As 2010 comes to an end, I have finally put together a FAQ page. No juicy revelations here; just literally some frequently asked questions that could benefit from being compiled into a single post. Perhaps this will provide some blizzard reading for those stuck indoors!
Skip to...
i. About the Blog
ii. Comments and Moderation
iii. My Cycling Experience
iv. My Bicycles
v. Bicycle Advice
vi. Opinions on "Issues"
vii. Sponsorship and Review Policies
viii.Bicycle Photography
ix. Personal Stuff
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I. General questions about the blog
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What made you interested in the topic?
I am generally interested in design: I like to know about the history of objects and the relationship between form and function. Once I started cycling and looking at bicycles, it was as if something clicked and the obsession was born. There is so much to learn.
Is Lovely Bicycle a "women's blog"?
That's difficult to say. I do not presume a female audience. But by virtue of being female myself, my experiences and views are biased towards a female perspective and I do not make attempts to correct that bias. Based on the comments and emails I receive, I believe the gender ratio of my readers is about 50/50.
How many visitors does Lovely Bicycle receive?
The website currently receives 3,200 visits per day on average. The greatest number of visitors is from the USA (68%), followed by the UK (11%).
Do you answer emails from readers?
What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a bicycle blog?
If your approach is goal-oriented from the start, it probably won't work. Just write about what interests you. More on that here.
Do you accept donations for Lovely Bicycle?
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II. Comment Guidelines and Moderation
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Do I need to sign in to comment?
No, anybody can comment. You can comment anonymously, or type in your name with an optional URL leading back to your site. Use the pull-down menu next to the "comment as" button.
Are manufacturers and other industry members allowed to comment?
Yes. Especially if your product or area of expertise is being discussed, please feel free to chime in. It is absolutely fine to sign in as yourself and post a link leading back to your company website. This is not spam if you are contributing to the discussion.
I tried to post a comment, but Blogger gave me an Error message.
Unfortunately this happens on occasion and there is nothing I can do. If you are typing a long comment, Blogger will sometimes time out and your comment may disappear. Consider composing the text elsewhere, then pasting it in the Comment field when done.
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III. Questions About My Cycling Experience
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When Did You Start Cycling?
I rode a bike as a child and as a teenager, and you can read about that here. I then stopped at age 17 and did not start again until Spring 2009, at age 30.
How much cycling do you do now?
What is the longest ride you have taken so far?
My longest ride so far has been a metric century (64 miles). I'd love to do longer rides, but it's hard to find the time. Hopefully, I will do my first century (100 miles) soon.
What do you wear while cycling?
When I cycle for transportation, I wear my regular clothes, which tend to include skirts. When I ride a roadbike, I wear wool cycling knickers and jersey.
Do you cycle when it's very hot and humid out?
Yes, and you can read about that here.
How did you develop your transportation cycling skills?
Slowly and gradually, thanks to a comfortable upright bicycle and everyday experience. I always stayed within my comfort zone, and that zone gradually began to expand. There is no shortcut that I know of to feeling comfortable cycling in traffic for transportation.
How did you develop your road cycling skills?
In the first instance, a stable bicycle with "touring geometry" was immensely helpful to me. I also raised the drop bars quite high initially, and then gradually lowered them as I got used to them. At a later stage, I found riding fixed gear to be useful in picking up roadbike handling skills.
When was the first time you rode a roadbike with drop bars?
The first time I tried was in the summer of 2009, but I ultimately could not do it and gave up. The first successful time was in the spring of 2010, on my Rivendell.
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How many bicycles do you own?
I currently have 7. You can read about them here.
Why so many?
I am interested in learning about bicycles - including comparing their geometries, methods of construction, aesthetic traditions, and ride quality. The only way to do that really is via personal experience.
Why did you sell your beautiful Pashley?
The Pashley Princess worked well for me when I was a beginner. But as my cycling skills improved, I found the bicycle to be less responsive than I liked, especially on hills. This is described in my "retrospective review".
What happened to the vintage Raleigh DL-1?
It is still here! It lives in our photo studio (in a town 14 miles away) and is my "studio bike".
Why a custom Royal H. mixte rather than a Rivendell Betty Foy?
You can read about that here.
Of the bicycles you own, which is your favourite?
What bike shops can you recommend in the Boston area?
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Are you pro-VC (vehicular cycling) or pro-Infrastructure (bike lanes/ protected paths)?
Do you follow vehicular road rules when cycling in traffic?
Yes.
