Comment and a question sir.

The bike. Take a look at the Electra “Townie” series. Cruiser style, clean design and you can get a 3 speed. I searched for awhile to find a bike that wasn’t too complicated and had a good build quality. I got mine in matte black for that sinister unassuming look.

I dig the fact that you are always finding and buying stuff that inspires you. So the question I have is, what do you do with it? How do you organize it so that it’s accessible? Do you just buy and store or do you dig through your stash when you need some inspiration? I guess that’s three questions.

As a fellow “big dude” I would tell you to avoid anything that considers itself a lightweight street bike designed for long distance riding.

I bought my Specialized Sirrus bike a few years back and absolutely love it. It might be a bit more than you are looking for but it holds up well for my size and weight.

For you I would recommend going with a hybrid street/mountain bike with wider tires and sturdy components. Any competent bike shop should be able to fit you to a bike for your height and weight and steer you away from the bikes that compromise sturdiness for gaining a few less pounds in overall weight.

Hell, I’d point you in the direction of a Surly if you’re looking for a simple ride. No-nonsense American products.

surlybikes.com

Otherwise, there are always good vintage finds on Craigslist. Lots of decent steel, English-style three speeds out there.

Man, good scores at the paper show. Every single one is a keeper and a framer. Thanks for sharing ‘em with the rest of us (and the story of the show, too).

http://www.konaworld.com/08_ute_w.htm
http://www.brodiebikes.com/2008/2008_bikes/section_8.php

both of the above are for for hauling a bit of “junk”. The next will be for straight up haulin’ “ass” and no worries as far as mechanics.

http://www.surlybikes.com/steamroller_comp.html
http://nycbikes.com/item.php?item_id=584
http://shop.irocycle.com/shop/pages.php?pageid=6

if you want “old school” with new/old/classic charms…(and HUGE money).
http://www.antbikemike.com/
http://www.desalvocycles.com/
http://www.pereiracycles.com/
http://www.vanillabicycles.com/ (OH MY GAWD CHECK THAT SHIT OUT!)
http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/bicycle_models#product=none

now, aren’t you glad I “helped”?

again, thank you for the swag. I am slowly building a fully addicted population of field notes junkies. he he he. -Bart

Hi Drape,

for a change look into:
http://www.patria.net/fahrradauswahl/set_fahrradauswahl.htm
(sorry, no English on this site)
Thats a german bike manufactuer (manufacturer in the true meaning; yes they really build the bike here).
The Roadstar is 70ies style of Bike with state-of-the-art no nonsense technical components. And you can choose the colour too. I just got mine - it’s fast as hell.
A little differnt is the ROADSTAR (same modell name, ask me why) from: www.utopia-fahrrad.de.
Another small German Bike maker.
This comes with the cool Schwalbe/Big Apple tyres. I ride this since 4 years - cooler than any schmaltzy beachcruiser.
Keep up the good work. I like your site
Best regards from Germany/Old Europe
Uwe