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J.D. Salinger

Velouria — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:57:20 +0000

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.

Roadsterama!

Velouria — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:52:47 +0000

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.]

Ironclad Gloves Back in Stock

Jeremy — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:12:16 +0000

Our Fedex driver dropped off of a box of brand new Ironclad gloves.

This time our friendly shop manager JT tested the Cold Condition gloves. After lighting them on fire, he dunked his hand completely under water, and his hands came out perfectly dry.

All sizes are back in stock and ready to keep your hands warm and dry.

If we can’t laugh at ourselves…

Dave — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:28:16 +0000

FIX PUSH

DEATH PEDAL trailer 2 By Kareem Shehab from Killa Kareem on Vimeo.

Riding, Crying, Smiling.

Joshua — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:52:33 +0000

I mentioned that I ran into Jeremy Dunn, resident Embrocation publisher and globe-trotting playboy, when I was out in Portland last week. It turns out he was actually working out on the Left Coast, not just being a unemployed tourist like myself. Rapha has been releasing stage videos of their latest Continental project- their elite team of cyclists clad in high-end clothing assiduously slaying stage after stage of the Tour of California. Here’s Stage 2- Jeremy is the “studiously edgy” gent with the scruffy beard. No, the other one. Enjoy!

Rapha Rides the TOC – Episode 2 from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Bicycle Revolutions in Philly

OPEN Crew — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 00:58:46 +0000

Tamika & the rest of the Vimby crew dropped this video interview with Brian at Bicycle Revolutions in Philly. It looks like we’re going to have a whole lot in common with this shop – enjoy!

VIMBY – Bicycle Revolutions

Objectified

OPEN Crew — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:44:37 +0000

Last night, PBS debuted the first stateside television showing of Gary Hustwit’s typography-based documentary, Helvetica. I have always been perplexed by the low general level of appreciation for good design in the United States- a gripe that I share with many other creative minded folk. However, I must say knowing that Helvetica was aired publicly gives me some hope that appreciation is on the rise. With this said, Gary Hustwit has been back at it and is about to start premiering his latest documentary, Objectified.

In a country that is heavily rooted in consumerism, we are constantly making and breaking personal relationships with products. Very rarely do we know, or even understand, how a product came to be; yet there is always a story attached. Hustwit’s latest documentary, Objectified, sheds light on industrial design and the interesting story of a product’s journey from conception to completion. From the initial pencil sketch to the packaged product on shelf, Hustwit examines the design process of a select group of designers from around the world. In the mix are Marc Newson, Palo Alto of IDEO, Apple’s Jonathan Ive and a crowd of other influential designers. Here’s the official trailer for Objectified, I’ll let you know when the Boston premiere scheduled:

Keirin Grand Prix 2008

OPEN Crew — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 20:07:22 +0000

Our boy Nao kept us in the 2008 Keirin Grand Prix loop over the holidays even though he was stateside. Here are a few images that I found on the Ways&Means blog – I haven’t been able to dig up much more than the photos they took, if anyone does have more, please share!

Pony Up : January 10, 2009

OPEN Crew — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:34:00 +0000

Here we go kids, Jacob of Jacobs Bicycles is preparing for the second installment of Pony Up. This year’s race was a huge success and next year it’s expected to be even bigger! Sponsors include Outlier, Trash Bags, the BBMA, and Open Bicycle. Make sure to be in Boston on Saturday, January 10. The race format’s simple: bet on the fastest racer; win lots of cash. Check out the flier for details:

Fixed Mag Issue 2 Available!

OPEN Crew — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:24:15 +0000

Its free! Its free! Grab the 2nd issue of Fixed Mag here. Its great to see some familiar faces showing up in the pages… Who knows, you might see something from Open Bicycle makes its way across the pond for publication one day.