What are your views on bicycle lights and high-visibility wear?
I think that good bicycle lighting is essential, and I define "good lighting" as steady (non-flashing) lights attached to the bicycle directly and not to moving parts such as helmets or bags. I am neutral regarding high-vis wear and see it is a matter of personal choice. Portlandize has a nice post about this issue.
What are your views on bicycle helmets?
I am pro-choice. My personal views are for the most part in agreement with those expressed on Portlandize (see here and here). I will not engage in helmet debates on Lovely Bicycle.
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VII. Questions About Sponsorship and Reviews....................................................................................................
Why did Lovely Bicycle become a sponsored website?
The blog grew beyond my ability to maintain it otherwise. Sponsorship allows me to cut down on other work and dedicate more time to Lovely Bicycle. More here.
How do I know which businesses sponsor you?
All businesses that sponsor Lovely Bicycle display a banner on the right margin of this website under "Sponsors". There are no other sponsors, and no paid advertising material appears on any other part of this website.
How do you deal with bias and potential conflict of interest?
Please read about that here.
On what basis do you select sponsors?
On the basis of liking the products/ services they offer. I decline sponsorship offers from businesses whose products and services I do not wish to advertise.
You collaborate on projects with the bicycle industry. How do you get compensated for your involvement?
I am compensated as a consultant/designer. I do not work on commission or on a profit-share basis.
How much post-processing do you do, and using what program?
My post-processing is minimal and I use Gimp. Usually the work is limited to image cropping and colour adjustment, when necessary.
Are some of your photos already in use by the bicycle industry?
Yes. You might spot photos that have been taken by us in use by Zimbale, Bella Ciao, Red Barn Design, Flying Pigeon LA, Vienna Active Tours, Royal H. Cycles and ANT.
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What kind of cats do you have?
They are Norwegian Forest Cats, possibly with a touch of Ragdoll. One is brown and white, the other is all brown. They are sisters. You can see pictures here.
Do your friends and family read Lovely Bicycle?
Mostly no. Only the Co-Habitant and my house-mate in Vienna know about it.
Skip to...
i. About the Blog
ii. Comments and Moderation
iii. My Cycling Experience
iv. My Bicycles
v. Bicycle Advice
vi. Opinions on "Issues"
vii. Sponsorship and Review Policies
viii.Bicycle Photography
ix. Personal Stuff
....................................................................................................
I. General questions about the blog
....................................................................................................
What is the message of Lovely Bicycle?
There is no specific message. I am interested in classic bicycles and in various aspects of the cycling experience. But I would not call that a message, more like a theme. The post on "Functionality, Comfort, and Aesthetics" explains some of my views pretty well, as does the post on why I think bicycles are not like vacuum cleaners.
There is no specific message. I am interested in classic bicycles and in various aspects of the cycling experience. But I would not call that a message, more like a theme. The post on "Functionality, Comfort, and Aesthetics" explains some of my views pretty well, as does the post on why I think bicycles are not like vacuum cleaners.
What made you interested in the topic?
I am generally interested in design: I like to know about the history of objects and the relationship between form and function. Once I started cycling and looking at bicycles, it was as if something clicked and the obsession was born. There is so much to learn.
How and why did you start Lovely Bicycle?
I was shopping for my first bicycle as an adult and it was frustrating, so I decided to document the process. I was also spending a lot of time abroad for work that year, and writing about this new interest was a nice way to stay connected to home. After that, it sort of continued and expanded, eventually morphing into what it is now.
Is Lovely Bicycle a "women's blog"?
That's difficult to say. I do not presume a female audience. But by virtue of being female myself, my experiences and views are biased towards a female perspective and I do not make attempts to correct that bias. Based on the comments and emails I receive, I believe the gender ratio of my readers is about 50/50.
How long does it take you to write a Lovely Bicycle post?
An average post takes about an hour to write. But there are also the pictures, the visits, the test rides - it's hard to say how much time I spend doing working on the blog in total.
How many visitors does Lovely Bicycle receive?
The website currently receives 3,200 visits per day on average. The greatest number of visitors is from the USA (68%), followed by the UK (11%).
Do you answer emails from readers?
I try. However, at the moment I have a 2 week+ backlog, so it may take me a while to reply. You can reach me at filigreevelo-at-yahoo.
Do you publish guest posts or press releases on Lovely Bicycle?
No; all the writing is mine.
Is there a Lovely Bicycle Facebook page or Twitter account?
I now have a twitter account. There are no plans for a Facebook page.
