknowledge that the great author J.D. Salinger has died. It is upsetting that the news of his death competed with the news of the release of the i-Pad, and then ceased altogether. But maybe that’s for the best and he would have appreciated the privacy. That is all I wanted to say really. I am sure that some of you out there can relate to my feelings of sadness over his death.
I was asked to review some Arnhem Suede Shoes by Chrome, but they do not make them in my size. So I gave them to my Co-Habitant, the gentleman pictured below. He has been wearing the Chrome Arnhems for a month now and is surprised by how much he likes them. He wears them without clips, and the soles grip the pedals firmly in all but the worst weather conditions. They are also comfortable to walk in: He has spent 12-hour work shifts on his feet in these!
But the really interesting thing, is that the suede is fairly water resistant, as well as road-salt resistant. I though for sure the shoes would get ruined if he wore them in the snow and slush, but they are fine in the winter.
Open carries the Chrome Arnhem Suede Shoes in men’s sizes 7-14. If you are female, I believe that a size 7 translates to a ladies’ size 9. I wish Chrome made these in my size, because they sound like great cycling shoes.
It seems my earlier prognosis about rod brakes has come true. Yielding to the demands of the times, Open is clearing its stock of fixed gear bikes to make room for some shiny new (or rather, crusty, old) roadsters.
Well, maybe I exaggerate again; the fixed gears are staying. But the roadsters are coming too. If you attended Spoke Count, you are probably acquainted with the 1936 Raleigh Lady’s Tourist that hung suspended from the ceiling. And if that wasn’t enough, Open is collaborating with the newly formed Boston Retro Wheelmen to develop a programme of workshops aimed at vintage IGH bikes.
Why? Because vintage three speeds are good. Built like tanks, they withstand pretty much anything the city throws at you. They are easy to ride and easy to maintain. They love you and they want you to love them back. So if you live in the neighborhood and have an old, forlorn 3-speed that needs resuscitating, bring it to Open and it shall be cared for in the manner it deserves. Restored vintage 3-speeds are also occasionally available for sale.
[pictured above: Somervillain and Biking In Heels tend to their steeds during a Boston Retro Wheelmen meeting.]
