Life Imitates Art – Sadly

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After watching Beijing Bicycle at the Edinburgh Bike Week Film Festival, Neil Robertson was shocked to discover that his bike had been stolen. The film revolved around the theft of a bicycle.

Full description -

Modified and loved Giant XTC3 2005 spec Mountain Bike. Original purchase price around £600 plus accessories.

Rather distinctive in unpainted alloy frame with white transfers, size is XL ~ 19”.
Brakes Giant MPH hydraulic discs front and rear
SRAM X7 – 27speed shifters and rear mech (Shimano front mech)
FSA Truvativ chainset in black and plain/SPD pedals
Front forks, Suntour XCP75 with black stanchions and lock out twist button on RH crown
Wheels, black rims with distinctive side by side spoking and Xero black hubs fitted with Schwalbe Marathon 1.5” road tyres with reflective side bands.
Accessories, rear alloy rack, fittings for Raleigh cordless computer, twin bottle cages, barends, light mount on handlebars, pump fitting on downtube, half length mudguards front and rear.

Information (reward offered) to Neil or the Police (reported as incident 919 on 18th June 2007).

Lets hope they are re-united soon.

Something About Bells

New bikes in the UK have to be sold with a bell. It’s the law! Doesn’t matter if it’s a shopper or a headbanging Downhill bike. Many bike shops are a bit embarrassed, some ‘forget’ (none in Edinburgh of course).

Today on the (trade only) Bike Biz Forum is a post from someone who describes himself as “an unfit slob (bike trade for 17 years)” who decided to buy a decent touring bike “to get my fat ass into some shape”.

His first thought on the new bike was, “Get rid of the Bell.” However he decided that it looked “tiny and worthless” and “small enough not to spoil a good-looking bike”.

So he kept it on the bike “just out of curiosity – see whether I’d ever use it”.

“Then today on my second 30-mile ride (knackering for a slob like myself), I found myself on a narrow road with no traffic other than dog walking couples. Approaching them at my steady 14mph, I pinged the bell not expecting any response. How impressed I was to see them turn around, see me coming, and step aside (dog restrained) to let me past. I thanked them as I passed and got a friendly response. That happened several times and, yes I will keep the bell on my bike. It delivered a non threatening way of letting my presence be known with safety.”

Perhaps some of the people who hurtle along the canal towpath (and other shared use paths) should also be as wise and courteous.

And Today’s Film Is

Beijing Bicycle.

The fourth day of the Edinburgh Bike Week Film Festival has a 21st Century take on the cinematic masterpiece Bicycle Thieves

“At seventeen, Guei has left his provincial town to find fame and fortune in the big city. He finds work as a bicycle courier, earning a pittance per trip until the cost of his sleek bicycle is paid off. The work is hard but he doesn’t complain, knowing that he will soon own something and be one step closer to owning other things and starting a family. Just as he is about to buy the bike from his boss, he finds that it has gone missing.”