Who in the cycling world inspires you?
Sheldon Brown.
What are your long-term plans for Lovely Bicycle?
They are more or less to carry on in the same direction.
Is there a Lovely Bicycle Facebook page or Twitter account?
I now have a twitter account. There are no plans for a Facebook page.
What is your favourite cycling blog?
It is a 3-way tie between Let's Go Ride a Bike, EcoVelo and BikeSnobNYC. I also read the Yehuda Moon comic.
Who in the cycling world inspires you?
Sheldon Brown.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a bicycle blog?
If your approach is goal-oriented from the start, it probably won't work. Just write about what interests you. More on that here.
Do you accept donations for Lovely Bicycle?
While I do not solicit donations from readers, I accept and appreciate them when offered - as long as they are appropriate and pose no conflict of interest.
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II. Comment Guidelines and Moderation
....................................................................................................
Do I need to sign in to comment?
No, anybody can comment. You can comment anonymously, or type in your name with an optional URL leading back to your site. Use the pull-down menu next to the "comment as" button.
What is your policy on moderating comments?
I approve all comments other than spam, slander, inflammatory remarks, or blatant rudeness. Most of my comments that aren't spam get approved.
Are manufacturers and other industry members allowed to comment?
Yes. Especially if your product or area of expertise is being discussed, please feel free to chime in. It is absolutely fine to sign in as yourself and post a link leading back to your company website. This is not spam if you are contributing to the discussion.
I tried to post a comment, but Blogger gave me an Error message.
Unfortunately this happens on occasion and there is nothing I can do. If you are typing a long comment, Blogger will sometimes time out and your comment may disappear. Consider composing the text elsewhere, then pasting it in the Comment field when done.
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III. Questions About My Cycling Experience
....................................................................................................
When Did You Start Cycling?
I rode a bike as a child and as a teenager, and you can read about that here. I then stopped at age 17 and did not start again until Spring 2009, at age 30.
I cycle for transportation more or less daily. I also cycle about 100-120 miles a week on a roadbike when it's not snowing.
Do you drive or own a car?
I don't usually drive. We used to have a car, but don't at the moment
Do you drive or own a car?
I don't usually drive. We used to have a car, but don't at the moment
What is the longest ride you have taken so far?
My longest ride so far has been a metric century (64 miles). I'd love to do longer rides, but it's hard to find the time. Hopefully, I will do my first century (100 miles) soon.
What do you wear while cycling?
When I cycle for transportation, I wear my regular clothes, which tend to include skirts. When I ride a roadbike, I wear wool cycling knickers and jersey.
Do you cycle in high heels?
No, I don't feel comfortable doing that. But I have nothing against others wearing heels while cycling. More on that here.
Do you cycle in the winter?
Yes. Here are my posts about winter cycling.
Do you cycle when it's very hot and humid out?
Yes, and you can read about that here.
How did you develop your transportation cycling skills?
Slowly and gradually, thanks to a comfortable upright bicycle and everyday experience. I always stayed within my comfort zone, and that zone gradually began to expand. There is no shortcut that I know of to feeling comfortable cycling in traffic for transportation.
How did you develop your road cycling skills?
In the first instance, a stable bicycle with "touring geometry" was immensely helpful to me. I also raised the drop bars quite high initially, and then gradually lowered them as I got used to them. At a later stage, I found riding fixed gear to be useful in picking up roadbike handling skills.
When was the first time you rode a roadbike with drop bars?
The first time I tried was in the summer of 2009, but I ultimately could not do it and gave up. The first successful time was in the spring of 2010, on my Rivendell.
How do you care for your bicycles?
Shamefully, I don't. They are all filthy, though the rain does wash them occasionally.
Do you do your own maintenance work, component installations and assembly?
Usually no. The Co-Habitant loves that sort of thing, so why deprive him? (More about this here.)
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How many bicycles do you own?
I currently have 7. You can read about them here.
Why so many?
I am interested in learning about bicycles - including comparing their geometries, methods of construction, aesthetic traditions, and ride quality. The only way to do that really is via personal experience.
Why did you sell your beautiful Pashley?
The Pashley Princess worked well for me when I was a beginner. But as my cycling skills improved, I found the bicycle to be less responsive than I liked, especially on hills. This is described in my "retrospective review".
What happened to the vintage Raleigh DL-1?
It is still here! It lives in our photo studio (in a town 14 miles away) and is my "studio bike".
Why a custom Royal H. mixte rather than a Rivendell Betty Foy?
