Bike Hugger 

WSJ.com | The New Business Cycle

Nancy Keates at the Wall Street Journal looks at the new breed of transportation-friendly bikes making waves in the U.S.

Keane notes that commuter bike sales are up 15 percent in the last 2 years, but still make up a small fraction of total bike sales (she says $900,000, but that must be Euro-commuters only).

Among the featured bikes: the new Specialized Globe, Diamondback’s Transporter, Breezer’s Uptown 8, Electra’s Amsterdam, alongside folding bikes and electric-assist rides.

Keane gets a little wrapped up in the taxonomy – I don’t see why it matters whether it’s a Townie (and why is that capitalized?), comfort, or cruiser bike – but does a pretty good job surveying the segment.

Byron spent some time with her at Interbike, but he (and our Bettie Project) wound up on the cutting-room floor, right next to all of Kevin Costner’s stuff from The Big Chill.

the bike and the bingo hall, by Literal Salmon.

then I send the to Byron and he yells at me to post them. So here goes. They make me smile, hope they make you smile as well. I will continue to post stuff like this to help lighten the mood and give you a little midday cheer.

New Bike Day! Everyone loves new bike day!

Campy Chick Magnet! I ordered 10 of these, report to follow.

A reader sent us Recycled Bike Furniture from Get Outdoors. Cool. That’d work very nicely in a Bettie boutique, especially the loveseat and tables.

A Interbike I was handed a mysterious brochure for an event that passed, a product that’s been discontinued, and the promise of secret project to build adult-sized big wheels.

I’m interested. Anyone know what’s going on?