You can read about that here.
Of the bicycles you own, which is your favourite?
Can't really answer that! I am painfully attached to most of the ones I own now, and they have different purposes.
Okay, but "burning building and you can only save 1 bike"?
My Royal H. mixte then. But let's hope it doesn't come to that!
What bicycles would you like to try next?
I would really like to experience "low trail geometry" - preferably on an original French randonneur or a modern (but classic) equivalent.
If you had an unlimited budget, what is your dream bicycle?
I am not experienced enough yet to have a "dream bicycle". Ask me in 1-2 years!
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What bicycle do you recommend for commuting?
There is no one manufacturer or model that I can recommend. But I do suggest certain features, which are described in detail here. Keep in mind that my suggestions are for those who have similar priorities as I do; they are not for everyone.
What bicycle would you recommend that can "do it all"?
I would be very careful about that. See here for more.
Internally geared hub or derailleur?
Only you can decide. I prefer internally geared hubs for transportation, since they do not require maintenance. I prefer derailleurs for long-distance hilly touring, since they allow a wider range of gears.
How many speeds are best on an internally geared hub?
There is no magic number; you need to experiment and determine that for yourself. I prefer 3-speeds, with a classic trigger shifter.
Do I really need dress guards and a chaincase for commuting?
That depends entirely on you. Here is more on that.
What bike would you recommend for commuting, on a $500 budget?
A good, refurbished vintage 3-speed. Nobody wants to hear that, as a new bike is easier to buy. But if you want my honest opinion, go for the vintage 3-speed. If you absolutely must have a new bike for under $500, I like the lady's KHS Manhattan Green better than others I've tried.
What bike would you recommend for commuting, on a $1,000 budget?
As of now, I am honestly not sure what to suggest. Perhaps a Gazelle 3-speed, or an Abici, if you are okay with the welded seat cluster on the former or with the unicrown fork on the latter.
What bike would you recommend for commuting, on a $1,500 budget?
A Bella Ciao, or a Retrovelo Klara.
What touring bicycle would you recommend?
All things considered, a Rivendell.
What bike shops can you recommend in the Boston area?
I consider Harris Cyclery in West Newton, MA to be the best bike shop in the area - as defined by product availability, staff knowledgeability, and quality of service. Harris Cyclery became a sponsor of Lovely Bicycle in October 2010, but I have been writing positive things about them well before that time. I also like Cambridge Bicyles and the Wheelworks.
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....................................................................................................Are you pro-VC (vehicular cycling) or pro-Infrastructure (bike lanes/ protected paths)?
Not to be wishy-washy about it, but I think that either could work and either could fail, depending on the context.
Do you follow vehicular road rules when cycling in traffic?
Yes.
What are your thoughts on bike share programs?
I am conflicted on this one. Although bike share programs sound like a fantastic idea on the surface, I feel that they often involve a great deal of wastefulness. I think Mike Flanigan explains this nicely here.
What are your views on bicycle lights and high-visibility wear?
I think that good bicycle lighting is essential, and I define "good lighting" as steady (non-flashing) lights attached to the bicycle directly and not to moving parts such as helmets or bags. I am neutral regarding high-vis wear and see it is a matter of personal choice. Portlandize has a nice post about this issue.
What are your views on bicycle helmets?
I am pro-choice. My personal views are for the most part in agreement with those expressed on Portlandize (see here and here). I will not engage in helmet debates on Lovely Bicycle.
Are you involved in cycling advocacy or activism?
I try to avoid any kind of "isms".
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VII. Questions About Sponsorship and Reviews
Why did Lovely Bicycle become a sponsored website?
The blog grew beyond my ability to maintain it otherwise. Sponsorship allows me to cut down on other work and dedicate more time to Lovely Bicycle. More here.
How do I know which businesses sponsor you?
All businesses that sponsor Lovely Bicycle display a banner on the right margin of this website under "Sponsors". There are no other sponsors, and no paid advertising material appears on any other part of this website.
How do you deal with bias and potential conflict of interest?
Please read about that here.
On what basis do you select sponsors?
On the basis of liking the products/ services they offer. I decline sponsorship offers from businesses whose products and services I do not wish to advertise.
You collaborate on projects with the bicycle industry. How do you get compensated for your involvement?
I am compensated as a consultant/designer. I do not work on commission or on a profit-share basis.
Do you participate in affiliate marketing?
I do not participate in affiliate marketing of any kind, including per-click ads or text-embedded links.
How do I know when your bicycle test ride reports and product reviews are prompted by the industry?
This information is clearly stated at the beginning of each review.
Do you get paid for product reviews?
No. I do not accept payment for product reviews.
What happens to products that are sent for review by the industry, after the review takes place?
I will either return the product to the manufacturer, give it away, or pay for it (either monetarily, or in equal value trade - such as photography services or banner placement). I do not keep reviewed products as gifts.
As a manufacturer, how do I advertise on your website, or get you to review my product?
Please contact me at filigreevelo-at-yahoo, and I will send you detailed information about my advertising rates and product review policies.
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VIII. Questions About Photography
How do I know when your bicycle test ride reports and product reviews are prompted by the industry?
This information is clearly stated at the beginning of each review.
Do you get paid for product reviews?
No. I do not accept payment for product reviews.
What happens to products that are sent for review by the industry, after the review takes place?
I will either return the product to the manufacturer, give it away, or pay for it (either monetarily, or in equal value trade - such as photography services or banner placement). I do not keep reviewed products as gifts.
As a manufacturer, how do I advertise on your website, or get you to review my product?
Please contact me at filigreevelo-at-yahoo, and I will send you detailed information about my advertising rates and product review policies.
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VIII. Questions About Photography
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How often do you take bicycle pictures?
Typically, about twice a week. I don't do it in a "daily photo journal" sort of way; the majority of my cycling activity goes undocumented.
You write about cycling in traffic, but I rarely see pictures of that.
I don't feel safe taking pictures, or being photographed, while actually cycling in traffic. Most pictures where you see me cycling are staged on a quiet street or in a park.
Are you and the Co-Habitant professional photographers?
Most of the pictures on Lovely Bicycle are taken casually and do not reflect our professional work - but yes. If you are interested in our work, please get in touch.
What camera(s) do you use on the blog?
In posts prior to December 2009, pictures were taken with an old Nikon CoolPix point-and-shoot camera. In posts starting December 2009, most pictures were taken either with a Panasonic Lumix LX3 compact, or with a Nikon D-90 DSLR. You can also have a look at my flickr account; camera info is listed there for each image.
How much post-processing do you do, and using what program?
My post-processing is minimal and I use Gimp. Usually the work is limited to image cropping and colour adjustment, when necessary.
Do you have any tips for taking good bike photos?
Everyone's idea of "good bike photos" is different. I will try to write a post about my approach soon. In the meantime, here is an excellent post on this topic from ecovelo.
May I use your images in my blog or website?
You are welcome to use my images for non-commercial purposes, if in doing so you credit Lovely Bicycle and provide a link to this blog. Unless credit is given otherwise, all images on this site are ©2011 Lovely Bicycle.
How can I get access to hi-res versions of your images?
Hi-res versions of most images are available for sale. Please get in touch if you are interested in purchasing a specific image.
May I use your images for commercial purposes?
To use my images for commercial purposes, you must purchase them. If you are interested, please contact me to discuss terms.
Are some of your photos already in use by the bicycle industry?
Yes. You might spot photos that have been taken by us in use by Zimbale, Bella Ciao, Red Barn Design, Flying Pigeon LA, Vienna Active Tours, Royal H. Cycles and ANT.
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Where are you from?
I grew up partly in Europe and partly in New England, USA. You have to know me personally to get more than that out of me.
Who is the "Co-Habitant"?
We are married, but the word "husband" makes me think of animal husbandry...
What is your educational background?
I have a doctorate in Psychology, postgraduate training in Neuroscience, and a degree in International Relations. I am also an Art School dropout.
How old are you?
I am 32 years old.
What do you do for a living?
I consider myself primarily an artist (painting, photography, performance), with a dayjob in academia and consulting. I have been gradually cutting down on the dayjob and focusing on the art. So far, so good.
What is your height and weight?
A legitimate question as it pertains to cycling, so I am fine answering: I am 5'7" and my weight is usually around 125lb.
Is your hair straight or curly? It always looks different in pictures.
It is curly, but sometimes I straighten it.
What kind of cats do you have?
They are Norwegian Forest Cats, possibly with a touch of Ragdoll. One is brown and white, the other is all brown. They are sisters. You can see pictures here.
Do your friends and family read Lovely Bicycle?
Mostly no. Only the Co-Habitant and my house-mate in Vienna know about it.
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Well, I think that is enough for now! I will link to this page on the main sidebar and and will continue to expand it over time. Thank you, everybody, for reading Lovely Bicycle!
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